Initiation: The Living Reality of an Archetype

This book builds on the vast clinical experience of Joseph L. Henderson, who became interested in initiatory symbolism when he began his analysis with Jung in 1929. Henderson studied this symbolism in patients' dreams, fantasies, and active imagination, and demonstrated the archetype of initiation in both men and women's psychology. After Henderson’s book was republished in 2005 Kirsch, Beane Rutter and Singer brought together this collection of essays to allow a new generation to explore the archetype of initiation.

Initiation: The Living Reality of an Archetype demonstrates how the archetype of initiation is seen clinically today. Divided into distinct parts, the book explores the archetype of initiation in Dr Henderson’s own life, as well as suggesting its importance in:

• clinical practice
• culture
• aging and death.

The chapters in this book amplify and extend the archetype of initiation from the earliest historical periods up to the present day. The editors argue that initiation symbolism often underlies contemporary phenomena, but is rarely recognized; Initiation helps to bring a new understanding to these experiences.

This book will be of interest to psychotherapists with an interest in psychoanalysis and analytical psychology, as well as those training at analytic institutes.

Thomas Kirsch is a Jungian Analyst who trained at the San Francisco Jung Institute. He is author of The Jungians and has been president of the CG Jung Institute of San Francisco and of the International Association for Analytical Psychology.

Virginia Beane Rutter is a Jungian Analyst who trained at both the Zurich and the San Francisco Jung Institute. She is the author of three books, including Woman Changing Woman, that bring art history, archaeology, and psychology to bear on the relevance of this archetype for modern men and women.

Thomas Singer is a Jungian Analyst who trained at the San Francisco Jung Institute. He has written four books including The Vision Thing and The Cultural Complex.