Transformation of the Psyche: The Symbolic Alchemy of the Splendor Solis

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Summary: The Symbolic Alchemy of the Splendor Solis
Review: An instant favorite in my alchemical library. Transformation of the Psyche: The Symbolic Alchemy of the Splendor Solis is a detailed and serious study of these beautiful images and offers startling and profound insights into this ancient Art. The Splendor Solis contains an important key in the alchemical process and the authors are adept in their practice and prose. An important work I highly recommend.

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Summary: Notes from author Dyane N. Sherwood
Review: C. G. Jung was the first to recognize the link between the ancient art of alchemy and the process of depth psychological transformation, between the images produced by the alchemist and the images in the dreams and imaginations of contemporary patients in analysis. Our book builds upon Jung's contribution and upon on our experience as Jungian analysts.

Transformation of the Psyche is organized around 22 illuminated paintings from an early Renaissance alchemical manuscript belonging to the British Library. The images of the HarleySplendor Solis are possibly the most beautiful and evocative alchemical paintings to be found anywhere, and they are widely known to students of alchemy. Jung reproduced severalSplendor Solis images in his works, yet no one has previously explored the symbolism of the paintings as a series in relation to the process of depth psychological transformation. Our work is also the first scholarly study of the mythological and historical allusions contained within the images.

We have conveyed our ideas without relying on Jungian terminology or jargon; in the instances where we use terms, they are explained either in the text or in an endnote. Indeed, one premise of our book is that symbols expressed in image are more compelling than intellectually-derived constructs for the description of psychological states and processes of transformation. Our intent is not simply to explain or analyze, but rather to invite the reader to participate in the creative and transforming process evoked by these images.

The illuminated paintings in the Harley Splendor Solis (1582) address themes that are still unfolding in the modern psyche. Their paradoxical imagery speaks to the need for the redemption of matter and for the rediscovery of feminine values. They suggest the emergence of form out of chaos and address our deepest yearnings to live in harmony with the natural world. The paintings challenge our contemporary fascination with the mythology of the hero, as well as our greed for knowledge and control untempered by wisdom. We are shown that the true way of transformation requires a willingness to question the familiar, to sacrifice hard-won ego adaptations which have outlived their usefulness, and to suffer the inner experience of not-knowning, of chaos, and of the death of the old, so that a new center of being can emerge. Yet the beauty of these paintings, with their golden trompe d'oeil frames filled with plant and animal forms, hold us and remind us of the mysterious life-force present in each of us.

This book crosses conventional boundaries. The paintings of the Splendor Solis are not illustrations of our text but rather the inspiration for it. To help the reader enter the world of alchemical symbols and imagery, we include information on the history of alchemy, the historical context of the paintings, their alchemical symbolism, and their literary allusions. We invite scholars to research still unanswered questions about the identity of the painter and the origins of the manuscript. We also find that these images convey ideas that were not acceptable to the medieval Christian church and therefore could not be openly stated; as such, they are an untapped resource for the social historian. Likewise, we encourage scholars of spiritual disciplines, as well as psychoanalysts of all persuasions, to reflect on these paintings and to comment upon them from their unique perspectives.

Each time we have used these images in advanced training seminars, our own fascination was shared by the participants, who without fail have brought to our attention fresh observations and interpretations. It is our greatest hope that these images will continue to spark the curiosity and creativity of our readers.

Dyane Sherwood
Woodside, California
May 15, 2003

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Summary: The author is very modest
Review: The author is largely factual and painstakingly exact in her descriptions. For those interested in archetypal images, I believe that her review far UNDERSTATES the impact of this book.

Rating:
Summary: The author is very modest
Review: The author is largely factual and painstakingly exact in her descriptions. For those interested in archetypal images, I believe that her review far UNDERSTATES the impact of this book.

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Summary: About the Color Reproductions, by Dyane Sherwood, co-author
Review: The twenty-two illuminated paintings in the Harley Splendor Solis (1582) had long intrigued me, but I had seen them only in reproductions in books and in slides obtained by Dr. Henderson from the British Library during the 1960s. When we completed the manuscript, I realized that I must view the original illuminated paintings. I secured permission from the British Library and flew to London the very next week. My three days with Splendor Solis manuscript in the Special Collections reading room of the in the British Library, were a high point of my life. I could never have imagined the beauty, subtlety, and detail that I beheld, nor could I have anticipated the profound psychological impact the paintings would have on me. The colors, made from stone and plant extracts, as well as precious metals, were absolutely stunning! It was immediately obvious that all the reproductions in my possession distorted the colors and blurred significant details. Thanks to new, high-quality digital photographs from the British Library, recent advances in color-corrected computer imaging and printing techniques, and Brunner-Routledge's willingness to bring forth an unusual project, faithful reproductions of the illuminated paintings are now available in print for the first time. In addition, to the color plates, our book contains many further images in color, which I chose to amplify and illustrate our text.

Dyane Sherwood