ABSTRACT
Liber Primus is the first of the three books in The Red Book. This chapter addresses each of the entries in Liber Primus in chronological order and relates them to particular high degrees of Freemasonry, examining both the fantasies and the accompanying paintings. Jung’s use of biblical quotes and scenarios of Christ’s crucifixion as well as journeys into deserts places some of these fantasies, or Mystery Plays, in close alignment with the 18th Degree of the AASR, also known as Rose Croix. In this degree the Masonic candidate is first required to contemplate Christ’s crucifixion and then undertake a symbolic journey into the desert in search of the Lost Word. But whereas the Masonic ritual is meant to be undertaken in great solemnity and dignity Jung describes an experience of mockery and torment, terror and confusion in both physical and psychological terms. This suggests that we might be looking at an abusive version of the rituals. Jung’s references to feeling like a child or youth throughout these experiences begs the question of whether these are memories from childhood.
