Archetypes
The archetype is probably Jung's most difficult concept.
Archetypes are inherited predispositions to respond to the world in certain ways. They are primordial images, representations of the instinctual energies of the collective unconscious.
According to Jung, the archetypes are structure-forming elements within the unconscious. These elements give rise to the archetypal images that dominate both individual fantasy life and the mythologies of an entire culture. The archetypes exhibit "a kind of readiness to produce over and over again the same or similar mythical ideas". They tend to appear as certain patterns-as recurring situations and figures. Archetypal situations include the hero's quest, the night-sea journey, and the battle for deliverance from the mother. Archetypal figures include the divine child, the double, the old sage, and the primordial mother.
Each of the major structures of the personality is also an archetype. These structures include the ego, the persona, the shadow, the anima (in men), the animus (in women), and the self.
The archetypes themselves are forms, without content of their own, that serve to organize or channel psychological material. They are somewhat like dry stream beds whose shape determines the characteristics of a river once water begins flowing through them. The archetypes are carriers of energy. When an archetype is activated, it generally unlocks a tremendous amount of energy. All creativity has an archetypal element.
Archetypes are inherited predispositions to respond to the world in certain ways. They are primordial images, representations of the instinctual energies of the collective unconscious.
According to Jung, the archetypes are structure-forming elements within the unconscious. These elements give rise to the archetypal images that dominate both individual fantasy life and the mythologies of an entire culture. The archetypes exhibit "a kind of readiness to produce over and over again the same or similar mythical ideas". They tend to appear as certain patterns-as recurring situations and figures. Archetypal situations include the hero's quest, the night-sea journey, and the battle for deliverance from the mother. Archetypal figures include the divine child, the double, the old sage, and the primordial mother.
Each of the major structures of the personality is also an archetype. These structures include the ego, the persona, the shadow, the anima (in men), the animus (in women), and the self.
The archetypes themselves are forms, without content of their own, that serve to organize or channel psychological material. They are somewhat like dry stream beds whose shape determines the characteristics of a river once water begins flowing through them. The archetypes are carriers of energy. When an archetype is activated, it generally unlocks a tremendous amount of energy. All creativity has an archetypal element.
the Self
The self is the archetype that symbolizes the unity of the consciousness and unconsciousness in an individual. Individualization is the process by which the self is created; in Individualization, various aspects of personality are integrated to form the self. Jung used a square, circle, or mandala to represent the self.
THe Shadow
The shadow is the archetype that is composed of one’s sex and life instincts. The shadow is a piece of the unconscious mind; its composition includes repressed ideas, desires, weaknesses, shortcomings, and instincts. This is often described as the ‘darker side’ of the psyche and represents wildness, chaos, and the unknown. Jung believed that these latent dispositions exist in all humans, but some chose to deny this archetype and project it onto others. Jung stated that the shadow could appear in visions or dreams, and he saw it as appearing in a sundry of forms; it could be a snake, demon, dragon, or any dark, wild, and exotic creature.
The Amina or Aminus
The anima is a feminine image in the male psyche and the animus is a male image in the female psyche. These archetypes symbolize a ‘true self, different from the image we want others to see, and it serves as our own primary source of communication with our collective unconscious. Combining these archetypes creates the divine couple, known as the syzygy, which represents unification, wholeness, and completion.
THe persona
The persona is the archetype of how we chose to present ourselves to the world, and it literally means mask. The persona symbolizes all of the social hats (or masks) that we wear in different social groups and situations. The persona serves to shield the ego from negative images, and, according to Jung, it can appear to us in dreams while taking on may different forms.
References
Cherry, K. (n.d.). Jung's Archetypes. About.com Psychology. Retrieved April 17, 2014, from http://psychology.about.com/od/personalitydevelopment/tp/archetypes.htm
Hall, E. (n.d.). Key Terms- Personality. GAVS.com. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://cms.gavirtualschool.org/Development/Social_Studies/AP_Psychology/AP_Psychology_Softchalk/12_Personality/KeyTermsPersonality.pdf
Psych 200 Unit 12 Module 4. (n.d.). Psych 200 Unit 12 Module 4. Retrieved April 18, 2014, from http://online.sfsu.edu/psych200/unit12/124.htm
Cherry, K. (n.d.). Jung's Archetypes. About.com Psychology. Retrieved April 17, 2014, from http://psychology.about.com/od/personalitydevelopment/tp/archetypes.htm
Hall, E. (n.d.). Key Terms- Personality. GAVS.com. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://cms.gavirtualschool.org/Development/Social_Studies/AP_Psychology/AP_Psychology_Softchalk/12_Personality/KeyTermsPersonality.pdf
Psych 200 Unit 12 Module 4. (n.d.). Psych 200 Unit 12 Module 4. Retrieved April 18, 2014, from http://online.sfsu.edu/psych200/unit12/124.htm