The Archetypal Imagination

Carolyn and Ernest Fay Series in Analytical Psychology

By: James Hollis PhD

Narrated by: Kevin Pierce

"What we wish to know, and most desire, remains unknowable and lies beyond our grasp."

With these words, James Hollis leads listeners to consider the nature of our human need for meaning in life and for connection to a world less limiting than our own.

In The Archetypal Imagination, Hollis offers a lyrical Jungian appreciation of the archetypal imagination. He argues that without the human mind's ability to form energy-filled images that link us to worlds beyond our rational and emotional capacities, we would have neither culture nor spirituality. Drawing upon the work of poets and philosophers, Hollis shows the importance of depth experience, meaning, and connection to an "other" world.

Just as humans have instincts for biological survival and social interaction, we have instincts for spiritual connection as well. Just as our physical and social needs seek satisfaction, so the spiritual instincts of the human animal are expressed in images we form to evoke an emotional or spiritual response, as in our dreams, myths, and religious traditions.

The author draws upon the work of the poet Rainer Maria Rilke's Duino Elegies to elucidate the archetypal imagination in literary forms. To underscore the importance of incarnating depth experience, he also examines a series of paintings by Nancy Witt.

With the power of the archetypal imagination available to all of us, we are invited to summon courage to take on the world anew, to relinquish outmoded identities and defenses, and to risk a radical reimagining of the larger possibilities of the world and of the self.

©2000 James Hollis (P)2012 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This book on archetypal imagination is a feast of poetic and artistic references to the numinosity of the imagination." ( Journal of Analytical Psychology)

"Those interested in Jungian psychology, spirituality, and healing will appreciate...this book." ( Review of Texas Books)

"Hollis has written a brief, elegant, and well-crafted volume that looks at aspects of the archetypal imagination." ( Choice)

Hollis & Junginan Psych always a win

I enjoy the straight forward approach to anylitical psychology. I haven't found anything in his work I don't feel aligns with me.

Great Intro to Jungian Concepts

Terrific intro to Jungian analytical psychology especially such concepts as archetype, borderline personality disorder & narcissism & why myths & fairy tales are so important even today.
Hollis' work is clear & concise.

A Must for Students of the Human Condition

James Hollis artfully weaves threads of poetry, mythology, philosophy and art criticism into his account of Jungian psychoanalysis. Hollis aims to comprehend no less than our deepest needs and impulses. In his investigation, he unearths a series of deepening paradoxes. In short, there are no easy answers to this tragic, absurd masquerade we call human life. And yet the desire to understand opens up deeper reserves of nourishing meaning. A fine read.

Thank you Mr. Hollis

51 years old and I finally hear truth that gives me hope and connection to this human existence
God Bless you. Did you ever meet Jung?
Damn he must be happy with this.
Sincerely
Your friend
Tommie

On Repeat...

I just listened to it a second time in less than a month as Chapter 5 is a bit harder to grasp fully. great author.