Your inner ally to your Soul's code
Meeting the attending spirit to your life purpose and vision
As I’m sitting here in a freshly un-woven pile of threads, I have found myself wondering about the part of me that holds the vision for my life.
As the story goes, after the little black dog tears apart our masterpiece and saunters back into the darkness, eventually, as we hold our threads and feel our feelings of loss, a vision emerges for an even more beautiful masterpiece, and we get back to work re-weaving the world.
But from where does the vision emerge? And how is it that I am always led back to it?
Continuing on with our exploration of archetypal psychology, perhaps taking a look at an ancient greek concept can help us discover more about this ever-present ally for our life purpose.
Your Inner Attending Spirit
James Hillman, a prominent figure in the field of archetypal psychology, delves into the ancient Greek concept of the daimon (sometimes referred to as daemon) extensively in his works. Hillman’s interpretation of the daimon is deeply influenced by his psychological and philosophical perspectives, which aim to bridge classical ideas with modern depth psychology.
dai·mon
/ˈdīˌmōn/
noun
(in ancient Greek belief) a divinity or supernatural being of a nature between gods and humans.
an inner or attendant spirit or inspiring force.
I first learned about Hillman’s interpretation of the daimon in studying Consciousness and Transformation in graduate school. I found myself incredibly moved by the idea that there is an inner attending spirit, an ally to my soul, that is helping me stay on track with my soul’s purpose. That the keeper of my soul’s code, and the steward of my most sacred contribution to the world, is a part of me that I can build a relationship with.
Hillman has a few core ideas about the daimon, as discussed most notably in The Soul's Code: In Search of Character and Calling. In this book, Hillman explores the notion that each person has an innate image or blueprint (akin to the daimon) that shapes their life path and potential. He argues against purely deterministic or environmental explanations of human behavior, advocating instead for a recognition of this deeper, soulful influence.
Core Ideas from Hillman on the Daimon:
The Daimon as a Guiding Force: Hillman views the daimon as a guiding force or inner voice that directs an individual’s life path. It represents a unique personal spirit or soul-companion that influences one's destiny and purpose. This idea is reminiscent of the ancient Greek belief that each person is born with a daimon that shapes their fate and character.
Daimon and Individual Uniqueness: According to Hillman, the daimon is integral to understanding an individual's uniqueness and calling. He suggests that the daimon embodies one's true nature and inclinations, acting as a mediator between the individual and the divine or cosmic order. This inner entity nudges a person towards their true potential and authentic self.
Eudaimonia and the Daimon: Hillman aligns the concept of eudaimonia (often translated as "flourishing" or "happiness") with living in accordance with one's daimon. He emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from recognizing and following the guidance of the daimon, which leads to a life of purpose and alignment with one's deeper self.
Psychological Integration: Hillman sees the daimon as a crucial aspect of psychological health and integration. By acknowledging and engaging with the daimon, individuals can achieve a more profound understanding of themselves and their motivations. This process involves listening to the daimon's messages, which often appear in dreams, intuitions, and synchronicities.
Challenges of the Daimon: Hillman also acknowledges that the daimon can be a source of conflict and struggle. The guidance it offers may sometimes be at odds with societal expectations or personal comfort, leading to inner turmoil. However, he believes that embracing these challenges is essential for personal growth and self-actualization.
Cultural and Historical Context: Hillman places the daimon within the broader context of mythology and cultural history. He draws on various traditions, including Platonic philosophy, where the daimon is seen as a divine messenger or intermediary. By reintroducing the daimon into contemporary thought, Hillman seeks to revive a sense of depth and meaning in modern psychology.
In essence, Hillman revitalizes the ancient Greek concept of the daimon as an essential element of personal psychology and self-discovery. He portrays the daimon as a guiding, often challenging force that drives individuals toward their true purpose and fulfillment.
If the little black dog represents the chaos of the cosmos, the daimon represents the part of us that is inherently tapped into the implicit order in which that chaos does it’s bidding.
It’s the part of us that remembers that wholeness exists in that place out beyond chaos and order.
It’s the integrated part of us that can hold the tension of these polarities and see the bigger picture of our life story.
Perhaps, the daimon is even the part of us that invites the little black dog in, to help us deconstruct that which is ready to be broken down, so that we can create something even more beautiful.
However your daimon guides you, know that it is ultimately in service to your highest good, your soul’s code, and therefore it’s serving the goodness of Life itself.
As you noodle on this concept and relate it to your own life, I would love for you to comment and share what resonates for you.
When has your daimon stepped in to remind you of who you are?
When has your daimon caused a little chaos to redirect you to your authentic path?
How does your daimon speak to you? Dreams, intuitions, physical sensations, divination tools?
Do you trust your daimon?
Understanding the concept of the daimon helped me see that even when everything falls apart, I am supported, I am guided, and that my vision for an even more beautiful future will emerge. The inner attending spirit to my soul ensures that, and it ensures that for you, too.
And if you’re craving more content on purpose discovery, integration and embodiment, check out my previous posts linked below.
May this post serve all beings, everywhere.
Soulful blessings,
Emily
Previous Works on Purpose
What is my purpose? Musings on life's most important question.
Learning Life's Language: Embodied Self-Awareness as an Intimate Path to Purpose Discovery
And if you’re interested in exploring this with a meaningful thought-partner, daimon work is a core aspect of the purpose coaching and mentoring that I do with clients. It’s one of my all-time joys. Feel free to book a complementary consultation to get the conversation going.
