Introduction to Archetypes

Lesson 1

Introduction to Archetypes

Lesson 1

What do all people have in common?

Why do people share these things?

What are you afraid of?

What do all people have in common?

Why do people share these things?

What are you afraid of?

All people share…All people share…the same fears.the same fears.

The Unknown

Snakes

Death

Darkness

All people share…All people share…the same taboos.the same taboos.

Cannibalism

Murder

Incest

Child Abuse

All people share…All people share…the same dreams.the same dreams.

Flying

Falling

Being Chased

Being Unprepared

Teeth Falling Out

Being Lost

All people share…All people share…the same stories.the same stories.

These stories are archetypes.

The Creation of the World

The Flood The Hero’s

Quest

What are “archetypes”?What are “archetypes”?

Pronounced “AR-kuh-types” Patterns, templates, or prototypes of human behavior

and experience “inherent dispositions” - stuff we’re born with “deposits of the constantly repeated experiences of

humanity” - Carl Jung “In each of these images there is a little piece of

human psychology and human fate, a remnant of the joys and sorrows that have been repeated countless times in our ancestral history. . . .” - Carl Jung

Pronounced “AR-kuh-types” Patterns, templates, or prototypes of human behavior

and experience “inherent dispositions” - stuff we’re born with “deposits of the constantly repeated experiences of

humanity” - Carl Jung “In each of these images there is a little piece of

human psychology and human fate, a remnant of the joys and sorrows that have been repeated countless times in our ancestral history. . . .” - Carl Jung

Characteristics of ArchetypesCharacteristics of Archetypes

They are not individual, but shared with all humans. They are the inherited part of being human - connects

us to all other humans who ever have or ever will live. They are not directly knowable, but express

themselves in forms. They are universal across all human cultures,

regardless of historical time or geographical location. They keep showing up in all forms of human

experience and expression.

They are not individual, but shared with all humans. They are the inherited part of being human - connects

us to all other humans who ever have or ever will live. They are not directly knowable, but express

themselves in forms. They are universal across all human cultures,

regardless of historical time or geographical location. They keep showing up in all forms of human

experience and expression.

Who’s this “Jung” guy?Who’s this “Jung” guy?

Jung - pronounced “young”

1875-1961 Swiss psychologist who

worked with Sigmund Freud

Came up with the idea of “the collective unconscious”

An important guy to know if you’re studying archetypes!

Jung - pronounced “young”

1875-1961 Swiss psychologist who

worked with Sigmund Freud

Came up with the idea of “the collective unconscious”

An important guy to know if you’re studying archetypes!

Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate)Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate) All of reality is contained in

the “time and space box.” The box is locked up tight.

The “Unknown” has no influence.

We start our lives as “blank slates.”Everything we know is learned within our lifetime.

All of reality is contained in the “time and space box.”

The box is locked up tight. The “Unknown” has no influence.

We start our lives as “blank slates.”Everything we know is learned within our lifetime.

The Collective UnconsciousThe Collective Unconscious

Instead of “the unknown,” the “time and space box” is surrounded by the “collective unconscious.”

Archetypes hang out outside of the “time and space box” and generally effect us through our unconscious minds.

We are not “blank slates.”

Instead of “the unknown,” the “time and space box” is surrounded by the “collective unconscious.”

Archetypes hang out outside of the “time and space box” and generally effect us through our unconscious minds.

We are not “blank slates.”

Where do archetypes show up?Where do archetypes show up? Myths Legends Dreams Literature Art Music Movies Anywhere humans have expressed their

feelings, thoughts, emotions, and ideas…

Myths Legends Dreams Literature Art Music Movies Anywhere humans have expressed their

feelings, thoughts, emotions, and ideas…

Types of ArchetypesTypes of Archetypes

1. Character Archetypes

2. Situational Archetypes

3. Symbolic Archetypes

1. Character Archetypes

2. Situational Archetypes

3. Symbolic Archetypes

What does this have to do with me?What does this have to do with me?

You are human, aren’t you? The repeating patterns we call archetypes are a “built-

in” part of your everyday life - you just haven’t noticed yet…

Carl Jung believed that archetypes are so important to humans that if we lose touch with them, we’ll go crazy!

Becoming aware of archetypes can help you feel connected to the rest of humanity. You may even come to see how your own life is shaped by these ancient patterns of human experience.

You are human, aren’t you? The repeating patterns we call archetypes are a “built-

in” part of your everyday life - you just haven’t noticed yet…

Carl Jung believed that archetypes are so important to humans that if we lose touch with them, we’ll go crazy!

Becoming aware of archetypes can help you feel connected to the rest of humanity. You may even come to see how your own life is shaped by these ancient patterns of human experience.

Character ArchetypesCharacter

Archetypes

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