Edge of the Sacred: Jung, Psyche, Earth

by David J. Tacey

Does the earth have a spirit or soul? Science and rationality have not taught us how to love or care for the earth. The mythic bonds to nature, such as those found in Aboriginal Australian cultures, appear to have real survival value because they bind us to the earth in a meaningful way. When these bonds are destroyed by excessive rationality or a collapse of cultural mythology, we are left alone, outside the community of nature and in an alienated state. Jung was one of the first thinkers of our time to consider the psychic influence of the earth and the conditioning of the mind by place. Inspired by his writings and those of James Hillman, the field of eco-psychology has arisen as a powerful new area of inquiry. Edge of the Sacred: Jung, Psyche, Earth contributes to global eco-psychology from an Australian perspective.

Genres: Psychology, Theology

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Michael Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. It doesn't get directly into Aboriginal spirituality side of things as much but it does get into how to reconcile white Australian spiritual rootlessness with the Aboriginal spirituality. That part is quite intriguing, he discourages cultural appropriation but he encourages more reconciliation and a relationship rather of panentheism as opposed to a heavenly sky father type religion. A spirituality in which the white Australian psyche integrates its own unconscious and psyche, reconciles with Aboriginal spirituality, white guilt, and embraces the divine feminine and mother nature. At times it can sound politically on the left but I don't think that should ruin it for people who still want to learn about the direction Australian spirituality is headed into. He also discusses DH Lawrence, other Australian poets and authors which I found quite interesting. The analysis of the book Kangaroo was really fascinating as well.

[Cynthia Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book. Exciting in its potential for growth. A real.joy to read. Some background in the theories of C G Jung will definitely help understanding Tacey's approach.