Having almost reached the ripe old age of 70, I can verify, unequivocally, that all of this is true. Because it is so terrifying, most people avoid at all costs bringing their unconscious into consciousness We are convinced that something terrible and unspeakable dwells there. And the thing is, sometimes there is! But unless we dive deep into the dark, frozen lake, to borrow from Beowulf, that terrible thing will continue to dwell within us. This is why it often takes us being in a state of desperation and loss before we consent to this vital exploration and exorcism.

You have done a very nice job of summarizing Jung’s key points. Knowing this is invaluable and is a useful prelude to actually doing it. That’s the hard part.