The archetype allows you to find out which type of activity is more suitable for a person, as well as what difficulties can arise if too much attention is paid to only one archetype.
Definition
Archetype is a word that came to us from the ancient Greek language. In translation, it means "prototype". These are all those universal symbols that form the basis of various myths and folklore. Archetypes are powerful internal forces that determine the actions and feelings of a person. For example, one needs marital fidelity, children and formal marriage in order to feel happy. Others value personal independence above all else. The third constantly needs tension of sensations. And the fourth are a kind of "hermits." Regardless of religion, spirituality is above all for them.
Archetype is a class of psychic meanings that have no source in the life of an individual. An archetype is a collection of certain images and ideals. They do not have a real prototype in the form of a specific person. The archetype is the image that allowssee yourself as if reflected in a mirror.
Young's Theory
The concept of the archetype was first developed by the famous psychoanalyst C. G. Jung. He noted that the human psyche contains several parts. Its center is consciousness. In his writings, he described personality archetypes in sufficient detail.
If we consider the human psyche in more detail, we can see that it consists of several multidirectional parts. First of all, Jung singled out the Ego, as well as the Person and the Shadow. Any archetypes of people originated from instincts. Their main goal is survival. These images are passed down from generation to generation.
The following archetypes according to Jung are distinguished: Self, Person, Shadow, Anima and Animus, Ego.
The psychoanalyst considered these archetypes to be the main ones. In addition to them, he singled out the following personality archetypes.
- Mother - brings peace and comfort.
- Father is an authoritative and powerful figure.
- Child - yearning for carefree childhood years, innocence.
- Sage - knowledge, experience.
- A hero is a rescuer, a protector of the weak and disadvantaged.
- Enemy - brings danger and anxiety.
Shadow Archetype
Shadow seeks to realize the instinct of reproduction, the thirst for life, freedom. It is an invisible part of the human unconscious, it contains all the desires, shortcomings, instincts that are suppressed. Jung said that the Shadow can appear in dreams in the form of monsters, snakes, monsters.
Jung's description of the Shadow archetype as an exploration of other parts of the personality beforeis still of interest to psychoanalysts. Jung himself believed that people inherited it from the animal kingdom. It is the Shadow that is the focus of passionate desires, immoral acts, as well as unacceptable qualities of character that are condemned by society. The shadow side of the psyche is most often repressed and repressed. Often this comes to the point that a person himself does not see his own shortcomings.
Ego
It is here, according to Jung, that the point of observation of the conscious "I" of a person over the external and internal world is located. Here also originates the path of personality development, which the psychoanalyst called individualization.
Anima and Animus
In analytical psychology, these examples of archetypes denote the image of the opposite sex. Jung called this the image of the soul, containing the knowledge of generations, kind, as well as a person's personal experience in the field of relationships with the opposite sex. Anima and Animus take different archetypal forms. For example, the feminine can manifest itself in the form of a gentle maiden or an evil sorceress. The masculine appears as a noble king or a jealous tyrant.
Self
Self is the union of the conscious and the unconscious. Often, Jung depicted the self in the form of a mandala drawing. Jung believed that the only way to achieve the Self was to go through the thorny path of accepting one's unconscious side. Embracing one's shadow aspect destroys the Persona's mask. This process is extremely painful. But ultimately it leads to positive changes in the structure of the personality.
Person
Persona is an ideal representation of a person about himself, his appearance in front of other people. Translated from Latin, the word "persona" means "mask". It is an intermediary between the "I" of a person and the outside world. On the one hand, it represents the bright side of personality. But on the other hand, this is just an image chosen by a person, a kind of mask. The dark side is hidden.
Basic properties of prototypes
An archetype is a subconscious image that has the following properties.
- Stability (immutability).
- Found among all nationalities and time periods.
- Has a set of both positive and negative qualities.
- Reflected in folk tales, myths.
- Influences the emotional sphere of a person.
- Always causes a reaction in the individual.
Why archetype information is needed
In order to get to know your own life roles as best as possible - mother, daughter, spouse, boss or merchant, archetypes are needed. The Olympic gods and goddesses were distinguished by strength and beauty. These are female and male characters that personify human passions and aspirations.
