Ksenia Platonova
A Journey of the Soul: Curated Jungian Readings

This journey invites you to delve into the depths of the psyche, explore the mysteries of dreams, and discover the transformative power of symbols. Whether you are a curious soul or a practising analyst, these texts guide you through the landscape of the unconscious.
Soul Foundations
Step gently into the world of the psyche, where archetypes, personality, and the eternal dialogue between Self and Shadow await your exploration.
- Jung’s Map of the Soul: An Introduction, Murray Stein (2000) – Accessible guide to Jung’s psychological framework and the architecture of the psyche.
- The Handbook of Jungian Psychology, edited by K. Papadopoulos (2006) – Comprehensive overview of Jungian theory, methods, and clinical applications.
- Memory, Dreams, Reflections, C.G. Jung – Autobiographical insight into Jung’s inner life and formative experiences.
- Reflections on the Life and Dreams of C.G. Jung, Aniela Jaffe (2023) – Personal and professional insights into Jung’s inner world and his life journey.
- Collected Works, C.G. Jung (various years) – The essential foundation of Jungian thought, covering his theories of the psyche, archetypes, and individuation.
- The Tavistock Lectures, C.G. Jung (1935–1938) – Insight into Jung’s practical approach to analytical psychology and its application in group and social contexts.
- Red Book, C.G. Jung (2009) – Jung’s visionary exploration of the unconscious, blending myth, art, and personal revelation.
- Jung on Evil, edited by M. Stein (1995) – A study of the dark side of human nature and the shadow in psychological life.
- Jung and the Post Jungians, Andrew Samuels (1985) – Dialogue with contemporary thinkers influenced by Jung’s legacy
Path of Individuation
Explore the journey of becoming, the unfolding of the Self, and the integration of light and shadow.
- Power in the Helping Profession, Adolph Guggenbühl-Craig (1998) – Examines authority and guidance in therapeutic relationships.
- The Principle of Individuation, Murray Stein (2009) – In-depth analysis of the steps and challenges in achieving psychological wholeness.
- Transformation: Emergence of the Self, Murray Stein (1998).
- Close to the Bone, Jean Shinoda Bolen (2017) – Explores life-threatening illness as a transformative journey of the soul.
- Paths to Transformation, K. Burns (2014) – Accounts of personal evolution and psychological growth through Jungian insights.
- The Self: Quest for Meaning in a Changing World, R. Daniel (2020) – Reflections on identity and the journey to the authentic Self in modern life.
- Inner Gold & Owning Your Own Shadow, (R. Johnson) – Techniques for integrating projection and shadow aspects.
- J. Hollis, Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life (2017) – Reflects on the cultural and personal search for meaning during life transitions. Offers guidance for navigating midlife with consciousness of both personal and societal influences.
Archetypes
Discover the energies and patterns shaping personality, the eternal motifs of the psyche, and masculine and feminine landscapes.
- King, Warrior, Magician, Lover, R. Moore & D. Gillette (1990) – Rediscovering the mature masculine archetypes and their psychological significance.
- Women Who Run with the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estes (1992) – Myths and stories of the wild woman archetype as a guide to the feminine psyche.
- Hags and Heroes, P. Young-Eisendrath (2017) – Feminist perspective on Jungian psychotherapy with couples and relational archetypes.
- Inner Gold, R. Johnson (2015) – Explores projection, shadow work, and reclaiming inner resources.
- Owning Your Own Shadow, R. Johnson (2015) – Practical guidance for embracing the darker aspects of the psyche.
- He. She. We., R. Johnson – Insights into relational dynamics, gender, and archetypal patterns.
- Woman’s Mysteries, Ancient and Modern, E. Harding (2016) – Psychological exploration of the feminine principle through myth and story.
- The Absolute Shadow, E. Caramazza (2023) – Examines destiny, fate, and intergenerational psychological processes.
- Energies and Patterns in Psychological Types, J. Beebe (2017) – Detailed analysis of personality dynamics and archetypal energies.
Embodied Psyche
Listen to the wisdom of the body, where movement, sensation, and somatic awareness reveal hidden depths.
- Addiction to Perfection – The Still Unravished Bride, M. Woodman (1982) – Investigates the psychological roots of perfectionism and its manifestation in the body.
- The Ravaged Bridegroom, M. Woodman (2017) – Explores masculine energy in women and the integration of gendered archetypes.
- The Owl Was a Baker’s Daughter, M. Woodman (2014) – Examines obesity, anorexia, and the repression of feminine energy through symbolic narratives.
- Theatres du Corpse, J. McDougall (2017) – The body as a stage for unconscious processes, highlighting psychosomatic expression.
