Psychologist: 'You cannot go to Ithaca on a charter flight'

Psychologist Silvia Tarragó advocates for confronting one's inner "Hades", the parts of ourselves we prefer not to acknowledge, arguing that this descent into the self is crucial for greater consciousness. Drawing inspiration from her mentor Carl Jung and the study of mythology, Tarragó believes ancient myths offer profound insights into human psychology and our navigation of life's challenges.

In her latest book, "La diosa silenciada" (The Silenced Goddess), Tarragó reinterprets the myth of Persephone, abducted by Hades, as a metaphor for descending into one's own depths. She contends that in a society focused on avoiding discomfort, embracing these difficult internal experiences is essential for personal growth. "You cannot go to Ithaca on a charter flight," she states, likening life's journey to Odysseus's arduous path, filled with trials that foster maturity and wisdom.

Tarragó explains that myths are not mere ancient stories but rather the "psychology of antiquity," reflecting timeless human truths. Figures like Venus represent pleasure impulses, while Mars embodies aggression. She highlights that myths provide frameworks for understanding our reactions to life's uncertainties, citing the Delphic maxim "know thyself" as a moral imperative.

Discussing the myth of Saturn (Cronos) devouring his children, Tarragó interprets it as a representation of time's relentless passage and our eventual mortality. She acknowledges the cruelty depicted in Greek gods but asserts that they mirror our own complex human nature, our flaws and strengths. Today, she identifies Hermes, the god of communication, as the dominant archetype, noting our tendency to talk extensively without engaging in serious reflection or asking profound questions. Tarragó stresses that facing unpleasant emotions, which the Greeks symbolized with Hades, is where true wisdom lies.