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Overview of Jung
God In The Psyche

What sets apart the theories of Dr. Carl G. Jung from the majority of other modern psychological schools of thought? Simply put, in Jung’s “map of the soul,” he made room for a living, breathing, and interactive experience of God within the human psyche.

Jung discovered within the human psyche what he considered to be a healthy, life giving “religious experience” of God. Thus, from Jung's perspective, having a direct “religious experience” was no longer necessarily relegated to being a precursor for the dark diagnosis of a neurotic and/or psychotic break with “reality.”

Jung's psychological theories, and his making room for God in the psyche, did not "sit well" with many of his peers in the "scientific community." During his life (and continuing today), Jung was to be repeatedly charged with the heinous crime of "mixing science with mysticism."

Making room for "God in the Psyche," however had the inevitable opposite effect on “the faithful” from virtually every metaphysical belief system on the planet. Thus, Carl G. Jung has now become somewhat of an unofficial poster child for any and all religious faiths wishing to establish some sort of credibility. This, of course, includes many members of the more “acceptable” and “traditional” mainline metaphysical belief systems such as Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and so forth. It also includes many of today's lesser known, less traditional, metaphysical belief systems.

New Age Jung?
Jung would have likely enjoyed much of his current "renaissance" among many of today's New Age believers. However... Jung could also be rather stodgy, stuffy, and fixed at times. He would have undoubtedly been aghast at some of the ideas and/or beliefs now attributed to him. The embracing of Jung's ideas by the metaphysical community at large, unfortunately also includes more than a few fringe “nut ball” metaphysical belief systems. Let's face it! As much as I like to remain open minded about such things - there are some rather “nut ball” metaphysical belief systems out there. (And no, I'm not going to name names.)

Therefore, it's important to note (what should otherwise be obvious) - that just because someone quotes Jung (even if it happens to be me) - their embracing of Jung's theories of the psyche doesn't necessarily equate with having had Jung's personal "seal of approval."

Astrology?
I have to confess, it probably hasn’t helped Jung’s case in the "scientific community" that so many astrologers have likewise taken up the "Jungian banner." However, as you’ll discover in future articles… at least, Jung was an advocate of astrology (albeit a sometimes quiet and slightly embarrassed one). In fact, it was very much due to Jung (based on his frequent inclusion of astrology in his writings) that I first found myself becoming interested in the study of astrology.

In The Beginning
Dr. Carl G. Jung was born July 26, 1875 in Kesswil, Switzerland. Just in case his name ever comes up in conversation - the best approximation to the English pronunciation of his last name is: “Yoong.” (It’s not “perfect,” but it’ll get you by.) Jung was the only surviving son born to a Swiss Reformed Evangelical clergyman.

Jung studied medicine in Basel, and in 1900 he became an assistant professor at the Psychiatric Clinic attached to the University of Zurich. He then spent the majority of the next nine years there, in 1905 receiving the position of instructor of psychiatry. During this period of time, Jung was becoming increasingly interested in Sigmund Freud’s methods of psychoanalysis and in the “unconscious.”

Then, on March 3, 1907, the much younger Carl Jung met the elder Sigmund Freud. With Freud, steadfastly in the role and position of elder mentor, the two men became friends and maintained frequent correspondence with one another. Freud was very fond of Jung and was, by many accounts, preparing Jung as his (Freud’s) heir apparent in the field of Freudian analysis.

In 1909, Jung left his position with the University of Zurich and began his own private practice as a physician and psychotherapist.

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