What do you think?
Rate this book
Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts #5
alchemy-an-introduction-to-the-symbolism-and-th-e-psychology
Shows the secret goal of alchemy to be the transformation of the personality, the search for wholeness. Invaluable for interpreting images in modern dreams and for an understanding of relationships.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
143 people are currently reading
4421 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 14, 2013
This is a fascinating book for those interested in both Jungian psychology and the alchemical traditions. Though the title describes the purpose of this work (a mere introduction to the symbolism of alchemy and how it possibly relates to psychology), my expectations were that it would be a thorough study of alchemy and its rich language of metaphors. I still enjoyed the book because I find this branch of psychology quite interesting, but it is probably best before choosing to read it - or investing hundreds of dollars in acquiring a copy (which it seems to be going for currently) - to understand this is first and foremost a study of psychology. She constantly refers to terms and concepts highly specific to the realm of psychotherapy (and particularly to the Jungian study), and though she does clarify this vocabulary, it's not done enough to warrant jumping into this book without familiarity with those fields of study.
Also, because this book represents a series of lectures it doesn't follow the steady rhythm of a work where an author typically designs the entire work in a private environment with minimal distractions. The text is full of dozens and dozens of question & answer breaks from the audience, and she often ends a few paragraphs posing a question to the audience of psychotherapists. Each break can send the lecture off on a tangent for a few pages. Though these tangents stay within the overall subject of psychology, it keeps the book from maintaining total devotion to a uniform idea.
This book includes some 80 alchemical illustrations, mostly of medieval origin and they are always relevantly placed in sections where they provide greater clarity to the concept being discussed. The images are expertly chosen and require little to no "imagination" for one to see how they correspond to the lecture.
At the heart of this work is the process in psychology known as individuation and the premise that it closely corresponds to the ultimate goals of some esoteric traditions such as alchemy (particularly, the goal to reach the philosopher's stone). This book studies the process of individuation, combating the complexity of the subject by using the familiar terms and imagery of alchemy as metaphorical teaching aids. Certainly many writers besides von Franz (including Jung himself) have argued that alchemy is more symbolic than literal and shrouds its philosophical core behind the system of medieval chemistry, rich with practical metaphors. She really only brushes the surface of the correspondence with alchemy, and for a more in-depth study I imagine it is better to read Jung's larger work on the subject (to which she constantly refers throughout the lectures).
She spends the latter half of the book discussing an obscure text attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, which could possibly be the notes taken by monks who witnessed his final sermon. This was given at their urging when he was passing through the country and stayed the night at their monastery, but his health had been rapidly deteriorating and he passed away after finishing the sermon. This medieval text is of interest to von Franz - who devoted much of her professional study to medieval Latin - because it follows the tone of someone creatively streaming unconscious contents in a highly imaginative manner. She does a wonderful job showing how the various stages of the sermon mirror the different psychological rhythms of someone in a strained or deteriorated mental state. The author of that text seemed to paint a vivid picture from an obvious manic state, but used in their "color palette" the biblical and alchemical ideas in which they were well studied.
Overall it is an interesting study on Jungian psychology and serves as a nice primer or companion to Psychology and Alchemy by Carl Jung (those books tend to get mentioned together with another by Edward Edinger in recommended reading lists on the subject). It doesn't represent an in-depth study on alchemy, but should be treated as what it is: a presentation given to a lecture hall of professional psychotherapists interested in creative ways to understand and guide their patients through the long and complex process of individuation.
Also, because this book represents a series of lectures it doesn't follow the steady rhythm of a work where an author typically designs the entire work in a private environment with minimal distractions. The text is full of dozens and dozens of question & answer breaks from the audience, and she often ends a few paragraphs posing a question to the audience of psychotherapists. Each break can send the lecture off on a tangent for a few pages. Though these tangents stay within the overall subject of psychology, it keeps the book from maintaining total devotion to a uniform idea.
This book includes some 80 alchemical illustrations, mostly of medieval origin and they are always relevantly placed in sections where they provide greater clarity to the concept being discussed. The images are expertly chosen and require little to no "imagination" for one to see how they correspond to the lecture.
