Archetype – Definition
Within the institute, an archetype is understood as a symbolic structure arising from the unconscious, including what Carl Jung described as the collective unconscious. Archetypes are not beliefs, doctrines, messages, or truth claims. They do not represent external authority, religious teaching, or metaphysical certainty.
Archetypes manifest through symbols, figures, narratives, and inner images. They are not fixed ideas, but dynamic patterns of meaning that become visible through experience rather than explanation. Their significance is not determined by agreement or acceptance, but by the inner response they evoke.
Some archetypes appear as expressions, in the form of texts or reflective structures. Others emerge as figures or symbolic presences. These forms operate on different psychological levels and should not be conflated.
Archetypal material should not be read literally, nor as instruction, guidance, or prescription. It functions as a mirror rather than an answer, opening a space for reflection rather than conclusion.
Interpretation is intentionally open. No single meaning is implied or required. Recognition, resistance, uncertainty, or rejection are all valid responses. Responsibility for interpretation rests entirely with the reader.