Sigmund Freud is credited with developing our modern concept of the unconscious. Carl Jung went a step further to differentiate between a personal unconscious and a collective unconscious. The personal unconscious is the repository of our personal history; it is unique to each individual. The collective unconscious is the repository of human history; it is essentially the same in every individual.
Within the collective lies our instincts which are patterns of behavior that we have inherited from our deep past. Also in the collective are archetypes which are the inherited patterns of perception by which we understand our world. These too are developed by our deep history.
Although each of has the same archetypes within the collective unconscious these archetypes are not necessarily at the same degree of development within each of individual. Those who have a more mature development of an archetype will express it differently than one has a less mature degree of development.
Let’s take the Warrior archetype as an example. The Warrior in its less mature development will typically be expressed in some form of aggression or violence. Warlords and gang leaders are such examples. Examples of the mature development of the Warrior are seen in social reformers such as Gandhi or ML King.
In each case the Warrior qualities of strength, determination, courage and discipline are expressed, but in very different ways. As individuals we can learn to consciously tap into the power of the archetype. We can use the power of the Warrior to protect ourself, to set personal boundaries, to develop the discipline and focus to complete a difficult task and to take action boldly when needed.
Archetypes are both within us and beyond us. They deeply impact our collective culture. To the degree that we are unconscious the archetype will use us to express its energy. Mob violence is an example; individuals may act in ways they might never consider if acting alone.
Whenever we see someone as holding qualities that we adore or despise---qualities we believe to be absent within ourselves-- we may be seeing through the projection of our own unconscious archetype. We do not see the other as a person but as a projection of our disowned self; we see our own unrecognized and unlived life projected onto another person or group. Leaders of social movements know how to use the power of the archetype. Adolph Hitler’s amazing degree of influence over the German people is a classic example of the incredible power given to someone who carries an archetypal projection.
Closer to home, most all of us have experienced falling in love. After falling in love we feel wonderfully exhilarated because we have met the reflection of our own unacknowledged love; we momentarily feel the joy of wholeness. But alas, we don’t recognize it as our own love but rather as the magical presence of another person. Realty eventually sets in and we see our beloved as a mere mortal—another human being. We can then choose to love the other as they really are or we can move on in search of another person to carry our projection.
We often see constellations (families) of archetypes working together as a team. A classic example is that of the Drama Triangle. Virtually every story reflects this constellation in some way. Novelists, screenwriters and playwrights use these archetypes very often. Politicians know this one as well. It is played out in family systems, religions, and organizations everywhere.
The Drama Triangle consists of three archetypes that are interdependent--they work as a team. These archetypes are: Victim, Villain, and Rescuer. Most conflicts—from marital squabbles to international disputes-- use this The Triangle (or more accurately, are used by it.)
The Victim feels powerless. He often believes that has been wounded or unjustly used in some way. The Victim is often quite angry, but typically does not show it—or even know it. He often fantasies calling upon a Rescuer to “get even” with the Villain. (You cheated me! I’m going to call my lawyer and put you in jail!) Victims can carry resentment for a long time.
The Villain rarely sees himself as a villain. He is just “going about his business” or may even believe that she was victimized and is simply “serving justice.” The Villain may secretly enjoy this role because it holds considerable power over the Victim.
The Rescuer usually enjoys the power of his role more openly. He is the “Knight in Shining Armor.” He too usually enjoys considerable power. He has the potential to vanquish the Villain and to rescue the Victim. Justice is served!
What’s interesting is that these three archetypes can readily change roles! It’s not unusual for the Victim in one scenario to become the Villain in the next, and vice versa. A man may be a Rescuer in his professional life, while his angry wife sees him as the Villain, and herself as the Victim. Yet he may see her as the Villain, and himself as Victim! They may both visit their pastor (Rescuer) for counseling—and will present two very different stories. (The wise counselor will see neither as Victim or Villain, but as two human beings trying to love each other as best they can.)
We frequently project the Drama Triangle onto the world around us. We project this onto politicians, public figures, contemporary events. (As you see or hear the news of the day notice how easy it is to interpret it through the lens of the Triangle.) When someone is seen through the lens of an archetype they become bigger than life and often have an inordinate amount of power bestowed upon them--for good or for ill. (E.g. Athletes, politicians, movie stars)
If someone (person or nation) is identified with the Victim and a Villain is not readily available then we will create one; this is the Scapegoat. (Someone must be “the bad guy” in order to complete the triangle.)
All of the above is written to illustrate the power of the archetype. Many books could be (and have been) written on this fascinating topic.
In our next blog we explore some archetypes pertinent to spirituality and religion. We will look at two human beings: Siddhartha Gautama and Jesus of Nazareth, both of whom become much more than human---thanks to the power of the archetype.