Written by: Dragana Favre, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
If there were a test to determine if my identity is preserved or if I am replaced by a clone or some shape-shifting alien, please ask that version of me about the science-fiction. Since childhood, there is nothing more exciting than imagining other worlds and other forms of life. Of course, in the past, when I was experiencing the era of ecological ignorance and naivety, I really dreamt of people terraforming and colonizing exoplanets. Nowadays, it does not seem so realistic: cosmic radiation, time distances, and ecological distress all make it closer to an uncanny dream. Being a mum adds another type of fear. I am not sure I would be able to withstand the rocket turbulences. However, if that were possible technologically, would it be possible psychologically? This exploration, drawing on Jungian and post-Jungian theories, isn't just about a physical relocation to another celestial body. I think that it could be an introspective journey through the collective unconscious and its evolving archetypes in response to an alien (in any sense) environment.
Jung's concept of the collective unconscious – a wellspring of human experiences and archaic symbols – plays a crucial role in understanding the psychological layers of establishing life here or potentially on an exoplanet. Within this collective unconscious reside archetypes, universal motifs, and images. In the context of an alien planet, these archetypes, such as the Explorer and the Hero, are expected to gain prominence. These symbolize humanity’s inherent curiosity and fortitude, vital for navigating and adapting to the unknown. We like to think about ourselves as such: the Explorer, forgetting often its Shadow and its inevitable passage through underworld.
Surely, the narrative of traveling to and settling on an exoplanet mirrors the classic mythological hero's journey; I can easily relate to my younger self in this context. In these ancient narratives, the hero undergoes transformation through their quest. Similarly, the astronauts venturing into space may find this journey to be a transformative experience, serving as a modern iteration of a primordial rite of passage.
However, the psychological adjustment to life on an exoplanet involves more than just surviving in an unfamiliar habitat. It entails a profound redefinition of personal and communal identities, as proposed by post-Jungian theorists. This adjustment is influenced by the unique ecosystems and societal structures on the new planet, potentially giving rise to new psychological archetypes or redefining existing ones.
The distinct ecosystems of an exoplanet could catalyze the development of novel archetypes within our collective unconscious in the newly colonized humans. These new archetypes would symbolize the relationships and dependencies unique to the alien environment, reflecting the deep psychological impact of these novel symbioses. Where would be a place for "old human"? Could they communicate beyond words, or are words enough? In "Entelacs"/"Preplitanja," a science fiction novel I wrote in French and Serbo-Croat, I tackle these ideas, especially the possibility of different appreciation of the same phenomena based on different "clusters" of collective consciousness.
Jung’s notion of the Shadow – the unconscious aspect of the personality unrecognized by the conscious self – is particularly relevant in the context of space colonization. The complexities and challenges of adapting to a new world might amplify the Shadow in individuals and communities. Addressing and integrating these aspects is vital for psychological well-being and social cohesion in the extraterrestrial setting. Making a new world would need a huge capacity for shadow integration, for accepting the Other, within and outside.
In other words, can we proceed before we ensure that we can handle it? The same goes for another, closer universe: the universe of A.I.
Dragana Favre, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Dragana Favre is a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and a seeker of the human psyche's mysteries. With a medical degree and extensive neuroscience education from prestigious institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Instituto de Neurociencias, she's a seasoned expert. Her unique approach combines Jungian psychotherapy, EMDR, and dream interpretation, guiding patients towards self-discovery and healing. Beyond her profession, Dr. Favre is passionate about science fiction, nature, and cosmology. Her ex-Yugoslavian roots in the small town of Kikinda offer a rich backdrop to her life's journey. She is dedicated to helping people find their true selves, much like an alchemist turning lead into gold.
