The Basics of Jung’s 12 Archetypes

Renowned psychologist/philosopher/psychiatrist Carl Jung created a model of human consciousness with three layers: the collective unconscious, the personal unconscious, and the ego (personal conscious). While Jung’s personal unconscious and ego were very similar to Sigmund Freud’s super-ego and ego, his collective unconscious was unique to all previous and existing theories of the deep mind. There are so many interesting theories within Jung’s collective unconscious (potential future journal posts will cover more of his theories), but this journal post will be covering his 12 archetypes and his ideas surrounding them.

https://thoughttheory.net/the-basics-of-jungs-12-archetypes/

Introduction to the Collective Unconscious

Imagine, if you will, a forest. Each tree within the forest has their own trunks, branches, leaves, and microecosystems; each tree can be singularly identified as one apart from the many. These characteristics of the tree are all above ground and easily visible. However, much of the tree’s biological systems are happening underground where we cannot see so easily. While each tree has their own roots, they often end up intersecting and intertwining deep in the earth and form shared root systems. Consequently, many trees in the same ecosystem end up sharing water and nutrients through these root systems (they even communicate through mycorrhizal networks).

Jung believed that deep within our brain lies a primitive layer of our consciousness that connects all of humanity, similarly to how these trees are connected through their root systems. He believed that the knowledge and experiences of past generations are inherited by future generations and are expressed through culture, art, symbols, myths, and archetypes.

Jung’s Archetypes

Carl Jung believed that humans could be classified into 12 different archetypes based on our desires and basic motivations, largely determined by innate processes. These archetypes go on to shape our behaviors and personalities throughout life. It’s important to note that Jung did not believe that anyone would fit perfectly into singular archetypes and that there was not a true finite amount of archetypes. Rather, these 12 archetypes cumulatively are encompassing all personalities, behaviors, and desires.

The 4 Desires

The 12 architypes could all be classified down into 4 groups containing 3 archetypes each. The groups were broken down into 4 desires: structure, connectiveness, spirituality, and impact.

Structure Archetypes

The Ruler: Seeking power and control, the ruler hates chaos and aims to bring success and wealth to that which they are in charge of.

The Caregiver: Putting others first, the caregiver will do everything in their power to help those around them, even at their own expense.

The Creator: Highly artistic, the creator is constantly working on new projects in an attempt to bring their imaginations alive.

Connectiveness Archetypes

The Everyman: Seeking to fit in, the everyman will be agreeable and avoid offending others in hopes of being accepted.

The Jester: Only concerned with enjoyment, the jester prioritizes thrill, excitement, and joy above all else and can be considered by many to be unserious.

The Lover: Desiring intimacy above all else, the lover needs to form close relationships and struggles to be alone.

Spirituality Archetypes

The Innocent: Naïve and dependent on others, the innocent archetype is usually cheerful and optimistic.

The Sage: Seeking wisdom, the sage devotes their life to their mind and enlightenment.

The Explorer: Highly independent, the explorer hates feeling trapped and is perfectly fine navigating the complexities of the world by themselves.

Impact Archetypes

The Hero: Persistent and courageous, the hero does all they can to win and achieve their goals.

The Rebel: Not afraid to destroy what they deem necessary, the rebel will break rules and disrupt the status quo in order to create change.

The Magician: Aiming to create something out of nothing, the magician is highly ambitious in transforming realities and making dreams come true.

https://thoughttheory.net/the-basics-of-jungs-12-archetypes/