Can I really talk about imagery and universal imagery without bringing up this guy? Jung found different images that are found universally, in both men and women, in their dreams. While the images are universal, the importance comes from the universal meaning associated with the images. He calls this the "collective unconscious". Jung identifies seven of these universal themes that he believes are experienced through every culture.
1. The persona: the image of you presented to the world. It is the Self. In dreams, the persona may be different physically or emotionally, however you always know that it is you in the dream.
2. The Shadow: a repressed aspect of yourself you do not wish to expose to the rest of the world. It is something negative - hatred, jealousy, fear, anger. It can be a frightening figure that confronts you in your dreams and leaves you scared or angry. Ultimately you're confronting these negative aspects of yourself. While it is awful to experience, it is sometimes necessary.
3. The Anima/Animus: They represent the hyper feminine and hyper masculine sides of yourself. Depending on what appears in your dream, you may need to be more in tune with your feminine (emotional) side or masculine (assertive) side.
4. The Divine Child: your true self in its purest form. It represents vulnerability and innocence, while also exposing you to your true potential. The Divine Child is represented by a baby or child.
5. The Wise Old Man/Woman: The helper in a dream, represented by a helpful authority figure, maybe a teacher or doctor. They offer guidance, leading us down the right path.
6. The Great Mother: Comes in our dreams as a nurturer, maybe our mother or grandmother. She provides positive reassurance. She can also be portrayed negatively, as a witch for example, representing the dominance, jealousy, or death.
7. The Trickster: Shows you not to take life too seriously, normally by embarrassing you in your dream. He takes on different forms, even changing shape.
Let that all sink in, and try not to think about it all when you're falling asleep tonight : )
1. The persona: the image of you presented to the world. It is the Self. In dreams, the persona may be different physically or emotionally, however you always know that it is you in the dream.
2. The Shadow: a repressed aspect of yourself you do not wish to expose to the rest of the world. It is something negative - hatred, jealousy, fear, anger. It can be a frightening figure that confronts you in your dreams and leaves you scared or angry. Ultimately you're confronting these negative aspects of yourself. While it is awful to experience, it is sometimes necessary.
3. The Anima/Animus: They represent the hyper feminine and hyper masculine sides of yourself. Depending on what appears in your dream, you may need to be more in tune with your feminine (emotional) side or masculine (assertive) side.
4. The Divine Child: your true self in its purest form. It represents vulnerability and innocence, while also exposing you to your true potential. The Divine Child is represented by a baby or child.
5. The Wise Old Man/Woman: The helper in a dream, represented by a helpful authority figure, maybe a teacher or doctor. They offer guidance, leading us down the right path.
6. The Great Mother: Comes in our dreams as a nurturer, maybe our mother or grandmother. She provides positive reassurance. She can also be portrayed negatively, as a witch for example, representing the dominance, jealousy, or death.
7. The Trickster: Shows you not to take life too seriously, normally by embarrassing you in your dream. He takes on different forms, even changing shape.
Let that all sink in, and try not to think about it all when you're falling asleep tonight : )
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