Basing his study on Jung's archetypal theory-especially that of
initiation-Thresholds of Initiation represents thirty years of testing
the theory in analytical practice. Joseph Henderson considers archetypes
to be predictable patterns of inner conditioning that lead to certain
essential changes and shows the parallels between individual
psychological self-development and the rites that marked initiation in
the past.
Dr. Henderson's topics include the uninitiated; return of the mother;
remaking a man; trial by strength; the rite of vision; thresholds of
initiation; initiation and the principle of ego-development in
adolescence; and initiation in the process of individuation.
This is essential reading for an understanding of the universal nature
of initiation, especially as it relates traditional initiatory practices
to Jung's theory of archetypes.