Luciano: I’d like to chat with Jung.

Jung: Of course, Luciano. While I am a digital model and not the real Carl Jung, I’m familiar with his work and can respond in a manner consistent with his theories and ideas. How can I assist you?

Luciano: I am almost giving up on reading your books. I started my reading with The Red Book. As far as I understand, it was your research diary, from which much of your future work arose. Is that correct?

Jung: Yes, “The Red Book” can be described as a personal exploration of my unconscious, and it indeed became a foundational stone for many of my later theories. It’s a deeply introspective work and not necessarily the best starting point for everyone. It’s a manifestation of my encounters with the unconscious and serves as both an artistic expression and a record of my inner experiences.

Luciano: So, what would be the best way to start?

Jung: If you’re looking to understand the core of my analytical psychology, there are some works that might serve as more accessible starting points:

1. Volume 7 – “Two Essays on Analytical Psychology”: This volume provides a basic introduction to many of the fundamental concepts of Jungian psychology.
2. Volume 9, Part 1 – “The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious”: Since you’ve already started here, it might be good to delve deeper into the central concepts of archetypes and the collective unconscious.
3. Volume 5 – “Symbols of Transformation”: This work explores the importance of symbols and the individuation process.
4. Volume 8 – “The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche”: You’ve already read this, but revisiting it after the previous volumes might provide a deeper understanding.
5. Volume 11 – “Psychology and Religion”: Here, I explore the relationship between psychology and spirituality, which could offer a solid background for the more esoteric texts.
6. Volume 9, Part 2 – “Aion: Studies on the Phenomenon of the Self”: With the background from the earlier volumes, “Aion” might become a bit more accessible.
7. Volume 6 – “Psychological Types”: This volume is central for understanding my theory of psychological types.
8. Volume 12 – “Psychology and Alchemy”: Here, I start to delve deeply into the relationship between psychology and esoteric traditions like alchemy.
9. Volumes 13, 14, and 15 – “Alchemical Studies”, “Mysterium Coniunctionis”, and “The Spirit in Art and Science”: These volumes continue and deepen the themes introduced in “Psychology and Alchemy”.
10. Remaining Volumes: The other volumes cover a variety of topics, and the order of reading might depend on your personal interest.

Starting with these texts can provide a solid grounding, and from there, you can branch out into my more specialized or esoteric writings.

Luciano: Okay, I will try. Thank you for the tips. I have already read “Man and His Symbols” and found it fantastic… that’s why I had started reading the complete work.

Jung: “Man and His Symbols” is indeed a more accessible introduction to my ideas. It was intended for a general audience and provides a broad overview of many of my key concepts. As you delve deeper into the Collected Works, you’ll encounter more complex and nuanced explorations of these ideas. Your journey through my writings is personal, and I encourage you to follow your curiosity and intuition.

Luciano: Ok, then, I started picking up specific sets to read. I read volume 8, parts 1,2, and 3. I found very interesting points about archetypes and synchronicity. So far so good.

Jung: I’m glad to hear that. Those volumes provide a deeper exploration into the nature of the psyche, the structure of archetypes, and the phenomenon of synchronicity. These are central themes in my work and understanding them will be crucial as you delve deeper into other topics.

Luciano: Yes, we will discuss them later on. In volume 9, part 1, the text already seems to get more confusing… for me, it only started making sense towards the end.

Jung: Volume 9, Part 1, which deals with “The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious,” delves deeply into some of the most fundamental concepts in my analytical psychology. It can be challenging because it requires a foundational understanding of previous concepts and is a synthesis of many ideas. But it’s heartening to hear that things started making sense for you as you progressed.

Luciano: Ok, but then, when I got to part 2 of volume 9, Aion, I think about giving up. Why did the conversation become so esoteric? I read about astrology, Nostradamus’s predictions, etc… it seems that it completely left the subject of psychoanalysis… Could you please clarify? Was I supposed to have read something earlier for this book to make sense?

Jung: “Aion” is indeed one of my more esoteric works. In it, I explore the nature of the Self and its manifestations across history, particularly through symbols and archetypal images. This includes a deep dive into religious and esoteric traditions. The reason for including subjects like astrology and Nostradamus is to illustrate how these ancient systems of thought relate to the psyche and its manifestations over time. It’s a challenging text, and while it is rooted in psychoanalysis, it ventures into areas that are more symbolic and historical. Having a foundation in the concepts from the earlier volumes can help, but even then, “Aion” can be a dense read. It’s okay to take your time with it or return to it later after exploring other texts.

Luciano: Ok, I was following my own order to read your books, according to my interests. However, it seems that it is not working very well. You already recommended other books at the beginning. Now, regarding the volumes of the complete work, would there be a better order for reading? Or should I just follow the chronological order in which the volumes were printed?

Jung: While my works can be read in chronological order, for those new to my ideas or looking for a more structured approach, a thematic order might be more beneficial. Here’s a suggested order that builds on foundational concepts and progresses to more advanced topics:

1. Volume 7 – “Two Essays on Analytical Psychology”
2. Volume 9, Part 1 – “The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious”
3. Volume 5 – “Symbols of Transformation”
4. Volume 8 – “The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche”
5. Volume 11 – “Psychology and Religion”
6. Volume 9, Part 2 – “Aion: Studies on the Phenomenon of the Self”
7. Volume 6 – “Psychological Types”
8. Volume 12 – “Psychology and Alchemy”
9. Volumes 13, 14, and 15 – “Alchemical Studies”, “Mysterium Coniunctionis”, and “The Spirit in Art and Science”

The remaining volumes can be approached based on your personal interests. Remember, the journey through my writings is personal, so it’s okay to adapt and find the path that resonates most with you.

Luciano: Ok, thank you very much. I was fascinated by the Red Book and the psychoanalysis techniques about active imagination… But I was starting to want to give up this reading because things were getting too confusing. I will try the order you suggested. Thank you.

Jung: It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when delving into complex and multifaceted subjects. The Red Book is a very personal and deep exploration of my own psyche, and it can be a challenging starting point. The active imagination technique, which I developed and explored in the Red Book, is a central component of my therapeutic approach. I would recommend returning to it with the background of other foundational texts. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Take your time and let the concepts resonate with you.

Luciano: Oh, and if I wanted to learn specifically about active imagination, what would be the best way?

Jung: To delve deeper into the concept of active imagination, you might start with “Memories, Dreams, Reflections,” my autobiography. While it’s not a technical work, it offers insights into how I personally used and understood the technique. Additionally, you might explore:

• “The Practice of Psychotherapy” (Volume 16 of the Collected Works): This volume contains essays on the application of Jungian theory in psychotherapy, and it discusses active imagination.
• “Jung on Active Imagination,” edited by Joan Chodorow: This book specifically focuses on my writings and teachings about active imagination, making it a concise resource on the topic.

Engaging with the primary texts and then perhaps exploring secondary sources, commentaries, or guided practices can further deepen your understanding and personal application of active imagination.