Dream Interpretation – Carl Gustav Jung
The Jungian Method of Dream Analysis Influenced Psychology
Sep 20, 2009
Carl Gustav Jung was born on July 26, 1875 in the Swiss town of Kesswil. He founded the field of analytical psychology and wrote very influential texts on the unconscious and common psychological archetypes. Although not quite as famed as his mentor Sigmund Freud, Jung has created great interest in many counter culture and New Age movements.
Jung's Dream Interpretation Theory
Jung shared Freud’s view of the existence of the unseen unconscious. However, the two differed greatly in the division of the subconscious and each believed in differing "sections" of the unconscious. Whereas Freud based his ideas around three sections of the subconscious and mainly upon repressed desires and sexual urges, Jung based his ideas on more shared spiritual figures and shared archetypes.
Jung believe that dreams were a direct route to communication with the unconscious. Dreams were specifically based around the dreamer. Each image and character seen within a dream represents something inside the individual. Through this means, Jung theorized that dreams aid development and psychological growth. Whereas Freud believed it was the psychoanalyst’s decision and opinion to decide the "meanings" within dreams, Jung believed the individual dreamer had as much ability to decipher meaning within a personal dream as a trained "professional."
The Jungian Collective Unconscious
Jung wrote vast works upon his ideas of the "collective unconscious." This is a shared collection of universal symbols and figures which inhabit the unconscious of everyone on the planet. These symbols and figures are manifested inside dreams and fictional stories which are shared across generations and cultures.
Jung described seven separate characters and themes commonly occurring in dreams and stories throughout cultural time:
- The Persona – This is the impression of the dreamer, which he/she projects to the outside world. Inside a dream the persona is seen as the dreamer, although a different animal or even an inanimate object may represent them, the dreamer will have a deep understanding that this represents them.
- The Anima/Animus – This is the masculine/feminine side of person expressed inside a dream. This could occur to either sex, for example a man who dreams he is pregnant and expecting child may interpret it as being "contacted" by the feminine side of his unconscious for reasons he can then interpret based around his current situation.
- The Shadow – This is the "evil" and dark figure inside dreams. This is a representation of the fears and phobias inside the unconscious. This is represented commonly by dangerous figures in dreams such as vicious frightening animals or aggressive peers. This is also shown commonly in mythology and stories. The Shadow is the representation of the dark side, which must be conquered, and rectified. In the commonly cited example of the Star Wars (used as an example of a modern "Western Myth") films, this figure could be seen as the character of Darth Vader, who is mightily powerful and merciless, yet is conquered and repents at the end of the battle. This figure is seen repeatedly in myths around the world.
- The Wise Elder – This is the figure of the old man or woman who offers time worn advice and assistance. This is commonly represented in dreams by the father figure or the aged Priest. To quote the example of Star Wars, this figure can be seen as the figure of the elder Obi Wan Kenobi or Yoda – characters who offer help throughout difficult times. Once again this figure is shared in many myths around the world, showing how the figures pass from generation to generation.
- The Divine Child – This is a representation of the most beautiful and pure form of the dreamer. This is often represented by pitiful characters such as young children or weak creatures. This is the quiet, fearful character who will grow to great things and overcome all adversity. In the example of Star Wars, this is the unassuming character or Luke Skywalker who develops into a great and true warrior. This can also likened to the character of Telemachus in Homer’s Odyssey.
- The Trickster – This is the figure who appears in dreams as the clever and often misguided character. In dreams they may play deceiving tricks or appear as shape shifting creatures. Although this character occasionally seems to be dark and mischievous, it seems in order to gain understanding and peace inside the unconscious they must see the error or their ways and become pure and helpful. Within the example of Star Wars, this is the figure of Han Solo.
- The Great Mother – This is the caring and helpful face in a dream which will help to carry the dreamer past difficult times with nurturing love. However this figure can also be dark and act to tempt the dreamer away from a worthy destination, if the dreamer is experiencing differences with parental care.
These figures ultimately come together to assist the dreamer through life, according to Jungian theory. They play a role in either tending a challenge to an individual or giving advice in order to get through life. Jung believed that in order to have happiness and success in life a person must understand and take notice of the advice of their subconscious. These archetypal figures occur commonly in myths and legends which have surpassed generations. Although they may slightly differ and twist, they all suggest the same theme of growth and overcoming difficulties. According to Jung this is the main use in the interpretation of dreams.
Readers may also wish to learn more about dream interpretation according to Sigmund Freud.
Sources:
- Hall, J. 1973. Jungian Dream Interpretation: A Handbook of Theory and Practice. Inner City Books.
- Jung, C. 1974. Dreams. Princeton University Press.
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