8 replies to this topic

[spinningcannon]

All right, kids, the Jung addict here has a question. XD

If you've ever studies up on psychology or the like, you've probably encountered Jung's theory of the "collective unconscious."
What this theory states is that the human unconscious not only consists of a personal state of mind, but also of a "collective unconscious", formed by the countless minds and experiences of all before us. Jung himself called it "a reservoir of the experiences of our species."
This collective unconscious is common to all people, and not only influences how we view the world, but also guides us to self-realization. One of the methods through which it achieves this is dreams.

In dreams, the collective unconscious tends to present us with archetypes. An archetype is a universal and innate image or idea that we apply to our experiences. What is interesting, though, is that we frequently dream of these people or images, our archetypes, usually without even noticing them.

And so it is with that point that I ask you-- do you encounter any archetypes in your dreams?

Note, however, that what we view or experience as an archetype in our dreams may not always be what we consider that ideal in real life. For example, I have an odd tendency to consider Wizeman as my "father archetype", but have not seen him in dreams at all and so cannot count him as such.


Here's a list of the main ones for you kids. I will probably post mine later on so as not to accidentally influence you.
If you encounter any other recurring images/themes that you think would work as an archetype, go ahead and list them. The possibilities are literally limitless.
Have fun!



The hero, who pursues a great quest to realize his destiny.

The self, the personality striving towards its own complete realization.

The shadow, the amoral remnant of our instinctual animal past.

The persona, the mask and pretense we show others.

The anima and animus, our female and male roles and urges.

The mother, primarily in the sense of our need of her.

The father, primarily an authority figure often inducing fear.

The child, our innocent beginning with all our potential in front of us.

The sage, or wise old man, one who has the profound knowledge.

The god, the perfect image of the Self.

The goddess, the great mother, or Mother Earth.

The trickster, a rascal agent pushing us towards change.

The beast, a representation of the primitive past of man.

The scapegoat, suffering the shortcomings of others.

The fool, wandering off in confusion and faulty directions.

The artist, the visionary and inspired way of approaching truth.

Mana and other concepts of spiritual energy. (I think iDEYA)

The journey, a representation of the quest towards self-realization.

Life, death and rebirth, the cyclic nature of existence.

Light and dark, images of the conscious and the unconscious.

The tree, the growth towards self-fulfillment. (Remember the Englebaum?)

Water, the unconscious and the emotions.

The wizard, knowledgeable of the hidden and of transformation needed.



Don't feel pressured to find a fit for each ideal-- it's better if you don't! Too much stress!
Just list the ones that you strongly feel are your archetypes.

Any questions? Need clarification? Just ask me and I'll be there to help ASAP!

All right, now let's make Jung proud! XD

[Kichigai]

I'm still abit unclear on the categorizing of archetypes. My dreams consist of exploring and everything being really big/tall. (Buildings/trees over sized) so would that be considered an archetype?

[spinningcannon]

I'm still abit unclear on the categorizing of archetypes. My dreams consist of exploring and everything being really big/tall. (Buildings/trees over sized) so would that be considered an archetype?

Archetypes are more "personified ideals" than regular objects. If there's a heavy theme of exploring in your dreams, that would probably fit as a "journey" archetype, especially if the experience is somewhat similar each time.
I don't want to jump into anything psychoanalytic here, but with the huge trees and all... there is a "tree" archetype, which would probably fit your dream images if they are indeed that common.
The tree is a sign of self-fulfillment, but that's up for you to look into, dream meaning-wise.

As a quick recap, an Archetypal image would be a sort of "prototype" for any other image of the sort.
For example, a hero archetype in your dreams would ideally personify all you imagine a hero to be, most likely based on appearance, personality, and whatnot.
If your trees were indeed Archetypes, I think they would fit your opinions or thoughts on them, or perhaps a memory/feeling connected to them that influences your views. That's what I can figure.

My "trickster" figure in dreams is a being very similar to my muse in appearance, but is colored black and has shapeshifting abilities. I call him Doppelganger for that reason.
He fits my "trickster" ideal and the Archetype's qualities in those two ways-- my muse is almost a living conscience to me, but he's a lot kinder than Doppel. Being more harsh and cruel and also transforming to personify my worries and problems makes Doppelganger a perfect trickster Archetype... he forces me to look at what I need to change in myself and isn't afraid to be harshly direct about telling me.
Does that explain the Archetype idea a little better?


Hope all that helps! Once again, I'm still open for further help of any sort. <3

[Nix Entente]

My archetypes...are not easy to identify. ^___^ Usually, one may appear once, for a short while, then disappear.

However, I have seen my trickster at least twice, and he's definitely left a strong impression on me. He is an anthropomorphic cat--I should really draw him--in a Dickens-style suit, the cravat and the top hat, though I can't recall if he carries a cane. The name in the dream was Catin. It's cheesy, I know, but I can't change it. >< He is always very brisk and snide, and sometimes I think that he has some malicious intent towards me. He once let me fall off a moving train. Oops.

It makes me laugh that Doppel is as harsh to you as Catin is to me, Cannon. It makes sense that he took the form of a cat--in waking life, I love cats, but they always attack me in dreams.

Anyway, as far as his relation to my feelings on change--I know that I have this weird complex about things in my life changing, especially when I can't help it. Oftentimes, the thought of things changing dramatically leaves me feeling queasy. So, whenever I encounter Catin, he's always moving and going somewhere. I feel a need to follow, but there's an anxiety about where he's going.

*shiver* I love the dreams. Now you've got me all worked up about archetypes. Haven't studied them for a while.

[Kichigai]

I guess Tree would be it. The tree's in my dream are extremely tall/big. Kinda like Sequoias but more lush and vibrant in colors.

...and now that I think of it. I remember having a dream of these giant tree's inside metal cages with rusty escalators and elevators around them. . During that time was the beginning of a horrible holiday experience on my sister and I's online shop. :|

[TORiAS_the_fallen]

THE Trickster, my Animus, and the Shadow...... I Guess that means I'm pretty twisted, huh?

[The wise Kitsune]

The trickster, is Grape my muse. She teases me.... does that count? Its fits her best. XD

[Chun-li Kittylien]

Very interesting!!!! I showed this topic for a friend and he liked!!!^^

My archetypes... Hum... Well, I dream very much taht I'm a heroine/super heroine/the girl that saves the day. Then, I think taht my archetypes is of The Hero. Sincerely, I'm a people that hates routine, I like of things that stoke my curiosity, that takes off me of the "common place". Something that takes off me of the routine.

[TORiAS_the_fallen]

My Animus is actually TORiAS... huh... my Animus is a sadistic lonley ass( for lack thereof of a better word)!