š Archetypes: The Usual Suspects
In the theater of your dreams, certain characters keep making guest appearances. These are called archetypes. They are universal, mythical characters residing in our collective unconscious. A few you might recognize include:
- The Shadow – The villain of your psyche, embodying everything you donāt want to admit about yourself.
- The Anima/Animus – The dream girl/guy, representing our true selves beyond the societal roles we play.
- The Wise Old Man/Woman – This sage archetype offers guidance and wisdom, kind of like the Gandalf in your mental Middle-earth.
But of course, there are an unlimited number of archetypes that live inside the collective unconscious! And as culture progresses, we continue to add new characters. For example, āinfluencerā is a new archetype/character that is now in the collective unconscious which didnāt exist before.
š“ Interpreting the Dream Theater
So, how do you interpret these cryptic nocturnal messages? Start by remembering your dreamsākeep a dream journal by your bedside. Next time you dream about being chased by a giant marshmallow, ask yourself, “What part of my life feels soft but overwhelming?” It might just be your Shadow archetypal self reminding you to face your fears, or maybe, cut down on the late-night snacking.
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