Shiv Oss recalls his first conscious encounter with an archetype as a child in India. He was warned not to enter a certain part of his family’s garden because a family of cobras passed through at the same time every day. When he asked why, he was told, “Because they could kill you.” For a young child, the realization of his mortality was overwhelming, and he brooded for days over the idea of death. When a family servant told him, “Oh, that’s just Shiva and his family passing through—simply bow to them and let them pass,” the fear transformed into reverence. This moment changed how he saw the snake—not as something to be feared, but as something to be honored, an energy to work with rather than fight against.
Years later, this experience resurfaced when he encountered the Christian story of Mary stepping on the head of the serpent, a stark contrast to his early teachings. In one culture, the snake was something to honor; in another, it was something to be crushed. This difference led him to question deeper truths about archetypes, myths, and the messages they carry across different traditions.
Carl Jung described archetypes as universal, recurring symbols or patterns in myths, dreams, and collective human experiences. These include figures like the Hero, the Lover, the Trickster, and the Wise Sage. Archetypes exist within the collective unconscious and manifest differently across cultures and individuals.
Shiv explains that archetypes emerge indirectly—through symbols, dreams, and visions—never directly. He likens them to glass in a flowing river: You can’t see the glass itself, but you can see how the water reacts around it. Our interactions with archetypes come through the ripples they create in our subconscious and conscious experiences.
The ego acts as the bridge between our conscious awareness and the unconscious world of archetypes. A well-developed ego can engage with archetypes without being overwhelmed, allowing for personal growth rather than psychic possession.
Jung saw the ego as the center of consciousness but not the entirety of the self. According to Jung, the self includes both our conscious identity and the vast unconscious aspects of our psyche. The ego’s role is to mediate between these layers and allow the conscious self to integrate messages from the unconscious world.
Shiv recalls a pivotal moment in his youth when he saw a film depicting a priest being persecuted, bound, and beaten. The image struck him deeply—not as a mere scene in a movie, but as an archetypal moment that echoed the crucifixion of Christ. In that moment, he saw something timeless: the figure of sacrifice, of transcendence beyond suffering. A recognition of something ancient, a connection to the collective unconscious, stirred a deep awareness in him.
When an archetype takes over our consciousness, we are said to be “possessed” by it. This is evident when someone becomes obsessed with power, romance, or revenge. The goal of inner work is not to suppress archetypes but to integrate them—allowing their wisdom to guide us without losing ourselves.
Shiv recalls his teenage years when, like many others, he was possessed by the lover archetype. The overwhelming surge of romantic and sexual energy took over his thoughts and guided his actions in ways he didn’t always understand. Over time, as his ego strengthened, he learned to work with this energy rather than be dominated by it. This is the transformation process—moving from unconscious possession to conscious integration.
His daughter had a similar experience in her 30s when she realized she had been embodying the Caretaker archetype. She had spent so much energy ensuring harmony in her relationships that she neglected herself. The realization came in a dream where the goddess Kali appeared, ferocious and rageful. When she asked Kali what she needed, the goddess replied, “You are not taking care of yourself.” This dream illuminated how archetypes often manifest through visions, guiding us toward what we need to acknowledge.
Archetypes often reveal themselves in dreams through symbols and metaphors. For instance, encountering a snake might represent transformation, while a dog could symbolize loyalty or an untamed instinct. Learning to decode these symbols deepens self-awareness.
Shiv tells of when he dreamed of a black dog shaking his bed and growling at him with unrelenting force. It was terrifying. He realized this was the Shadow archetype demanding his attention. Instead of fleeing, he barked back. The dog stopped panting and eventually disappeared. In that moment, he reclaimed his power—he had met the archetype with equal force rather than succumbing to fear.
Different cultures express archetypes through myths and deities. Hindu mythology offers Shiva and Shakti as representations of destruction and creation. The Greek gods embody various human traits—Zeus as authority, phrodite as love. These stories provide insight into human nature across time.
Many of us encounter archetypes in pivotal moments. Shiv recalls watching The Cardinal as a teenager—a film where a priest was tied to a cross and beaten. In that moment, he saw the Christ archetype as a historical figure and a universal symbol of sacrifice and transformation. A profound realization connected him to something beyond time and space.
Archetypes influence our daily experiences—career choices, relationships, and personal challenges. Recognizing their presence allows us to make conscious decisions rather than being unconsciously driven by these deep patterns.
Jung suggested that archetypes connect us to something vast, something beyond the realm of logic and material understanding. The mystery of archetypes reminds us that much of life remains unknowable. Rather than resisting this, we can embrace it—allowing mystery to guide us rather than control us.
By recognizing and engaging with archetypes, we access an ancient wisdom that can guide us toward self-discovery and transformation. Which archetypes are currently influencing your life, and how will you choose to work with them?
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