Chasing the Numinous:

As psychedelic medicines gain renewed scientific, public, and commercial attention, this presentation examines the shadow side of this global renaissance. Drawing from depth psychology and the archetypal image of the Hungry Ghost, Dr. Osterhold explores whether the West’s intense fascination with psychedelics—from personal healing to entheogenic tourism and corporate commodification—reflects a deeper cultural and spiritual malaise. Inspired by C.G. Jung’s insights, this talk invites critical reflection on the psychological undercurrents and ethical implications of our collective pursuit of the numinous, while acknowledging the therapeutic and spiritual promise of psychedelics.

Jungian Psychology
and Plant Medicine:
The Map & the Territory

with Jungian Analyst
Arash Golnam, Ph.D.

•

Thursday
October 2, 2025

4-6pm pacific / 7-9pm eastern

Live viz Zoom + Video recording will be available to all guests

“Psychedelics are not new. They have been with us since the beginning of human history. They are ancient tools that have shaped culture, language, and religion. Our ancestors didn’t merely stumble upon them—they honoured them as sacred doorways to healing and insight.”

-Terence McKenna-

arash golnam, ph. D., Iaap

I am a psychoanalyst trained at the C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich. A citizen of both Iran and Switzerland, I now call Lima, Peru my home.

My personal and professional journey weaves together Persian poetry, Jungian psychoanalysis, and plant medicine—a rich tapestry of traditions, cultures, and paradigms spanning continents and centuries. 

Before dedicating myself fully to psychoanalysis, I held diverse roles as a university lecturer, scientist, consultant, and engineer.

My academic path led me to the C.G. Jung Institute following a Ph.D. in Systems Science from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a Master of Science in System Dynamics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

www.arash.ch