The Alchemy of Psychology

By: James Hillman

Narrated by: James Hillman

James Hillman was a past master of alchemical psychology. This field uses metaphors derived from ancient alchemy to elucidate deep structures in the creative imagination. Creative processes are not random. By studying alchemical psychology we come to understand ourselves and other humans in surprising ways that frequently diverge sharply from the habitual understandings we have unconsciously absorbed from the cultures in which we were raised. These new awarenesses can engender unexpected new vitality and wonder.

©2015 James Hillman (P)2015 BetterListen!LLC , all rights reserved.

Better than I thought it would be!

Would you listen to The Alchemy of Psychology again? Why?

Yes, it's a great resource.

What did you like best about this story?

Easy going, relevant, covered a great deal of material.

What does James Hillman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Easy to appreciate the content of Hillman's writing, but something about the writing style just doesn't resonate so well. It's the cadence of his sentence structure, something about it is off putting... can't put a fine point on it exactly. The audio book on the other hand, which is a recording of a presentation he delivered is great - his style of speaking is accessible, easy going, approachable, relaxed.

Alchemy [or] Psychology

I've read a lot of Jung on alchemy, as well as several others whom Hillman cites here. As fascinating as the concepts of both alchemy and psychology are, the explanations Hillman offers often seem so glib that they left me asking what is the point of these patriarchal/hierarchical mind games? Haven't we evolved beyond such thinking?

And as far as interpretation (hermeneutics) goes, in order to talk about anything, we "interpret" it. This set of lectures, though enjoyable, showed me how easy it is for even "experts" to get tangled up in concepts.

Spellbinding!

I met James Hillman once. His brilliant lectures are as informative as his books. This man from Atlantic City is as close as we get to a C.G.Jung reincarnate. Its rare but this collection is a keeper.

Not quite a “book”

This is a recording of material Hillman presented before some kind of weekend workshop, apparently. If you’re looking for the kind of focus found in his books, look elsewhere. It’s a bit rambling at times.

Excellent

This is a fantastic reading an introduction to alchemy in psychology. We need much more James Hillman on Audible and from better listen.

imagination fuel

Alchemy holds many rich metaphors that are explored by James Hillman with a live audience at one of his weekend talks. It is a great window into alchemy, Jung psychology, and the power of image and metaphor for the psyche. Many parallels are drawn between The alchemist and their laboratory to your own psyche. The fact that you have an oven with vessels on it filled with salt and mercury and sulfur. what does this all mean? Nothing and everything it is a diving board into mirror. The images that you need to ponder will jump out at you and there are many bizarre and rich images in the art alchemy.

Also James Hillman is a foil or shadow to Jordan Peterson. They're both Jung psychologists but Hillman is American and leans left politically. I appreciate Hillman's insight, grace, and humor. you can find many of his talks free on YouTube to get a sample of his style.

Great content, okay sound quality

Very good series of lectures on jungian views of alchemy, however the quality of the audio was not too great. When members of the audience ask questions, it is inaudible and Hillman does not always repeat them. This can make listening very confusing.

Welcomes change to the mental landscape

Absolutely thought sparking. This "lecture" touches on a broad spectrum of states and conditions. From this one can equate so much previously private, or undisclosed materia.

Very bady produced

Great content on alchemy and psychology almost ruined by there being no effort put into improving the poor audio quality of the original recording. Levels are so low one can really only listen in a totally silent environment. Very disappointed.

Great lectures

I’m glad someone recorded these lectures! Good introduction and overview of alchemy and symbol in psychology.