They embody behavioral models that determine the quality and direction of personality development. However, "blindly" following any archetype can be detrimental to life. You should learn to go beyond the usual framework of any one image.
Information about archetypes is knowledge that allows a person to build more successful relationships with people. Oftenthe choice of a lover is associated precisely with the predominance of one or another archetype. Psychological work with the archetype allows you to change the scenario of the relationship between a man and a woman for the better.
Ancient images of men and women
K. G. Jung believed that both male and female images are combined in a person. However, male psychological qualities predominate in the stronger sex, while female ones are pushed into the Shadow (the unconscious part of the psyche). And in beautiful ladies, female archetypes predominate, while male archetypes are forced out.
In each person several "goddesses" or "gods" can coexist at the same time. Symbolically, you can imagine this as a meeting at one table. All the gods sit, but only one leads the feast - the strongest part of the personality. The rest of the "present" is also necessary, because each of them is responsible for their own area.
Female images
Main female archetypes accepted in modern psychology:
- Artemis - is responsible for female power and relationships with other women. Artemis always strives to achieve her goals, she does not tolerate any restrictions.
- Athena is the bearer of wisdom and craft. This is a strong woman who is not influenced by feelings and relies on logic in any situation.
- Hestia - responsible for home comfort and warmth of the hearth. At the same time, Hestia is self-sufficient, she is self-confident and beautiful.
- Hera - the relationship in marriage is the most important thing for her. However, she is emotionally unstable, jealous.
- Persephone - symbolizes the relationship with mother and father. It is very dependent on the opinions of others, it is convenient for all people, except for itself.
- Demeter - relationships with children are in the first place for her, but in her heart there is a place for everyone. Demeter is always warm and caring.
- Aphrodite - connection with other people, friendship, love. Aphrodite is a creative and gentle lady who embodies the very essence of female nature.
- Hebe - symbolizes the image of the "forever young" lady. She avoids the slightest signs of aging - and she does it very well.
- Tyufe (Fortune) - this female archetype contains a contradictory nature. She tries her best to control everything, but refuses to predict the future consequences.
- Nemisis is one of the most fundamental archetypes. For her, the most important thing is honesty and conscience. Women with this archetype are unable to forgive injustice.
- Hecate is one of the deepest images, manifested in the need to mystify reality. The "carriers" of the image of Hecate often go headlong into occult practices.
Often in one woman there is a combination of several (usually 2-3) archetypes. Sometimes they can "compete" in her unconscious. At the same time, such competition is manifested in the fact that a woman may want to have a strong family, while simultaneously succeeding in her career.
See the goddess in yourself
An archetype test reveals the reasons that motivate you to behave in one way or another. Each question must be answered andput a mark next to the letter. And at the end of the test, see which answer options are most common.
What were your favorite fairy tales as a child?
A) “The Tale of Cinderella.”
B) “Sonka-Bogatyrka”.
B) “Thumbelina”.
D) “Teremok”.
E) “Vasilisa the Beautiful”.
E) “The Frog Princess”.
F) “Magic Pot”.
Name the character you would like to be as a child
A) Alice in Wonderland.
B) Alyosha Popovich.
B) Kristina Orbakaite.
D) Wild Beast Tamer.
E) Queen of England.
E) The owner of her own cafe.
F) Primary school teacher.
Favorite toy as a child
A) Plush bunny.
B) Toy tank on remote control.
B) Barbie.
D) Neighbor's dog Barbos.
E) Toy dish or house.
E) Paints and pencils.
G) Bucket and shovel for playing in the sandbox.
Which of the following ladies would you like to be like?
A) Mother Teresa.
B) Margaret Thatcher.
B) Audrey Hepburn.
D) Indira Gandhi.
E) Melania Trump.
E) Julia Vysotskaya.
G) Holy Mary.
Which clothing style do you like the most?
A) Gentle, romantic.
B) Military military.
C) Seductive.
D) Sporty.
E) Strict classic.
E) American country.
F) I like any comfortable clothes.
Resultstest
The result of the test for the archetype, as indicated, is calculated by the predominance of one or another answer option.
- A - Persephone. Often such girls are weak-willed, they are distinguished by indecision and modesty. It is difficult for them to grow up, to begin to take responsibility for their own actions. Even as an adult, Persephone can behave like a child. She always looks younger than her years.
