Jungian Psychology and the Paranormal: Unlocking Infinite Consciousness
What happens when a Jungian psychologist, steeped in the science of the mind, encounters the paranormal? For Dr. Susan Plunkett, it sparked a lifelong journey into transcendent experiences that challenge everything we know about reality.
From childhood astral travel and visions of higher dimensions to her work as a psychologist blending Jungian principles with mystical insights, Dr. Plunkett’s story is one of discovery. In her words:
"The paranormal isn’t just about strange phenomena—it’s a bridge to understanding our divine, infinite nature."
In this article, based on her conversation with Brian Smith on the Grief 2 Growth podcast, we’ll explore how Jungian psychology and the paranormal intersect to reveal the mysteries of life between lives, astral projection, and the soul’s purpose.
Meet Dr. Susan Plunkett: A Life at the Intersection of Psychology and Mysticism
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Susan Plunkett is a psychologist, author, and speaker specializing in Jungian psychology and its connections to transcendent experiences.
Dr. Plunkett holds a doctorate from the New School for Social Research and runs a private practice in New York City. Her work extends beyond traditional psychology, blending Carl Jung’s teachings with her encounters in the mystical realm.
"Jung believed we are more than our bodies," she explains. "We are pure consciousness, existing before birth and after death."
Dr. Plunkett is also the author of A Jungian Understanding of Transcendent Experiences, where she recounts her journey and offers insights into the paranormal, dreams, and the infinite nature of the soul.
Why Jungian Psychology Embraces the Paranormal
Unlike Freud, who dismissed anything mystical, Carl Jung explored the spiritual dimensions of the psyche.
"Jung himself had experiences with the paranormal," Dr. Plunkett says. "He understood that we are connected to something much greater—a collective unconscious that holds the keys to understanding our true nature."
For Dr. Plunkett, Jungian psychology provides a framework to interpret experiences that seem beyond explanation, such as astral projection, psychic abilities, and life-after-death encounters.
Transcendent Experiences: More Than the Paranormal
The paranormal often evokes fear or fascination, but Dr. Plunkett explains that transcendent experiences are different:
"Transcendent experiences elevate us. They lift us out of our limited perspective and remind us of our connection to the infinite."
She shares a profound childhood memory:
"As a young girl, I would astral travel with my sister. I remember vividly seeing my body on the bed while my consciousness explored other dimensions. It was a gift that showed me early on that we are so much more than our physical form."
These experiences are not rare. Many people report moments of profound connection during dreams, meditation, or even near-death experiences.
Life Between Lives: What Happens Between Incarnations?
Dr. Plunkett firmly believes in the life-between-lives realm, a space where the soul rests, reflects, and prepares for its next incarnation.
"Only part of our consciousness incarnates in any given life," she says. "The rest stays in the eternal realm, connected to our higher self and the souls of others."
She describes her journey into this space during a life-between-life regression:
"The love and peace I felt were indescribable. Everything was telepathic. Words seemed clumsy in comparison. I didn’t want to return, but I understood my work here wasn’t done."
The Soul’s Purpose: Why Do We Choose to Incarnate?
The human experience is full of challenges, from loss to heartbreak. So why would a soul choose to go through it?
"Our souls incarnate to grow," Dr. Plunkett explains. "Pain and struggle are catalysts. They help us remember who we are and why we’re here."
She adds that our higher selves often choose our challenges:
"We design our experiences before birth, with the help of guides, to ensure we have the opportunities we need to evolve."
While this perspective doesn’t erase the difficulty of life, it offers a new lens through which to view our struggles—as tools for spiritual awakening.
Dreams: Portals to Other Realities
Dreams are one of the most accessible ways to connect with the paranormal and the transcendent. Jung believed dreams were gateways to the unconscious, filled with archetypes and messages from the higher self.
"All dreams are experiences," Dr. Plunkett says. "Even nightmares carry meaning. Sometimes, they’re visitations from loved ones; other times, they’re lessons for our soul’s journey."
She shares a story about her daughter, who experienced a vivid astral projection during a dream:
"She dreamed she was on the Mediterranean Sea, struggling to open a cabana door. When she woke, she saw her body lying on the bed. It was a profound reminder of how expansive our consciousness truly is."
Shape-Shifting and the Multidimensional Self
One of Dr. Plunkett’s most fascinating personal stories involves shape-shifting during heightened emotions.
"A partner once told me my eyes turned golden, and my face subtly changed during an intimate moment. At first, I thought he was imagining things, but an intuitive later explained I was connecting with an Atlantean aspect of myself."
These experiences remind us that our current physical form is just one aspect of a larger, multidimensional self.
"We are constantly manifesting our bodies and realities," she explains. "Sometimes, other aspects of ourselves bleed through, offering a glimpse of our infinite nature."
The Paranormal as a Gateway to Growth
For Dr. Plunkett, the paranormal isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a tool for awakening.
"Experiences like astral projection, psychic phenomena, and life-between-life encounters remind us that we are divine beings," she says. "They help us move closer to enlightenment by showing us the truth of who we are."
Practical Steps to Embrace Your Infinite Nature
Feeling inspired? Here are some ways to begin exploring your own infinite nature:
Keep a Dream Journal: Record your dreams each morning and reflect on recurring symbols.
Meditate Daily: Create space for connection with your higher self.
Try Regression Therapy: Explore past-life or life-between-life experiences for deeper insight.
Read Jung’s Work: Books like Man and His Symbols provide a strong foundation.
Stay Curious: Approach paranormal experiences with an open mind.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of Jungian psychology and the paranormal offers profound insights into who we are and why we’re here. As Dr. Plunkett says:
"We are divine, infinite, and eternal. When we remember this, it changes everything."
To learn more about Dr. Susan Plunkett's book A Jungian Understanding of Transcendent Experiences and the Grief 2 Growth podcast, visit Grief2Growth.com/community.
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