This book review is reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Homeopathy
801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 306
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 548-7790, Fax (703) 548-7792
E-mail address: nch@igc.apc.org (Internet and e-mail).

Dreams, Symbols, and Homeopathy: Archetypal Dimensions of Healing
by Jane Cicchetti

North Atlantic Books: Berkeley, California
2003, paperback, 261 pages

Reviewed by Ken Silvestri, PhD

Since homeopathy is the only form of healing that extensively records the mental and emotional patterns of its remedies and procedures, it stands to reason that finding the simillimum can be enhanced by better understanding the psyche. Hahnemann stresses in aphorism 211 of his Organon (6th edition), that "this preeminent importance of the emotional state holds good to such an extent that the patient's emotional state often tips the scale in the selection of the homeopathic remedy. This is a decidedly peculiar sign, which, among all the signs of disease, can least remain hidden from the exacting observing physician."

Despite this, the blending of homeopathic psychology with mind/body healing is largely unexplored. Prior to the writing of Dreams, Symbols, and Homeopathy, few in-depth works are referenced in the homeopathic literature other than books by Edward Whitmont, a soon-to-be-published work by David Little, and a few others. Jane Cicchetti's wonderfully and dearly written book gently fills this void and defines a profound framework for us to explore this topic. It is useful for those practicing homeopathy, but equally insightful for those who seek further knowledge about the art of homeopathy.

The book consists of four parts, three of which are named after ancient alchemical themes. The first part, "Emergence of Opposites," explores a much-needed reiteration of the holistic paradigm of homeopathy's theoretical basis, without which one cannot truly comprehend its power. The "Mercurial Fountain: The Inner World of the Psyche," puts Jungian archetypes, the shadow, anima/animus and the self into an easily understandable perspective. Part three, "Descent into the Baths: Moving Toward the Union of Opposites," uses dreams in case-taking in a manner that opens new doors-allowing access to information from collective connections and respecting constitution and temperament. Lastly, "Symbolic Materia Medica," is a new way to see our materia medica from the wider perspective of symbols and myth-a perspective which very well may be the best possible expression of our quest for greater wholeness.

Understanding homeopathy's epistemological framework is no easy task without that leap or "Ah" experience which recognizes the "I-Thou" connections that make us whole. Cicchetti quotes Jung regarding our society's movement to chaos: "Our only hope is for individuals to make a conscious consolidation of opposite forces with themselves to serve as a counter balance." She then weaves Jung's view that "healing belongs to the inner life of the individual and is part of the collective human experience," into a pattern that refutes our "rational" cultural influences of supporting fragmentation.

To Cicchetti, "dreams are the doorway to the symbolic realm of the psyche, a powerful force underlying human consciousness." What she does so powerfully in her book is to describe the need for a synthesis or bridge and by doing this calls for us to accept the paradoxes of life. "Working with dreams requires that we momentarily leave behind dearly held ideas of reality and immerse ourselves into a realm pregnant with new ideas," she writes. "It is a creative experience that opens the mind to new possibilities and solutions." Cicchetti elucidates difficult Jungian concepts such as the shadow, anima, and animus, explaining them in clear ways that are useful to the practice of homeopathy. The book has great case examples to further describe how the self and ego strive for wholeness. She relates these concepts to society and cultural constraints and show how dreams can compensate and are in context to how we evolve and develop.

The section on case-taking is excellent, showing how dreams and symbols are connections to the ancient realm of the collective unconscious. It also demonstrates ways dreams can connect to conscious information and thus be useful for the discipline of homeopathy. Cicchetti further elaborates this process by describing the important topic of psychological types and temperaments. This is written in an eloquent and humbling way that makes sense not only in understanding ourselves as homeopaths but helps us to relate and connect with those who put their trust in us to facilitate their wellbeing. We need to be aware of our own terrain to put together the essence or "Imbergriff." "The more aware homeopaths are of their own psychic terrain, the less that terrain will interfere and the more knowledge and energy will be liberated for the patient's benefit"

Although the author makes a strong case for the value of using information from the symbolic world, she also cautions homeopaths to use their rational judgment as well as their perception-to allow for an interwoven matrix of symptoms from the conscious experience of the patient as well as the unconscious. This enables the practitioner to see the full repetitive pattern in a case created by the combination of concrete symptoms and symbolism. "Working within the symbolic realm requires that the therapist remain open to seeing this repetitive pattern without coming to premature conclusions as to its nature," she says. "The Simillimum is only found because there is an inherent order and wisdom that is constantly pointing the way through the symptoms generated by the vital force of the individual. It is only necessary to step out of the way and follow that lead." Jane Cicchetti uses the framework of "beginners mind" to demonstrate this. She quotes Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki: "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities but in the expert's there are few."

The final part of Jane Cicchetti's book, "Symbolic Materia Medica," covers remedies from trees, vines, milk, the seven metals, and lastly remedies that are of value when there is resistance to healing. It is a well-done and innovative journey that links the use of symbols and dreams into a blending with provings found in our materia medica. It allows for much deeper insights and opens the door to further growth in this area. Jane Cicchetti's quality experiences and profound use of symbols are excitingly integrated into her symbolic materia medica and leave the reader with a shift in how to understand remedies and their uses.

The book is well referenced, has a glossary of Jungian and Alchemical terms, and a concise but useful bibliography. It is a book that reframes case-taking and will greatly assist and profoundly alter how one practices and uses homeopathy. It definitely will be a book located in an accessible place in my library for my regular use.