At the heart of this work is the process in psychology known as individuation and the premise that it closely corresponds to the ultimate goals of some esoteric traditions such as alchemy (particularly, the goal to reach the philosopher's stone). This book studies the process of individuation, combating the complexity of the subject by using the familiar terms and imagery of alchemy as metaphorical teaching aids. Certainly many writers besides von Franz (including Jung himself) have argued that alchemy is more symbolic than literal and shrouds its philosophical core behind the system of medieval chemistry, rich with practical metaphors. She really only brushes the surface of the correspondence with alchemy, and for a more in-depth study I imagine it is better to read Jung's larger work on the subject (to which she constantly refers throughout the lectures).
She spends the latter half of the book discussing an obscure text attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, which could possibly be the notes taken by monks who witnessed his final sermon. This was given at their urging when he was passing through the country and stayed the night at their monastery, but his health had been rapidly deteriorating and he passed away after finishing the sermon. This medieval text is of interest to von Franz - who devoted much of her professional study to medieval Latin - because it follows the tone of someone creatively streaming unconscious contents in a highly imaginative manner. She does a wonderful job showing how the various stages of the sermon mirror the different psychological rhythms of someone in a strained or deteriorated mental state. The author of that text seemed to paint a vivid picture from an obvious manic state, but used in their "color palette" the biblical and alchemical ideas in which they were well studied.
Overall it is an interesting study on Jungian psychology and serves as a nice primer or companion to Psychology and Alchemy by Carl Jung (those books tend to get mentioned together with another by Edward Edinger in recommended reading lists on the subject). It doesn't represent an in-depth study on alchemy, but should be treated as what it is: a presentation given to a lecture hall of professional psychotherapists interested in creative ways to understand and guide their patients through the long and complex process of individuation.
September 30, 2010
The late Marie-Louise von Franz (1915 -1998) was a Jungian analyst and colleague/student of Carl Jung. She is widely known for her penetrating treatises about seeker's journey motifs, alchemical texts and fairy tales as well as an accessible biography of Jung.
Here again, her insights are profound and broad in scope. The book, published in 1980, is composed of lectures she presented in Zurich in 1959. The lectures contain excerpts from European, Arabic and Greek alchemical texts along with her explanation of the symbolism they contain. Her focus here is the relationship between alchemical process and Jungian analysis as discovered through an examination of the chosen texts.
The difficulty in the book comes not so much from the fact that the lecturers were intended for serious students of Jungian psychology rather than those outside the field, but from the format itself. First, it scatters terms and symbols throughout the book depending on where they appeared in one of the excerpted fragments. This is counter-intuitive to readers expecting an organized, one-to-one comparison of alchemical steps with the individuation process in or out of a therapy setting. This would make the book a true introduction as its subtitle implies.
Second, in as much as the lectures focus on what was to be found in the texts rather than on an orderly presentation of alchemy and individuation, the book suffers by dedicating more space to the excerpts than an introduction requires. That is, the text fragments are less interesting, informative and succinctly on point than von Franz's material. One wishes for more of von Franz and less of the ancients here.
That said, readers who are familiar with Jungian psychology, inner alchemy and related philosophies will experience many "Eureka Moments" as the meaning behind long-puzzling symbols, archetypes, drawings, and processes suddenly clicks into place. Outside of the decision to use a series of already-completed lectures rather writing an introductory work from scratch, the information and insight found here are exceptional.
Here again, her insights are profound and broad in scope. The book, published in 1980, is composed of lectures she presented in Zurich in 1959. The lectures contain excerpts from European, Arabic and Greek alchemical texts along with her explanation of the symbolism they contain. Her focus here is the relationship between alchemical process and Jungian analysis as discovered through an examination of the chosen texts.
The difficulty in the book comes not so much from the fact that the lecturers were intended for serious students of Jungian psychology rather than those outside the field, but from the format itself. First, it scatters terms and symbols throughout the book depending on where they appeared in one of the excerpted fragments. This is counter-intuitive to readers expecting an organized, one-to-one comparison of alchemical steps with the individuation process in or out of a therapy setting. This would make the book a true introduction as its subtitle implies.
