Transpersonal Psychology And The Self-Field: An Overview Of The Works Of Jungian Analyst Erich Neumann
Integral Transpersonal Journal September 1, 2018 Steven Herrman
Erich Neumann, an Israeli Jungian analyst, extended Jung's concept of the collective unconscious into metaphysical territory, proposing a "Self-field" beyond the archetypal realm. In his correspondence with Jung from 1934 to 1959, Neumann argued that a complete depth-psychology must include this postulate to reach a new worldview. His 1948 Eranos lecture "Mystical Man" began this effort, distinguishing between personal and archetypal shadow and evil, and introducing a "Voice" from the Transpersonal Self. Neumann called for a "New Ethic" for depth-psychology, but died at age 55 before fully articulating how his ethic related to his metaphysic. The author presents Neumann's work as essential for transpersonal pedagogy and the history of the Integral movement.