How does one approach a holy book? Carl Jung's "Red Book" arrived today, and I feel grateful and "graced" to have it here, in my study, on the day that Jupiter has gone direct. I also look at the large unopened box on my studio floor, and question: how do I approach this? Partly like a child at Christmas, with my favorite gift wrapped and presented to me. Partly...unsure of how to approach it all, and how to share it. Are there readers here who might be interested in parts of the book the strike a chord with me?
Here's Jung's opening: "The years, of which I have spoken to you, when I pursued the inner images, were the most important time of my life. Everything else is to be drived from this. It began at that time, and the later details hardly matter anymore. My entire life consisted in elaborating what had burst forth from the unconscious and flooded me like an enigmatic stream and threatened to break me. That was the stuff and material for more than only one life. Everything later was merely the outer classification, the scientific elaboration, and the integration into life. But the numinous beginning, which contained everything, was then." C.G. Jung, 1957
My sense is that Jung himself would not want us to rarify this book as much as to inspire each of us to pursue and ponder our own private images and inner life. A worthy ideal in these extroverted times in which we live. This huge book is impressive, yet for those who are somewhat new to Jung, his autobiography is a worthy read: "Memories, Dreams, and Reflections." And if you'd like an overview of his artwork and mandalas, here's an excellent biography: "Carl Jung: Wounded Healer of the Soul" by Claire Dunne. I loved this book.
Jupiter is the archetypal planet of grace, expansion, and meaningfulness. I feel honored to have this gift arrive today as Jupiter changes motion from retrograde to direct. Jupiter's grace and the wisdom of the Inner Self is moving more directly into our hearts and minds....and in Jupiter's spirit, may we continue to share the meaningfulness of our inner journeys with each other.
~elizabeth spring Oct 13, 2009 www.elizabethspring.com http://NorthNodeAstrology.blogspot.com
