Product Description

"Edinger has greatly enriched my understanding of psychology through the avenue of alchemy. No other contribution has been as helpful as this for revealing, in a word, the anatomy of the psyche and how it applies to where one is in his or her process. This is a significant amplification and extension of Jung's work. Two hundred years from now, it will still be a useful handbook and an inspiring aid to those who care about individuation". -- Psychological Perspectives

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #304796 in Books
• Published on: 1991-02-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 284 pages

Customer Reviews

Slapdash!
I am very critical of the way Edinger uses his intellect to dissect every precious symbol from the history of religion. As a result the symbols become emptied of their mystery and two-dimensional. His "Anatomy of the Psyche" belongs to his late period and it is here where he goes farthest in his repudiation of the Jungian school where he was trained. Here Edinger has finally turned to a Gnostic religious viewpoint and declares that the ego and its consciousness can be strengthened until it finally attains a divine stature. As a result the individual attains eternal life since he takes his abode in the Platonic sphere beyond time and space. It's hard to believe that this man actually lectured at a psychological institute. Some sort of New Age temple would be more proper.

Edinger can be branded a poor man's depth psychologist. He suits everybody who is content with a sketchy treatment of very tough problems. The interpretations of the alchemical symbols are shallow and slapdash to the extent that I was shocked when I first read this book. His interpretations often contradict accepted understanding. This book is full of transcendentalism and strange self-contradictions. I cannot recommend it.

Mats W