Working With Archetypes - Part 2

A Guided Imagery Approach

Archetypes live in the subconscious, but they frequently burst though into our thoughts, emotions and actions without us being aware of what is happening. Whenever you do or say something that later, upon reflection you wonder, “where did that come from?” or “that wasn’t like me” that’s a subconscious archetype running your life.

Our Egos, the part we identify as “I / me”, tend to think that we are simply what we are aware of being. But that’s not the case. We are comprised of multiple parts, sub-personalities, that operate often without oversight by the Ego, taking us, and those around us, by surprise.

Once we open ourselves to this idea we can start to see the host of characters that we play out each day - the Matriarch, the Wounded Child, the Sage, the Trickster. Then we can start to become more aware of which ones are getting the most time in the driver’s seat of our lives. And, if we choose, change that.

Accessing the Subconscious

Simply noticing which archetypes make themselves known to you in your dreams, in stories, in other people’s behavior, can help you become aware of the archetypes running your life. And, there are a myriad of techniques you can use to actively go searching for the archetypes causing trouble in your life and those that carry unexpressed potential.

There are two basic components to accessing the subconscious in the search for archetypal behavioral patterns. Firstly, is allowing your Ego, your analytical thinking mind, to step back so that other parts of you can come forward. Secondly, recognizing and interpreting the language in which these other parts communicate - symbol and image.

Humans have been doing this forever. In fact, as a species we used to spend a lot more time in touch with our subconscious than most modern humans currently do. This is part of our birthright, you know how to do it, it’s a natural process. The only work is allowing it to happen and noticing what is happening.

Today I’m going to offer a technique that allows you to access the subconscious through guided and spontaneous imagery. In the next post I’ll offer a writing based practice. Try them both, one will likely appeal to you more than the other, experiment with what works for you.

Using Guided Imagery to Access the Subconscious

This is most easily done with your eyes closed so you can allow the subconscious to speak to you in it’s preferred language - symbols and images. I have recorded a guided imagery journey so you don’t have to remember the directions. Just download it and listen.

In the recording I will lead you through some ways to relax your body and mind so the Ego can settle back and be in a place of open curiosity about what might emerge.

The Ego won’t go to sleep! If you hear a voice that says, “this isn’t working”, “you’re not doing it right”, “nothing is happening”, “you’re a looser”, “this is nonsense, get up and do something useful” - that’s your Ego trying to remain in control. Simply, acknowledge it’s presence and remind it to settle back for now and return to following the directions on the audio track.

After relaxing the body-mind I’ll guide you into a landscape designed to be safe and open to parts of yourself that are ready to show themselves. If you have already identified a specific archetype you want to work with then you can ask it to show itself. If not, then simply ask for an archetype that will be of great benefit to you now to appear.

At this point my voice on the recording will ask you to pause the recording and notice what shows up. I don’t know how much time you need for this process so pause to give yourself exactly how much you need before resuming the recording. During this silent time your job is to notice. Be aware of what symbols and images present themselves to you without doing much in the way of analysis - you are simply observing.

Some Questions to Ask

When an archetype reveals itself to you then you can ask some questions for example:

- Who are you?

- What do you do inside me?

- How old are you? or how old do you think I am?

- What do you hope for?

- What are you afraid of?

- What situations bring you out?

- What gifts do you carry?

- Where did you come from?

- What would happen if you took over permanently?

- What do you need?

Ask whichever of these feels relevant, or ask something else. There’s no need to remember all these questions, just trust you’ll ask useful question when the moment arises. Follow your own curiosity.

Make it Your Own Practice

We each operate differently. We each have preferred ways of receiving information. For some this process yields visual images in the mind’s eye. For others it appears as sounds, memories, bodily sensations, emotions, tastes or smells. Be open to receiving information on any of these channels. You can’t do it wrong.

Don’t dismiss what you are shown. It’s easy when we see an image or hear a sound to say, “that’s just from that movie I saw last night or the book I read earlier”and dismiss it. We come across thousands of images and symbols each day, the subconscious is showing you this particular one for a reason, approach it as if it carries meaning and you may be surprised!

Whenever you have received something and are ready to return to ordinary consciousness resume the recording and I’ll guide you back. After you open your eyes take a couple of minutes to write or draw what you experienced.

Most of all, have fun! This is an inner adventure, you are exploring parts of yourself that may never have seen the light of your consciousness before. There is much treasure inside you waiting to be found.

Take Your Time

Maybe you come out the first journey with some profound discoveries, maybe you need to do it a couple of times. There’s no agenda here other than your own. Give yourself the time and space you need to discover what is waiting for you.

We live in a cultural paradigm that actively devalues accessing these parts of ourselves. You may hear inner voices saying, “this is nonsense”, “this isn’t real”, “do some real work”, “this is crazy, stop it”, “stop daydreaming and get back to work”. Notice them, acknowledge them, and let them go. Working past this cultural block will allow you access to information our ancestors used to routinely engage with through dream, myth and ritual. There’s much for us to draw on in there and we are at a time in history we could really use this guidance.

Go easy on yourself. This is deep work. You are swimming against our cultural current by doing it. Take time to rest and nourish yourself. Remember your presence here on the planet is very much needed right now.

Access the recording ​HERE​

NOTE: The recording will lead you into a deep state of relaxation. DO NOT listen to this while driving. Give yourself plenty of time and quiet space to relax.

Please let me know if you have comments or questions,

If you'd like to drop a little something into my virtual upturned hat in the spirit of reciprocity you can do that ​here​

PART 1 of Working With Archetypes is HERE