Life's betrayals both define and condemn us to re-create ourselves. Jungian analyst Aldo Carotenuto shows us the positive and fundamental role of betrayal in our growth throughout life. Betrayal visits us from the moment of birth and remains a life theme through childhood, marriage, aging, and death. It is also the foundation of the Jewish and Christian religions.Carotenuto applies the term to betray to many issues brought to psychotherapy. In psychoanalysis, many old certainties are revealed and betrayed. It is also a time when the expectations of others need to be betrayed. By heightening our consciousness of betrayal and being betrayed, this book moves us toward our true nature and wholeness.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Life as BetrayalEven Before BirthA Fatal "Happy Event"The Parable of the Son Who Refused to Be LovedApropos of Roles and TrustInimici Hominis Domestici Eius Family Circle and Hermetic Circle Nostalgia DeflectedThe Union of Two SolitudesThe Terrible Torture of Silence Euphoria Versus JoyThe Compulsion to Seduce and the Advantage of Being BetrayedThe Climate of IncestAn Unfrequented TempleSex NegatedThe Unpleasing BodyThe Body BetrayedThe Unwell BodyIn Pursuit of DeathDeath EncounteredDeath DesiredBetrayal and FreedomEpilogue: Experience and LossBibliographyIndex