From your same source NW....

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In Jungian psychology, an inherited pattern of thought or symbolic imagery derived from the past collective experience and present in the individual unconscious.

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Thought I'd highlight that since the discussion seems to centre around Jung's interpretation of archetypes.

Hi everyone... nice to be back with you again, catching up on the conversation. Hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas day.... able to spend time with family and touch people with your love.

The quotes and links made for some interesting reading. I'm not familar with Jung so this has all been enlightening for me to read and consider.

I process new information visually and organically. That is to say 'I feel and picture' what I read. It's how I put new information into a context I can relate to so that I can remember what I read. In Jungian terms perhaps I'm filtering it through my own collective unconsious to hear when and where it rings true for me. I only say this to preface how I respond to the definition from a feeling, seeing perspective.....

I feel archtype being defined as a 'mood'... changing, adapting, reacting. As I read on... essential elements of universal human experience....the moods responding within familar/basic norms -- knowledge bases, comfort zones, discomfort zones, spiritual comprehensions. Mood triggered by experiences, triggering other responses. In or out of norms -- social, political, spiritual, religious....

I read further.... patterns of death and rebirth.... natural cycles of the seasons.... my interest peeks since its fitting my own patterned thinking.... my own spiritual journey teaching me about the circle -- balance, wholeness, renewal, reinvention, redemption. My own journey with mental illness. Death and rebirth. Faith the depression will pass. Faith the mania won't get out of hand. The balance will always be restored. New beginnings, new passion, new determination, new hope... renewed faith.

I read on..... symbols in dreams and myths... residues of ancestral memory preserved in the collective unconscious. I acknowledge this understanding..... but I'd include other collections and connections that I see combining in my unconscious.... spirit guides and angel messangers... visions, callings, revelations.... any manifestation of God and his kingdom that visits me, touches me, comforts me, directs me... steers my thoughts, my actions, my prayers. All that is within the circle, the core, the heart of my existance. Whatever is true. I think this is a universal craving that unites all of creation. To live in peace and harmony one with another. This takes death of things that tear down and rebirth of things that build up the light that comes only from the kinddom of God... the God of all that is and was and will ever be.

I think I hear what you are saying NW... the workings of the sub-conscious in our lives. Interesting examples you contemplated.... the genetic factor played out in human talents, aptitudes and interests. Experts say much of mental illness is genetic. Study the question of nature versus nurture. Genetics versus environment. Sub-conscious, conscious. Past life, current life, spirit life..... measured time of the human life span.... timelessness of the eternal spirit.

My question would be if genetically influenced, and sub-consciously influenced how does this impact an individual's mental welless? How does one reconcile with the negative sub-conscious triggers when they threaten one's wellness? It can be useful to understand that the unhealthy symptoms of my illness are in some instances inherited, other instances experienced, still other times a combination of both influences on my present day life. I question how does one draw fron this understanding to apply life enhancing self care and make life affirming choices. Change distructive thinking patterns... modify unhealthy behaviours.

Philosophy, religion, psychology... all very interesting... but how do they contribute to or contaminate my recovery. How do I process the learning into life altering decision making. That remains my pursuit. I rest in the Love of my Creator as I take steps to greater understanding.

Thanks for the post NW.... it gave me a wonderful chance to think and make new connections in my own understandings. Not everything fits for me but all facilitates greater understanding. It raises my faith and expands my appreciation for God's glory and supremacy.