Second, in as much as the lectures focus on what was to be found in the texts rather than on an orderly presentation of alchemy and individuation, the book suffers by dedicating more space to the excerpts than an introduction requires. That is, the text fragments are less interesting, informative and succinctly on point than von Franz's material. One wishes for more of von Franz and less of the ancients here.
That said, readers who are familiar with Jungian psychology, inner alchemy and related philosophies will experience many "Eureka Moments" as the meaning behind long-puzzling symbols, archetypes, drawings, and processes suddenly clicks into place. Outside of the decision to use a series of already-completed lectures rather writing an introductory work from scratch, the information and insight found here are exceptional.
April 26, 2007
The individuation process as the alchemical process. Jung rocks, and so does his student, Marie Louise von Franz, who breaks Jung down and makes his work digestible (Thank god! How would I ever have gotten through Jung's work without von Franz and Edinger to explain it all?!?!). Anyone in the field of psychology should read this book as it opens up the imagination.
July 24, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. It was dense at times but towards the end it felt like it came together. I find a lot of jungian books circumambulate the topic and as you stay with it, themes and insights begin to open up.
The last couple of lectures really resonated and understanding that to brace the Nigredo stage requires a constant reworking and melting down of the complex, projection, neuroses. A dedicated reimagining and persistent pressure.
I believe these books find us and synchronicities preside if you remain open. This book was one of those as I could relate a recent epiphany whilst reading.
Definitely worth reading again, further down the road in my development.
The last couple of lectures really resonated and understanding that to brace the Nigredo stage requires a constant reworking and melting down of the complex, projection, neuroses. A dedicated reimagining and persistent pressure.
I believe these books find us and synchronicities preside if you remain open. This book was one of those as I could relate a recent epiphany whilst reading.
Definitely worth reading again, further down the road in my development.
February 22, 2013
von Franz' intellect and personality brings light to yet another obscured subject of the past. Her ability to bring us through the most entangled symbolic imagery and thoughts of the acient world by pointing to the analytic associations of modern terapy is indeed a proof of her supreme insights. She is indeed one of those persons I regret is no longer with us.Now I guess I have to proceed with the much delayed volume 12 of Jung's collected works; "Psychology and Alchemy"
May 10, 2020
This is my third time reading this book. I always learn something new. And I love MLVF- her personality and wisdom and wit. A must read for those whose work includes familiarity with the process of individuation.
August 8, 2019
Excellent book by Dr. Marie-Louise von Franz about alchemical symbolism and psychology, which are discussed in detail in Carl Jung's book "Alchemy and Psychology" (I have not read that yet). I found it an excellent introduction to alchemical symbolism and the work of individuation. Von Franz discussed the alchemical symbolism in various texts, Greek, Arabic, and Western. The book is not an easy one and some parts were quite difficult, but it was a very good read!
November 23, 2023
Si prenda dell'arsenico, lo si cuocia in acqua, lo si mescoli con olio d'oliva!
March 2, 2018
Alkemi är antagligen mest känt som en förtida kemi, där alkemisternas mål var att framställa De vises sten, som kunde transmutera oädla metaller till guld, bota allehanda sjukdomar och ge evigt liv. Detta sätt att se på alkemi är det vanligaste och mest simpla, då det rör sig om en vetenskap vi enkelt kan förhålla oss till. Carl Jung började dock studera alkemi ur ett annat perspektiv, nämligen ett religiöst och psykologiskt. Marie-Louise von Franz, en av Jungs lärjungar, introducerar i denna bok grundtankarna och idéerna i alkemi ur det synsätt Jung började studera ämnet.
Alkemi ofantlig mycket symbolik, och alkemiska kan lätt misstas för att endast handla om kemiska substanser och reaktioner (vilket de faktiskt ibland gjorde) men författarna till dessa texter gömde sina budskap i detta sätt att skriva. De kemiska processer som beskrivs handlar egentligen om människans utveckling och förbättring. Det handlar om att transmutera sina egna interna oädla metaller till guld. Det alluderar alltså till människans psykologiska utveckling, och beskriver hur denna process går till med hjälp av "kemiskt" språk, främst för att dölja dessa tankar från den kristna kyrkan som var dominerande under den tid alkemi var som störst.
