On Archetypes & Innate Wisdom
Since I was young, I have believed that we are born with an innate wisdom buried deep within, passed down to us by the many generations that came before us. How else could my intuition tell me things that no one else could? And help me make sense of things I had no prior experience of?
Many years later I came across the idea of Archetypes and this confirmed what I had always known. That we are not born a clean slate. There is some sort of system within us that guides us towards wholeness that isn’t the property of the ego.
Archetypes originate from a shared reservoir of inherited psychic content that Jung labelled the collective unconscious. This unconscious layer is common to all humans and is not influenced by individual experience but by our shared evolutionary and psychological history.
These Archetypes are not created by humans but are fundamental patterns or structures of the psyche that exist universally in the collective unconscious.
They are formed over millennia through the shared experiences of humanity, emerging from the deep, primal aspects of existence that all human beings encounter—birth, death, love, loss, transformation, conflict, and renewal.
These recurring experiences leave an imprint, shaping universal themes that resonate across cultures and time. For example: the experience of nurturing, birth and dependency creates the archetype of the Mother across all cultures.
You might think of archetypes as the seeds of potential patterns or energies, not specific ideas or images, but deep currents of meaning that we instinctively recognize. For example, the archetype of the Mother isn’t just a literal mother but encompasses the essence of nurturing, creation, and care. Similarly, the Shadow represents the hidden, repressed parts of ourselves we must confront to grow.
The myths, symbols, and stories humans create over generations give form to these archetypal patterns. The same archetype might be reflected in different ways across cultures: the hero’s journey in Homer’s Odyssey, Inanna’s descent into the underworld, or the tales of Buddha’s enlightenment all embody the same core archetype of transformation and self-discovery, even though their expressions differ.
In this sense, archetypes are not formed by individual human intention but emerge as collective truths from the human condition itself, reflecting the shared patterns of life that unite us all.
While the underlying patterns remain constant, their forms shift and evolve to stay relevant, shaped by the unique cultural and historical context in which they manifest. The archetype of the Hero today may appear as a superhero in movies, reflecting contemporary ideals of courage and sacrifice, while older myths featured warriors or demigods.
So from this inherited collective unconscious, Archetypes emerge as patterns of meaning passed down through generations as symbols, stories, and universal themes.
What role do archetypes play in our lives?
Archetypes play a profound role in shaping how we understand ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. These universal patterns, residing in the collective unconscious, act as a framework for human experience, helping us make sense of the complexities of life.
Here are some key ways archetypes influence our lives:
- They guide our personal growth: Archetypes provide a language for understanding inner experiences that might otherwise feel chaotic or confusing. For instance, encountering the “Shadow” archetype during moments of self-reflection can help us recognize and integrate hidden or repressed parts of ourselves, leading to personal growth. Similarly, identifying with the “Hero” archetype can inspire courage and perseverance during challenging times.
- They shape our identity and behaviour. Archetypes act as templates for roles we play in life, such as the “Parent,” “Lover,” “Rebel,” or “Sage.” They influence how we see ourselves and how we relate to others. For example, the “Caregiver” archetype might drive someone to nurture and protect, while the “Explorer” archetype could inspire a quest for new experiences. These patterns can help us find meaning in our roles or reveal ways we might be stuck in a limiting narrative.
- They connect us to the collective. Archetypes are universal, transcending individual and cultural differences. They remind us that we are part of a larger human story. Whether it’s the myth of the “Wise Old Woman” or the journey of the “Fool,” archetypes allow us to see our personal experiences as part of a timeless, shared human journey. This sense of connection can be grounding and deeply reassuring.
- They provide context for Life’s challenges. Archetypes help us frame and navigate life’s major transitions—birth, coming of age, death, and rebirth—by offering symbolic guidance. For example, the “Death and Rebirth” archetype appears in myths and stories across cultures and can help us understand moments of profound change in our lives, such as the end of a relationship or a career shift.
- They enrich creativity and imagination. In art, storytelling, and myth-making, archetypes are a wellspring of inspiration. Writers, artists, and creators often draw on archetypal themes to craft narratives that resonate universally. For the individual, engaging with archetypes can unlock creative potential, offering new ways of understanding and expressing emotions or challenges.
- They support Shadow Work and healing. Archetypes are essential tools for inner healing and transformation. Engaging with darker archetypes like the Shadow, Destroyer, or Underworld guide can help us confront fears, process trauma, and reclaim lost parts of ourselves. The transformative power of archetypes lies in their ability to give shape and meaning to our struggles, turning pain into wisdom.
- They help us align with natural and cosmic cycles. Some archetypes reflect the rhythms of nature and the cosmos, such as the Maiden, Mother, and Crone or the Warrior and Sage. Recognizing these patterns in ourselves and the world can help us align more deeply with the cycles of life, fostering balance and a sense of belonging.
By illuminating unconscious patterns, archetypes invite us to live with greater wisdom. They act as mirrors, reflecting not only who we are but also the potential of who we can become. This wisdom lies in their ability to guide us through transformation, helping us recognize and integrate the deeper truths within ourselves. Ultimately, archetypes lead us toward self-awareness, connection, and a more profound sense of wholeness.
But what happens when access to archetypes is purposefully restricted by the culture in which we live? This answer to this question is what I’ll be exploring in my next post.

*Photo taken by me in Vienna.