Love, Pathos, and the Inner Healer: Examples from Analytical Work Using Mythology and Rumi's Poetry

Abstract

This article uses case examples of analytical work with “the affliction of love” to show how bringing mythology and poetry into clinical work can help shed light on the nature of the agony inherent in a love relationship. A discourse on why we fall in love and five degrees of love, according to the religious lore of India, follows. The views of Jung and Rumi regarding the mystery of love are compared and used as guidance for development of ego qualities that could help the individual bear this alchemical process. A possible psychological value gained is an access to the transformative potential of romantic love, particularly in developing a relationship with one's inner healer.