Rune Soup Wearing Jung's skin like a pelt
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Mar 24, 2026 A deep dive into how Jung shaped modern magic and where psychology and occult practices diverged. Traces 19th century alternatives like spiritualism and mesmerism that influenced early psychological thought. Explores Jung’s Red Book, active imagination, synchronicity, and links to the I Ching and horary astrology. Surveys later occultists who carried Jungian ideas and asks what to keep or let go.
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Modern Psychology Chose To Abandon Spiritualist Roots
- Modern psychology deliberately separated itself from spiritualist practices to 'science up' mental healing.
- Gordon argues this decision hid richer mediumistic and spiritual techniques that were once integrated with early psychotherapy, limiting psychology's scope.
Jung's Red Book Came From Active Imagination
- Carl Jung used active imagination to dialog with archetypal figures during 1912–1916 and recorded the Red Book.
- He painted visions and called the autonomous psychic content 'Philemon,' then hid the work for decades to protect his scientific career.
Use Active Imagination As Receptive Theurgy
- Practice active imagination as a receptive theurgic technique, following images that arise rather than forcing visualizations.
- Gordon recommends using dreams, mandalas, or arresting images to receive autonomous guidance rather than conscious scripting.
