Sign in with Facebook
Ego and Archetype: Individuation and the Religious Function of the Psyche
Edinger has written a provocative book which is a lucid survey and synthesis of Jung's psychological concepts based on a fascinating mix of mythic tales. A penetrating attempt to show the reader the archetypal images of God that reside in his unconscious." ~Publishers Weekly
This book is about the individual's journey to psychological wholeness, known in analytical psycholo
Paperback, 1st edition C.G. Jung Foundation Books, 304 pages
Published
August 25th 1992
by Shambhala
(first published January 28th 1972)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
644)
Feb 21, 2011
Erik Graff
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Jungians
Recommended to Erik by:
no one
Shelves:
psychology
My initial attraction to Jung and the Jungians was twofold. First, Jung himself seemed to intelligently address what I was experiencing under the influence of psychedelic drugs. Second, he seemed to offer some insight into religion, the Christian versions of which had surrounded and confounded me since childhood.
In fact, Jung has much to offer in both of these regards. He was, in the old C.I.A. phrase, "experienced" as regards hallucinagens and he did have a hermeneutical talent for translating...more
In fact, Jung has much to offer in both of these regards. He was, in the old C.I.A. phrase, "experienced" as regards hallucinagens and he did have a hermeneutical talent for translating...more
What a rich reading! Edinger really breaks down individuation and integrates powerful support direct from various texts of Jung. What stands out to me is Edinger's examination at what the individual faces in dreams, the shadow, and through symbols/archetypes. Through the use of examples of patient's dreams, he both shows us the richness of the psyche and how to begin to understand the images it brings to us. I read this for my class on Jungian psychology. I highly recommend it to anyone interest...more
This is not one of the beginners guides that throw all the theories at you in a short space of time resulting in information overload.It is a more lucid attempt at getting to the core of the matter in hand, concerning itself with the development of the relationship between the Ego and the Self which lies at the heart of the problems that manifest themselves psychologically.
The text is illustrated not only with quotations from Jung but other scholars such as St Augustine,Elias Ashmole as well a...more
The text is illustrated not only with quotations from Jung but other scholars such as St Augustine,Elias Ashmole as well a...more
Every few months, my boyfriend and I pick a book we've liked for each other to read. This was his pick. I'm a fiction reader (almost exclusively), so philosophical analysis was definitely a unique read for me!
This is a description and analysis of Jung's philosophical work. The focus is on ego and Self (i.e. man and God) and how this pair interplays in Christian, ancient Greek, alchemical and other archetypal images, stories, and symbols. The book also features a lot of analysis of patients' drea...more
This is a description and analysis of Jung's philosophical work. The focus is on ego and Self (i.e. man and God) and how this pair interplays in Christian, ancient Greek, alchemical and other archetypal images, stories, and symbols. The book also features a lot of analysis of patients' drea...more
A Jungian therapist I talked with about this book encouraged me to pay special attention to the "Ego-Self Axis" concept that it presents. I can see the importance. Having just finished, though, my mind is still into the last section: a study from ancient alchemical texts about the philosopher's stone - kind of esoteric and intriguing.
Some of these Jungians I've been talking with (I'm not even sure if they like being called "JungIANS") get annoyed at the suggestion that the system is "mystical."...more
Some of these Jungians I've been talking with (I'm not even sure if they like being called "JungIANS") get annoyed at the suggestion that the system is "mystical."...more
Fucking-a, this book blew me away, dude! Although, I dunno if I could follow it if I hadn't already had coursework that involved Jung's idears. Yeah, man. I dunno. But, it was really cool to see, in a book, idears that I'd already been thinkin' 'bout in my own head, that had bubbled up from my unconscious and presented themselves to my li'l ole NANOWRIMO novels. Idears about alchemy and how the psyche evolves over the course o' a lifetime. It's been a while since I've read the thing, though, so...more
This is definitely a classic in Jungian Studies, but in re-reading it, I am struck by what a completely patriarchal and masculine view Edward Edinger takes. This is of course, due in large part to the time it was written, but it's also due to the fact that when he discusses "religion" he almost completely means Christianity with a dash of Greek Mythology. It's a good primer (if a bit dense), but definitely explore other more feminist authors to get a wider perspective.
One of my favorite books on Jungian thought weaved with inner spiritual paths. Edinger is brilliant at reaching your psyche as if the book were explaining itself to you.
Edinger draws from both Greek and Christian mythology, religion, and art to explain the individuation process and development of the Ego. He claims that through this journey to psychological wholeness one can bring meaning back to one's life.
I found his references to Christianity fascinating. Never had I thought of Christ as the paradigm of an individuated ego. I also enjoyed his explanation of the development of consciousness and how it follows a cycle. It mapped perfectly with my own experienc...more
I found his references to Christianity fascinating. Never had I thought of Christ as the paradigm of an individuated ego. I also enjoyed his explanation of the development of consciousness and how it follows a cycle. It mapped perfectly with my own experienc...more
Excellent, but I usually like any erudite book on symbolism, archetypes, and dreams.
Fascinating book on Jung's idea of individuation. Edinger argues that the ego is our subjective identity while the Self is our true identity and is transpersonal in character. The unconscious Self manifests itself through religion and myth. Images such as mandalas or themes such as wholeness, the union of opposites, the elixir of life, etc. all refer to the Self. Individuation, psychological development, or perhaps better described as self realization comes from the changing relationship between...more
Edinger has an interesting work here - it seems to lack a coherent thesis, but it actually isn't a collection of essays - So it basically consists of 3 or 4 stand-alone works. It is provocative material, especially his thoughts on Inflated Ego, Alienated Ego, Christ as a paradigm of the individuated ego, and Teh Trinity Archetype. I wish I understood his stuff on the Blood of Christ Archetype and the Philosopher's Stone better. Its a good work, and a good reccomendation for anyone interested in...more
So far an amazing book. Great discussion about "The fall of man", actually the coming to consciousness from a state of unconsciousness. The activation, or splitting of the ego from the Self. This process causes an unhealing wound from which we experience all throughout our conscious lives. Awesome read, one of my favorites.
Incredible, Way. Jung's collective unconscious is like sci-fi. Understand myth, and much of humanities images and stories. Think adventure. Read, Inquire, Explore, Open, and Grow. Unavoidable and powerful.
Dec 11, 2012
Sandy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
depth psychologists
Recommended to Sandy by:
Bob Mannis
Edinger's depth and clarity are amazing. I'm grateful for this work that elucidates Individuation in a spiritual way.
This book is freakin incredible. Quite poetic at times, insightful, humanist, clearly written. Loved it.
This is a detailed book on Jungian psychology, focusing on the relationship between the ego and Self.
one of the best elucidations of jungian psychology that i've found. really interesting & beautiful.
Fine introduction on Carl Gustav Jung's psychology and timeless mysteries of Self.
view 1 comment
Excellent dive into the vast, mysterious & powerful unconscious.
This book will most likely change your life, it changed mine.
May 23, 2013
Chelsea Rivas
marked it as to-read
May 21, 2013
Eva Murakeozy
marked it as to-read
May 20, 2013
Christopher Ramirez
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Santeri
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Dan Willow
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
