- Sher School of Astrology
- Posts
- The Profound Role of Archetypes in Your Life
The Profound Role of Archetypes in Your Life
Volume 4 | Exploring the Influence of Archetypes on Astrology and Personal Transformation
This week, let’s discuss the concept of archetypes—a subject that can be traced back to Plato but gained prominence through Carl Jung's work.
Archetypes have fascinated me for most of my adult life, particularly as they increasingly influence how I approach the study and practice of astrology.
Thangka painting of Manjuvajra mandala, Plato’s Symposium by Anselm Feuerbach, Kalachakra Mandala, Moře (Sea) by Eduard Tomek, Jim Sher, Mandala Golden Flower by a Jung patient, The Womb Realm mandala, “Quadrated Circle in the Sky” by C.G. Jung
Archetype
An archetype is an original and universal principle which becomes specific when it is applied to a particular culture, society, and person. It has qualities that can show how any particular person is an aspect of this universal principle taking form in the present moment in time, full of potential for one’s growth and evolution.
Redefining Archetype
As a former therapist, I first encountered Carl Jung, who extensively used the term "archetype." His holistic approach, focused on integrating clients rather than merely improving behavior, deeply resonated with me.
In my research, I discovered that Plato believed in the existence of pure or Ideal Forms. These are universal and exist beyond or outside the range of our material world or human understanding.
Nevertheless, they act as underlying forces in the world we know. Another way to describe it is as a universal principle or force that affects and permeates the human psyche and behavior on many levels, both consciously and unconsciously.
Cultivating an Archetypal View
What makes this concept so compelling for me is that the more we become aware that our entire life and psyche arise from the realm of archetypes, the more we see that we are part of a much greater world than we usually imagine. It means we are potentially much more than our little ego thinks.
Archetypal thinking suggests two basic things: on one hand, all archetypes are remnants of our history that include our animal nature as well as our human experience.
On the other hand, it also shows us vaster potentialities of what each of us and humanity itself are capable of becoming, as it contains symbols and themes that are capable of transforming our consciousness.
This means that an archetype is like a seed that, if it grows, will urge us to move to a new kind of human being.
Astrology and the Birth Chart
When this occurs, it is like bringing a bright light into one’s consciousness so that we become more alive and vital in an empowering way. We are changed as we view ourselves as having an important role in the universal order of life.
It can bring about a wondrous realization of a transcendent order amidst our earthly chaotic life. Now we can discover that the order of the sky is actually the root of our own being. We are both individuals and a part of the entire universe.
The concept that summarizes this best is that one’s birth chart lays out a pattern that allows us to see that to actualize our chart is to live the law of our being as part of the cosmic plan and need.
To do this, we must see that we must learn to accept ourselves as we are because even our struggles are part of that cosmic plan. It is this that helps us experience real transformation, which is the intention of each person’s existence.
It also means that astrology can show us how one can engage in and co-create with the universal forces, rather than merely be a victim or effect of them. But to self-actualize, we must find no fault in being what we essentially are.
This is what astrology is uniquely capable of doing when we apply it. Each of us is a celestial archetype like no other. We are literally made from an all-encompassing harmony of the universe. I would go further to suggest that each horoscope reveals an archetypal solution to a particular cosmic need that shows how and why we’ve been born.
Perhaps our chart is the fulfillment of a cosmic need seeking to transform both ourselves and all of evolving creation.
Watch the video on archetypes in Transpersonal Astrology on YouTube
Inspiration for your Journey
If you want to understand the context surrounding the use of archetypes, watch this video by Academy of Ideas. They explore Carl Jung's concept of archetypes, what they are, how they influence our lives, and much more.
Stay connected with us
Visit our website to delve into our insights on astrology, metaphysics, and meditation at sherastrology.com
Order the book "Astrology as a Spiritual Path: Birth of the New Human" on Amazon and start inspiring exploration of our cosmic connections
Reply