by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Apr 29, 2025 | Psychology Topics
Psychology, as a field, stands at a critical juncture. Over the past few decades, the focus has shifted away from the fundamental nature of human consciousness and towards a more mechanistic, symptom-focused approach to mental health. Manualized therapies, diagnostic...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Apr 29, 2025 | Comparative Religion, Jungian Concepts
Gnosticism as a Metaphor for Consciousness: Meaning, Evolution, and Healing Gnosticism is an ancient spiritual and philosophical worldview that offers a profound metaphor for the nature and dilemmas of human consciousness. While Gnosticism should not be taken as a...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Aug 1, 2024 | Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers
Who was Pierre Teilhard de Chardin? Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955), the French Jesuit priest, paleontologist, and philosopher, devoted his life to reconciling the realms of matter and spirit, science and religion. His unique vision sought to bridge the...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Jul 5, 2024 | Depth Psychology Approaches and Techniques, Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers
Who was Amalric of Bena ? Amalric of Bena, a medieval French theologian and philosopher who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, developed a unique and influential system of mystical theology that has had significant resonance with modern depth psychology,...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Jul 5, 2024 | Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers
Angelus Silesius and the Mystical Path of Self-Transcendence Angelus Silesius, born Johannes Scheffler (1624-1677), was a German mystic, poet, and theologian whose works profoundly impacted the development of Christian mysticism and spirituality. His enigmatic and...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Jul 5, 2024 | Jungian Concepts, Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers
Who was Pseudo-Dionysius? Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, a mysterious figure who wrote under the pseudonym of Dionysius the Areopagite, a convert of St. Paul mentioned in Acts 17:34, is one of the most influential Christian mystics and theologians. His writings,...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Jul 5, 2024 | Depth Psychology Approaches and Techniques, Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers
Robert Grosseteste and the Medieval Roots of the Science-Spirituality Dialogue Robert Grosseteste (c. 1175-1253) was an English theologian, philosopher, and scientist who played a significant role in the development of scientific thought in medieval Europe. His ideas...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Apr 16, 2024 | Conspiracy Theories, Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers, Phenomenology and Existential Psychology
What is Gnosticism? Gnosticism, a multifaceted religious and philosophical movement that flourished in the early centuries of the Common Era, has captivated the minds of spiritual seekers and scholars alike. Originating in the Mediterranean region, Gnosticism derived...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Apr 7, 2024 | Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health, Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers, Spirituality and The Transcendant Function
Who was George Fox? George Fox (1624-1691), the founder of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), developed a form of Christian spirituality that continues to offer valuable insights for contemporary psychology and spiritual practices. This article...
by Joel Blackstock LICSW-S MSW PIP no. 4135C-S | Apr 7, 2024 | Depth Psychology Approaches and Techniques, Mystics, Gurus, and Spiritual Philosophers, Phenomenology and Existential Psychology
Who Was Mani? “The Soul that wandereth from body to body strayeth from light to darkness until she hath traveled the Seven Worlds.” – Mani What is Manicheism: Manichaeism was a major gnostic religion that arose in Persia in the 3rd century CE,...
