Using alchemical symbolism to shed light in the dream interpretation process

Introduction

In this article, I will discuss Carl Jung’s method of using alchemical symbolism to illuminate the dream interpretation process. I will also refer to Edward Edinger’s elaboration on Jung’s method and his unique contribution through the use of alchemical operations. While Jung acknowledged that alchemy provided an invaluable service to him by supplying symbolic images that assisted in describing the individuation process (CW 12, p. 556), space constraints prevent an exhaustive exploration here. Instead, I will present a few dream examples to illustrate Jung’s and Edinger’s intricate symbol systems (Edinger, p. 15) and demonstrate how the individuation process manifests in images similar to alchemical symbols. My focus will be on one specific operation in the dream case material: the process of sublimatio.

Why Study Alchemical Symbolism in Jungian Dream Interpretation?

1. Unveiling the Unconscious: Understanding alchemical symbolism aids in deciphering the unconscious mind, offering profound insights into our psyche.
2. Facilitating Individuation: By exploring these symbols, we engage more deeply with the individuation process, fostering personal growth and self-realization.
3. Integrating Eastern Esoteric Concepts: This approach bridges Western and Eastern philosophies, enriching our spiritual and psychological understanding.

Alchemical Symbolism and the Prima Materia (Prakriti)

To begin, let us draw a symbolic parallel between dreams and the unconscious with the alchemical concept of the prima materia. In his seminal work  “Psychology and Alchemy,” Jung identifies the prima materia as a foundational concept in alchemical texts. This undifferentiated substance, often depicted refers to approximately twelve different types of images associated with the prima materia in alchemical texts and symbolism. These twelve depict undifferentiation, unity, roundness, darkness, the four elements, nature/chaos, metals/stones, animals, humanoids, planets, omnipresence, and extraction. Edinger further elaborates, correlating this prima materia with therapeutic content such as moods, personal reactions, painful/humiliating experiences, multiplicities/fragments with an underlying unity, and elements that challenge the ego’s boundaries, leading to awe and terror (Edinger, p. 12).

This “prima materia” represents the original, undifferentiated psychic substance that undergoes differentiation to dismantle the fixed aspects of the personality (Edinger, p. 10). This process of differentiation encompasses various operations: calcinatio, solutio, coagulatio, sublimatio, mortificatio, putrefactio, separatio, and coniunctio. Four of these operations correspond to the four elements: calcinatio to fire, solutio to water, coagulatio to earth, and sublimatio to air (Edinger, p. 18). These operations parallel the four psychological functions: intuition, feeling, sensation, and thinking, respectively. Through these processes, the psychic prima materia transforms, enabling the creation of a cohesive ego and facilitating individuation from an undifferentiated state, which is essential for the individuation process and managing affects. The remaining four operations pertain to the shadow (mortificatio and putrefactio) and the separation and recombination of opposites (separatio and coniunctio) within.

The Process and Symbolism of Sublimatio

Jung identifies a theme of ascent in the sublimatio operation (CW 12, p. 55). This aligns with the element of air and the thinking function, enabling objectivity through a higher perspective. Sublimatio dream images often feature upward movements, such as ladders, stairs, elevators, high places, climbing, mountains, birds, or other flying entities, or anything that implies elevation. Jung describes it as a process where the soul separates from the body and ascends to a higher plane (Jung, 2011, p. 55). 

Consider this sublimatio-themed dream shared by Jung: “The veiled figure of a woman seated on a stair.” Jung interprets this dream as symbolizing the soul’s ascent, ascending through the seven planetary spheres (CW 12, pp. 54-57). For Jung, the woman in the dream represents the “Anima,” the soul function in a man that mediates the unconscious and guides him toward greater wholeness (individuation). 

Edinger provides another example with a dream “where a woman releases a horde of white doves from her mouth, representing the soul’s separation from the body and the patient’s anxiety about death (Edinger, 2009, p. 122).  In alchemy, images of the white dove often appear in a heated flask, overlapping with the operations of calcinatio and separatio. This heating and separation process symbolizes extracting meaning (the spirit in the stone) from heavy moods (the prima materia) for the redemption of the Self (Edinger, pp. 122-123) during the individuation process.

Sublamatio as Libido and Psychic Energy

Libido, in Jungian terms, refers to psychic energy, analogous to Prana in Eastern traditions. It is a neutral life force that flows through the psyche, much like how Prana flows through the Nadi channels. Jung’s notion of Libido encompasses more than just sexual energy; it represents the desire for the life force to move in a particular direction. Blockages in this flow can result in psychological issues, similar to how blocked Prana affects the body and mind.

Alchemical Operations and Psychological Functions

Alchemical Operation	Psychological Function	Symbolism	Example from Dreams
Calcinatio (Fire)	Intuition	Burning away impurities	Transformation through suffering
Solutio (Water)	Feeling	Dissolution and flow	Emotional catharsis
Coagulatio (Earth)	Sensation	Solidification and stability	Grounding and reality checks
Sublimatio (Air)	Thinking	Ascent and spiritualization	Elevated perspectives and enlightenment

Conclusion

In summary, using the symbol system of alchemical operations provides a valuable guide for navigating dark, confusing, or seemingly trivial dream material. With more examples of this method, we can better describe the individuation process for ourselves and other dreamers on the journey to greater wholeness. This approach not only enriches our personal growth but also bridges Western psychological concepts with Eastern esoteric traditions, creating a holistic framework for spiritual and psychological development.

Resources

Edinger, E. F. (2009). Anatomy of the Psyche: Alchemical Symbolism in Psychotherapy. Brantford, Ont.: W. Ross MacDonald School Resource Services Library.

Jung, C. G. (2011). Mysterium Coniunctionis. Ostfildern: Patmos-Verl. der Schwabenverl. AG.

Jung, C. G. (2015). Psychology and Alchemy. Place of publication not identified: Routledge.

Jung, C. G., Adler, G., Fordham, M., & Read, H. (2016). The Practice of Psychotherapy. London: Routledge.