Archetypes are elements of the collective unconscious. Though their existence is questioned, Jung developed his theory of archetypes accepting that they could not simply be defined and left alone, and that they were highly complex due to their involvement with the human psyche and various psychological factors of human behaviour. “Not for a moment dare we succumb to the illusion that an archetype can be finally explained and disposed of. Even the best attempts at explanation are only more or less successful translations into another metaphorical language”15. However, their presence is undeniable and constantly makes itself felt in our lives. The concept of love at first sight is an example as well as irrational fears, adrenaline rushes, and so on. Archetypes bombard us in movies and television, mythology and literature, and especially in the field of psychology. Dreaming, the concepts of déjà-vu, and daydreaming are other instances where archetypes appear.
What is most important to remember about these primordial images is that they play the role of a double-edge sword. They are key to spiritual fulfillment when attended to, but, like a neglected disease in its primary stage, they can develop into a hazard for an individual's mental health:
- Archetypes are living psychic forces that demand to be taken seriously, and they have a strange way of making sure of
their effect. Always, they are the bringers of protection and salvation, and their violation has as its consequence the 'peril of the soul: known
to us from the psychology of primitives. Moreover, they are the infallible causes of neurotic and even psychotic disorders, behaving exactly like
neglected or maltreated physical organs or organic functional systems.16
Acknowledgment and understanding of the archetypes is essential to their control.
There are countless archetypes that can exist in the unconscious, some more apparent than others. Jung stated that the transcendence of an archetype was reflected in an individual's self-awareness. However, it is nearly impossible to define each and every one. Jung did list a few of the more common archetypes that appeared most often in the individual.
The Shadow:
The shadow is someone's “dark side.” Every evil impulse, mischievous urge, or lust for revenge is fed into the shadow archetype. However, the Shadow must not be perceived as a negative image. The shadow is a counter- balance for good. Without white, you cannot have black. Serving as a contrast to purity, he shadow is a normal aspect of every person. The negative connotation of the shadow is a main reason that it is the most commonly denied archetype.
The Anima/ Animus:
The anima and animus are opposing completions of an individual's gender.
If you are male, your psyche holds the anima archetype within. The anima has female characteristics, such as sensitivity, intuitiveness, and compassion. This counterbalances the aggressive, physical, and macho tendencies of stereotypical masculine behaviour.
The animus plays the masculine role in the female. It produces the carpe diem approach to life as opposed to overanalyzing every situation; it exercises physical power, and take a more casual approach to life.
Though individuals still maintains their unique characteristics, the anima or animus will diminish the more dominating aspects of their personality. They also work in accepting the similarities and differences between the opposite sex.
The Wise old Man, Mentor, or Father:
This archetype is a guide. Most would recognize it as their conscience, the little voice in your head that tells you what to do. The wise old man guides you when confronting the many obstacles during your journey, but more importantly, reveals the truth of your unconscious. Through lessons, exercise, and discreet teachings, the mentor brings forth the different archetypes within you psyche, and then explains your mission: to conquer your unconscious. In many ways, the mentor plays the role of a father. His advice, support, and faith, opens and prepares you for the confrontation with others, and yourself.
The Mother:
The mother is also a supportive archetype represented in a more tranquil and nurturing manner. While the Mentor archetype is almost spiritual, the Mother archetype brings a warm comfort to the spirit. Jung did not put any symbolic restrictions on the mother archetype. Nature, the church, or anyone that plays a comforting role could represent this symbol.
When we are born, we act on instinct and our collective unconscious. The mother archetype is one of the first to introduce itself into our lives. The newborn has an attraction and need for a mother figure. Should the mother fulfill that child's needs, the mother archetype has a positive influence on the infant's life. However, should the child be denied such comfort, he will search for that nurturing somewhere else. Jung did not get along very well with his mother, which had a great influence on his theory of the mother archetype.
The Hero:
The hero is the man on a mission who represents the obstacles you will eventually have to confront. With the help of allies, he sets out to confront all the other archetypes. He is generally naive of the powers within before he encounters his mentor. Until betrayed, he is heroic, well intentioned, and loyal to whomever he encounters. Joseph Campbell described a process that the hero goes during his journey to seek the truth.
- He is isolated from society and naive
- A mentor seeks him out and offers to guide him on a mission
- He refuses
- His enemy takes something of value to him (i.e. the life of loved ones)
- Hungry for revenge, the hero agrees to the mission
- The mentor trains him physically and/or spiritually
- The truth is discovered which impedes the completion of the hero's training
- The hero confronts the truth and wins the battle
The Self:
The self is the most important archetype, embodying the transcendence of all opposites, thus representing the fulfilled principal of entropy. To attain the self is, in fact, the hero's mission. “The goal of life is to realize the self. The self is an archetype that represents the transcendence of all opposites so that every aspect of your personality is expressed equally”17. Once every face of your personality is equal, the opposing energy is diminished so no loss of control could be provoked from an unsatisfied archetype.
The Persona:
This archetype is one that we see or acknowledge the most often. It is whom we let people perceive us to be. It is a “mask” that we put on in order to hide our true natures. Being courteous to someone you dislike, or being falsely compassionate are examples of the persona in action. Where this archetype may be mentally damaging is once an individual loses sight of what he really is. It happens quite often that people lose their true identity to their persona the moment they convince themselves that they are what they represent to others. The denial of the existence of your persona is also the denial of your true self, which can develop into a psychiatric disorder if taken to an extreme.
The God/Goddess:
Any divinity involved in the psyche has a double purpose. The archetype can instill faith, inspire, or simply observe your actions from afar. But the Gods can also be malicious, manipulative, and problematic.
In desperate moments, or instances when someone is at their most vulnerable state, the word “God” is often spoken. “God” is used more as an exclamation of disbelief, or a grievance than an act of faith. However, this does demonstrate an unconscious dependence on a divine being, which lies in our God archetype.
On the other hand, there are moments of exasperation when someone will question “Why me?” or “How could this happen?” which lies in the manipulative nature of the gods.
Jung's main purpose in describing the god archetype was to support his idea that religion and mysticism are important to the completion of the human spirit, and that the loss of those necessities could lead to possession by empowered archetypes.
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© 2001 by Angela Vesey and Jonathan Hickman