She: Understanding Feminine Psychology by Robert A. Johnson

(An interpretation based on the myth of Amor and Psyche and using Jungian psychological concepts)

In October I started preparing myself for some Jungian therapy, writing down my dreams in a journal and intending to make an appointment. In January (3 months later, in typical Jill fashion) I had my first session. I was told that "my depth was on the move" and recommended some books. Another 3 months later, I finally picked this up.

During the opening chapters I found myself remembering why I didn't study much psychology in college. It seems to me that it's a whole lotta simple repetition. Change a few words every few sentences, and inundate yourself with seemingly obvious principles. (However, just because you understand it doesn't mean you've absorbed it. As became apparent each time I went back to read and found myself having to reread the previous chapter to put myself in the right headspace.)

Using the ancient characters of Aphrodite and Psyche (not to mention Eros), Johnson delves into the traditional everywoman issues. Along the way we study cultural differences, primitive societies, parables and the universal ongoing quest for love.

This is definitely a book that I will return to, and won't comment upon too much extent. Revisiting my original thoughts on psychology, I find that as the questions get bigger, my thoughts on them get smaller. I have less to say, and mostly just nod my head in agreeance. As opposed to philosophy, whereas the questions and the ideas take on a massive shape for me, and encourage all kinds of thought and open up discussion. Perhaps that's simply because I've got my intellect pretty well lined up, but my heart is out of sorts in every regard.