Encounters with the Soul: Active Imagination as Developed by C.G. Jung

Barbara Hannah is a notable first-generation student & scholar of Carl Jung, with a particular focus on certain aspects of the vast range of his work—in this case, it's an examination of the concept of Active Imagination, in which one enters into conscious encounter with varying aspects of the psyche, parts of ourselves that basically have autonomous lives that are often initially hidden from our conscious minds. But while she does give a brief overview of the concept, she chooses to explore, explain, and expand upon it by using specific case studies, so that we can follow along with each step of the inward journey. As previous reviewers have noted, that means this probably isn't a good beginner's book for coming to Jung—better to read a few solid introductory books first—but it does serve admirably to illuminate & amplify the richness of Active Imagination for those already acquainted with the basic concept.This is a rewarding approach, as it allows us to understand that Active Imagination is a lengthy, ongoing process, certainly not to be undertaken lightly, but offering a wealth of insight for those who accept its sometimes difficult demands. Yet Hannah manages to convey all of this in clear, understandable language, making the process come to life for the reader. Some of the imagery here is striking & vivid!Whenever I've read anything by Barbara Hannah, I've come away better & more informed for it. This book is no exception. Most highly recommended!

Since there are no reviews of this book as yet, I will give you a few comments, having just finished reading Barbara Hannah's good book. If you are looking at this text, you probably already know that Ms. Hannah was a Jungian analyst who worked directly with Jung and who wrote a particularly interesting biography of her teacher as well.I have posted a Table of Contents as this will be very valuable.Well, here goes: This is not a "how to do active imagination" book, but rather a number of case studies, so it will be best that the reader be somewhat familiar with Jungian psychology before taking up this work. It will be good to know that half the book deals with a single case of incest - the Case of Anna Marjula - a famous concert pianist who began her work at Zurich in her 50's and continued into her 90's. She never married but was highly imaginative, so was able to verbalize her inner visions that worked toward a cure of sorts. (She wrote her own book of her active imagination conversations as well.) If you are well-versed in Jungian psychology, you will find her case as well as others described here to be fascinating and insightful.  Jung on Active Imagination

a very nice book; but shows active imagination tecnique only through dialogs with the inside personifications

Excellent!

Looking forward to reading this - highly recommended by Jung scholars.

Barbara Hannah’s “Encounters with the Soul: Active Imagination as Developed by C. G. Jung” is a very interesting and most worthwhile read! While most of us will admit to having both an outer life of actually doing and being and also an inner life of imagination, many of us don’t have adequate languages or structures for integrating and reconciling our outer and inner worlds. Carl Jung acknowledged that “what we know of ourselves is not all that we are” and developed a theory of “active imagination” as a means for seeing into more of the “all that we are” … of integrating our outer and inner worlds. Why, one might justifiably ask, would we want or need to know “all that we are?’ Because, within each of us, we have an insatiable hunger for trying to reach and discover our own unique wholeness. Barbara Hannah, a student of Carl Jung’s in the 1920’s and an accomplished practitioner of ‘active imagination’ as a Jungian analyst, shares several analysis case histories as vehicles for helping readers understand the relevance and power of ‘active imagination.’ Hannah’s thorough style at times draws us into, on one hand feeling like we are actually there witnessing her client/analyst conversations and on the other hand we are there in her head watching how she recognizes and integrates what could feel like disparate parts of her client’s dreams.Often I caught myself insatiably consuming Hannah’s shared ideas like sumptuous meals. Frequently, I recognized where examples of Hannah’s ideas were evident in our daily lives … and where we could use active imagination to find our wholeness and feel more life fulfillment. Though possibly a difficult read, definitely a very worthwhile investment!

I LOVE Barbara Hannah! She says things few other analysts say, is down to earth and gets me in touch with the Tao. In this book she gives solid examples of active imagination and insights into the process of individuation which is the whole purpose of Jungian psychology. I cannot say as much for Hillman and other more current authors. One of the top 3 female Jungian authors.

If you are new to jungian psychology or this will be the book to start with.... Hold it! Don't read it as the first book. Do some groundwork before you proceed with this extremely helpful book. This is not a guidebook or a cookbook; but an all-rounded records for cases modern men/ women as well as ancient examples. As a non native English speaker, I can easily grasp ms Hannah's idea and her writing is easy to read and easy to understand with enough but not excessive quotes from other jungian writers and Jung of course. A highly recommended book for people that have been in Jung's world for some time. Not a beginners' book though.

Excellent

Excellent exemplar of this wonderful book, fast delivery

This book is a unique and highly informed exposition of Active Imagination, one of Jung's most extraordinary contributions to depth psychology. Hannah was taught the method by Jung himself. As anyone familiar with her outstanding biography of him can attest, she has many important & juicy details, 'straight from the horse's mouth' to share. Unmissable, really.

Ok but nothing special

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