Description
On November 23rd, 2013 the Asheville Jung Center hosted an enormously successful Introduction to Alchemy with Dr. Stein. There was a strong request from participants to go deeper into this mysterious aspect of Jungian psychology. Dr. Stein then graciously offered to lead a course on Alchemy during the first half of 2014. The courses took place monthly and the information in the seminars has been spectacular. You can register for the recordings for all 6 lectures for one price of $107. Each lecture can be viewed via download or streaming video.
Jung began studying alchemy intensively around 1930 and used alchemy extensively in his psychological research and writings for the remainder of his life, or roughly thirty years. Most of his mature works include important references to alchemy. Three volumes of the Collected Works are dedicated to his alchemical writings, and many of the essays in other volumes also extensively show influence from his alchemical studies and research. To understand Jung’s mature work, it is essential to study his writings on alchemy. This seminar series provides an overview of Jung’s interest in alchemy and his use of alchemical images and texts for psychological investigations into the nature of the individuation process.
The course reading syllabus is listed below. Participants are not expected to complete readings for each seminar but it would be helpful if you are able to view this material. Continuing Education Credit can also be purchased.
Seminar Series:
1. Introduction to Alchemy; Originally Held 11/23/13
Course Outline:
- Introduction
- Jung’s History in Alchemy
- Alchemical Figures
- Jung’s Alchemy Books
- Themes from Jung and Alchemy
- Conclusion
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss how Jung became interested in Alchemy.
- List the places that Jung started his alchemical training
- Give examples Jung’s thought about alchemy and psychology.
2. Alchemical Images as “States of Mind”; Originally Held 2/8/14
Course Outline:
- Introduction
- Jung’s Alchemy books
- Jungian Alchemy literature
- Basic Alchemical Image and Concepts
- Conclusion
Learning Objectives:
- Be able to compare and contrast alchemy to individuation
- Discuss the different stages of the alchemical process
- Give examples of historical alchemy themes
3. Alchemy as a Model for Psychological and Spiritual Work (The Opus); Originally Held 4/5/14
Course Outline:
- Introduction
- Jung’s Alchemical Index
- “Hunting Treasure” in Jung’s personal notes
- Alchemical Concepts and Images
- Conclusion
Learning Objectives:
- Give Examples of Jung’s writings in Alchemy
- Discuss the “treasure” found in Jung’s personal notes
- Demonstrate the use of basic images and concepts of alchemy
4. An Alchemical Process as Shown in a Dream Series; Originally Held 4/26/14
Course Outline:
- Introduction and review of Jung’s alchemical notes
- Alchemical Concepts
- Other alchemists
- The Alchemical Process
Learning Objectives:
- Give Examples of other alchemists that Jung worked with and studied
- Discuss the alchemical process
- Compare and Contrast the Alchemical Process to the Individuation process
5. Alchemy as a Guide for Transformation in Analysis; Originally Held 5/31/14
Course Outline:
- 4 stages of analysis
- The Catalyst of Conjunctio
- Tranference
- Conclusion
Learning Objectives:
- Compare how Jung and Freud viewed alchemy
- Understand the Rosarium Philosophorum
- Discuss the concept of Sol and Luna or Masculine and Feminine
6. Three Stages in the Development of Consciousness; Originally Held 6/28/14
Course Outline:
- Mysterium Coniuctionis
- Stage 1 Unio Mentalis
- Stage 2 Testing Unio Mentalis
- Stage 3 The Union of Self and one World
- Conclusion
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the 3 stages of conscious development
- Discuss synchronicity as a concept of the 3rd stage of development
- Give examples of alchemical symbols in individuation
Readings
1) “An introduction to Jung’s writings on alchemy” (Reading: Memories, Dreams Reflections, Chap. 7);
2) “On using alchemical images and concepts in Jungian psychology” (Reading: “Basic Concepts of Alchemy,” Collected Works Vol 12, Part. 3);
3) ”Individuation as alchemical opus” (Reading: “The Psychic Nature of the Alchemical Work,” Collected Works Vol 12, Part. 3);
4) “An alchemical amplification of individuation in a dream series” (Reading: “Individual Dream Symbolism in Relation to Alchemy,” Collected Works Vol 12, Part. 2);
5) “An alchemical model for individuation through relationship” (Reading: “The Psychology of the Transference,” Collected Works Vol 16);
6) “An alchemical account of three stages in the development of consciousness” (Reading: “The Conjunction,” Collected Works Vol 14, Chapter 6).
Presenter:
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