The Jungian concept of archetypes is of immense value for critically distinguishing what is potentially of universal practical value in religious and other cultural traditions, and separating this from the dogmatic elements. However, Jung encumbered the concept of archetypes with debatable constructions like the 'collective unconscious' that are unnecessary for understanding their practical function. This book puts forward a far-reaching new theory of archetypes that is functional without being reductive. At the centre of this is the idea that archetypes are adaptations to help us maintain inspiration over time. Humans are such distractable beings that they need constant reminders to maintain integration with their most sustainable intentions: reminders using the profound power of symbol linked to embodied experience. This multi-disciplinary book weaves together religious studies, ethical philosophy, the psychology of bias, the neuroscience of brain lateralisation, the linguistics of embodied meaning, the feedback loops of systems theory, with a lifetime's experience of Buddhist practice and appreciation of symbolism in the arts: all with the aim of producing a fresh understanding of the role of archetypes in religion and beyond, that can also be directly applied in practice.

Reprint. Originally published: 1959; 1st Princeton/Bollingen pbk. ed. published: 1970.

Within every human as within the whole of creation, there exist major fundamental directive and working energetic programmes. Some call these massive force fields of influence the Archetypes, whilst others call them Morphological Fields. Ancient cultures recognised them as their Gods & Goddesses. These force fields define the blueprints for the building blocks of matter as well as the actual mechanisms or "technology" which operate throughout the Cosmos. To understand these Fundamental force fields is to understand the Energy Blueprint from which the Cosmos is both structured & driven. Some call the sum of these Force fields ; the "Mind of God". These fundamental energy fields are perhaps best understood, as the "bits" of Prime Creator (Great Spirit) & the "parts of soul" within humans, plants, animals, & the elements throughout creation. As you read Book 1 and Book 2 describing the Major Archetypes of Creation, you will gain a profound understanding of yourself & the force field which permeates the very "Stuff of Creation". The content within these 2 books is divided into four" stand-alone parts" which allow you the reader the freedom to explore any single group of archetypes in any order you wish. Included, are sections for those who wish to use the Vibrational Essences & Elixirs which are designed to activate & enhance these same Archetypal Energies within you should you wish it. The material is channeled & may at times break grammatical rules. Just read as is you will understand the reason.

Popular author of eight books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts, Christine Valters Paintner explores how the lives and spirituality of twelve monks and mystics offer distinct patterns of thought that will lead you to a deeper understanding of your strengths and areas of growth and will guide you on the path to your true spiritual identity. In Illuminating the Way, Christine Valters Paintner takes you on a journey through your inner life accompanied by twelve great monks and mystics from the Christian tradition. Each figure invites you to discover the energy and potential of a particular archetype--the inner sage in Benedict; the inner visionary in Hildegard of Bingen; and the inner orphan in Dorothy Day. From the prophet Miriam of the Hebrew scriptures to twentieth century monk Thomas Merton, Paintner offers an array of challenging and enlivening models to explore. Paintner is beloved by readers for her creative practices, guided meditations, and beautiful prayers and poems, and she has included all of these elements in her new book to further explore the image associated with each mystic. Her insightful reflections on key selections of each mystic's writings will help you gain greater self-knowledge and experience a deeper encounter with God. Each chapter also includes a full-color painting of each monk or mystic by Marcy Hall with commentary by Paintner and scripture passages and mediations by Paintner's husband, John. Supplemental materials, including a CD with music, a DVD with movement prayers, and a book that includes images, poems, and music notations are available on Paintner's website AbbeyoftheArts.com.

The Unselfish Spirit is an essential 21st century guide to unlocking the secrets of how we as a race can collectively grow our consciousness to solve the complex web of challenges that threaten life on Earth. Mick Collins identifies how our global crisis is also a spiritual one. Drawing inspiration from cosmology, biology, quantum physics, psychology and occupational science, he suggests that the cultivation of our psycho-spiritual awareness can reveal new vistas, helping us engage in our transformative potential. The Unselfish Spirit draws inspiration from such diverse fields as cosmology, new biology, and quantum physics, along with insights from depth psychology, occupational science, and mysticism. Theories are discussed in relation to transforming consciousness and are enlivened by fascinating, real-life stories of people who have engaged in deep processes of change and transformation. At the end of each chapter there is an exercise that provides opportunities for experiential reflection, aiding you on your personal journey.

Donald Kalsched explores the interior world of dream and fantasy images encountered in therapy with people who have suffered unbearable life experiences. He shows how, in an ironical twist of psychical life, the very images which are generated to defend the self can become malevolent and destructive, resulting in further trauma for the person. Why and how this happens are the questions the book sets out to answer. Drawing on detailed clinical material, the author gives special attention to the problems of addiction and psychosomatic disorder, as well as the broad topic of dissociation and its treatment. By focusing on the archaic and primitive defenses of the self he connects Jungian theory and practice with contemporary object relations theory and dissociation theory. At the same time, he shows how a Jungian understanding of the universal images of myth and folklore can illuminate treatment of the traumatised patient. Trauma is about the rupture of those developmental transitions that make life worth living. Donald Kalsched sees this as a spiritual problem as well as a psychological one and in The Inner World of Trauma he provides a compelling insight into how an inner self-care system tries to save the personal spirit.