Marie-Louise von Franz gör ett mycket bra jobb med att introducera de jungianska tankarna om alkemi, genom att ta upp mycket gamla texter och bryta ner och avkoda dem till psykologiska termer. Det finns mycket kunskap och visdom att hämta från alkemin som fortfarande är applicerbar idag. Det är ofantligt spännande att få en bild av psykologisk utveckling genom en religiös, symbolisk och spirituell lins, något som jag tror saknas i dagens samhälle.
Boken kan stundtals vara lite tungrodd, och det kan ibland vara svårt att relatera till religiösa referenser. Det svåra var dock inget som störde helhetsintrycket. Den gör ett bra introduktionsjobb, och jag var fascinerad genom hela boken. Det är ett ämne som VERKLIGEN intresserar mig, så den för högsta betyg på grund av det. Jag rekommenderar denna bok till personer med intresse för psykologi på ett mer symboliskt sätt, snarare än ett hårt, vetenskapligt sätt.
Alkemi ofantlig mycket symbolik, och alkemiska kan lätt misstas för att endast handla om kemiska substanser och reaktioner (vilket de faktiskt ibland gjorde) men författarna till dessa texter gömde sina budskap i detta sätt att skriva. De kemiska processer som beskrivs handlar egentligen om människans utveckling och förbättring. Det handlar om att transmutera sina egna interna oädla metaller till guld. Det alluderar alltså till människans psykologiska utveckling, och beskriver hur denna process går till med hjälp av "kemiskt" språk, främst för att dölja dessa tankar från den kristna kyrkan som var dominerande under den tid alkemi var som störst.
Marie-Louise von Franz gör ett mycket bra jobb med att introducera de jungianska tankarna om alkemi, genom att ta upp mycket gamla texter och bryta ner och avkoda dem till psykologiska termer. Det finns mycket kunskap och visdom att hämta från alkemin som fortfarande är applicerbar idag. Det är ofantligt spännande att få en bild av psykologisk utveckling genom en religiös, symbolisk och spirituell lins, något som jag tror saknas i dagens samhälle.
Boken kan stundtals vara lite tungrodd, och det kan ibland vara svårt att relatera till religiösa referenser. Det svåra var dock inget som störde helhetsintrycket. Den gör ett bra introduktionsjobb, och jag var fascinerad genom hela boken. Det är ett ämne som VERKLIGEN intresserar mig, så den för högsta betyg på grund av det. Jag rekommenderar denna bok till personer med intresse för psykologi på ett mer symboliskt sätt, snarare än ett hårt, vetenskapligt sätt.
November 4, 2013
It's a great text, but I think it falls short in two ways. First, it reads like seminar notes (which is precisely what it is). There is little in the way of textual structure and the text often meanders between alchemical uses in psychotherapy and analysis of various alchemical works. It makes for an interesting read, but I find returning to the text to be slightly problematic. I wish that she had taken some time to rearrange the material properly.
Second, there is little in the way of an introduction or an overview of alchemical material itself. You'll need to get that somewhere else before you begin to work through this material.
Second, there is little in the way of an introduction or an overview of alchemical material itself. You'll need to get that somewhere else before you begin to work through this material.
December 31, 2018
Not the book I imagined it to be, even as it followed the same sort of lecture format as On Divination and Synchronicity, here it feels like a small group of dedicated psychologists who converse with Marie-Louise, offering their remarks, questions and alchemical understanding. The lecturer never seems to talk about what’s on the syllabus, as Greek and Arabic alchemy are lead-ins for Egyptian, Indian, First Nations and Chinese topics. All of it leading to interesting, self-affirming places. Her frank and bemused reading of Aurora consurgens must have been as enjoyable for the eager students as it was breezily fun to read.
January 16, 2011
Again, Dr. von Franz blows me away with amplifications and explanations of a difficult psychological process - individuation as understood through the lens of medieval alchemy. Her understanding of the Divine draws me into a closer relationship with this loving and amazing Being - in whatever way one understands Her/Him. If you like linear explanations, this is not the book for you; it is a truly circumambular read. This was my second time through and I learned much more than the first time. I think a third read is in the future!
