Sunday, October 26, 2014

Carl Jung Symbols Are Still Applicable To Many Situations

By Dominique Martin


Some dream symbols are universal and apply to men as well as women. In Jungian theory, this is called the collective unconscious. Carl Jung is the famous psychoanalyst and author responsible for creating his theories of Jung symbols.

The symbolic figures that appear in dreams are related to figures that exist in an individuals waking life. Each major archetype is assigned a specific meaning. There are seven archetypes, which are explained here.

Each person has a Persona which serves to represent you as the world perceives you. In a dream you are represented symbolically. When you wake, if you recall the dream, you automatically know that the famous singer or beggar at the airport is representing you.

The next is named The Shadow and symbolizes the worst aspects of yourself, which you attempt to suppress. These repressed features may appear as monsters or murderers in a dream. When recalled the next morning, you realize seeing them made you angry.

According to these theories each person has a male and a female side. These are called Anima-Animus. These traits are not acknowledged while awake. While asleep a woman may be seen acting in a masculine way, growing a beard for example. A man may dream of wearing womens clothes.

Dr. Jung passed away in 1961. Therefore his concepts of the male role and the female role were of that era. Now we always encounter aggressive females and men who are not ashamed to cry. The gender role has become less delineated.

The fourth symbol is The Divine Child. In your dreams this purest part of yourself appears as a baby or child. It embodies your innocence. It also represents the aspirations you hold and the full potential you can hope to reach.

The main authority figure in your life is represented by a Wise Old Man or Woman. Any knowledgeable individual who offers help can fill this role. It might be a teacher you depend on for guidance. The Wise Old Man represents that character.

In the dream state the role of The Great Mother can be your mother or grandmother who plays a nurturing role in your life. One Jungian theory posited that a mother may grow jealous of a child who moves away. The negative aspects may be expressed as domination or death.

The seventh and last is The Trickster. He shows up to highlight some mistake that embarrassed you during the day. His mocking attitude stresses your weakness and vulnerability.

In addition to early books, Psychology of the Unconscious for one, Jung wrote fiction including one book on murder. The theories he proposed are studied and used in the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy today. His last book, Man and His Symbols provides insight into his complex theories.

His writings can be found translated from German to English and other languages. He did some writing in English. His literary output was prolific.




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