Complex, The (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts, 98)

I guess this is the real deal. It’s very sophisticated writing, I didn’t get it in some parts but this is Jung, it’s a whole deep thing, you just gave to dive and try. This writer is a true Jung scholar. Respect.

Truly a fantastic book about psychological complexes.

Whether we know it, or not, whether we care to or are able to admit it, every human being is influenced by psychological 'complexes'. In The Complex: Path of Transformation from Archetype to Ego, Erel Shalit explains the difference between an 'autonomous complex' and an integrated complex. Shalit explains, "The fundamental task of the complex is to serve as a vehicle and vessel of transformation..." In other words, Psychological complexes are necessary aspects of our being and when we are able to recognize and develop a dialogue or an ongoing conscious relationship with these complexes, these aspects of our humanity can be expressed and honored in a healthy and often creative manner.A complex becomes troublesome when it is denied and splits off from our greater whole, as is the case with the Oedipus myth. In studying and deciphering the symbolic meaning of the Oedipus myth, Erel Shalit explains how a complex that has the potential to bring us into living a fuller, more conscious existence, is often denied and splits off into an 'autonomous' complex. Denying a complex, an aspect of who we are, does not cause this entity to go away. Instead, the denied castaway becomes 'autonomous' energy and unconsciously continues to live a life of its own, often wreaking havoc that is acted out in a host of neurotic symptoms.In recognizing and welcoming home these prodigal complexes, vital pieces of our beings, we are able to reclaim lost aspects of our souls, and in turn unblock the stymied flow of psychological and creative energy that often gets dammed up and diverted into neurotic symptoms and suffering.This publication addresses far more than just the Oedipal Complex. Dr. Shalit also delves into the Father Complex and the Mother Complex in both negative and positive forms. Clients' dreams and case studies are also discussed to bring theory into more concrete and practical terms.For those interested in psychology, myth, religion, and philosophy, but even more so to those who might be suffering from a host of neurotic symptoms, including addictions or obsessive compulsive tendencies, I highly recommend 'The Complex: Path of Transformation from Archetype to Ego' (ISBN 978-0919123991) as well as Erel Shalit's most recently published book  Enemy, Cripple, & Beggar: Shadows in the Hero's Path

This is a fantastic work which is useful for both psychologist and theologian. Shalit describes the complex in terms of death anxiety, sexual complexes, and inferiority complexes. These complexes work together to create a sense of desperation and dissatisfaction which eventually propel higher evolution and good works. According to Jung, "the perfect have no need of others" (p.28). Therefore, "only through imperfection, and recognition of it (by encountering our shadow), can we constructively relate to the divine spark within" (p.28). This epitomizes Shalit's message, which is that the complex, even when seemingly negative, has a way of forcing us to reverse our inferiority and achive security, and this eventually leads to evolution (but only after a detour through the shadow). "The complex's engine is initially driven by the power of death-anxiety" (p.30). This statement reminds us how closely connected ontology, systematic theology, and depth psychology are. Anyone who has read Heidegger will see the connection between the death-anxiety complex and his being-towards-death - a concept which also comes up frequently in Paul Tillich's Systematic Theology. "Complexes are the carriers of life energy" (p.31). This goes back to Jung's concept of psychic libido energy which can be diverted into a number of pursuits both good and seemingly bad. The complex simply provides life energy which propels all actions, and if we have a mystical sense we will realize that all of these complex-driven actions are ultimately GOOD. In fact everything is all good. We realize this as soon as we unserstand that even negative experiences have a way of producing food for the soul, and the soul will eventually use this food to evolve into a loving and compassionate individual.

Reading Mr. Shalit's books alwasy leaves me with so much kowledge about the human soul.HIs depth and understanding is in every page of his books. I always wait for a new one to be written,I. Lenrer

In order to understand the driving forces of our life we are compelled to identify the archetypes as they manifest themselves in our dreams and associations. Our complexes are acted out in human form through behaviours inspired by these archetypes. By the therapeutic process of examination of these behaviours we are able to diffuse and disarm these archetypal images thereby enabling new types of behaviour to evolve.Erel Shalit gives a fascinating explanation of the mechanisms of the complex and translates his understandings by examining Franz Kafka along with other patients of his which clearly exemplify the process by which one faces,identifies and diffuses the elements of the shadow which drive one's life.Just as the complex is "the messenger of the gods, or the archetypes, rather than the ego, Erel (which means angel who goes down from the heavens to contact human souls) Shalit is the messenger of a concept so complex yet made so accessable to our understanding by his methodical yet poetic description of the very motifs which grip our total existance.