On Divination and Synchronicity: The Psychology of Meaningful Chance: 3 (Studies in Jungian psychology)

Marie-Louise von Franz's book is a transcription of a series of lectures she gave at the Jung Institute in Switzeland in 1969. They read very well, and you can imagine her speaking at the podium. A number of times as I was reading through the lectures, I found myself wondering what practical use this stuff is--but I kept reading nevertheless. A lot of ideas are thrown out and explored: it is deeply intriguing. The author has also written a book on archetypal patterns in fairtales: I am tempted to read that too.

Excellent, erudite and deep examination of the psychology of divination and oracles alongside the phenomenon of synchronicity. However, if you are expecting a how-to book, you will be disappointed as this is a collection of lectures given in 1969 at the CG Jung Institute in Switzerland. In looking through the other books by the same publisher listed at the back of the book, I spotted one that was especially relevant to my circumstances, so there's already one synchronous event linked to my reading of the book.

A highly readable and informative transcript of a series of lectures explaining,by way of Jungian psychological theory,the conjunction of the qualitative and the quantitative, that give rise to synchronicity and enable divination.Areas such as;unconscious field theory,archetypes and the theory of dream analysis are also touched on in an edifying way.For the most part the book was uncomplicated although the paradigm shift required to understand number from a Chinese perspective was a little challenging.

I purchased this book as I was interested in the subject matter. What I had not realised was that the author did not have English as a first language and obviously translated it, very badly, herself. I also knew she was a co-worker with C.G.Jung and assumed her ability to express ideas on these matters would be as clear as his. They were not. Unfortunately I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was a jumbled mess of badly expressed concepts and extremely repetitious.

Not an easy book to process, but has some good information. Will keep it as part of my I Ching library.

Brilliant, mind-expanding ideas. Well worth the read.

Arrived on time, condition as stated maybe better than stated. Thankyou

This has been up til now a library read. I've read it 5 times. The ideas are complex and have a significant impact on how one views life's vagaries. von Franz's writing is clear and easy to understand, but what is implied by her arguments changed how I view life and how I proceed to make choices.

Very Good