COMPASS OF THE SOUL

An in-depth and practical exploration of personality typology, anchored to the timeless wisdom of archetypes explored by Jung and popularized by Joseph Campbell, Thomas Moore and many others.

Giannini navigates admirably within the often murky waters of personality typology, with an innovative approach offering that which is so often rare in psychology texts: accessibility. With experience across a wide array of fields–-Jungian analysis, engineering, business administration, even the Dominican Order–-the author is well-equipped to discuss typology and personal growth, and his background in Jungian psychology certainly comes to bear. Carl Jung created the broad outlines of the concept of personality typology based on in-depth analysis and observation of others; however, he never systematically explored typology in great detail. The typology thread was picked up by the mother-daughter team Katherine Briggs and Isabel Myers, who developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The test uses questions designed to illuminate the configuration of an individual personality dynamic. The MBTI lists 16 combinations of couplings, based on the four functions: sensation [S], thinking [T], feeling [F] and intuition [N]. The attitudes and perceiving elements are assigned according to the pattern of responses to a given situation and added to the couplings. Giannini builds a strong case for the integration of the two arms of Jungian psychology, archetypes and types, and he argues commendably that the couplings have an archetypal basis and only by aligning oneself with one's true psychological typology can genuine individuation or wholeness be achieved. Despite scattered uses of unnecessary jargon, the journey is stimulating and helpful, an exciting and skillful exploration into psychological type.

Insightful guide to type and archetype, offering an accessible approach to personality identification and personal growth.