The Mystery of Human Relationship

Credit the Millennial generation for the (rather-regrettable) phase, “trigger warning.” Perhaps without consciously registering the depth source, they clearly understand the underlying psychological dynamic how external factors (like a spouse perhaps) can trigger an invisible ‘complex’ that leads to a disproportional response ( I would add that also eludes comprehension). Working with this unconscious material then forms the therapy per-se towards a higher plane of unity, oneness, etc. within the couple. This is a main thesis of this book rigorously developed from a depth-psychology viewpoint and supported by clinical casework.This is a significant, scholarly work on the alchemical, transformative nature within relationships. It would seem most fitting for Jungian Analysts and long-time readers of Jung than the average person due to a similar overly dense, academic writing style that Jung used in most of his works. I did not find the kind of hard-hitting revelations that I’ve experienced in other Jungian writers like Hillman, Raff, Stein, Edinger, Von Franz, but such is all individual. A re-read or two might yield the gold. This book is the type that rewards those who first have a natural inclination toward the symbolism within alchemy as well as those who stay with it. Alchemy or any sacred, mystic tradition yields not its secrets to the casual dabbler or babbler.Last, in describing the hidden “thirdness” that can form within a relationship - whether within oneself (Ego-Self), between therapist and patient or between a committed couple - I felt the author missed another relational pair. This is where two unassuming people are brought together by some serendipity or synchronicity then silently develop something akin to a mysterious “unconscious courtship” that plays out in personal and collective transformation towards an intimate union like depicted in the series of alchemical transformation images such as the Rosarium Philosophorum. I’ve met a couple or two whose story played out in this delightfully mystical way. Such a couple exhibit a story, union, oneness and love that is uniquely and powerfully impactful to the world around them. I don’t think this kind of thing is limited to intimate relationships but can emerge from the wide range of human relationships.

Nathan Schwartz-Salant's 'The Mystery of Human Relationship' is a landmark creative and scholarly work capable of serving as a foundational illustrated resource text for any human attempting to engage in the difficult and rewarding work of deep relationship with others. This work is unique because it can be used for the most practical mundane purposes (building strength and achieving deep union with one's most important relationships, like one's spouse, family members, or therapist/client), and for connecting our day-to-day relational experiences with centuries of the most profound European-based alchemical, scientific, and psychological research and creation. Because we all engage in the mystery of human relationship, this work is clearly potentially relevant to all humans, yet for the professional therapist or analyst, or for anyone receiving therapy, this book offers potentially enormous contributions by illustrating in highly skilled detail both how the analyst/analysand relationship often falls short of deep union or true progress, and also how deep union and true growth can occur. The author undoubtedly should be considered a master of his crafts (writing and therapy), a title he earns through illustrating both his successes and failures, along with his scholarly and original enlivening interweavings of his personal work with the monumental backdrop of historical context.Schwartz-Salant extends upon the work of many psychologists of the past century, greatly enlivening, clarifying and extending upon C.G. Jung's foundational resurrection and reincorporation of Renaissance and pre-Renaissance alchemy into the modern western, rational collective society. The author justifiably leans heavily upon Jung, but is not uncritically bound to the great Swiss psychiatrist's limits or over-indulgences. Likewise, the author extensively cites many other relevant leaders in 20th century psychological theory and practice, but to his great credit is able to demonstrate how seemingly any theory or method can - in seeking to get the madness in us and between us 'out' - flatten and eliminate the potential inherent in the mad areas of sane people.This work provides a structure, many-layered and sophisticated, that one, two or more people can use to achieve that which is oft-discussed but rarely achieved: heart-to-heart union, healing, and experience of awe and grandeur, all within a space that was previously dominated by a terrifying, chaotic, annihilating void of equal magnitude. That we might work to experience such states is a goal of the book, and so too is that we might recognize our kinship with the oft-dismissed 'pre-scientific' Europeans who through their alchemical woodcuts, poetry and treatises attempted, consciously and/or unconsciously, to document the awe-inspiring process of truly and deeply engaging in relationship with other humans.

I specifically bought this book to study the images of the Splendor Solis, like the one on the cover. However, all of them are black and white are hard to see detail. I'm sure there is some good info in this book, but I will be returning it.

I am not an analyst nor even a formal student of psychology. Even so I own 2 copies of this book and have read it 4 times now. I do read a fair amount about alchemy and about relationships and this book, by far, is the most potent and pragmatic text I have read on either subject. It is meant to be studied and its audience is those who wish to truly master the art of Alchemical Human Relationship.

I am fascinated by Jungian analytical theory and found this book very interesting! Thanks to the author, I now have a better understanding of Jung's ideas on alchemy as a metaphor for transformation of self within the context of human relationships.

I enjoyed delving into this book. It requires a lot of focus and attention, as the writing it very dense. But, it is packed full of insight and detail.

Excellent coverage of this interesting theme for the novice as well as 'expert' in this field. Alchemy is shown to be well and truly alive and in practice today.

very good.

well written and a lot of experience packed in... will read and re read

Very insightful.