Archetypal Dimensions of the Psyche (Paperback)

by Marie-Louise von Franz (Author) "SIGMUND FREUD MUST RECEIVE the credit for being the first to point out the psychic significance of childhood experiences for the etiology of neuroses..." (more)
Key Phrases: Brother Klaus, New York, Old Testament (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Von Franz worked closely with Carl Jung from 1930 to his death in 1961, assisting and supporting in his life work, particularly in the exploration of alchemy, dreams, and fairy tales. In dozens of books and articles, she has elaborated and amplified her mentor's groundbreaking discoveries. She has a remarkable gift for interpreting and demystifying the difficult symbolism of religious visions, ancient myths, and fairy tales of the common folk. This volume of essays continues to plumb the depths of archetypal realities on such topics as Merlin, the Antichrist, the Goddess, the Black Madonna, and the Age of Aquarius. Whether explaining the psychic complexities of gender or racial conflict, or the survival value of our connection to other animals, von Franz is perhaps unsurpassed as the archetypal Jungian. For all public and academic collections.?Terry McMaster, Onondaga Cty. Mental Health Svcs., Syracuse, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
     "Whether explaining the psychic complexities of gender or racial conflict, or the survival value of our connection to other animals, von Franz is perhaps unsurpassed as the archetypal Jungian." — Library Journal
     

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Product Details

• Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (February 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570624267
• ISBN-13: 978-1570624261
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #138,319 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Archetypal Dimensions of the Psyche, November 8, 2007

By	Tami Brady "Whole Health Therapist" (Calgary, Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Archetypal Dimensions of the Psyche investigates a nice variety of topics that relate to archetypes and dreams. Simply put, the overlying concept is that our dreams (or delusions) are not random. They contain symbols, symbols that can be useful in psychological analysis, personal self knowledge, or in making decisions about our lives.

The biggest problem is interpreting these meanings. This can be quite a complex task as these elements actually reflect archetypes from historical, religious, and mythological sources imbedded in our individual psyches. Essentially, differing cultural, religious, or historical backgrounds cause the archetypes to appear in slightly different ways for each person. Thus, not only do the archetypal symbols from our dreams (or delusions) need to be recognized as part of their greater story or meaning but also related to the needs and personal understanding of the individual.

Archetypal Dimensions of the Psyche would make an excellent text book for a class on archetypes and dreams. The material presented is detailed enough to adequately present a range of interconnecting concepts while still keeping to the main focus. Furthermore, each topic provides plenty of examples that would be perfect for class discussions. I'd sign up for such a class in a second.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Loved It, June 8, 2005

By	Bridgett (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This book takes an interesting look at myths, fairy tales, and dreams through traditional Jungian psychology. There's a wealth of information that can be used on the individual level for trying to understand some of one's personal experiences and cultural influences. Subjects such as evil in fairy tales, the cosmic/primordial man, the shadow, and the union of opposites are addressed in a manner to assist in the understanding of individuation and mythology. Probably a lot of old ideas for those very familiar with Jung or Joesph Campbell, but it might shed a new light on certain matters that are addressed.

16 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars if you think she's just a Jungian apologist..., May 17, 2000

By	Craig Chalquist, PhD, author of TERRAPSYCHOLO... (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

...think again. Here is one volume of a collection of the papers of Jung's most gifted student, interpreter, and innovator. Highly recommended.