Our African Unconscious
The Black Origins of Mysticism and Psychology
by Edward Bruce Bynum
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Pub Date Sep 14 2021 | Archive Date Sep 06 2021
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Description
• Examines the Oldawan, the Ancient Soul of Africa, and its correlation with what modern psychologists have defined as the collective unconscious
• Draws on archaeology, DNA research, history, and depth psychology to reveal how the biological and spiritual roots of religion and science came out of Africa
• Explores the reflections of our African unconscious in the present confrontation in the Americas, in the work of the Founding Fathers, and in modern psychospirituality
The fossil record confirms that humanity originated in Africa. Yet somehow we have overlooked that Africa is also at the root of all that makes us human--our spirituality, civilization, arts, sciences, philosophy, and our conscious and unconscious minds.
In this extensive look at the unfolding of human history and culture, Edward Bruce Bynum reveals how our collective unconscious is African. Drawing on archaeology, DNA research, depth psychology, and the biological and spiritual roots of religion and science, he demonstrates how all modern human beings, regardless of ethnic or racial categorizations, share a common deeper identity, both psychically and genetically--a primordial African unconscious.
Exploring the beginning of early religions and mysticism in Africa, the author looks at the Egyptian Nubian role in the rise of civilization, the emergence of Kemetic Egypt, and the Oldawan, the Ancient Soul, and its correlation with what modern psychologists have defined as the collective unconscious. Revealing the spiritual and psychological ramifications of our shared African ancestry, the author examines its reflections in the present confrontation in the Americas, in the work of the Founding Fathers, and in modern Black spirituality, which arose from African diaspora religion and philosophy.
By recognizing our shared African unconscious--the matrix that forms the deepest luminous core of human identity--we learn that the differences between one person and another are merely superficial and ultimately there is no real separation between the material and the spiritual.
Advance Praise
“Human biology originally found its footing in Africa and spread geographically outward. Bynum makes a comprehensive argument for the primal influences on human consciousness as evidenced in the spiritual outlook and practices of ancient cultures worldwide.” Laird Scranton, author of Sacred Symbols of the Dogon
“What Bynum has accomplished in pulling together such a mammoth body of knowledge and research into one cogent volume and theme is remarkable. . . A contribution of this magnitude seldom comes once in a decade.” Linda James Myers, Ph.D., author of Understanding an Afrocentric World View
“Our African Unconscious is indeed a daring work, and a unique contribution to African diasporic studies. It is a must for all students of human psychology” Rowland Abiodun, coeditor of The Yoruba Artist
“I read with awe, this passionate, brilliant, epic work. . . . …One of the most exhaustive and revealing studies of Black and human origins I have ever seen.”Lee S. Sannella, M.D., author of The Kundalini Experience
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781644113967 |
| PRICE | $22.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 480 |
Links
Featured Reviews
Patrick C, Reviewer
I have always felt that all religions spring from Africa but I didn't have a clue as to how much that statement might be true. I love the fact we all came from an African woman that lived 150,000 to 200,000 years ago. Literally we all have the same mother. She is described as a short slender woman of color.How amazing and wonderful. Melanin and skin color are explained as well as the many different racial appearances of people over time, including now. So naturally religion would have its start in Africa and our ancestors. The evidence is compelling and begins with statues and relic finds from around the globe. One of the most fascinating parts of the mystery and its historical tree is the study of symbols. It seems symbols are something that are human in origin and found among all peoples. What I learned was that there is a common thread through most of them. That is African thought and religions.
Osiris and the Egyptians are covered in a thorough way. The myths of Egypt made sense to me after reading this book! Next , to learn of IFA and the West African connection to our many Gods of antiquity and of even today was a revelation that I had no idea even existed. The African connection to Kabbalisic thought and teaching is discussed also. Over all this book is meant to be read and kept for further reference and study. I feel very gratified to have a better understanding of religion both the one I grew up with and those around me . IMO this book is a classic and will be a landmark for others moving forward.
Hannah S, Reviewer
This is a book we need in our current era. A true read of our times. Bravo to Edward Bynum for presenting a clear, honest, and insightful view of how we are so similar. The commonalities between us is what we should focus upon. Distractions by our differences will lead to our demise. I appreciate the easy to understand writing style of OUR AFRICAN UNCONSCIOUS as well as the blend of science and spirituality. A tour de force of a book. Must-have reading material for many. I'd give it more than five stars if I could.
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