Light and Shadow as a Function of the Religious Psyche: The Evil Eye

Author: Zecharia S.A.H.

Source: Journal of Psychology and Judaism, Volume 23, Number 3, 1999 , pp. 145-152(8)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Psychology today has a tendency to pathologize anything which deviates from the Cartesian medical paradigm. It is a great injustice of the field to rob the psyche of its shadow, its evil side. The late Rabbi Shneerson spoke about this aspect of personality in terms of light and shadow (good and evil) and how we need to allow both in an attempt to create balance which then leads to harmony. This paper is an attempt to look at the ancient struggle of good and evil in terms of the Etz Chayim, or the Tree of Life. The ancient knowledge of Judaism has much to offer the young field of psychology concerning human nature and life cycle. The evil eye as a religious function of the psyche is an attempt to expound on the importance of taking the full spectrum of human nature into account, seeing and understanding the entire picture. Perhaps we can change from pathology to the stories of our monsters or gremlins and what they have to teach us. It is only through allowing the light and the dark to co-exist, that we can create a place for balance and unity.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Lectures extensively at universities, to professional organizations, and community groups

Publication date: 1999-01-01