We have the ability to be anything and everything! It is our birthright. Yet how do we achieve that? Let’s start by looking at the meaning of the word archetype. It is derived from the Greek language: ‘arch’ meaning ‘first’ and ‘typos’ for ‘mold.’ It is often defined as a prototype or an original model. Yet contemporaries like Carl Jung and others delving into the unconscious mind, would define archetypes as thought patterns, images and symbols that find worldwide parallels either in cultures, individuals or religions.
Archetypes remind us of our original form, our hidden potential waiting for birthing. It arrives either by intention or by calling it forth consciously. At times it jolts us unexpectedly. An archetype can be embodied during an unrelated activity where cellular memory is activated or awakened. This could be through a seminar, a trip to an ancient site, reading a book, watching a movie, hearing a sound.
Have you ever been drawn to mythology without consciously knowing why? Herein lies some of the most magical and powerful characters we can dream of being. Fascination with certain periods in history might be derived from part of your consciousness being left behind wanting to be retrieved and brought forward into this life. Archetypes may show up anywhere such as the symbol of a goddess through the StarBucks logo connecting the subconscious with that archetype. Some aware of the information at a conscious level utilize such symbols for empowerment. Archetypes may show up in the dream state or other states of awareness attempting to engage us in higher communication.
Archetypes have been described by various writers. The common link in their description is that the recollection of the archetypes awakens deeply seated knowledge and memories of what has been in existence and what remains as potential. Joshua, our young teen, was recently learning about potential and kinetic energy. How does that apply to daily life and to this very topic? Archetypes show us our potential, what is possible. Kinetic energy is that potential put into action. What gets us into action? This is crucial for that is the key to reaching our potential! Vedic tradition teaches that your thoughts create your reality. How does it work? Thoughts lead to feelings. These feelings then attract situations or scenarios from which we act upon through decision-making. Thus that potential comes to life.
At times, life can offer challenges that are baffling. This provides an opportunity to ‘choose again’ what you wish for in your life. You are always only one choice away from being all that you are. How is this accomplished? Has it been shown to us in any way, shape or form? By monitoring your thoughts, feelings and actions, you can steer your life in a course more appropriate towards a state of peace and joy if you so choose.
You can have whatever your heart desires. Are your hands and heart open to receiving, to having it all? What does your heart resonate to? What is your passion? What are the desires stemming from your passion? What excites you? One of the clues is when your mind is guided by the heart; this then leads you to an answer. Who we are and what we have are determined by how much we allow to flow into our life. It is in our very nature to be nurtured, nourished through our environment. What is your ability to have an open attitude to the wonders of the world? It is important to determine what your desires are and to recognize when they are met with resistance commonly known as fear.
Fear is an illusion. The acronym for F.E.A.R. is false evidence appearing as real. Fear inter'fears' with our joy and happiness of the moment. Our fears prevent us from accessing and owning archetypal, ancestral wisdom. Once we walk through those fears, we are liberated and closer to being omnipotent, all powerful.
We originate from source, from the first mold. Are we ready to return to that mold of omnipresence where our presence is everywhere through our thought forms? Are we not expressing our omnipotence by having the courage to show up in our everyday life? We believe we are.
Are archetypes then models for us to aspire to be? Yes, it’s that simple! As more people break through the veils of limitation, it makes it easier for others to follow suit. Anchoring a specific archetype can be done with a thought. Your thoughts are potential energy. The same thoughts repeated in one’s mind allow the Universe to hear your call and readies the forces to tend to the details in making your dreams come true. Be mindful of your thoughts!
Archetypes have lots of uses. They can be called upon to assist us in everyday activities. Since they are part of the collective pool of human consciousness, they can be instantly utilized like a library of sorts. This library is always open at any time and any day. Meditation and various conscious breathing practices allow greater access to this library of vast information. Let’s say your wish is to write a book, you can tap into the archetype of writing that exists in the collective unconscious. With a little practice we can solidify this connection and access the writing templates already in use around the world. This template then allows the writer to create faster and with more authority than if we did it all on our own.
Archetypes can teach us about qualities such as strength, courage and patience without having to go through years of ‘schooling’ or human experience. We can command these qualities into our ‘field’ of consciousness. In time, integration of these qualities occurs. It could take hours, minutes, days or years depending upon one’s ability to RECEIVE and consciously LIVE the new inspiration.
Did you ever notice how certain inventions have historically appeared in different parts of the world at nearly the same time and that communication between these areas would have been almost impossible? These people tapped into the same ‘etheric thought streams’ and manifested them in their own locales. You can do the same thing with proper visualization, enough motivation and the expectation of a successful outcome.
Archetypes can also be used to tap into aspects of ourselves we often judge as less desirable such as the saboteur or the prostitute. Here one can access them for another purpose: to come to grips with them, to understand their role in our lives and to get their message. These archetypes are a part of us as much as love is, even though we may feel that we are above all that and want to distance ourselves from such feelings. They have a positive purpose in our lives and it is our job to discover what that is. One can begin by ACCEPTING them into our consciousness, giving them a space to live where they are not threatened with death every time that archetype appears. Give that aspect as much love as you would like to be shown from them. This alone could have a tremendous effect upon your relationship with your self and the world around you. One then becomes more tolerant and less judgmental.
Intention and awareness are other ways to access archetypes. Being fully present for any such connection is imperative. You have to want it and you have to EXPECT a result. Look for it! You may not be consciously aware of it at first, but like riding a bike, after some practice you’ll get the hang of it and it will be part of your life.
We are reminded of archetypes through visual representation in movies such as “The Little Mermaid”, “Star Wars” and the “Matrix” series for instance. These types of films give you access to this library of knowledge where archetypes reside.
Viewing certain forms of art can also allow the consciousness to access deeper forms of subtle communication. Art can often bypass certain limitations that our mind has placed upon the world; this then allows us a fresh perspective on a familiar concept without ruffling our feathers. Some art forms take us to places we can only imagine and yet from there we can safely explore the outer reaches of our consciousness.
The image included here for example can be used to access the archetype of ‘courage’ that exists in each of us. It can grant passage through the mire of the mental blocks and go straight to the source. What you do with it from there is up to you as you call the shots. Just be clear, focused and determined; don’t just let ‘it’ do its own thing. What do you want the courage for? Visualize yourself overcoming any and all obstacles to achieve your goal. See the outcome clearly and EXPECT it to happen. LIVE as if your goal is already a part of your life grounded in the material world.
Jeff’s art is simple yet has profound effects. By accessing deep layers of consciousness very quickly, many mental ‘blocks’ are routed and thus contact with the real issue is facilitated. His art is designed to open a portal, a gateway to the innermost part of our being so that an otherwise evasive aspect may be approached and restored to full health/ability.
There is much to be accomplished on this earth. Many ideas have yet to be born to create a world which in the near future will show us our true magnificence. It starts right now by owning your archetypes!
Jocelyne Colombe APRN and Jeff Behr PhD are known for their ability to assist clients break through the barriers of limitations through personal sessions and workshops. Individually attuned activation art pieces may be purchased from Jeff @ (860) 874-4729 or . For Jocelyne’s new CD releases, visit www.GoddessDesign.com or call (860) 830-1115.
Published in the Door Opener 2006
This magazine is Connecticut’s Spirituality & Holistic Health Resource Guide.
Find on the web at www.anopendoor.com