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The Guild of Pastoral Psychology offers a rich, dynamic forum for those interested, professionally or otherwise, in understanding the relationship between religion, spirituality and depth psychology, with particular reference to the work and writings of Dr. C. G. Jung. The Guild was begun in 1937 by a group of people, including pioneering clergy and psychologists, under the patronage of Dr. C. G. Jung. Its aim was to encourage the study of psychology among clergy and other spiritual leaders, in the belief that a ministry of spiritual and psychological healing was needed. It was to the Guild, in April 1939, that Jung first gave his talk The Symbolic Life, with its account of how the psyche works in images: "Only the symbolic life can express the need of the soul." (Jung) The Guild logo – the chalice and the serpent, with its ambivalent, multiple associations of wounding and healing, life and death – illustrates this suggestive power of the symbol. The Guild holds monthly Lectures, usually at the Essex Church in London. There is also a one day Spring Conference in London and a 3-day Summer Conference at St Hilda's College, Oxford University. All lectures and conferences are open to the general public. Informal Guild Groups meet outside London, usually in members' homes, particularly for the benefit of members unable to attend the lectures; non-members also can attend. Read more about the Guild.
Publications
Membership The Secretary, The Guild of
Pastoral Psychology, 13 Ascot Lodge, Greville Place, London NW6 5JD. 020 3204 0175 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Guild of Pastoral Psychology takes the ideas of depth psychology, especially those of C G Jung, in a way
that enriches the understanding of our lives. They can show meaning in seemingly random events, and help guide our
responses to situations and relationships. Most importantly, perhaps, they can offer ways to become more open in our
relationship to the divine, with its life-giving energies, and can enrich our spiritual and religious lives. Many people experience and know a spiritual dimension in their lives and have a sense of the mystery behind creation. For some this is well served by the teachings and rituals of organised religion. For many, however, this is not so. Jung himself did not comment on the existence, or otherwise, of God or an external omniscient presence. However he did recognise a religious instinct in man and that there is an idea of a 'higher power' residing within the psyche. This gives rise to a multifaceted idea of god, which he elaborated at some length, and that he called the god-image. Jung regarded the great religions of the world as guardians of Mysteries - and contact with these to be essential to the life and healing of the Soul. He also realised that for many people the religious and spiritual Mystery had left the established organisation of religions. The Guild was founded in 1937 with Jung as its patron, in order to increase awareness of this spiritual dimension by promoting the knowledge and insights of depth psychology. All our activities have this aim, with the spirit being grounded in the ordinary and everyday aspects of our lives. The Arts and Sciences are also important in our programme, as witness to the creative spirit at work in humankind. The psychology of Jung is like no other - it is both challenging and illuminating. Its insights invite a rigorous examination of oneself, and with psychological honesty deep wounds can be healed. This does not necessarily take away personal pain, but to gain a wider vision can relativise it. Although the Guild does not offer training, its embrace of depth psychology, spirituality and culture enables its many members to find insights that help alleviate the unintelligibility and pain of life. Fellowship in the Guild goes deeper than much everyday social communication. In addition to the monthly lectures the Guild holds a Day Conference in the spring and an Annual Residential Conference in the autumn. These events are our main focus. For those who do not live in London these two conferences can be the main yearly contact with like-minded, searching people. And, of course, being together generates light heartedness and laughter. There are also small discussion groups in different parts of the UK, some of which have been established for many years and provide continuity in fast changing times. The Guild also has an international membership. Over the years depth psychology has developed and changed considerably. The best of the Guild lectures have been printed in small pamphlets and reflect the changing concerns of depth psychology since the inception of the Guild. They now number around two hundred and eighty and are a gem in the history of analytical psychology (i.e. Jungian psychology). Many are talks given by the pioneers and pupils of Jung. They are informative, as well as enriching the mind and soul. The Symbolic Life given to the Guild by C G Jung is one of the many seminal papers printed as a Guild pamphlet. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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