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Carolyn and Ernest Fay Series in Analytical Psychology
The Black Sun: The Alchemy and Art of Darkness
Also available in an open-access, full-text edition at  The black sun, an ages-old image of the darkness in individual lives and in life itself, has not been treated hospitably in the modern world. Modern psychology has seen darkness primarily as a negative force, something to move through and beyond, but it actually has an intrinsic importance to the human psyche. In this book, Jungian analyst Stanton Marlan reexamines the paradoxical image of the black sun and the meaning of darkness in Western culture.
In the image of the black sun, Marlan finds the hint of a darkness that shines. He draws upon his clinical experiences-and on a wide range of literature and art, including Goetheâ s Faust, Danteâ s Inferno, the black art of Rothko and Reinhardt-to explore the influence of light and shadow on the fundamental structures of modern thought as well as the contemporary practice of analysis. He shows that the black sun accompanies not only the most negative of psychic experiences but also the most sublime, resonating with the mystical experience of negative theology, the Kabbalah, the Buddhist notions of the void, and the black light of the Sufi Mystics.
An important contribution to the understanding of alchemical psychology, this book draws on a postmodern sensibility to develop an original understanding of the black sun. It offers insight into modernity, the act of imagination, and the work of analysis in understanding depression, trauma, and transformation of the soul. Marlanâ s original reflections help us to explore the unknown darkness conventionally called the Self. (20100410)
In the image of the black sun, Marlan finds the hint of a darkness that shines. He draws upon his clinical experiences-and on a wide range of literature and art, including Goetheâ s Faust, Danteâ s Inferno, the black art of Rothko and Reinhardt-to explore the influence of light and shadow on the fundamental structures of modern thought as well as the contemporary practice of analysis. He shows that the black sun accompanies not only the most negative of psychic experiences but also the most sublime, resonating with the mystical experience of negative theology, the Kabbalah, the Buddhist notions of the void, and the black light of the Sufi Mystics.
An important contribution to the understanding of alchemical psychology, this book draws on a postmodern sensibility to develop an original understanding of the black sun. It offers insight into modernity, the act of imagination, and the work of analysis in understanding depression, trauma, and transformation of the soul. Marlanâ s original reflections help us to explore the unknown darkness conventionally called the Self. (20100410)
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2005
101 people are currently reading
1436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 8, 2020
The Rebis is the alchemical symbol for integrated “opposing” process e.g. male/female, darkness/light etc.
According to the alchemical traditions, mater must undergo the stages of putrefaction i.e. death and dissolution, and purification, in order to differentiate opposing qualities, for later reconciliation.
The alchemical texts are considered by the Jungians to be a rich metaphor for spiritual/psychological growth toward ‘wholeness’ i.e. integration of the individuals disowned shadow material with their consciously experienced and accepted psychological material.
The Black Sun is offered as a pan-cultural sacred image (imago) of the shadow that is posited as a transitional object in the differentiation/integration process.
The book explores the image of the black sun as it appears in various wisdom traditions, in art and literature and in Jungian psychoanalytic theory.
Beyond that I have literally no fucking clue what this book is about.
But I absolutely LOVED it.
It’s like if RuPaul, Glen Danzig and Alan Ginsberg dropped belladonna and wrote a book.
It’s so fucking weird and cool and dark.
Yasssssss!!!!!
🖤🌞 🖤🌞 🖤
According to the alchemical traditions, mater must undergo the stages of putrefaction i.e. death and dissolution, and purification, in order to differentiate opposing qualities, for later reconciliation.
The alchemical texts are considered by the Jungians to be a rich metaphor for spiritual/psychological growth toward ‘wholeness’ i.e. integration of the individuals disowned shadow material with their consciously experienced and accepted psychological material.
The Black Sun is offered as a pan-cultural sacred image (imago) of the shadow that is posited as a transitional object in the differentiation/integration process.
The book explores the image of the black sun as it appears in various wisdom traditions, in art and literature and in Jungian psychoanalytic theory.
Beyond that I have literally no fucking clue what this book is about.
But I absolutely LOVED it.
It’s like if RuPaul, Glen Danzig and Alan Ginsberg dropped belladonna and wrote a book.
It’s so fucking weird and cool and dark.
Yasssssss!!!!!
🖤🌞 🖤🌞 🖤
February 22, 2017
It was OK. The central argument/analysis here-- that blackness/darkness/mortificatio is not just something we are supposed to Get Through/Work Through/Overcome, but an ever-present and indispensable part of life and growth and a kind of illumination itself-- this is good and important, very, yes. But I somewhat suspect that anyone with a desire to read this book has probably done some other reading on alchemy and psychology, right? And while it's neat how many different sources Marlan brings into the mix here, he never really introduces any big, original images or insight that you wouldn't have encountered already, especially if you've read some Hillman. If you're a fiction writer just looking to delve into the significance of the Black Sun as an archetypal symbol, there's some stuff in here for you, but it's pretty squarely aimed at practicing analysts and academics and probably ain't going to Blow Your Mind.
However, I will never sell this book. There's 15 color pages and one of them has this picture from an old alchemical treatise that is too beautiful to part with. It's the green lion eating the sun. I most definitely want that picture in a handy place from now on.
However, I will never sell this book. There's 15 color pages and one of them has this picture from an old alchemical treatise that is too beautiful to part with. It's the green lion eating the sun. I most definitely want that picture in a handy place from now on.
