Paradox

The symbols of the unconscious are always paradoxes—always both one thing and another, as this lexicon's entries make evident. (See Two.) There is no end to the alchemists' intentionally paradoxical descriptions of Mercurius (as a representative of the unconscious or “the work”; see, for instance, Alchemical Studies, par. 267). Because their focus was the union of opposites, they constantly speak in paradoxes—how the prima materia, lapis, and so on, are both one thing and another. “Since Mercurius is the chief name for the secret substance, [he becomes] the paradox par excellence.” (Mysterium Coniunctionis, par. 38.)

The distinctly one-sided consciousness struggles with the paradoxes that the unconscious presents, but Edward Edinger encourages his students to look for paradoxes in dreams.

“They are very common and indicate that the question of individuation is now relevant for the dreamer. Paradoxes point toward the Self.” (Mysterium Lectures, p. 55.)

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