Jingchao Zeng
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Email
jz20152@essex.ac.uk -
Location
Colchester Campus
Profile
- Jungian psychology
- Eastern and Western Esotericism
- Divination
Biography
I am a PhD student in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies at the University of Essex, Colchester, UK. I hold a master's degree in Jungian studies from the University of Essex. Currently, I am the co-organizer of the synchronicity research group in the department. My PhD thesis title is "A Practice of Magic or Psychology: The Psychologization and Re-enchantment of Divination in Jungian Psychology". I have published articles on psychology and divination in journals. Recent Publications: Zeng, J., & Fraikin, N. (2025). Synchronicity in Post-Jungian Astrology: Cosmological Quest. The Journal of Analytical Psychology, 70(5), pp.808-824. Zeng, J. (2024). Jungs Conceptualization of Synchronicity Theory And the Role of Astrology. International Journal of Jungian Studies, 16(2024), pp.175-196. Zeng, J. (2023). The I Ching as a Potential Jungian Application: History and Practice. The Journal of Analytical Psychology, 68(5), pp.913-932.
Qualifications
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MA Jungian and Post-Jungian Studies University of Essex (2022)
Research and professional activities
Thesis
A Practice of Magic or Psychology: The Psychologization and Re-enchantment of Divination in Jungian Psychology
This thesis explores how Carl Gustav Jung’s psychology, especially synchronicity, informs divinatory practice. It outlines the history of psychic reality in dynamic psychiatry and presents new findings on Jung’s circle’s use of palmistry, astrology, tarot, the Yijing, and geomancy. It further considers post-Jungian attempts to legitimize divination and concludes with debates on determinism and its place in a disenchanted world.
Supervisor: Roderick Main
Research interests
Jungian Psychology and Divinatory Techniques
Jungian and post-Jungian adaptations and applications in divinatory techniques.
C. G. Jung and His Synchronicity Concept
Different aspects of Jung's synchronicity theory, especially its context and relation to Jung's engagement in divinatory techniques.
The Interactions Between Asian Thoughts, Religons, and Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalytic engagement in Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism and other Asian thoughts.
Chinese Society and Psychoanalysis
Applying psychoanalytic theories for psychosocial research in China and critical reflections on the approach.
The Development of C. G. Jung's Thoughts
Different periods of C. G. Jung's writings and sources for his psychology.
Depth Psychological Interpretations of Ancient Narratives
Apply depth psychological ideas to understand ancient narratives in historical, social, and clinical contexts.
The History of Psychoanalysis
Research on the history of psychoanalysis, especially the history of Jungian psychology, from the perspective of archives and history.