The Gnostic Jung: Including

by Segal,Robert

• ISBN13: 9780415080385
• ISBN10: 041508038X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1992-10-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Gnosticism was for C.G. jung the chief prefiguration of his analytical psychology. In this volume Robert Segal, an authority on theories of myth and Gnosticism, has searched the Jungian corpus for Jung's main discussions of this ancient form of spirituality. The progression in Gnosticism from sheer bodily existence to the release of the immaterial spark imprisoned in the body - and the reunion of that spark with the godhead - represents for Jung the psychological progression from ego consciousness to the ego's rediscovery of the unconscious, and the ego's integration with the unconscious to forge the self. Included in this volume are both Jung's sole work devoted entirely to Gnosticism, "Gnostic Symbols of the Self," and his own Gnostic myth, "Seven Sermons to the Dead." The book also contains key essays by Father Victor White and Gilles Quispel, whose "C.G. Jung und die Gnosis" is here translated for the first time. In his extensive introduction Segal discusses the parallel for Jung between ancient Gnostic and contemporary Jungian patients, the Jungian meaning of Gnostic myths and of the Seven Sermons, Jung's possible misinterpretation of Gnosticism, and the common characterization of Jung himself as a Gnostic.

Table of Contents

Note on the Text

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Jung's Chief Writings on Gnosticism

Jung's Alternative Psychological Interpretation of Gnosticism

Gnosticism as a Psychological Phenomenon

Gnosticism as Dealing with Evil

Gnosticism as Dealing with the Feminine

Gnosticism and Mainstream Christianity

Gnosticism and Alchemy

Modern Gnosticism

Jung as a Psychologist Rather Than a Metaphysician

Jung's Own Gnostic Myth. `Seven Sermons to the Dead

Other Authorities on Jungian Psychology and Gnosticism

Victor White, "Some Notes on Gnosticism" Gilles Quispell, `Jung and Gnosis' Gilles Quispell, `Gnosis and Psychology"

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