A bold exploration of the reintegration of rationality and intuition,
science and soul, to foster individual and planetary healing
- Examines how integrating important alchemical images with Gaian
science can offer insights into our interconnectedness with Gaia
- Looks at how the four components of the living earth--biosphere,
atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere--mesh with the four elements of
alchemical theory and the four functions of consciousness as understood
by depth psychology
- Offers guided meditations and contemplative exercises to open your
receptivity to messages from the biosphere and help you connect more
deeply with Gaia
During the scientific revolution, science and soul were drastically
separated, propelling humanity into four centuries of scientific
exploration based solely on empiricism and rationality. But, as
scientist and ecologist Stephan Harding, Ph.D., demonstrates in detail,
by reintegrating science with profound personal experiences of psyche
and soul, we can reclaim our lost sacred wholeness and help heal
ourselves and our planet.
The book begins with compelling introductions to depth psychology,
alchemy, and Gaia theory--the science of seeing the Earth as an
intelligent, self-regulating system, a theory pioneered by the author's
mentor James Lovelock. Harding then explores how alchemy, as understood
through the depth psychology of C. G. Jung, offers us powerful methods
of reuniting rationality and intuition, science and soul. He examines
the integration of important alchemical engravings, including those from
L'Azoth des Philosophes and the Rosarium Philosophorum, with Gaian
science. He shows how the seven key alchemical operations in the Azoth
image can help us develop deeply transformative experiences and insights
into our interconnectedness with Gaia. He then looks at how the four
components of the living Earth--biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and
lithosphere--mesh not only with the four elements of alchemical theory
but also with the four functions of consciousness from depth psychology.
Woven throughout with the author's own experiences of Gaia alchemy, the
book also offers guided meditations and contemplative exercises to open
your receptivity to messages from the biosphere and help you develop
your own Gaian alchemical way of life, full of wonder and healing.