April 18, 2021
This is one of the best books about depth psychology I've ever read and definitely the best one about alchemy. Finally a text about alchemy that is understandable, not cryptic, and yet not too simplistic or contaminated by delirious pseudo-esoteric interpretations. Author is humble enough with her explanations to allow possibility of mistake, yet they sound reasonable and are well-founded in her personal psychoanalytical experience and huge knowledge of alchemical writings. This is a book that deserves more than one reading and I will probably return to it in future.
July 30, 2018
enjoyed conversation style of content. i liked the digressions as they added so much insight.
December 31, 2024
A slow read and very interesting!
November 28, 2020
Um livro muito esclarecedor dos significados não óbvios da alquimia. Por ser uma compilação de palestras a linguagem é muito espontânea. A autora discorre sobre as origens da Alquimia, passando para exemplo Greco-Egípcio, seguido da Árabe-Oriental e concluindo com Alquimia Europeia em um texto, ao que tudo indica, atribuído a Tomás de Aquino.
Explica em termos da psicologia junguiana o processo alquimico, se atendo ao nigredo, albedo e rubedo e situando tudo no processo de santificação do cristianismo.
Os pontos que mais me marcaram foram o cântico do Sol e da Lua e a paráfrase de Cantares do casamento do cristão com a sabedoria divina na coniuctionis.
Um livro para ser lido, meditado e digerido e que fará muito mais sentido para quem tem alguma familiaridade com Cristianismo e ao menos uma leitura completa da Bíblia.
Explica em termos da psicologia junguiana o processo alquimico, se atendo ao nigredo, albedo e rubedo e situando tudo no processo de santificação do cristianismo.
Os pontos que mais me marcaram foram o cântico do Sol e da Lua e a paráfrase de Cantares do casamento do cristão com a sabedoria divina na coniuctionis.
Um livro para ser lido, meditado e digerido e que fará muito mais sentido para quem tem alguma familiaridade com Cristianismo e ao menos uma leitura completa da Bíblia.
July 7, 2018
Pof this ish took a while, not cause i wanted to. Well, this is really cool to know a bout the trending Jung. This nibba was cray. Unconscious and conscious rebirth and that BS. Good ish to read but sometimes goes round and round like the ouroboros that this book's about. This is the sumary in 2 words; Go around.
July 7, 2022
طبق گفته خود دکتر فن فرانتس قبل از خوندن کتاب یونگ درباره کیمیاگری بهتره این کتاب خونده بشه. پر بود از مطالب مفید نکته ها و منابع مناسب و باب شروع جست و جو درباره کیمیاگری رو باز میکنه. از خوندنش لذت بردم و پی نوشت های خوبی داره. و در نهایت ترجمه روان کتاب همنقش بزرگی در لذت بیشتر بردن از این کتاب رو داشت
January 17, 2022
Really worth the time and effort. I especially enjoyed the Arabic section, which felt very alive to me. If you are working on your own individuation, doing dream work, this book is great. Marie Louise Von Franz's work is a gift to humanity.
October 11, 2019
One of Dr. von Franz's best work, with a clear prose and excellent pedagogy for an esoteric and frequently prohibitive philosophy.
May 19, 2020
excellent introduction to the symbolism, history and psychological components behind alchemy.
June 8, 2021
Interesados en psicología o alquimia, éste es un gran libro.
January 2, 2022
Totally recommend it to read before approaching C.G Jung's Psichology and Alchemy
November 30, 2022
2.5-3/5
December 17, 2022
Great Read !
January 30, 2023
Si leen este material como leerían un sueño captarán su significado
April 13, 2024
fucking awesome
August 4, 2024
Não tinha gostado muito do primeiro livro que li da Marie-Louise Von Franz; ainda bem que dei uma segunda chance. Obra de consulta para ser relida muitas vezes.
September 18, 2024
A soft spot as it was my introduction to Jung. Highly recommend for novelty alone.
November 4, 2024
This book has interesting parts but is generally all over the place
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews