Customer Reviews

Amor and Psyche (Mythos Books)

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Discovering the psychology in mythology is an interesting quest. Neumann has written quite a few books on the subject and this is one with an emphasis on the feminine principle. Neumann traces the development of Psyche from her state of unconciousness, to growing need for conciousness, to becoming an active participant taking real action. I also recommend reading "Origins and History of Conciousness" first.

The first part of the book is a retelling of the story of Eros and Psyche as originally told by Apileius. The story is familiar to most followers of Greek/Roman mythology - Psyche is a beautiful princess, Eros falls in love with her, but will not allow her to see him. She is tricked into doing so, then undergoes a series of trials to regain his heart.

The second part of the book is a commentary using Jungian psychology and archetypes to discuss the deeper meanings of the myth. It is a very heavy read, but worth the effort - particularly if the reader has familiarization with Jungian thought. Not for the faint of heart...

This really is a unique book. It describes how human beings first realised the difference between passionate love (symolised by Aphrodite) and love with the soul, soul being a new understanding (symbolised by Psyche - the first goddess who was born a human being). The original story was based on wisdom which had grown over many thousands of years, since man began. It also illustrates the crucial importance of the human soul and therefore is probably the most vital concept for our lives today when we are on the cusp between, needing so badly to move on from, just soulessly using people and things, or valuing and loving them. The meaning of the greek word Psyche is soul.

It is a deeply nourishing book.

Erich Neumann was considered to be one of Jung's most gifted students. His three main contributions are "The Origin and History of Consciousness", "The Great Mother" and "Amor And Psyche".

Neumann interprets the tale of Amor and Psyche found in Apuleius' "The Golden Ass" as an illustration of the developmental characteristics of the feminine psyche. His erudition is typical of Jungians in depth, clarity and detail. "The birth of Psyche is a critical event in human history as is shown by the radical transformation of man's relation to Aphrodite. It corresponds exactly to the cry, 'Great Pan is dead!' that rang out at the end of antiquity." p.59

Marie-Louis Von Franz on the other hand in her analysis of "The Golden Ass" in toto treats the tale as a stage in the process of the liberation of the unconscious feminine archetype or Anima in the male psyche that serves as the intermediary between the ego and the unconscious. Each interpretation is valid, brilliant and intensely illuminating.

Both points of view provide a rich source of insight into the development of mankind and the individual.

This book helps us understand your inner-self. You learn a lot about how you really are and learn how to control new abilities. I would give this book to any women who wants to get in touch with a secret part of their mind. You also learn about history and this helps you to adapt what you've learned in your present life.