Although the theory of archetypes originated many years ago, inspired by the thought of the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus, it was only with the studies of the psychiatrist Carl Jung that the concept was refined.
The philosopher Plotinus, based on Plato’s theories, considered that the real world itself was a reproduction of a higher world, that is, the world of ideas. The old conflict of emotions versus reality.
His ideas, along with the theories of Christianity, also inspired Saint Augustine, who also used the term.
Concept of Archetypes
The concept of archetypes comes from psychology and was developed by the Swiss Carl Gustav Jung (1875 – 1961), based on the observation of existing images formed from each individual’s experiences but with similar structures.
However, it is an inherited pattern of behavior that allows for further development. It’s like having the desired instinct represented by an image.
In contemporary thought developed by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, the concept of archetypes was developed to refer to sets of primordial psychoid images, that is, the deep unconscious, which provides direction for mental complexes, as well as stories passed down from generation to generation.
Primordial psychoids act as innate and immaterial structures. They serve as a model for the expression and development of the psyche. In other words, psychic phenomena tend to shape themselves following the directions of these images.
However, these directions form both the knowledge and the imagination of the collective unconscious as a whole. In Jung’s analytical psychology, an archetype is equivalent to a primordial or archaic image engraved in the deepest place of humanity’s collective unconscious.
What is an Archetype?
Archetypes are original models that are available in the collective unconscious and can be accessed by our psyche to help achieve our goals. In general, an archetype is a form of consciousness that, in addition to possessing energy and information, also expresses itself in different ways.
It is thanks to archetypes that human beings can reflect and project themselves into various aspects of life, from dreams to narratives.
Carl Jung Developed the Concept of Archetypes
The Swiss Carl Gustav Jung, in addition to being a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, is known for being the founder of analytical psychology. Carl Jung’s work is also influential in fields such as the science of religion and literature.
Concepts related to extroverted and introverted personality, as well as archetypes and the collective unconscious, were developed by the psychiatrist. He is also considered one of the greatest scholars in the field of dream analysis and symbolization.
One of Carl Jung’s theories argues that there is a collective unconscious, which belongs to all humanity, that has a psychological inheritance. This inheritance is distributed among all members of the species, and because of it, society has access to psychic materials that did not arise from personal experiences.
Archetypes, according to Carl Gustav Jung, can be represented through words or images/symbols.
Basis for Jung’s Codification
In order to elaborate his theory on archetypes, Jung also resorted to preliminary studies on archetypes already known since the Greeks, which are:
- Persona – The mask we wear, our personality, the character we want to represent in the society we are part of.
- Shadow – Everything we seek to hide from other people and also from our consciousness: past mistakes, weaknesses, and vices.
- Anima – The feminine side of the masculine psyche.
- Animus – The masculine side of the feminine psyche.
- Great Mother – Defines that children seek to imitate both the positive and negative aspects present in the maternal figure.
- Self – The sum of everything we are. The final product of adding our conscious to our unconscious.
Archetypes and Their Meanings
Each archetype has its particular meaning, as well as a positive side and a negative side, also called the shadow side. Both must be carefully analyzed before use. Much of the shadow side can be controlled by you once you are aware of its existence.
Moreover, you can use more than one archetype at the same time and thus balance the shadow side of one archetype with the light side of another. Below is a list of the main archetypes used and sought after by people.
- Apollo: The archetype of the God Apollo activates brightness and light, brings prominence, vanity, self-love, increases magnetism, frees from victimhood, improves rationality, balancing the emotional side.
- Aphrodite: This mythological Goddess represents physical, psychological, and spiritual intimacy.
- Artemis: The archetype of Artemis brings the frequency of independence and freedom, where its energy is based on its free spirit to act self-confidently on its life journey.
- Fairy: The fairy archetype brings the frequency of beauty and magic, but not only external or physical beauty, but also the one that reflects the soul, awakening all the enchantment of the natural harmony of things around and within oneself.
- Athena: The Goddess of wisdom will change your life. Is it for the better?
- Key: Opens doors in your life, but can also close them. Learn to use it correctly.
- Cleopatra: The queen of ancient Egypt involves a lot of power and refers to self-sufficient people, so it is not intended for everyone. Be careful with her shadow side. Learn to activate it the right way.
- Diamond: If you don’t feel deserving or don’t value yourself, this archetype will help you. It attracts a frequency of self-worth.
- Sunflower: This archetype represents the search for energetic nourishment, brightness, warmth, happiness, creativity, and everything that nourishes our inner energy.
- Empress: For those who desire a lasting romantic relationship, this archetype brings together the essential energies of a marriage.
- Jasmine: Jasmine is a fictional character from the movie Aladdin. She brings youthfulness, rebellion, freedom, and adventure, symbolizing love for her free spirit.
- Lilith: The first woman created by God, brings female empowerment as well as activates indignation with certain situations that may want to diminish or limit you.
- Apple: Helps attract customers and sales to your business if used correctly. In addition to the golden one, there is also the bitten red apple.
- Marilyn Monroe: With a striking sexual profile, she was recognized primarily for her beauty and magnetism, as well as being an enigmatic figure, she was also considered a cinema legend.
- Medusa: This character from Greek mythology brings the frequency of courage and self-knowledge to face inner shadows.
- Nefertiti: The ancient queen of the Nile, conveys security and reliability, also bringing a connection to a stable and lasting relationship.
- Mermaid: Seduction power. Attracts new people into your life and more clients to your business.
- Red Rose: The red rose archetype attracts love and passion, as well as great seduction and romance, especially in romantic relationships.
- Wizard: Provides a person with the ability to bring into the conscious mind the contents that are housed in the unconscious.
Animal Archetypes
Animal archetypes are among the most sought after and are used by many people with excellent results. Understand more about each of them in our article.
How to Activate an Archetype?
Have images of the chosen archetype in places where you can always visualize them, such as cellphone wallpaper, photo frames, paintings, computer wallpaper, among others, such as statues, for example.
You can also study more about the archetype you want to activate, such as learning more about the habits of the animal or the history