Jung on Alchemy

by C. G. Jung, Nathan Schwartz-Salant

Overview

Illuminating selections from Jung’s writings on alchemy and the transformation of the human spirit

The ancient practice of alchemy, which thrived in Europe until the seventeenth century, dealt with the phenomenon of transformation—not only of ore into gold but also of the self into Other. Through their work in the material realm, alchemists discovered personal rebirth as well as a linking between outer and inner dimensions.

C. G. Jung first turned to alchemy for personal illumination in coping with trauma brought on by his break with Freud. Alchemical symbolism eventually suggested to Jung that there was a process in the unconscious, one that had a goal beyond discharging tension and hiding pain. In this book, Nathan Schwartz-Salant brings together key selections of Jung’s writings on the subject. These writings expose us to Jung’s fascinating reflections on the symbols of alchemy—such as the three-headed Mercurial dragon, hermaphrodites, and lions devouring the sun—and brings us closer to the spirit of his approach to the unconscious, closer than his purely scientific concepts often allow.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691010977
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	01/11/1996
Series:	Encountering Jung
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	228
Sales rank:	235,901
Product dimensions:	7.75(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Nathan Schwartz-Salant (1938–2020) was a Jungian analyst in private practice. His books include The Mystery of Human Relationship: Alchemy and the Transformation of the Self and The Order-Disorder Paradox: Understanding the Hidden Side of Change in Self and Society.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations

Introduction 1

1 The prima materia 44

2 The alchemical mind 60

3 Projection and imagination in alchemy 81

4 Alchemy and individuation 99

5 Alchemy and religion 116

6 The body and subtle body in alchemy 139

7 Opposites and the coniunctio 156

8 Alchemy and psychotherapy 180

Index 222