Art of Darkness Initiation into Soul's Journey

What does a person's life look like from the point of view of soul? Why not ask soul. Go on an adventure with soul in order to live an authentic life through initiation into soul's calling. Using the technique of active imagination as rediscovered by Dr. Carl Jung, the dialogues struggle with soul, which leads to changes in the author and in soul. Soul becomes a guide. Author's initial descent into soul encounters an invitation, as it names its art. Its art makes the soul a companion that will require many heart rending sessions. The descent is also soul's ascent; in doing so the soul reshapes author's ego, identity, and life and gives him songs of soul. Refusal Man makes an appearance, being the living embodiment of the many refusals to accept life's offerings. Many issues arise on how to reduce the influence of this Refusal Man. An ancient way of being arises upon learning to trust the soul: everything is alive. A number of spiritual exercises are the result. Soul educates him on what soul is and how to build soul's home. Soul explores original life and the author's psychological "curse". Soul elaborates on how what is spiritual is practical and appears in personified form of "Laura," after long guidance from the Greek god, Hermes. Inner Guide evolves out of soul that is the dream awake. Soul delves deeper into its poetries. It makes real what happens and broadens one's horizon. Charley is an inner man who wants to kill the author, if he could. Their conversation is riveting. Shape shifting becomes a way of being. Soul takes the author deeper into love and gratitude. The adventure closes fully enmeshed in the art of darkness: proving the unprovable to soul, a perspective from Zen, and finally a celebration of soul's adventures. A brief afterword summarizes some of intellectual and spiritual ideas and practices the author learned and how they are of use in everyday life.