Jungian Perspective: Archetypes of Collective Unconscious

Author: Ushna Nawaz

In Carl Jung’s perspective, archetypes influence human behavior and personality. Archetypes are the symbols, signs, and images drawn from an individual’s collective unconscious. An individual has to pass all archetypes successfully; otherwise, he may get stuck at one archetype that will hinder his personality and behavior. People are not well aware of their archetype; however, it can be better seen by other people around them. People can switch from one archetype to another, according to the situation, circumstances, and people they are facing. Following are the archetypes defined by Jung:

The Child

        This archetype symbolizes a child who is pure and unaware of the reality of the world. A child can be stubborn, impulsive, curious, or innocent.

The Great Mother

       Two types of mothers are described in this archetype. One is a nurturing mother and the other one is devouring mother. Nurturing mother is always there for their child to provide comfort. She takes care, appreciates, and positively encourages her child. The devouring mother can be harmful to her child. She can act as an obstacle in her child’s life.

The Persona

         The word “persona” is derived from the Latin word that means “mask”. The persona acts as a cover that people wear in front of others and society. Usually, to protect our image ego people use this mask. To behave in a certain way, according to the norms of the environment, people use persona. 

The Shadow

            The shadow is always with us. It retains all our negative aspects of our personality that we want to hide from others. Due to societal norms, people hide their unacceptable urges in this shadow. Shadow is the darker aspect of people’s personalities. It may consist of our awful experiences, traumas, weaknesses, and suppressed ideas. 

Eros

        This archetype concerns with the arousal of sexual awareness, romantic feelings, and desires. It develops the awareness of sexual impulses.

The Anima  

           At the time of adolescence, males develop some feminine trait, this is known as anima.

The Animus

           Reaching adolescence, the females developing masculine qualities are termed as animus.

The Hero

           This part of the psyche does not rely more on experiences. The hero believes in his good fate and power. He thinks that he is a champion, where ever he goes and whatever he does.

The Wise Old Man

        Unlike the hero, the wise old man uses his knowledge and experience. He is ready to provide guidelines for others. This archetype relies on his wisdom.  

The Trickster

           The individual with this archetype plays tricks with others. A trickster is a deceiver and trouble-maker. To achieve his goals, he can use others. He does not care about how others will be affected by his doing.

The Self

        The Self is superior to all the archetypes. It does not hurt others for their purpose. It the integrated form of our unconscious and conscious. The individual who achieves this archetype is well-aware of his goals and the struggle to accomplish them. The self can be developed by harmonizing the consciousness and unconsciousness.