An archetype refers to a universally recognizable pattern, symbol, or motif that is deeply ingrained in the collective unconscious* of humanity. It represents a fundamental aspect of human experience, shared across cultures and generations. Archetypes are often associated with specific traits, behaviors, or symbolic representations that evoke a common understanding or resonance within individuals.

Archetypes can manifest in various forms, such as characters, symbols, themes, or narratives, appearing in mythology, literature, art, dreams, and religious or spiritual traditions. They embody fundamental human experiences, emotions, and motivations, serving as prototypes or idealized representations that reflect essential aspects of the human psyche.

By recognizing and engaging with archetypes, individuals gain insight into their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as tap into the timeless aspects of the human condition. Archetypes provide a framework for understanding and interpreting the world, fostering personal growth, self-awareness, and connection with others.

Archetypes & Holistic Well-being

The connection between archetypes and holistic health lies in the understanding that our overall well-being encompasses not just the physical body but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. Archetypes can play a significant role in promoting balance, harmony, and wholeness in these various dimensions.

Archetypes provide a framework for exploring and understanding the deeper layers of our psyche, including unconscious patterns, motivations, and behaviors. By recognizing and working with archetypal energies, we can gain insight into the underlying causes of physical or emotional imbalances and address them at a deeper level.

In holistic health approaches, archetypes can be utilized to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and transformation. They can serve as guides in navigating life’s challenges, helping us uncover hidden strengths, overcome limitations, and tap into our potential for healing and well-being in a more sustainable manner.

Archetype, Gods /Goddesses & Worshipping

Do people who work with mythology, their archetypes, worship these gods and goddesses? Are they a follower of a neopagan culture? These are questions which we are asked from time to time in talks we have with people who try to understand how to make us fit into their perceiption of the world. This must be difficult, because like it is said in a replic from the film Bab’ Aziz “There are as many paths to God as there are souls on Earth.”

Do you know Your path? The one you found out by yourself, not the one you were born into, raised with, taught? The one you found out could be the same with the one you were born in by the way…

We came across a beautiful explanation on working with archetypes which doesn’t have to lead to workshipping them. Here it is:

“The main identifying trait of green practice is a close identification with the earth. Although honoring the earth and being aware of the natural world is a large part of the majority of modern alternative spiritualities, the green witch is not necessarily a member of an alternative spiritual path. The main difference between the green path and the neopagan religions is that godforms are not an essential part of a green witch’s practice. While the green witch is content to look to mythology and ancient religions in order to deepen personal understanding of how earth energy has been perceived throughout the ages, she does not necessarily worship the gods and goddeses that are expressions and representations of earth patterns and energy. The planet itself is an archetype of nurturing, but further refinement of that archetype is not necessary for the green witch. That being said, a green witch often finds a mythological figure – be it a deity or a hero – who resonates with her personal beliefs and energy. She finds inspiration in this mythological figure. This does not, however, lead to worship of that figure.” (Source: “The Green Witch, Arin Murphy-Hiscock, p. 22)