A miniature exhibit by Mary Amato
The Twelve Archetypes
Archetypes are figures that symbolize personae with various attributes and impulses. These appear in mythology and literature across cultures and across time and have also been used by psychologists, most notably Carl Jung, Carol Pearson and Hugh Marr, to help people understand and transform their lives.
I believe these archetypes are within us in varying degrees and that we have the power to call forth an inhibited archetype to become more dominant when desired. Want courage? Summon the Hero to rise within. Need to be more compassionate? Ask your inner Caregiver to step onto the stage.
In this exhibit, I am depicting each archetype as a mask that can be worn to affect a ritual transformation. I invite you to imagine that you could transform by intentionally choosing an archetype to become.
Next Step?
- On a small piece of paper, draw or write the name of the archetype you would like to call forth. Keep this in your wallet as a gentle reminder of how you can grow.
- Draw your own versions of the archetypes.
- Initiate a group discussion about archetypes at your next gathering.
- Write a poem about your relationship to archetypes.
Mary Amato is a multi-disciplinary teaching artist and author of many books for children and young adults now living in New Jersey. You can join her online for her Meditative Art & Writing Workouts. https://www.maryamato.com/meditative-art-writing-workouts/