The Red Book, or Liber Novus, is C.G. Jung’s seminal work on investigating and experiencing the unconscious firsthand, a challenge that took focus, strength, and curiosity to endure all that the unconscious presented to him. It was no easy task, and as he said upon reflection, it was the basis for all his later work.
The Collected Works emerged out of these early and personal experiences as a way to describe the process of individuation and Jung’s theory of analytical psychology. What we see in action is the process of active imagination: descending into the vision initiated from the unconscious and entering into dialogue with the many figures that inhabited his inner world, as a way to reveal his shadow and complexes and to establish a relationship with the Self, as he later described it.
The Red Book consists of visions or fantasies — what he saw and experienced — and his understanding of these interactions. It reflects his interpretation and elaboration, subjectively and objectively, of general psychological principles. Then we have the gorgeous paintings, which came later but are an important part of his process.
In this course, we will delve deeply into the material highlighting the important points of contact and understanding. Each week will cover a different chapter, beginning with the Introduction, then Liber Primus, Liber Secundus, and finally Scrutinies. Questions, comments, and discussion are encouraged.
Additional works by Jung to supplement The Red Book, for future reference:
- The Black Books
- The Art of C. G. Jung
- Introduction to Jungian Psychology: Notes of the Seminar on Analytical Psychology Given in 1925
- “Confrontation with the Unconscious,” chapter VI, Memories, Dreams, Reflections
