Alchemy, Jung, and transformation?

In its infancy, alchemy in the Western world was primarily an experimental scientific process dedicated to transforming physical, material lead into physical, material gold. Ancient Greek alchemists were counted among the scientists (i.e. chemists) of their day.

In much later years of alchemy's development and reemergence (during the European Renaissance), the primary goal for many alchemists had evolved and been transformed into something of a very different nature. For many of these alchemists, the alchemical process had become that of bringing about a mysterious corresponding inner transformation process within the human psyche.

Much through accident, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist, Dr Carl G Jung, MD, discovered - in the images of alchemy - further validation of his groundbreaking psychological theories regarding the universal nature of symbols. This was in reality little different than Dr Jung's earlier discovery of universal symbols contained in sacred religious writings, myths, fairy tales and/or in dreams.

Inner Transformation
The fascinating thing Jung discovered was that when looked at through a symbolic, imaginative, psychological "lens" - the (al)chemical experiments of transforming base, worthless metals into precious gold unconsciously reflected an internal developmental process of "wholeness" and health in the human psyche (which Jung termed as "individuation").

Jung came to greatly value alchemy for its rich symbolic content and imagery.... and in his studies, Jung eventually unearthed numerous indicators that even some of the earliest Greek alchemists were aware of a corresponding internal process taking place within the human psyche.

Yet, for Jung, what truly set apart the symbols of transformation found in alchemy was (in fact) due to the early alchemists' beliefs that they were strictly dealing with physical, chemical, material processes.

No Restrictions
Because these earliest alchemists were imaginatively experimenting with what they considered to be strictly physical matter - they were not bound in their imaginations and/or experiments by codified, religious doctrines regarding what was spiritually and/or religiously acceptable to "experiment" with and what was not.

Whereas, the symbols and images that spontaneously arise in the meditations of various religious mystics (whether the mystic be Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, etc.) are inevitably going to be partially bound by the codified, accepted parameters of their particular faith and/or meditational practices.

Example: In certain forms of Eastern Meditation - if beautiful divas and goddesses appear and try to divert the Yogin from his goal, he must (by virtue of established dogmatic beliefs and/or practices of what's "profitable") chase such thoughts away as being nothing more than "disturbing factors." And I assure you that I'm not just picking on Eastern Meditational practices - because these same sort of mental strictures typically hold true regardless of the particular faith and practice.

Psychological Gold
Jung found psychological gold contained in the writings of the alchemists. And in the end, three large volumes of Jung's Collected Works were devoted to alchemy and alchemical symbols in relation to the development of the human psyche and individuation.

Modern Day Alchemical Critics
Many modern day alchemists (and, yes, they do exist) are often found to be less than thrilled and/or enthusiastic with what they incorrectly perceive as Jung reducing the transformational alchemical process into a "mere psychological process."

Then... many of the arguments put forth appear to start out with the incorrect assumption that Jung's "individuation process" is associated with the treatment of "mental illness."

While many of Jung's theories are, without a doubt, of great benefit in the treatment of severe psychological disorders - Jung's psychology of the individuation process is a psychology of deep meaning, growth, and wholeness. It is only directed toward emotionally healthy people having established a strong and solid sense of ego identity and having a strong and solid grip on reality.

The "individuation process" in Jung's journey toward wholeness is definitely not recommended for anyone who is "teetering on the edge." In fact, just the opposite is true. If you happen to be someone who is "teetering on the edge," then Jung would have been the first to say: "Kids, don't try this at home."
The other argument often put forth is that the transformative alchemical process is only for those who are spiritually adept masters.

If that's your "bone to pick" to with Jung, then my only suggestion is to climb down from your "spiritual elitist high horse."

Neither Plato, Jung, or (for that matter) myself have any time, sympathy, or patience for that sort of egotistical "holier than thou" spiritual malarkey.

And that's (in an oversimplified nutshell) a little of what's up with Jung and alchemy...

Suggested reading for alchemy and psychology:
(please, please, please... the following books are not recommended for the faint of heart)