The Vertical Path
The Vertical Path describes the layers of the psyche, one built on top of the other. Like a tree, the archetypes that compose the layers differentiate as they ascend; the Great Mother becomes the Good Mother and Devouring Mother, the Great Father becomes the Good Father and Tyrannical Father. Each of these layers of the psyche is a way of being. In other words, a configuration of the psyche, manifest in purpose, thought, and action. We aspire to these archetypes, imitating them as an ideal, attempting to manifest them in our environments while proselytizing to others.
Each archetype behaves as a configuration of the psyche. While one’s capacities (e.g., speech, attention, emotion, etc.) remain present, the way they relate to each other and manifest fit the mold of the archetype.
By identifying these archetypes we begin to see them in the world around us - in our art, architecture, and other people.
Aion (Chapters 1-4), C.G. Jung
To my knowledge, the most clear example Jung provides of the key archetypes is in the beginning of Aion. Chapters 1-4 describe the Ego, Shadow, Syzygy (anima/animus), and the Self. While there are more archetypes, like the Ouroboros, these chapters provide a clear description of the basic structure of the psyche.
Once you have finished chapter 4 - stop! Aion is extremely complex and will require a more thorough knowledge of Jungian psychology than you have now. Don’t worry, we’ll come back to it. For now, we just want to understand the basics.
Aion (Chapters 1-4), C.G. Jung
To my knowledge, the most clear example Jung provides of the key archetypes is the beginning of Aion. Chapters 1-4 describe the Ego, Shadow, Syzygy (anima/animus), and the Self. While there are more archetypes, like the Ouroboros, these chapters provide a clear description of the basic structure of the psyche.
Once you have finished chapter 4 - stop! Aion is extremely complex and will require a more thorough knowledge of Jungian psychology than you have now. Don’t worry, we’ll come back to it. For now, we just want to understand the basics.
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