Forged in Darkness: The Many Paths of Personal Transformation

by Joanna LaPrade

"Provides an archetypal frame for approaching the descent that sooner or later we all experience during dark times." – James Hollis, Ph.D., Jungian analyst and bestselling author

Written by an experienced psychotherapist, Forged in Darkness encourages readers to work with archetypes in mythology to stop rejecting the darkness within and instead learn to embrace it.

When we search within, we inevitably find the underworld – lost connections, failed enterprises, haunting memories, insecurities and buried secrets. This book unites self-discovery with mythology, returning the underworld to its rightful place – a dreaded realm that harbours profound transformation, richness and expansion.

Using archetypes from mythology, psychotherapist Dr Joanna LaPrade teaches readers that experiences of darkness are natural and necessary markers along the path of growth and discovery. We all experience darkness, and this comprehensive and accessible guide will show readers of all ages how to embrace the shadowed parts of themselves.

For millennia, cultures around the world have told myths about the underworld. It is a tragedy that the only image we have in the West is that of Hercules, requiring us to be strong and defeat the shadowed parts of our life. Forged in Darkness explores the archetype Hercules represents and turns toward other heroes and gods for models of journeying into darkness. When we question, learn to accept and make sacrifices, Odysseus is present. We acknowledge Dionysus when we reconnect with what is volcanic, unrestrained and feral. We may experience Persephone as we’re abducted from our comforts and connected to a mysterious authority within.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Philosophy

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[The Starry Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Forged in Darkness' by Joanna LaPrade is an archetypal analysis of death and rebirth. Exploring various underworld mythologies primarily from the Greek tradition, Joanna LaPrade offers plenty of riches and insights into how one can traverse the difficult journey of venturing deeply into one’s own past, memories, wounds, and traumas. Analyzing the Greek underworld myths and the heroes and gods who made the arduous trek, offers inspiring healing wisdom for those who find themselves in similar situations. My biggest takeaway from reading this book is that the underworld experience exists so that we may experience the joy, optimism, and light that life has to offer with more fullness and awareness. The underworld experience is not something to be avoided or feared, but rather, is something that should be valued. The morals of the Greek myths and lessons of their stories can provide each of us with the opportunity to grow and evolve and essentially re-write our stories and pain. If we know why we are suffering, we can know how to heal. Our experiences are not unique, and when we can find our mirrors in the myths and symbols of our ancestors and cultures we can realize a bigger version of who we are and who we can become. Joanna LaPrade explores each mythological figure and archetype with depth and enlightenment offering the reader many important takeaways and points of reflections. This book is a toolkit, a guide, and a psychopomp for anyone who wishes to get to know the story of their darkness.

[Beverly Capelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unlike anything I have ever read before. Weaving together mythological deities on the path to a transformative journey was brilliant. Dr. LaPrade delivers a potentially complex theme with vulnerability as she intermittently weaves her personal experiences with trauma throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed her rich imagery and excellent use of language. Her mythological knowledge gave her work an unusual intrigue that I wanted more and more of. Racking my mind to critique Forged in Darkness in some way but, I find myself just wanting more.

[Mountain Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book that offers an important and different perspective on how we encounter "dark" times and the possibility of personal growth that arises from them. This book is full of insights, myth, and stories that can equip you with new ways to handle challenge and suffering - and to ultimately grow from them. The weaving of myth and psychology is easily digestible and supremely interesting, ultimately drawing the reader in to learn more about themselves as they are reflected in the stories of Greek Heroes.

[Jenny Stollar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an excellent read. It outlines the broad stories of mythical heroes and gods/goddesses who have traveled or inhabit the underworld, but also ties these stories to real life examples of how these myths can be used to positively affect current lives. This book helps gain insight into how to handle challenging times in life, and ultimately find meaning and purpose.

[Aimee 2mee_no · Rating 5 out of 5]

EDIT: Heck, I’ll give it 5 stars, even though there were some parts I didn’t care for at all. Most of it was pretty deep.
This was my first time spending any time engaging with Jungnian psychology. Honestly, I think psychodynamics can be a little silly at times, but the hopeless poetic heart throbbing inside of me yearns for psychogenic metaphor. LaPrade has an engaging writing style and deep, insightful observations about the human condition. However, I found some passages quite repetitive. Aside from the occasional crunchy tangents about modern psychotherapy relying “too much” on evidence based protocol, I found this book deeply insightful. I took some issue with some health claims implied by the author as well.
Otherwise, super interesting way to frame the processes of my psyche. I wish I could give it 5 stars because I really enjoyed it. I really loved most of what the author explored and I found it comforting and compelling during a difficult experience. Great book. Just not 100% on everything. Recommend. 💜

[Farida Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

'All darkness must be hored, explored and understood. The sould would not bring this, or that to your attention if it were not at this moment, asking to be healed.'
Forged in Darkness encourages the reader to embrace the 'darkness' and work with archetypes in mythology.
I was intrigued by the description of this book and am glad I read it.
A new type of self-help book, full of examples from therapy sessions and littered with useful anecdotes. Many references to Jungian psychology, Greek mythology,and practice notes.

''We human beings are wired for storytelling. First we expressed ourselves on stone using paint, then in spoken word, papyrus, parchment and paper. We have a rich history of sharing myths, fables, folklores, and fairytales to explain ourselves and our world. '

Part I serves as a basic intriduction
Part II and III are composed of chapters named after and centred around an ancient Greek god. Each chapter ends with ways in which the reader can reflect and heal
Part Ii ends with a concluding chapter Forged in Darkness,

Dr Joanna LaPrada is a practicing Psychotherapist and writes beautifully and in an engaging style. This is a brilliant book steeped in mythology, Jungian psychology and layers of depth.

[Jim White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely

This is the work of a human being, delving into the underworld and retrieving our fragmented soul. A wonderful guide.

[Azella P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archetype, myth, personal transformation through self examination, history, and stepping into the unknown. Powerful.