The interpretations of archetypes and symbols by K. G. Jung

In mythology there are two concepts of αρχή: absolute αρχή, from which people originate, and relative αρχή, when they become the continuation of their ancestors. The formation of αρχή and its rudimental embodiment is based on feminine and masculine sexual cells merge, which leads to embryo origination. Feminine and masculine sources, holding their ancestors' experience, form the relative αρχή, while newly formed embryos are absolute αρχή-holders. From the point of view of symbolic numbers in the ontogenesis process, we would find out that the embryo develops in three phases. After the first phase the embryo is divided into two cells, leading to the second phase of the division. Then each part of the divided embryo continues division in dichotomic progressive order. This consistent pattern was widely used in mythology, representing the numbers four and three as symbols of motherhood and fatherhood. In individual’s life there is a circle when his development continues as a geometric plan, specific mandala. Depending on a nation's cultural peculiarity and figures in unconscious layers, number three is usually perceived as a masculine symbol, number four as a feminine one. According to that principle the plans of ancient cities are being described in myths. In one of the earliest descriptions it is mentioned, that the basis of the city was outlined as a circle or a square. In addition, cities have had four gates, facing the four sides of horizon. In a research Jung describes an ancient city with its symbolic structures and rituals. On one hand, as a masculine source it is mentioned the moon and number three. On the other hand, as a feminine source the sun and number four are mentioned. Another example: in Christianity one of the most important symbols is the cross, which expresses different aspects, ideas and emotions, but when in a roster we meet symbolic cross after a person's surname, that simply means he is dead. The other frequently met symbol is mandala. It is an autonomous psychological factor that is described by consistently repeated peculiarities that are not being changed wherever they met. It is depicted as a circle. In addition to a circle, in some cultures the square is being depicted as an outset. In some cases the researcher can find two figures combined: a square within a circle. That kind of pictures can be found in tibetian Mahayana buddizm.  Those are represented as squares within circles with T-shaped supplements on square's each side. There are also additional circles within the square. As another feminine symbol it is accepted a triangle within the mandala.  

The mandalas that were discovered in dreams and paintings by Jung , could be reflection of sky-observations. He mentioned that while dreaming the universe is usually being perceived as three three-dimensional balance wheels. Those balance wheels are the best embodiment of harmony. It is thanks to their harmonious work that the continuity of life is being provided and time gets its course.

Man is prone to embody the spiritual and mythological aspects, that's why he tries to do that through symbols and injecting them with the idea of universal spirit.  

Based on mythology, Jung's archetypal characters are identified in the following:

1.     The self

2.     The shadow

3.     The persona

4.     The anima, the animus

5.     The mother

6.     The father

7.     The child

8.     The wise man

9.     The trickster.

Archetypes are illustrative embodiment of forgotten facts pertaining to collective soul. Archetypal phenomena are manifestations of collective unconscious processes. Archetypal forms of symbols are associated with the collision of present and past events. It is derived from non-physical facts and distinguishes how the soul experiences spiritual facts, sometimes acting autonomously and rejecting the reality. They are functioning as a kind of rescuing and protective patterns. Archetypes are simultaneous images and emotions. They can be noted when those two factors are overlapped.

Archetypes are based on instincts, which are embodied in the archetypal symbols. For their mystic nature archetypes are motives for religions, myths, dreams and visions. Archetypes are not subject to consciousness.  Mythological archetypal symbols are to explain things that are new or strange to people and frightens them. Religious archetypal symbols are important for people to realize their life sense. Archetypal destruction leads to the destruction of the soul.

Symbols are the result of natural attempt to unite and reconcile intrapsychic contradictions. Researchers distinguish «natural» and «cultural» symbols. The natural ones derive from the content of unconsciousness and represent many variations of the main archetypal characters. Cultural symbols are actually used to express «eternal truths» and are even nowadays being practiced in many religions. Those symbols have undergone transformations and a kind of conscious evolution, thus becoming collective characters that are accepted by «civilized societies».

Cultural symbols can cause as deep resonance as the prejudices and superstitions, thus creating a state of uncertainty, which is the worst for the human consciousness. However, destroying them the energy goes to deeper layers of the unconscious and may have unpredictable consequences. The psychic energy often becomes part of the archetypal Shadow existence maintenance and expression. 

The events which took place from the first decade of the twentieth century keep the modern world in the state of «global schizophrenia». The rationalism of modern people inflicted them to a global catastrophe. Exempt from superstitions, man is on the dangerous boundary to lose spiritual values in the current turns of events. The complex of spiritual and moral traditions has collapsed inducing widespread confusion and conflicts. In their researches the anthropologists have noted that while being influenced by "civilized society" their spiritual values were damaged, people lost their sense of life. The same thing happens today: removing people from moral principles and ruling their conscious life, people are deprived from the moral lifestyle, which can be a base for a collapse. Humanity is about to lose his «unconscious emotional» identity with nature.