Idea of the Numinous

The idea of the numinous is often raised in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic contexts, but it is rarely itself subjected to close scrutiny. This volume examines how the numinous has gained currency in the post-modern world, demonstrating how the numinous is no longer confined to religious discourses but is included in humanist, secular and scientific views of the world.

Questions of soul and spirit are increasingly being raised in connection with the scientific exploration of the psyche, and especially in the context of psychotherapy. The contributors to this volume are interested in exploring the numinous in the human psyche, in clinical work, world events, anthropology, sociology, philosophy and the humanities. They originate from multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural backgrounds, bringing a variety of approaches to subjects including:

• Witchcraft: the numinous power of humans.
• Jung and Derrida: the numinous, deconstruction and myth.
• Accessing the numinous: Apolline and Dionysian pathways.
• The role of the numinous in the reception of Jung.

The Idea of the Numinous will fascinate all analytical psychologists, psychoanalysts and psychotherapists interested in investigating the overlap between therapeutic and religious interests.

Ann Casement is a training analyst at the Association of Jungian Analysts, London, which she represents on the IAAP executive committee.

David Tacey is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication, Arts and Critical Enquiry at La Trobe University, Australia.