- BodyDreaming in the Treatment of Developmental Trauma, M. Dunlea (2019) – Explores an embodied therapeutic approach, connecting trauma healing with bodily awareness.
Shadows of Trauma
Step gently into the valley of wounds, where shame, grief, and narcissistic defences dwell, and healing emerges.
- Aggression in Personality Disorders and Perversions, O.F. Kernberg (1992) – Examines destructive patterns in personality disorders with psychoanalytic insight.
- The Inseparable Nature of Love and Aggression, O.F. Kernberg (2011) – Explores the complex interplay of affection and aggression in relationships.
- Dark Nights of the Soul, Th. Moore (2017) – Navigating psychological despair and the transformative potential of suffering.
- Trauma, Shame and Suffering, B. Killborne (2017) – Understanding and healing painful experiences rooted in early trauma.
- Tragic Incomprehension: Envy, Shame and Trauma, B. Kilborne (2021) – Explores unconscious mechanisms that block self-understanding.
- The Abandoned Child Within, K. Asper (2015) – Guides readers through recovery of self-worth and inner healing.
- Living in the Borderland, Jerome S. Bernstein (2005) – Explores consciousness evolution and the challenge of working with deep trauma.
- Trauma and Recovery, Judith Herman (2022) – Classic exploration of healing from abuse, violence, and political trauma.
- The Body Keeps the Score, B. Van der Kolk (2020) – Groundbreaking work linking trauma to neurobiology and somatic healing.
- Seelenmord. Inzest und Therapie, U. Wirtz (2014) – Explores the psychic consequences of incest and therapeutic approaches to repair.
- Narcissism and Character Transformation, N. Schwartz-Salant (2017) – Focuses on healing narcissistic character disorders and integrating shadow aspects.
- The Inner World of Trauma & Trauma and the Soul, D. Kalsched (2015) – Archetypal approaches to trauma, highlighting inner defence systems and the soul’s resilience.
Night Journeys
Encounter the soul’s dark nights, depression, loss, and existential descent, illuminated by guidance and reflection.
- Soleil Noir, J. Kristeva (2016) – Philosophical and psychological exploration of depression and melancholy.
- Psychic Retreats, J. Steiner (2017) – Examines pathological mental structures in neurotic and borderline patients.
- Witness to the Fire, L. Schierce Leonard (2001) – Creativity and transformation in the context of addiction and personal crisis.
- The Trusting Heart, M. Aanavi (2018) – Addiction, recovery, and intergenerational trauma as a spiritual and psychological journey.
Parental Echoes
Trace the psychic imprints of parental archetypes and intergenerational dynamics, shaping identity and life patterns.
- The Basic Fault, M. Balint – Foundational text in object relations theory.
- Envy and Gratitude, Melanie Klein (1990) – Explores the dynamics of envy, gratitude, and early relational experiences.
- The Child, Erich Neumann – Development of consciousness and ego in childhood.
- Introduction to Melanie Klein, Hanna Segal (1988) – Classic insights into Kleinian psychoanalysis and child development.
- Playing and Reality, D.W. Winnicott (2003) – Creativity, play, and the importance of transitional spaces in development.
- The Maturational Process and the Facilitating Environment, D.W. Winnicott (1965) – Examines how supportive environments foster psychological growth.
- Transcending the Self, F. Summers (2007) – Object relations and therapeutic strategies for self-development.
- Mères-Filles & À Corps et à Cris, C. Eliacheff (2016–2017) – Psychoanalytic perspectives on parent-child relationships.
- Parental Image, E. Harding (2016) – Archetypal and psychological study of parental figures.
- The Great Mother, Er. Neumann (1955) – Archetypal exploration of the maternal in psyche and culture.
- The Absent Father Effect on Daughters, S. Schwartz (2021) – Investigates paternal absence and its psychological impact.
- Intergenerational Complexes in Analytical Psychology, S. Kimbles (2021) – How family and cultural legacies shape the psyche.
Realm of Symbols
Enter the poetic world of fairy tales, myths, tarot, dreams, and active imagination, gateways to transformation.
- The Matrix and Meaning of Character, N. Dougherty & J. West (2014) – Explores archetypal development through stories and character analysis.
- The Psychology of Fairy Tales, M. von Franz (2004) – Investigates the symbolic and redemptive meaning of fairy tales.
- Fairy tales About the Reverse Death, S. Macliah-Hanoh (2014, in Hebrew, translated to Russian) – Uses narrative to explore depression as a source of healing.
- Re-Symbolization of the Self, I. Semetsky (2017) – Tarot as a hermeneutic tool for human development and transformation.
