Psychology and Magick
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I’ve been spending some time reading some old posts in this forum. After reading many commentaries on the subject of psychology (especially those of Jim) I started to ask myself what psychology authors I should be reading.
More specifically, which authors are directly relevant to the practice of magick and the understanding of the subconscious and the astral plane.
Any suggestions?
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I should apologize for making such a broad question but, unhappily, my understanding of psychology is extremely superficial and much of what I found had little practical use (most probably due to my lack of understanding of how this material could be applied to my work).
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One could always recommend "the heavies" - Jung being at the top of that heap. But it might not be the best place to start.
I might recommend:
Victoria Frankl for the deep impact of existential-spiritua matters on the psyche
R.D. Laing to understand the potentially transformative function of psychosis
Abraham Maslow to understand the hierarchy of needs (broadly applicable)
Erik Erikson to really understand developmental stages
Maybe Roberto Assagioli to see a broader integration of schools & techniques, with a model of the psyche totally consistent with QabbalahJust off the top if my head.
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In general, yes; except that the term has been used variously and vaguely over six decades, so it's hard to endorse globally. But I can't think of anyone identified with the term that would be at all bad, especially if you're drawn to them.
Note that most of those I named are regarded as the immediate predecessors and inspirers of TP. From them came Hillman, Houston, etc.
If you're going to read that widely, don't miss the humanists - Carl Rogers is as good a start as any - or the pragmatist like Virginia Satir.
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@Faus said
"One more quick question. Do you think that transpersonal psychology would also be a good option?"
Most definitely!
Modern transpersonal psychology has a very clear and direct insight into the nature of human awareness.
If I may, I would suggest to look into the works of Ken Wilber and his Atman Project, AQAL (all quadrants - all levels) and his chart of levels of consciousness.Not only is it (the chart) in harmony with all known religious and pragmatical Paths (Kabbalah, Vedic, Hindu etc...), it is also very technical and not at all symbolical. No numbers, to the uninitiated funny/strange signs, and no twice wrapped symbols.
It is clear and transparent.
No need to pledge any Oath to anyone to understand transpersonal psychology.You may also want to look into the work of Dr John Rowan and of course all of the aforementioned pioneers of both humanistic and transpersonal psychology.
Good luck.