September 15, 2019
One of my all-time favorite books.
May 29, 2022
Although I really appreciated the fundamental concepts and ideas in this book, it ultimately fails to add depth to the main argument, thus making it very repetitive. Left me feeling as if there’s no real solid case for his point.
However, it has beautiful imagery, so if you can get yourself a physical copy it’s worth a quick read :)
However, it has beautiful imagery, so if you can get yourself a physical copy it’s worth a quick read :)
December 17, 2019
I loved this book. It offers a perspective on the alchemy of dark emotions that is incredibly unique, and at the same time draws from different writers and cultures to drive the points home. I especially loved the fact that unlike many other books, the author doesn't push some idealized notion of finding some sort of "light" at the end of the tunnel; but rather lays out the process for the proper integration of the darkness into the personality of the person undergoing the process, and also talks about the cost of improper or premature integration of opposing/ paradoxical forces. Whatever a person finds at the end of their process, they find.
Want to read
May 21, 2009This looks sweeeeet.
July 14, 2016
Immensely enlightening and empowering read. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2021
I found this book so interesting and a very thorough discussion of the symbol of the black sun within Jungian Psychology. The book explores how darkness within the individual can be experienced as consuming or result in rebirth, growth and healing.
For me personally, I found it tricky to keep up with in places due to the complex ideas it was putting across. Which of course is not an issue with the book! But it might be a book for people with more background reading in this area, or perhaps like me, it’ll be one that’s read a few times to mine out all of the wonderful ideas it holds.
For me personally, I found it tricky to keep up with in places due to the complex ideas it was putting across. Which of course is not an issue with the book! But it might be a book for people with more background reading in this area, or perhaps like me, it’ll be one that’s read a few times to mine out all of the wonderful ideas it holds.
July 8, 2024
4.5/5
I think people who are newer to Jung's idea of the shadow will get more out of this. I LOVED how interdisciplinary the author was and how they included so much artwork that exemplified this idea. I really, really enjoyed this. I think because the author is a working analyst, I expected more tangible advice on how to apply these ideas to our own lives... but I eventually realized that was not the point of the book. overall, really enjoyed this.
I think people who are newer to Jung's idea of the shadow will get more out of this. I LOVED how interdisciplinary the author was and how they included so much artwork that exemplified this idea. I really, really enjoyed this. I think because the author is a working analyst, I expected more tangible advice on how to apply these ideas to our own lives... but I eventually realized that was not the point of the book. overall, really enjoyed this.
February 21, 2023
Currently reading and I'm OBSESSED !!!!! This correlates with my belief system so much as well as my spirituality. I'm a witch who plans to study psychology in college when I graduate, and this has some amazinggg philosophical ideas inside of it! I would not recommend for someone beginning to get into alchemy or psychology although it can be a bit confusing.
September 24, 2024
Dunkelheit beleuchtet mehr als Licht jemals könnte. Ein direkter Einblick ins Herz der Nacht, Sol Niger. Geht viel auf Carl Jung's Studien ein. Interessant, aber wiederholt sich sehr oft.
Gute visuelle Darstellungen. Mit Vorsicht zu genießen.
Gute visuelle Darstellungen. Mit Vorsicht zu genießen.
January 14, 2025
Wasted on me. An interesting read but Rosen consistently gets tantalisingly close to delivering a conclusion only to fall short. Personally it felt too dilettante-like and drew heavily from mysticism and apophenic symbolism. Probably a great read for those interested alchemy and the likes
June 15, 2025
1 – The shadow of despair is the fuel for creativity. 2- Alchemy is a ‘Chemical Wedding”.
3 – Sol Niger. 4 – Jung !! 5 – Abstract painters. 6 – Yang Taoism, “darkness within darkness is everything.’ 7 – Buddhism, 8 – a black light.
3 – Sol Niger. 4 – Jung !! 5 – Abstract painters. 6 – Yang Taoism, “darkness within darkness is everything.’ 7 – Buddhism, 8 – a black light.
October 2, 2025
Way more esoteric than I was expecting and far too much of it is based on Jung's work. I was after more of an analysis of the art/history representations and less repetition on the psychology and way. too much on alchemy for me.
October 20, 2020
good for the sould
The book is a grim piece of poetry reflecting on the inexistence of the psychological Self (seen as undefinae concioisness) without the shining light of darkness
The book is a grim piece of poetry reflecting on the inexistence of the psychological Self (seen as undefinae concioisness) without the shining light of darkness
January 12, 2021
I adore Jung and will continue to research the Black Sun...
January 5, 2024
As a reader of Jung, I’ve grappled with trying to understand the problematic occurrences in my life and their relation to my unconscious psyche. Dr. Marlan presents a masterful elucidation of these phenomena, showcasing the transformative aspects of darkness. This book has truly touched my soul.
June 23, 2024
A wonderful review on the sol niger, using jungian archetypal imagery in an alchemical setting.
July 6, 2024
2.5 stars
July 13, 2025
This book was extremely helpful in transforming my own depression into creative activity.
April 21, 2017
Great piece of work for those interested in Jungian psychology, alchemy, and working with the "shadow". For those that have explored this area you likely won't find anything new. I personally found nothing new in regards to the motifs, but the artwork in this book is great. I would say this book is worth getting without praising it as anything greater than decent.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews