The Call

 

Senex et Puer

There was once a little fish who played out his peaceful existence in a tributary that fed a great river. He was always careful not to get too close to the mouth of the tributary for he'd heard the elders speak of the great river's hunger, and that it would draw little fish out into its powerful current. And those who were drawn out were never seen again...

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A dream

The river through which my soul swims, and in which I dream, draws me in through a call. It overrides my will and I watch with helpless acceptance as I'm pulled out of my peaceful tributary in which nothing ever happens; out into the violent rapids, away from comfort, swept away...

I'm dashed upon the rocks, cast this way and that. I struggle hopelessly against the fates. I resist. But resistance is futile; dangerous even. 

In the cacophony of these raging rapids I hear the call again. That familiar call I've heard so often, and which I lament because I don't know how to respond to it. And yet still I'm carried away against my will and better judgement.

But I'm consoled by reason who urges me: trust the call. It asks much but in small measure. You have tools. You have worked hard on yourself. You are ready. Let yourself be drawn by the current of the great river to a new purpose.

Commentary:

In Jungian terms, this narrative captures a classic individuation journey—the process of moving toward the fullness of one’s unique self through encounters with both outer life challenges and the inner, often unconscious, psyche. Here’s a breakdown:

The Tributary and Peaceful Life

The fish’s life in the tributary represents the safe, conscious space of the ego, a part of the psyche that knows and controls its environment. Life is peaceful here, predictable, and insulated from risk—reflecting an early stage of the psyche’s development, often characterised by simplicity and safety. Yet, a call beyond this comfort hints at an encounter with the Self—the centre of our true identity, which lies largely in the unconscious and goes beyond the ego’s limited scope.

The River as the Unconscious

The river symbolises the vast unconscious realm, which Jung often saw as a powerful force containing unknown potential, insight, and depth. The “great river's hunger” signifies the lure of the unconscious calling one to expand beyond the narrow ego boundaries. Those who venture out are seldom seen again, signifying transformation: crossing into the unconscious changes a person fundamentally, making it impossible to return unchanged.

The Call and Helpless Acceptance

This powerful force is experienced as an undeniable "call," like the drive of a dream pulling one toward self-discovery. In Jungian terms, this is the pull of individuation—the innate urge to grow, despite discomfort and resistance. The helpless acceptance mirrors how the unconscious has a life of its own, one that we can resist but are rarely able to control.

Being Dashed Upon the Rocks

The rocks and violent rapids signify the ego’s encounters with the Shadow, the darker aspects of the self that we would rather not face, including fears, repressed desires, and past wounds. Struggling against this can be both painful and futile. In Jung’s view, encountering the Shadow is necessary for growth, but it’s also disorienting and feels like punishment or destruction as the ego faces forces beyond its control.

The Familiar Call

The repeated call is the Self beckoning again, a pattern Jung noted in those who encounter their deeper nature time and again in dreams or significant life events. This call resonates with something unresolved or unrealised within the psyche—the unanswered question of purpose or meaning that surfaces despite the ego's resistance.

Reason as the Guide

Reason’s voice urging “trust the call” represents Jung’s concept of logos—the rational, guiding principle that can offer a stabilising presence. Reason here is not in opposition to the unconscious but rather provides a grounded reminder of the fish’s preparedness and readiness, reflecting an internalised understanding that tools are in place for this journey. In Jungian individuation, such guidance often manifests as the wise old man or wise old woman archetype, symbols of wisdom that help us bridge conscious and unconscious experience.

Letting Go and Embracing Transformation

Finally, the fish’s surrender to the current speaks to the ultimate goal of individuation: the integration of the unconscious and conscious parts of the psyche. By allowing himself to be drawn by the great river, the fish accepts the inevitable transformation, moving toward a “new purpose.” This reflects Jung’s belief that true growth involves surrendering the ego’s illusion of control and embracing the mystery of the unconscious—trusting that it will lead toward wholeness and a fuller realisation of the Self.

Conclusion

In essence, this story narrates an individual’s journey toward greater self-awareness and integration. The pull of the river and its challenges represent the transformative aspects of the unconscious, while the eventual acceptance of the call shows a readiness to move toward psychological wholeness—an essential theme in Jungian thought.