- C.G. Jung, His Myth in Our Time, M. von Franz (2014) – Mythical interpretation of Jung’s life and ideas.
- Tarot Psychology. Trilogy, R. Wang (2007) – Archetypal exploration of the psyche through tarot imagery.
- Where the Shadows Lie, P. Skogemann (2018) – Jungian Interpretation of The Lord of the Rings.
- Historical Roots of a Fairy Tale, V. Propp (2023) – Examines the structure and origin of folk narratives.
- Archetypal Symbolism of Animals, B. Hannah (2016) – Explores how animals reflect psychological and archetypal patterns.
- In the Ever After, Al. Chinen (2018) – Fairy tales as a lens for understanding the second half of life.
- Healing and Empowering the Feminine, S. Senensky (2003) – Labyrinth journey toward reclaiming feminine strength.
- Heroine's Journey, M. Merdok (2018) – Mythic pathways guiding women through individuation and empowerment.
- Understanding Dreams, Mattoon (1984) – Introduction to dream analysis as a tool for personal insight.
- Jungian Dream Interpretation, J. Hall (2017) – Handbook combining theory and practice for dream work.
- The Wisdom of Dreams, Gr. Mahr & C.L. Drake (2023) – Integrates science, synchronicity, and the symbolic language of dreams.
- A Little Course in Dreams, R. Bosnak (1988) – Experiential approach to dream exploration and interpretation.
- Active Imagination, B. Dorst (2016) – Creative life lived through inner images and imagination.
- Encounters with the Soul, B. Hannah (2015) – Techniques for connecting with inner images through active imagination.
- Inner Work, R. Johnson (1989, Russian translation) – Using dreams and imagination for self-discovery and growth.
Collective Psyche
Explore society, cultural complexes, ancestral trauma, and the interplay of the individual and collective soul.
- V. Volkan, Life After Loss: The Lessons of Grief (2017) – Examines collective and personal mourning, showing how societies and families carry unresolved grief. Explores the psychological legacy of loss across generations.
- M. Renz, Fear and Primordial Trust (2022) – Investigates the roots of cultural anxiety and the foundations of communal trust. Offers insights into how societies form patterns of fear and resilience.
- Th. Singer & S. Kimbles, Cultural Complex: Modern Jungian Approach (2018) – Explores how cultural history shapes individual psychology and collective complexes. Illuminates the interplay between societal narratives and personal growth.
- V. Cast, Loving: Patterns of Human Relationship (1986) – Analyses archetypal relational patterns that recur across societies and generations. Highlights the unconscious scripts guiding love and attachment.
- J. Savage, Mourning Unlived Lives (1989) – Studies the psychological impact of social and familial losses on communities. Connects personal grief with broader cultural memory.
- C. Dunne, Behold Woman: Jungian Approach to Feminist Theology (1989) – Connects personal individuation to social and spiritual movements, emphasising gendered archetypes. Explores feminine principles in collective and sacred contexts.
- Analyse and Activism, Social and Political Contributions of Jungian Psychology (2016) – Explores how Jungian ideas inform societal transformation and collective awareness. Offers reflections on the application of analytical psychology in public life.
- J. Hollis, Dispelling the Ghosts Who Run Our Lives (2015) – Examines inherited cultural patterns and unconscious societal influences. Reveals the subtle forces shaping our choices and behaviours.
- J. Hollis, Prisms: Reflections on the Journey We Call Life (2021) – Explores how collective myths and personal narratives intertwine. Offers poetic insights for understanding the larger story of the human psyche.
Alchemy of Spirit
Venture into mystical, symbolic, and transformative dimensions, where inner gold is refined through imagination and symbol.
- Psychology and Alchemy, C.G. Jung (1968) – Classic text linking alchemical imagery to psychological transformation.
- Psykologi og Alkymi, M. von Franz – Explores the metaphorical connection between alchemy and personal growth.
- Alchemical Psychology, J. Hillman (2014) – Contemporary reflections on soul-making through the alchemical lens.
Advanced Clinical Concepts
Advanced exploration of narcissism, transference, psychopathology, the Red Book, and confrontations with evil.
- The Therapeutic Relationship, J. Wiener (2014) – Understanding transference, countertransference, and meaning-making.
- Understanding the Self-Ego Relationship, M. Clark (2013) – Guides therapists in supporting individuation within the analytic process.
- Psychoanalytic Case Formulation & Diagnosis, N. McWilliams (2015) – Practical frameworks for personality assessment in therapy.
- The Borderline Personality, N. Schwartz-Salant (2016) – Vision and strategies for healing borderline structures.
- The Absolute Shadow, El. Caramazza (2023) – Examines destiny, intergenerational processes, and shadow integration.