Researchers at Harvard University believe they have solved a longstanding geological mystery. That mystery involves the origin of gold (see an article about it here). Unlike most of the earth’s elements, such as carbon or calcium, which form from the implosion of single stars, new evidence suggests that precious metals come from the collision of two neutron stars. (Neutron stars are the collapsed remains of imploded stars.) Whereas ordinary stars explode about once every century in our galaxy, the collision of two neutron stars occurs only once every 100,000 years. Following the collision, the stars emit a burst of high energy gamma rays, along with gold and other heavy metals. These metals escape the black hole which forms subsequent to the fusion of these dead stars.
It is intriguing how the formation of gold mirrors the psychological development of our own inner gold. In our dreams gold is often used to symbolize the Self, or personality core. The Self is that part of the psyche which drives the process of personal growth, what Carl Jung called individuation. To individuate, to become the unique person you are meant to be, involves uniting the opposing aspects of your personality (e.g., the masculine and feminine, spiritual and material, etc.) into a more harmonious whole. For instance, a spiritual perspective helps you to see the bigger picture to life while your connection to the practical realities of daily living helps you to stay grounded. Thus, the gold of your personality arises from the union and transformation of opposites, much like the collision of two neutron stars creates physical gold.
As with the collision of two neutron stars, a conscious intent to individuate is a relatively rare phenomenon in society. To face your shadow and integrate disowned or rejected parts of your personality takes effort and sacrifice. Most people choose not to embrace this opportunity. Nonetheless, wherever it occurs it adds value and depth to the personality. It also helps humanity to evolve.
Finally, when we don’t pursue our path of personal growth, we encounter the opposing tendency to regress, to sink backwards into unconsciousness or become more entrenched in egocentricity. This can be compared to the black hole that forms following the explosion of precious metals into the universe. Taking the universe as your guide, if you want to escape the black hole of psychological regression, you’ve got to ride the gold of your soul out into the world.