Definition.
The transcendent function is the capacity or process in psyche (and in the world) that considers two opposites held in tension, finally resolving them in a symbol or other ‘third thing.’ This deep and somewhat difficult concept is best understood by way of example. For instance, consider a college student who is drawn to major in art, but her parents are pressuring her to choose something more practical. The ‘opposites’ in this case are art versus practicality, autonomy versus obedience, soulwork versus practicality. Upon holding this ‘tension of opposites’ (rather than surrendering to one ‘side’ or the other), the student dreams that she gives a grandfather clock to her parents. Her dream-self feels a great sense of personal power in this giving act. Upon waking, this symbol — the clock — awakens in the student an a-ha moment. She understands that there are many gifts she can give her parents — spending time with them, among the most important — but that she must also retain her autonomy — choosing for herself which gifts she gives to her family, to the world. The transcendent function can be understood as both the process by which the student comes to her epiphany, as well as its outcome, the symbol which yields awakening.