The Gnostic Jung

by C.G. Jung

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 041508038X
• ISBN13: 9780415080385
• Release Date: October 1992
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 284 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.7" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Definitive Work

For anyone wanting to know Carl Jung's views on Gnosticism, this is the definitive work. Segal does an excellent job of describing Carl Jung's view of Gnosticism and the contrast with Jung's psychology. The explanation is very detailed, yet very clear and easy to understand. Jung's Seven Sermons to the Dead are included, along with excerpts from Jung's other relevant works. This book is an excellent investment for this interested in both Gnosticism and psychology.