The Descent of the Soul and the Archaic: Katabasis and Depth Psychology

The Descent of the Soul and the Archaic explores the motif of katabasis and its significance for writers from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on its place in psychoanalytic theory. It builds on Jung's insights into deep self-descent and the healing process and explores various modes of self-formation as a process of discovery.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Descent of the Soul and the Archaic delves into the captivating motif of kátabasis, a profound descent into an imaginative underworld, and its profound significance for writers across ancient times to the present. With a keen focus on its role in psychoanalytic theory, this comprehensive collection of chapters expands upon Jung's profound insights into katabasis and nekyia as models for a profound self-descent and the healing journey that ensues. The contributors embark on a captivating exploration of ancient and modern notions of the self, unraveling them through a profound descent into deeper levels of imaginal experience. Recognizing the complexities of applying contemporary psychological principles to ancient contexts, they delve into diverse modes of self-formation as a transformative process of discovery. Presented in three distinct parts, the chapters assess various contexts and texts, delve into the realms of goddesses, and offer theoretical alternatives. This captivating book appeals to scholars and analysts engaged in diverse fields, including classical studies, all branches of psychoanalysis, particularly Jung's theories, and postmodern thought, particularly the philosophy of Deleuze.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367515010