- B - Athena. In her logical abilities, she is not inferior to men and is able to decide on the most unexpected life changes. Athens makes excellent business women, lawyers, lawyers, sportswomen. If Athena does not satisfy her ambitions for maturity, then she will turn into a real domestic tyrant.
- B - Aphrodite. A woman in whom this archetype is dominant is the real embodiment of attractiveness and eroticism. Wherever they should appear, men begin to experience excitement and a desire to achieve Aphrodite at any cost. However, it is almost impossible to force such a lady to stay with one man for a long time. She is very amorous, and her mood changes every hour. If a girl with a similar archetype moderates her ardor a little, then she can push her man to new achievements, become a true muse for an artist or an inspiration for a businessman. Aphrodite will not worry about approaching old age - if she managed to find an interesting creative activity, she will devote all her free time to it.
- G - Artemis. This goddess was the favorite of the Thunderer Zeus. Only the supreme god allowed her to choose gifts. She neverI had to fight for my father's attention. In life, Artemis is very independent. Their life motto is very simple - "I can take care of myself." Such girls often become public figures, politicians, join the ranks of animal rights activists. It should be noted that Artemis does not like men and constantly strives to compete with them. This does not lead to good - as a rule, such girls are not very happy in marriage. With pity, Artemis is also not all right. They are more likely to empathize with a sick dog than a person. However, these ladies are very strong. They know how to find a way out of any difficult situation, because their mind is by no means uncommon.
- D - Gera. This is the mistress of Olympus, the wife of the Thunderer Zeus. She was beautiful and full of majesty. Ger women are distinguished by vindictiveness and cruelty. Their main meaning of life is marriage. Such ladies make excellent spouses of presidents, because they are attractive, educated, and able to perfectly organize social activities. Hera is not very set on a career. However, in family life, such ladies often suffer because of the behavior of their husbands.
- E - Hestia. This goddess was responsible for maintaining the hearth. Therefore, ladies in whom this stereotype prevails are excellent housewives. They cannot be called very attractive sexually, but they do not reject the intimate side of life. Hestia makes an excellent mother.
- F - Demeter. The goddess of fertility, who was worshiped by all women who dream of having children. A Demeter woman, as a rule, marries very early. But if the marriagefor some reason it collapses, she does not grieve very much - after all, the children remain with her. Such ladies are often drawn to immature men who remain "eternal boys." Often they choose as a profession work related to the upbringing of children - a teacher, pediatrician, educator.
Male looks
The carrier of the archetype is every person. One of the most common images is divine characters. Archetypes of men can carry the semantic load of two main roles - paternal and filial.
Paternal archetypes include the following:
- Zeus - the father of all gods, is the archetype of strong people, confident in their abilities. Responsible for achievements in society; this god is the leader, the leader.
- Hades - reflects the inner, unconscious world. The archetype of men who trust their intuition and often withdraw into themselves. As a rule, such people are quite smart, mysterious.
- Poseidon - the carriers of this image love vivid experiences, which are often not accepted by society. Poseidons are distinguished by their temper, emotionality. Also responsible for the sphere of intimate life.
The main archetypes of men, symbolizing the filial position:
- Apollo - symbolizes intelligence, moderation in everything. Conscious and rational man. He is guided by common sense, logic.
- Hermes - easy-going, gladly agrees to new ideas, suggestions. His sphere is trade, the ability to negotiate with customers and partners onbusiness.
- Hephaestus is a hardworking and hard worker who decided to become a real expert in his field. However, at the same time, he is distinguished by sensitivity, vulnerability. The sphere for which Hephaestus is responsible is craft and creativity, humanism.
- Ares is one of the most reactive archetypes. He tends to succumb to the influence of internal impulses, not always thinking about the consequences. Ares' sphere is friendship, the ability to protect oneself and others.
- Dionysus is an archetype that is perfectly illustrated by the phrase “men are like children”. He does not enter into competition, does not like conflicts. Dionysus is an inner child who knows how to love and enjoy life.
Archetypes allow you to better explore yourself, to understand the reasons for your actions. On the other hand, they are a useful tool for every psychologist or anyone interested in personal growth.
