Archetypes

‘Archetypes do not have a determinate content... but since the moment they become conscious, that is filled with the material of our conscious experience...’‘

Carl Jung

When exploring our minds during meditation or other altered states of consciousness, we may find that we are able to interact with universal archetypal personalities that exist on a very deep level within a 'collective unconscious' as described by Carl Jung. Depending on our backgrounds, religious beliefs and cultures, these archetypes could take on the form of a celestial being (an angel), a deity, or even assume the appearance of an ancient 'god' or some other universal symbolic figure. Dragons and other mythological creatures could also fall into this category. 

We must bear in mind that what we are seeing is merely a representation or picture assembled in our minds from the shifting energies of pure consciousness that exist at such deep levels. However, the figures and archetypes that do emerge from the background of this universal consciousness (Spirit) could well be said to have an actual existence, being able to interact with us, and are sometimes far superior in terms of wisdom and understanding. 

‘Angels are thoughts of God’

Marianne Williamson

As stated, when in these deep 'connected' states, it is possible to communicate and even receive guidance and instruction from such archetypal beings, most of which embody the essential benevolence of Spirit and reflect its attributes to various degrees. 

However, there is still much controversy surrounding the possibility of the existence of ancient gods and deities. Ancient texts suggest that some have appeared in humanlike form at certain times in history. In this regard, many sacred religious scriptures, as well as early myths and legends, refer to giants and heroes who living many millennia ago. However, as a cognitive scientist, I need to consider these experiences as the possible effects of altered (subjective) states of mind in which one is able to access archetypes which exist within the depths of mind. 

In the light of current research into the functioning of the human mind, there are therefore two possibilities; As mentioned, either these 'appearances' were the result of altered states of consciousness induced during rituals conducted in temples, at which time the priests and devotees were able to engage with the deeper levels of the collective unconscious and superimpose the resulting visions on their normal perception of reality; Or else the human perceptual processes may not have been as strictly regulated as they are today, and being more open to intuition, some persons may have experienced these figures as patently real. 

In other words, during early times there may well have been a closer interaction between humans and archetypal personalities within Spirit. 

This question is still open to debate. However, Carl Jung did believe that it was possible, under certain conditions, for aspects of the collective unconscious to impinge on everyday reality. 

Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist who attempts to integrate science and psychology with philosophy and spirituality. He has published a number of books and e-books on aspects of human psychology and spirituality which are available on Amazon.com as well as his  website   www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com