Alchemical Studies (Collected Works of C.G. Jung Vol.13)

What can one say? As always, Jung delivers an outstanding study of the complex and little known world of alchemy and does so in a very professional and synthetic manner that allows one to approach the subject seriously and without prejudice. As many of his great works, this one is full of references and quotes which expose the value of alchemy and archetypal symbols in the path of individuation or knowledge of Self. This work is not only for psychologists and specialists but above all for those interested in knowing themselves and discovering the ties between archetypal symbols related to the path of self realization. Outstanding. The presentation is excellent: among the best of any books I have purchased. Buy it and read it, you will not be disappointed.

This is not light reading. It will, however, provide an understanding of the psychological aspect to alchemy that is not readily available elsewhere. The insights and illustrations in the book make it a must read for individuals exploring the esoteric. I read this book after Psychology and Alchemy by Jung and found it to be a continuation of Jung's investigation into alchemy, revealing further insights.

Just like Jung. Eye opening and incredibly dense. I feel dumber and dumber with each collected works edition I get, in a good way.

nothing

A much needed and sober compilation on Alchemy. Jung at his best, breaching into man’s root.Add Aion to this book.

Excellent

Essential reading

I love the idea of transforming human conciousness. It's all new to me, but also sounds very profound and real.

Jung's alchemical writings are amongst the most difficult in his opus. There are three volumes of this in his Collected Works:  Psychology and Alchemy (Collected Works of C.G. Jung)  which is difficult, but repays effort (follow the link to see my review of it); the  Collected Works of C.G. Jung: Mysterium Coniunctionis: An Inquiry into the Separation and Synthesis of Psychic Opposites in Alchemy , which I've read, but that still defeats me; and finally this one.Of the three, "Alchemical Studies," is by far the most approachable, though there may be some occasional difficulties the text provides. The first part is Jung's commentary on  The Secret of the Golden Flower: Chinese Book of Life (Arkana)  which is essential reading for anyone interested in his ideas, and should not create problems for a general reader. It's available separately for those not wanting to purchase this volume. But here there are three more essays.One on "Paracelsus as a Spirtual Phenomenon" is Jung's longest essay in this volume about the late Mediaeval alchemist and doctor who is considered the founder of modern chemistry and medicine. It is more technical than Jung's other essays on the same subject in  RC Series Bundle: The Spirit in Man, Art and Literature (Routledge Classics) - which might be read as an introduction to the one here - but certainly worth reading for the greater depth. Then there are two other fascinating essays on alchemical symbolism.As with the other alchemical volumes, "Alchemical Studies" is probably mainly of esoteric interest and for specialists, excepting perhaps the commentary on the Secret of the Golden Flower. However, if only reading one of them, this is the one to read as it will immediately repay effort, and provide a good introduction preparing for the other volumes. Or alternatively, look up a number of anthologies of Jung's writings on Alchemy or in Anthony Storr's  The Essential Jung: Selected Writings . Psychology and Alchemy (Collected Works of C.G. Jung)Collected Works of C.G. Jung: Mysterium Coniunctionis: An Inquiry into the Separation and Synthesis of Psychic Opposites in AlchemyThe Secret of the Golden Flower: Chinese Book of Life (Arkana)RC Series Bundle: The Spirit in Man, Art and Literature (Routledge Classics)The Essential Jung: Selected Writings

Not a bad book at all, though I still don't believe that "The Collective Unconsious" can be observed "empirically", it's just a bunch of commonalities and associations, if people can draw pictures of circles, that doesn't make a circle an "archtype" that is imbedded in a vast and "collective" unconscious. I think that C.G.Jung says some interesting things, I simply don't wanna "follow" his science/religion.Nice book though.

A fundamental book on alchemy from Jung, who was amazed to discover that he had intuited a similar idea to the ancient alchemists before some of the texts written centuries ago came into his possession. Any student of Jung would want to own this book.