Plato's Theory of Forms points to abstract, ideal forms or concepts more real than the world one perceives. Alchemy deconstructs the nature of existence. Analytical psychology explores the psyche and collective unconscious. They're all travelers on the same path.
Plato's Theory of Forms and Jung's analytical psychology share a common thread with the ageless alchemical practices in the quest for deeper understanding of the Self and the universe, the collective unconscious and ultimate enlightenment. Alchemy aims to:
discover or create a panacea to heal all disease
find or formulate an elixir of life, to prolong life or make one immortal
transform base metals into gold (chrysopoeia)
Alchemy, Plato's Forms and Jung's analytical psychology create a vital force of reality transcending the limits of mortal acumen and ability. Patterns of synchronicity appear.
Booklet: World of Alchemy: A Little History
The theory of Forms, proposed by philosopher Plato (c. 438 - 328 BCE), questions the nature of reality and perception. According to this concept, the perceived physical world is just a shadow or imperfect reflection of true reality, which exists in the realm of Forms.
Forms are the true essence of reality. Abstract, non-physical entities, they represent the ideal essence of all. Plato asserts the physical world is subject to change and imperfection, while the Forms are eternal, unchanging, and perfect.
For example, the Form of Beauty represents the pure essence of beauty, while beautiful objects in the physical world are imperfect copies of this ideal Form. This corresponds to the psychological concept of the archetypes of Carl Jung (1875 - 1961 AD).
The theory of Forms challenges perception of the physical world. Looking beyond the surface one discovers the underlying truths of the universe. This concept is also demonstrated in Plato's Allegory of the Cave.
Application of archetypes appears in the Platonic concept of pure form. The practitioner seeks the essence and intrinsic nature of an object or idea. According to Plato, pure form represents the ideal, perfect version of something, existing beyond the physical realm.
By contemplating pure forms, one gains insight into universal truths and eternal principles shaping perception of the world. Plato's theory of forms, with emphasis on transcendent ideals, influences philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence and knowledge today.
Alchemy first congeals as a concept and practice over two thousand years ago. Based in metallurgy and ancient medicine, alchemy is also a path to spiritual enlightenment.
Rising to a Golden Age in Greco-Egyptian Alexandria, alchemy seeks purity of substance and spirit, creating a bridge to the divine and transcending the impossible. Others crave immortality, making them vulnerable.
In ancient China, First Emperor of the Qin dynasty is so plagued by frauds he makes alchemists consume their own potions, then buries them alive to see if they work. In the end the Elixir of Life is the death of him.
Gold fever of monarchs and nobles empowers the search for the transmutation of base metals to gold or silver (argyropoeia). However it's difficult when the Pope bans alchemy in 1317 and English Henry IV passes a law against making or multiplying gold in 1404.
Alchemists get around the law c. 40 years later, when Henry VI needs money for warmongering, and issues special licenses to alchemists. Nonetheless the Law of Multiplication isn't repealed until 1688.
Thus many alchemists of the Middle Ages, including noblewomen such as Isabella Cortese, branch out into perfumery and cosmetics; pigment and dye making; attempts to find effective medicinal preparations and the ever-popular Elixir of Life.
Isabella is famous for her book, the Secrets of Lady Isabella. In it she details alchemical experiments (called "secrets" in the Middle Ages), alchemy recipes and beauty treatments. Available to both rich and poor, the book is a sellout and leads to many imitations.
“Many have said of Alchemy, that it is for the making of gold and silver. For me such is not the aim, but to consider only what virtue and power may lie in medicines.”
- Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (Paracelsus) 1493-1531 AD
Paracelsus is the first to apply chemistry to medicine. He introduces the alchemy of plants, Spagyria. Living in Switzerland he theoretically solves the mystery of seismic activity in the Alps, attributing it to chthonic or Gnomic elements. They're popular today as garden gnomes.
Like Paracelsus, analytical psychologist Carl Jung (1875 - 1961) seeks to understand the nature of universal forces. He also puzzles out his own mystic experiences. Treating his patients, Jung is also treating himself. He introduces the spiritual art therapy of mandalas.
In alchemy a mandala or sacred wheel is a symbol for the journey of self transformation. The journey brings a person back to the beginning, but the second time around is more familiar.
Alchemy is deeply intertwined in spiritual and psychological transmutation. Psychologists, physicians and philosophers explore realms of the unseen, hidden truths beneath the surface of reality. Mysteries of mind and secrets of universe exist in the nature of being.
In essence, the connection between Plato's Theory of Forms, Jung's analytical psychology, and alchemy lies in their shared pursuit of knowledge, transformation, and transcendence. Each offers a unique perspective on the human experience and mysteries of the cosmos.
The Jungian psychology concept of an inherited unconscious predisposition, behavioral trait, or tendency known as "instinct" is a fascinating aspect of human nature. It probes into the collective unconscious, the hidden realm shared among members of a species.
The archetype defines the essential qualities and attributes of a particular entity, stripping away any imperfections or variations found in the material world. This concept serves as a philosophical framework for understanding the nature of reality and its underlying principles.
Instincts manifest through intricate thought patterns, images or impulses forming distinct narrative constructs within our psyche. Unlike personality traits, archetypes transcend individual interpretation. They're deeply ingrained in the collective human experience.
Originating from the collective unconscious, archetypes are fluid and can overlap. Some archetypes like the persona and psychoid, or their symbols, occupy an area branching through the ego (consciousness) and extruding into the external world.
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