Complex/Archetype/Symbol in the Psychology of C.G. Jung

by Jolande Jacobi, Ralph Manheim (Translator)

As an associate of C. G. Jung for many years, Jolande Jacobi is in a unique position to provide an interpretation of his work. In this volume, Dr. Jacobi presents a study of three central, interrelated concepts in analytical the individual complex, the universal archetype, and the dynamic symbol.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Reference, Mythology

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Jolande Jacobi was a Swiss psychologist, best remembered for her work with Carl Jung and her writings on Jungian psychology. She was born in Budapest, Hungary as Jolande Szekacs, but became known as Jolande Jacobi after her marriage at the age of nineteen to Andor Jacobi.She spent part of her life in Budapest, part in Zurich and part in Vienna. Her parents were Jewish, but Jacobi converted to Roman Catholicism later in life. Jacobi met Jung in 1927, and later was influential in the establishment of the C.G. Jung Institute for Analytical Psychology in Zurich in 1948. Her students at the C.G. Jung Institute included Wallace Clift. She died in Zurich.

Reviews

[Jose Luis Belmonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading most of the collected works by Jung, this book helped me to grasp the concept of the Archetype and the symbols generated by the archetypes. The concept of the complex is also easy to understand, it was developed early in Jung's career, later he worked mostly on archetypes and its symbols.
The second part of the book, dealing mostly with symbols is also a good read.
Read this book to understand what a complex is, and then move on to archetypes and symbols.
Great reference book!

[Mauro Barea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muy bien, pero la forma de presentar los estudios de Jung a cargo de Jolande Jacobi no me parece la más acertada. Supongo que será para gente más entendida dentro de la psicología, pero lo poco que se le puede rescatar y que puedo entender como simple mortal es harto interesante.

[Fudgy · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty complex for me :(

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to the world of Carl Jung!The first three chapters define and explore the concepts of the complex, the archetype, and the symbol according to Jung’s work. The final chapter interprets a dream using these concepts and shows how to apply the newfound understanding of the 3 concepts.
It’s a bit heavy in theory and a bit in depth for a casual reader, but it’s worth pushing through nonetheless.

[Mario Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jewel of psychological insight by one of Jung's associates. Jolande was thoroughly qualified to provide her interpretation of Jung's work. A must for any serious student of psychology and/or astrology.

[Harris Silverman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex/Archetype/Symbol in the Psychology of C.G. Jung

This book provides useful insights into the Jungian understanding of the three concepts named in the title. It could be said to be somewhat basic, insofar as it is explaining basic concepts as if to someone who doesn’t know much about them; but there’s nothing wrong with that. And as it goes into a fair amount of detail, even people who have some familiarity with these concepts is still liable to learn something new. For my part, I was interested to read that Jung spoke of complexes of the collective unconscious, and that this is a good way to conceive of archetypes.

The book also includes an illustration of the concept of the objective amplification of dreams, which is informative, if, in my view, a bit lengthy.

There are a few passages of the usual brain-freezing Jungian density (particularly in that dream analysis), but Jacobi’s style is generally a lot more readable than that of most Jungians.

Altogether the book provides useful clarification of some key, basic Jungian concepts that can sharpen one’s understanding of these concepts.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This, like so many others, I will have to revisit. For there are differences between threads that I do not ascertain upon first, second, or third readings.

[Huié Hólos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in Jungian psychology.

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became intellectually challenged by Jung because there was so much in Volume Nine of The Collected Works (two parts: Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious and Aion), the first serious books by him attempted, I either couldn't understand or couldn't accept. Most of psychology, the history of religions, ancient philosophy, etc. was alien to me at that time, back in college, yet Jung also seemed to speak to me existentially, offering an avenue for understanding the phenomenology of altered states of consciousness which I'd experienced, a means by which I might relate my most bizarre personal experiences to the broader world.

Consequently, I began, in 1971, a concerted effort to get on top of what he called "analytical psychology", both by reading everything he'd written and by interrupting that lengthy process by studying works by his students, biographers and commentators. Jacobi, a close associate, was a name which came up repeatedly in the literature, so, when I'd find something by her, I'd pick it up.

[Mert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars (%72/100)

Jolande Jacobi’s Complex/Archetype/Symbol in the Psychology of C. G. Jung is a lucid and structured exposition of some of the most foundational—and often misunderstood—concepts in Jungian thought. As one of Jung’s close collaborators, Jacobi manages to distill complex ideas like the personal and collective unconscious, archetypes, and symbolic expression into an accessible framework, making this work an invaluable bridge for readers seeking clarity on Jung’s theories.

While the book is somewhat dated in style and assumes a degree of familiarity with analytical psychology, it excels in connecting theory with clinical insight and mythological parallels. A strong 4-star read for anyone delving into Jungian psychology, especially those who appreciate conceptual precision and psychological depth.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've studied Jung in my undergraduate work and in the beginning of my PhD program. I have never grasped Jung's concepts as clearly and succinctly as I have in reading this text. Jacobi makes Jung incredibly accessible, not to mention endlessly fascinating. The first part of the book delves into three sections defining/examining/exploring complex, archetype & symbol. The second part of the book gives a 60 page Jungian analysis of a dream an 8 year old girl described in a mere paragraph. Jacobi's analysis here puts Jungian theory into play in a deep, meaningful, and accessible manner. I've highlighted so much that I'm already eager to go back and re-examine. This book was a delight and has really excited me about my first session next week in my Jungian Depth Psychology course.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really liked this - the first half was very informative, and quite helpful in understanding the concepts she is expounding on, but appropriately simple, and the second half - which is really a seperate work - is the interpretation of one particularly meaningful dream - in a beautifully composed and deeply touching way - a very good read.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I return to this book often (especially The Complexes part) to help me delve deeper in understanding Jung's work.

[Chris Maats · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise and clear breakdown of the concepts. Very informative.

[Arthur George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent elaboration of 3 key but often misunderstood concepts of Jung (complex, archetype, symbol).