In this section of the website we
introduce Jungian archetypes in terms of therapeutic usages and
personal growth. Unlike classic treatment, however, we are also
going to talk about the underlying psychobiology, their relationship to spirit guides of ancient and
indigenous peoples, and how you can meet and use them in your life.
On this page we introduce archetypes and symbols as originally proposed by C. G. Jung.
Consciousness and Personality
Jung
proposed the personal conscious, the personal unconscious, and the
collective unconscious. These are important in our understanding of
personality and archetypes.
Classic Archetypes
Here is a brief listing and discussion of some of the classic archetypes as originally discussed by Jung.
Psychobiology
Psychobiology of Archetypes
Jung
proposed that the collective unconscious was carried in the genes of
our species and that archetypes and symbols were a way of organizing
our minds, understanding our selves, and understanding others and
the world around us. He argued just as with anatomy and development
where "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny", so too in the development of
the mind.
Archetypal Genes?
Jung's understanding of
archetypes was a neo-Platonic concept. He also thought that they were
inherited in the DNA of our species. Based on our knowledge of the
human genome and modern genetics, do we find evidence for actual genes
that code for archetypes?
Indigenous Spirituality and Archetypes
I
have found these to be excellent tool to work with both teens and
adults. It is empowering to know your Power Place, Power Animal, and
Teachers...
Archetypes and Spirit Guides
At this point we diverge from the classic treatment of archetypes and move into the world of ancient and indigenous peoples.
Journeying and Trance
Sometimes
referred to as a "soul journey", in these metaphorical journeys you
enter a trance state (altered state of consciousness), and "travel" to
the spirit world...
Spirit Worlds
The
three spirit worlds of the ancients and indigenous peoples were the
Lower World, the Upper World, and in between, the Middle World. Learn how to access them...
Each
of us, according to the ancients, has our own special Power Place where
we can journey. Here we are safe and have to control over who and what
enters and stays. Learn how to find and use your Power Place...
Animal guides and totems
Humankind has a
long history of totems, that is animals that are helpers or symbolize
certain strengths. They also have shadow sides. The ancients believed
we each had our own sets of animal guides or totems. Our totems tell us
about our own strengths and personality. You can have several different
animal guides...
This is our most important and
powerful animal guide. Whereas we can have several different animal
guides, we only have one power animal. He or she usually stays with us
our entire life or lives. Meet your Power Animal...
Teachers
Teachers appear to us in
human form. They are our own personal wise guides and may represent
classical archetypal entities of the Collective Unconscious. Would you like to meet one or more of your Teachers?
Working with your personal archetypes
Here are some suggestions for how to use your personal archetypes and spirit guides in your life...
