My previous post on the very subject of collective unconscious and archetypes, did not elaborate much on Archetypes. Subsequently this post is more on how archetypes play an immense role in understanding ourselves and our instincts.
We inherit primitive memories from our ancestors, these memories are accumulated deep within the subconscious mind and the collective unconscious.
These memories are composed and structured by archetypes. Archetypes have two main functions, they organize these memories into themes and they transmit them to the conscious mind when an infrequent circumstance comes to light. Archetypes can in many ways be compared to instincts, because when they're activated they influence our actions, archetypes can be behavioral patterns, depictions, reminiscences, symbols, thoughts and characters, with distinctive personality hallmarks. Archetypes build our personalities, they guide our values and they lead the way through the instants or phases of life, if victorious we would think and act in parallel to our ancestors.
Jung believed that archetypes are like blueprints for life. Essentially an archetypes job is to use the memories of your ancestor to get you to live like they did.
Archetypes also bring meaningful symbols into the conscious mind, we see archetypal images in dreams and fantasies. In a similar sense, various cultures around the world have resemblance in their myths, legends and stories.
Jung's thesis in many means drives a connect between instincts and archetypes. As stated by him,"The archetype as an image of instinct is a spiritual goal towards which the whole nature of man strives, it is the sea to which all rivers wend their way, the prize which the hero wrests from the fight with the dragon."
12 Jungian archetypes,
The Sage, The truth will set you free.
The Innocent, Free to be you and me.
The Ruler, Power isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.
The Creator, If you can imagine it, it can be done.
The Caregiver, Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Magician, I make things happen.
The Hero, Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
The Rebel, Rules are made to be broken.
The Lover, You’re the only one.
The Jester, You only live once.
The Orphan, All men and women are created equal.
{I found these motto's from here}
