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Aion
362 pages, 1991
Jung's work on the unconscious at the beginning of his career was influenced by the alchemical and mythological traditions, which found it necessary to combine psychology and religion.
Jung discusses the coming of Christianity and how this was related to a conflict between opposites, in particular evil and good. He explores how Christianity came about, describes the archetypal nature of 'Christ' which is defined as a psychological figure, and reveals how Christ's dual nature can be seen in his symbolic union of opposites. He also examines the symbolism of fish that recur as a symbol of Christ and the devil.
As a study of the archetype of the Self, Aion complements The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, which is also published in paperback.
In Aion, Carl Jung explores the concept of the 'Self'. He suggests that our conscious and unconscious minds are part of a larger, unified whole. This idea encourages us to look into our inner selves and understand our true nature.
Jung introduces the idea of archetypes, universal symbols that exist in our collective unconscious. These archetypes, he argues, shape our thoughts, behaviors, and dreams. By understanding these symbols, we can gain insights into our own behaviors and motivations.
One of the key ideas in Aion is the process of individuation. This is the journey of becoming an individual, separate from societal expectations and norms. Jung encourages us to embark on this journey, to find our true selves and live authentically.
Jung digs into the influence of religion on the human psyche. He sees religious symbols and rituals as expressions of our collective unconscious. This perspective can help us see the value in religious practices, even if we don't subscribe to a particular faith.
In Aion, Jung emphasizes the importance of balance between opposites. He believes that acknowledging and integrating our shadow side - the parts of ourselves we'd rather ignore - is crucial for personal growth. This idea invites us to accept all parts of ourselves, even the ones we're not proud of.
Quotes 5
Jung's Aion is a profound exploration of the human psyche, a work that has greatly influenced my own understanding of the human experience.
Joseph Campbell - Mythology, Comparative ReligionAion by Carl Jung is a book that has significantly shaped my perspective on the human mind and its complexities.
Jordan Peterson - Psychology, Self-helpAion is a masterpiece that offers deep insights into the human psyche. It has greatly influenced my work in psychotherapy.
Robert Moore - Jungian psychotherapyAion is a seminal work that has greatly influenced my understanding of the collective unconscious and the process of individuation.
Marie-Louise von Franz - Analytical psychologyAion is a profound exploration of the human psyche that has greatly influenced my work in archetypal psychology.
James Hillman - Archetypal psychology