#122 - Paul Marcus - Psychoanalysis and the Wisdom of Ecclesiastes - A Time to Heal

You've got to hear this one! At least if you're not afraid of talking about meaninglessness — and the antidote to it. My guest today has combined his psychoanalytic lens with a deep reading of an ancient biblical text. I love combining perspectives, especially when the purpose is healing! Meet Paul Marcus, PhD — psychoanalyst, supervisor, and author of numerous books. Today we dive into the themes of his newest work, Psychoanalysis and the Wisdom of Ecclesiastes (Routledge, 2025). As they write in the book description: "Psychoanalysis and the Wisdom of Ecclesiastes will be of interest to psychoanalysts exploring spirituality and the human condition, and to academics and students of psychoanalytic studies, religious studies, Judaic studies, and philosophy." Tap in with us as we explore: – Perspectives on meaninglessness — because life really does feel that way sometimes (but LOVE changes everything!) – Who Koheleth was, and how he moved through despair – The psychology of work: job, career, and calling – The Moon, Pluto, and South Node as symbols of a self-centered or image-focused mother – Ways of healing and why we become therapists! Freud is every present in the conversation - here is a quote from the book to understand why: "Koheleth, like Freud, is characterized by his unshakable intellectual honesty, his courageous use of reason in facing the most agonizing problems of life, his absolute refusal to sureness where he saw ambiguity and uncertainty, and the relentless devotion to truth, regardless of the uncomfortable ramification in one's personal life". I truly loved talking to Paul Marcus, his honesty touched me, and I deeply appreciate that. Let's say it like it is: sometimes it's tough. We meet resistance, not only in our clients but within ourselves, and there are good reasons for that. Change takes time. So I hope you feel inspired by this ancient preacher we talk about — and mind you, we speak of the text in a symbolic, not literal, way... Link to Video version on youtube: https://youtu.be/pu_2Tf6ebvQ Find the book here: 20% Discount with Code 25AFLY3 https://www.routledge.com/Psychoanalysis-and-the-Wisdom-of-Ecclesiastes-A-Time-to-Heal/Marcus/p/book/9781041099765 My website is: https://www.therapeuticastrologer.com/