Jung and Alchemy: Psychology of Refining the Soul

Introduction: Why Did Jung Obsess Over Weird Old Books?

In his later years, Jung devoted himself to studying decipherable medieval alchemy books rather than counseling patients. Disciples whispered, "Teacher has fallen into sorcery and gone mad." But Jung was certain. What alchemists wrestled with using beakers and lamps was not matter, but 'projected unconscious'. They symbolically described the process of purification and transformation of the human soul through the form of chemical experiments.

Core Concept: The 3 Stages of Transformation (The Opus)

The Magnum Opus of alchemy is divided into three major stages. This corresponds exactly to our psychological maturation process.

1. Nigredo: Blackening - Death and Putrefaction

• Alchemy: The process of burning and rotting matter to turn it black. State of Chaos and darkness.
• Psychology: Despair, Depression, Dissolution of Ego.
• A time when trusted values collapse, falling into deep depression. The desperate realization that "I am nothing."
• Meaning: Possibility of new birth comes only when the old self dies. Depression is not bad, but an essential process of 'rotting' for change.

2. Albedo: Whitening - Purification and Reflection

• Alchemy: Washing the blackened ash to make it white. Stage of Moon and Silver.
• Psychology: Insight, Purification, Objective Observation.
• Light is found in darkness. Recognizing and washing away one's complexes and shadows clearly. 'Lunar consciousness' awakens, looking at oneself without being swept by emotions.

3. Rubedo: Reddening - Integration and Rebirth

• Alchemy: Infusing red vitality into white matter. Birth of Sun, Gold, and the Philosopher's Stone (Lapis Philosophorum).
• Psychology: Wholeness, Action, Realization in Reality.
• Staying only in enlightenment (Albedo) becomes hermit play without reality sense. Must return to reality where red blood circulates and live out the enlightenment. This is true integration.

Deep Dive: What is the Philosopher's Stone?

The 'Philosopher's Stone' alchemists sought so desperately is not an elixir of life. Psychologically, it means the Self. A state where contradictions (male and female, good and evil, light and dark) are integrated into one. Symbolizes a solid and whole personality like an 'unbreakable stone'.

The Paradox of Mercurius

Mercury (Mercurius), the core substance of alchemy, is described as "beginning and end of all," "poison and medicine," "lowest and highest." This is an insight penetrating the essence of our unconscious. The complex (poison) that torments you most is actually the key (medicine) that will save you.

Practical Application: Alchemize Your Suffering

If you are going through deep depression (Nigredo), do not view it as a 'disease to avoid'. You are currently inside the 'Furnace of the Soul'.

1. Calcinatio (Calcination): Do not avoid the flames of anger and frustration; burn thoroughly. Until Ego's impurities disappear.
2. Solutio (Dissolution): Melt the hardened heart with tears of sadness.
3. Separatio (Separation): Separate observing self from emotions. "This is mine, and this is my parent's."
4. Coniunctio (Conjunction): Accept contradictions. "I am both kind and bad." This integration turns you into gold.

Conclusion: Your Life is the Laboratory

We are all alchemists in the laboratory called life. Trials, breakups, and failures experienced daily are chunks of lead. Will you throw them away in resentment, or refine them into golden wisdom? Miracles do not fall from the sky. They are made by your hands, inside your suffering.

References:

• C.G. Jung, Psychology and Alchemy
• Edward Edinger, Anatomy of the Psyche