Tools for Dreamers - Part II

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On Archetypes

Joseph Campbell, in a conversation with Bill Moyers, defines archetypes this way:

“The human psyche is essentially the same all over the world. The psyche is the inward experience of the human body, which is essentially the same in all human beings, with the same organs, the same instincts, the same impulses, the same conflicts, the same fears. Out of this common ground has come what Jung has called the archetypes, which are the common ideas of myths.

Moyers asks, “What are archetypes?” Campbell replies:

“They are elementary ideas, what could be called ‘ground’ ideas. These ideas Jung spoke of as archetypes of the unconscious. ‘Archetype’ is the better term because ‘elementary idea’ suggests headwork. Archetype of the unconscious means it comes from below. The difference between the Jungian archetypes of the unconscious and Freud’s complexes is that the archetypes of the unconscious are manifestations of the organs of the body and their powers. Archetypes are biologically grounded, whereas the Freudian unconscious is a collection of repressed traumatic experiences from the individual’s lifetime. The Freudian unconscious is a personal unconscious, it is biographical. The Jungian archetypes of the unconscious are biological. The biographical is secondary to that.

All over the world and at different times in human history, these archetypes, or elementary ideas, have appeared in different costumes. The differences in the costumes are the results of environment and historical conditions. It is these differences that the anthropologist is most concerned to identify and compare.”

Arthur Benard, Ph.D., M.F.T., in his workshop, “Dreams: Awakening Your Sleeping Genius,” lists archetypes:

“There is a part of the unconscious that all people have access to, which Carl Jung labeled the ‘collective unconscious.’ It is a psychic storehouse for all humankind, and the contents of the collective unconscious are called archetypes: patterns that are found within the conscious of everyone.

It is important to understand that the universal meanings and generalized definitions are of minimal value in terms of self-understanding and personal growth. Only through discovering your own translations of symbols, even universal ones, can you effect any real change or insight. Another limitation is that symbols change meaning according to the context in which they appear and the personal experience of the dreamer.

Angel – spiritual ideals; higher self-image, guiding angel

Bull – strength; earthly desires; take the bull by the horns; ‘bull market’.

Cave – hidden aspects of self; deeper levels of mind; exploring the depths of the inner self; site of mystery and healing; secrecy; hiding place when troubled.

Cross – difficulties we have to bear; the way of Christ; rebirth

Fire – at its worst-uncontrolled temper, jealousy, vengeance, hatred; its opposites are the fires of love, zeal, patriotic fervor, cleansing and purification.

Light – mental understanding; insight; spiritual illumination.

Mandala – designs usually enclosed within a circle, which represent wholeness and the higher self.

Mountain – attainment of spiritual awareness after surmounting obstacles; high ideals; mastery of earthly concerns; climbing a mountain – making spiritual progress.

Ocean – our emotions and their condition; subconscious and super-conscious areas of the mind; mysteries of the deep within us.

Rainbow – God’s promise to people; protection, happiness, joy and good things to come.

River – the course of life; flow of ideas and emotions; spiritual activity

Serpent/snake – the kundalini, the creative force that flows through us and can raise our energy to spiritual awareness; represents both good and evil; negative aspect - lust and temptation; positive aspect - wisdom and healing.

Star – high, spiritual ideals

Stone – foundation of truth, solid, dependable

Tree – support, strength, permanence, dignity; indicates growth and un-foldment; flowering tree – inner beauty, abundance, promise of the fruits of your labor.

Water – source of life; spiritual depths; feelings and emotions; deep, clear still water often represents truth about the inner self; murky water – emotions upset and in turmoil.

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