Jung, Gnosticism, Alchemy, and the Religious Function of the Psyche

I will be presenting a TALK at a conference (see below link). If circumstances permit, come and join us. I would appreciate the support.

Please RSVP to both (this event and at the NYC Philosophy & Psychology meetup too). Thank u.
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This event is part of the NYC Philosophy & Psychology Readers Conference 2026. For full details please visit: https://www.meetup.com/reading-philosophy/events/314020228/
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Jung, Gnosticism, Alchemy, and the Religious Function of the Psyche

I have been studying the depth psychology of Carl Gustav Jung since the 1980s. Since the publication of Jung's The Red Book (Liber Novus) in 2009, I have devoted particular attention to studying the relationship between Jung's psychology, Gnosticism, and Alchemy.
In this presentation, we will explore Jung's concept of the **"religious function of the psyche"—**the natural human tendency to seek meaning, wholeness, and experiences of the numinous through dreams, symbols, myths, and spiritual experience.

For Jung, this religious function is not limited to organized religion. It can also express itself through secular and everyday activities, including creative work, relationships, personal values, the search for purpose, and the symbolic meaning we find in ordinary life.

We will examine key Gnostic themes such as gnosis, Sophia, the divine spark, Anthropos, and the Pleroma, and how they influenced Jung's understanding of archetypes, the Self, and individuation.

We will also consider important alchemical symbols and processes, including the nigredo, albedo, rubedo, coniunctio, Mercurius, and the Philosopher's Stone, as expressions of psychological transformation.

Together, Gnosticism and Alchemy provided Jung with a "symbolic language for describing the lifelong process of individuation," the movement toward greater consciousness, integration of opposites, and realization of the Self.

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BIO: Jorge has been reading and studying Carl Jung’s depth psychology since the 1980s. He recently retired after a 38-year career in education, serving as a history teacher, school counselor, and educator of neurodiverse students. Throughout his career, he taught learners from middle school through graduate school. He holds two master’s degrees and an Advanced Certificate in Family Therapy. Jorge currently serves as an adjunct professor of psychology and has practiced as a family psychotherapist since 1994.

Systems Theory and Depth Psychology have been enduring influences on his thinking and work. He has integrated these perspectives into his work with students, families, and clients, while maintaining a longstanding interest in Jung, symbolism, religion, alchemy, and the dynamics of the psyche. These interests continue to inform his study and approach to Psyche.
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