From the Occult to Psychology: Exploring the Mystical Origins of Modern Psychology

Modern psychology, as a science that studies human behavior and psychological processes, is often seen as evolving from traditional disciplines such as philosophy and biology. However, the influence of mysticism on modern psychology is often overlooked. This article will explore how mysticism became the enlightenment of modern psychology, find evidence from the research of psychologists such as Jung and Freud, and reveal the important role of mysticism in the development of psychology.

Mysticism and the exploration of the human mind

Mysticism is an ancient discipline that involves fields such as astrology, alchemy, tarot cards, and Kabbalah. The core of mysticism lies in exploring the relationship between the human mind and the universe, which is intrinsically related to psychology's exploration of the human inner world. Mysticism attempts to reveal the deep meaning hidden behind the appearance through symbols, symbols and metaphors, which is one of the core goals of psychological research.

The connection between Freud and mysticism

Sigmund Freud, one of the founders of modern psychology, is famous for his research on the subconscious. His analysis of dreams and exploration of the subconscious were inspired by mystical thought. Freud believed that the symbols in dreams and the subconscious mind have important psychological significance, which is exactly the same as the way in which occultism uses symbols and metaphors to understand the human mind.

Freud also showed a keen interest in hypnosis, which is itself an ancient occult practice. Hypnosis can achieve the purpose of psychotherapy by changing the state of consciousness, allowing individuals to access the contents of the subconscious mind. This method is still widely used in modern psychotherapy, showing the profound influence of occult thought on psychology.

Jung's deep integration with occultism

Carl Jung, a student and colleague of Freud, is the psychologist who attaches the most importance to occult thought in modern psychology. His theory of collective unconsciousness and archetypes was deeply inspired by occultism. Jung believed that occult practices such as tarot cards, astrology and alchemy are symbolic expressions of the collective unconsciousness of mankind.

In his book The Red Book, Jung recorded in detail his exploration of occultism and his inner journey. This book shows how Jung explored his own psychological world through the symbols and rituals of occultism and gained inspiration and enlightenment from it. Jung also believed that the symbolic language of occultism is the key to understanding the subconscious mind and can help individuals achieve self-awareness and psychological growth.

The influence of occultism on modern psychotherapy

Occultism has not only inspired the development of psychology in theory, but also has an important impact on modern psychotherapy in practice. Many psychotherapy methods, such as art therapy, dream analysis and hypnosis therapy, have borrowed ideas and techniques from occultism. For example, art therapy helps individuals express and understand their inner emotions and conflicts through symbols and metaphors, which is one of the core practices of occultism.

In addition, many concepts in modern psychology, such as "the deep self" and "the inner child", are also closely related to the soul and inner exploration in occultism. These concepts help individuals better understand and integrate different parts of their hearts through the symbolic language of occultism, so as to achieve psychological balance and harmony.

As an ancient discipline, occultism has had a profound impact on the development of modern psychology. Through symbols, symbols and metaphors, occultism provides rich inspiration and theoretical basis for psychology. The research of psychologists such as Freud and Jung revealed the importance of occultism in understanding and exploring the human mind. In modern psychotherapy, occultism ideas and techniques still play an important role in helping individuals achieve mental health and spiritual growth. By reviewing the deep roots of occultism and psychology, we can more fully understand the development of psychology and explore the mysteries of the human mind.