Plague God Image in the Clinic

Area of Science:

• Cultural Psychology
• Psychology of Religion
• Chinese Folklore Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a re-examination of historical and cultural responses to widespread disease.
• The Plague God (Plague Deity) is a significant figure in Chinese mythology, associated with epidemics and protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the manifestation of the Plague God image in dreams before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore the connection between these dream images and the collective unconscious (anima mundi).

Main Methods:

• Selection and analysis of four representative dreams.
• Interpretation through the lens of Chinese cultural symbolism and Jungian psychology.

Main Results:

• Dreams before and during COVID-19 featured the Plague God archetype.
• The recurrence of this archetype suggests its continued relevance and symbolic power.

Conclusions:

• The Plague God image in dreams serves as evidence for the preservation of ancient psychological structures.
• The collective unconscious (anima mundi) actively influences the modern psyche, particularly during times of crisis.