On Knowing Thyself
I’ve always been drawn to uncovering life’s truths, which is why philosophy, psychology and religion have always fascinated me. As I grew older, I began exploring esoteric teachings and experimenting with different spiritual paths. However, it wasn’t until I discovered the work of Sylvia Brinton Perera and Lara Vesta that I felt I had found teachings that aligned more closely with my path of individuation.
After many years spent reflecting on their work, I’ve decided to challenge myself this year to integrate their teachings into a unified, transformative personal practice that encourages self-discovery and personal growth.
Individuation, a term coined by Carl Jung, is the process of becoming one’s true self. On this journey of self-exploration, different aspects of the personality both conscious and unconscious are integrated into a cohesive whole. This involves recognizing and accepting hidden parts of oneself, often called the “shadow,” and moving beyond the ego’s limited viewpoint and its need for external validation.
Not all spiritual or occult teachings support individuation, as many traditions focus on adherence to beliefs, moral codes, or communal goals. These paths often prioritize transcendence and external ideals over the inner journey of self-discovery and personal transformation essential to individuation.
Additionally, those based on patriarchal interpretations of sacred teachings often present female archetypes as one-dimensional and idealized—more reflective of male fantasy than of authentic female experience. This made it difficult for me as a woman to connect with these archetypes, mainly because they lacked complexity. As a result, they failed to serve as meaningful guides for my personal growth, spiritual exploration, or empowerment.
When I discovered Perera’s and Vesta’s work I had a completely different experience. Their teachings resonated deeply.
Sylvia Brinton Perera and Lara Vesta both explore themes of psychological transformation and the integration of the shadow self, but their approaches differ in significant ways.
Perera’s work, particularly in Descent to the Goddess, is grounded in Jungian depth psychology, focusing on the symbolic and psychological aspects of individuation. She emphasizes the unconscious mind, using myth—especially the myth of Inanna’s descent—as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
In contrast, Vesta’s work is rooted in goddess-centered animism and earth-based spirituality. She encourages a deep connection with nature, the cyclical rhythms of life, and intuitive wisdom, incorporating ritual and holistic practices to facilitate personal transformation.
Both of these approaches align more naturally with Jung’s individuation process than teachings that impose rigid ideals or prioritize external conformity. This is because they focus on the integration of all parts of the self—conscious and unconscious, light and shadow—rather than seeking to conform to external expectations or idealized versions of the self.
Perera’s use of myth and symbolism encourages individuals to explore the depths of their unconscious, while Vesta’s emphasis on earth-based rituals fosters a direct, embodied connection to the cyclical rhythms of life. Together, these approaches honour the uniqueness of each person’s path and the importance of self-discovery, allowing for a more authentic and holistic process of individuation. They support the unfolding of one’s true self, free from the constraints of imposed ideals.
The idea now is to integrate these teachings into one framework that can be used for personal growth and transformation.
*Photo taken in one of my favorite gardens in South Limburg.
