Psychology: The 12 archetypes of the unconscious – which one rules in you?

The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung described twelve archetypes that shape our subconscious and influence our actions. Which ones are particularly dominant in you?

Our actions and decisions are often just as difficult to calculate as to explain. Neuroscientists are searching and finding more and more reasons why we tick the way we tick and are the way we are in the depths of our brain convolutions and regions, but many of our motives are still hidden – and possibly will be there stay for a long time.

For the moment we can assume that very different inner voices are talking to us, which we rarely listen knowingly, but nevertheless follow. In this context, the Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung coined the model of the twelve archetypes that make up our collective unconscious: archetypes that are inherent in all of us, but come to light in varying degrees. Carl Gustav Jung derived these archetypes from a collection of fairy tales, stories and legends from different cultures, but made no claim to completeness – there are probably many more archetypes slumbering within us.

Each of the archetypes has its own agenda in some way and expresses one or more needs that are built into us. How strongly an archetype appears in our actions, thoughts and decisions depends, among other things, on our experience, i.e. our curriculum vitae, our environment, i.e. the situation in which we find ourselves, and probably also on our genes. The archetypes can roughly be assigned to four areas, which result from the similarity of their concerns.

The twelve archetypes of the collective unconscious

Order – give structure

ruler (control)

The ruler archetype can be found in numerous stories and is embodied in Greek mythology, for example, by the god Zeus. In this archetype is a distinct one Need for power and control manifested, through his strong self-confidence he enables to take responsibility and to make decisions – also for and about other people.

Creator (Innovation)

The Creator archetype represents our creative, imaginative side. He is driven by the need to create something new and to overcome boundaries. a strong one Desire for freedom and innovation distinguishes him, he is also willing to take risks, independent and self-confident.

carer (caring)

Underlying the caregiver archetype is a sense of being stronger and more resilient than certain fellow human beings and therefore able to be there for them. It expresses itself in compassion, helpfulness and caring and comes primarily from ours Need for control and influence. In Greek mythology, this archetype is best represented by the goddess Hera.

Fulfillment – longing for paradise

innocent (purity)

The innocent archetype always wants to believe in the good and in a higher justice in our universe. That shapes him Need for harmony, contentment and peace. When this archetype determines our actions, we tend to avoid conflict, conform, strive to please others—and let optimism, courage, and confidence guide us.

sage (knowledge)

The wise archetype is characterized by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Understanding connections, gaining insights, collecting information and relating it to one another – this is how this archetype tries to match its own Need for understanding and clarity correspond to.

Explorer (Freedom)

The explorer archetype is always looking for adventure and variety. He lives a distinct need for freedom that makes him courageous and willing to experiment. For many people, this archetype is triggered in phases of standstill and monotony, and rules and restrictions usually call it into play.

Change – leave traces

rebel (revolution)

The rebellious archetype rebels against principles, rules and especially traditions. He doesn’t want to accept borders, conventions and specifications, especially not without good arguments. This archetype is motivated by a variety of needs, including one Longing for freedom, control, change, meaning and world improvement. Needless to say, people whose rebellious side is behind the wheel can often be offended and have trouble adjusting and integrating. Nevertheless, they are usually the ones who initiate important and positive changes.

Mage (Transformation)

The magician archetype is like a visionary who sees potential in everything and everyone – and ways to realize that potential. This archetype is inspired by experiences and constantly develops its environment, including fellow human beings, with words and deeds. That’s what drives the mage archetype need to work and to realize oneself in this work and the works that result from it.

hero (achievement)

The actions of the hero archetype are primarily that based on the need to prove oneself. He wants to prove to himself that he is a good person, that he is capable and competent, that he can surpass himself and that he can shine. Typically, this archetype is expressed in integrity, reliability and courage. People in whom it is strongly developed often act as role models and have a positive influence on their environment.

Connection – maintaining relationships with others

lover (sensuality)

The lover archetype has a strong ability to enjoy. He feels the beauty of love, the wonder of human relationships as great happiness and can fully indulge in sensual pleasures such as touch, scents, tastes and aesthetics. In this archetype comes above all that Need for presence experience and devotion to carry.

fool (sociality)

Although the term fool has a negative connotation for us, this archetype is about a very beautiful and human side of our unconscious, ours Need for company and sociability is equivalent to. The fool archetype senses their own connection to other people, recognizes similarities, shows understanding and love for mistakes and inadequacies. Thanks to this archetype we can see ourselves in our counterpart and our counterpart in ourselves. Whoever is the fool is typically generous, open, self-deprecating, but appreciative and tolerant.

Everyone (affiliation)

The Everyman archetype is driven by a very important and fundamental need: That Need to belong to a community. This side of our unconscious helps us to conform and to be kind and sociable with other people. How the Everyman archetype is expressed and developed over the course of our lives depends to a large extent on our early social experiences, such as whether we were well integrated and accepted in the class community, whether we grew up in a harmonious, stable home, and so on.

Sources used: gedankenwelt.de, sortlist.de, meyerjark.de

sus
Bridget

source site-38