When I first started researching the parallels between Jung’s Red Book and Tolkien’s Red Book of Westmarch, I came across a wonderful 2011 interview with the Gnostic scholar Lance S. Owens, conducted by Miguel Conner of Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio and titled “Gnostic Themes in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.” The ideas set forth both affirmed and furthered my thinking on the two Red Books, and Owens became an essential source in my research.
Now, seven years after I first heard that interview, I had the great honor of being invited myself onto that same podcast to discuss my new book, Journey to the Imaginal Realm, with Miguel Conner. To listen, here is the interview: “Jung, Tolkien, and the Imaginal.”
We intimately understand the events and processes that allowed C.G. Jung and J.R.R. Tolkien to enter the Imaginal. Can we access those creative energies and charged symbols from the realm of archetypes to alchemically transform ourselves and the surrounding culture for the better? Our quest into the minds of these magicians of the imagination leads us as well to discover the deeper meanings in such hallowed works as The Lord of the Rings and The Red Book.
Becca Tarnas 
The episode was shown to me and the „still, small voice“ told me: „this is a message for you. Listen.“ – oh I am so grateful that I found you. You and your work are a hidden treasure. 🙂 thank you, Gnostic Radio!
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
Reblogged this on dreamweaver333.
Dear Becca, I have just ordered your book „Journey to the Imaginal Realm“. Will read it as soon as I’m done with my current book (Living Presence: The Sufi Path to Mindfulness and the Essential Self by Kabir Helminski 😉 ) I am glad that you refer to the Sufis, especially the concept of the imaginal realm (mundus imaginalis). This should not be seen as fantasy and illusion, but it is the unveiling or uncovering of the Real.
A fascinating synchronicity: part of the intro is „On the Nature of Daylight“ by Max Richter. This is the music of my soul. My favorite music that I associate with my favorite poem (Sweet Darkness by David Whyte)
Thank you for getting the book Mark! I also am a fan of Max Richter’s music. Thank you for sharing all this here!