Dr. Kunkel's teacher, Dr. Jung, believed that archetypes are blueprints of the basic human qualities we all share. The archetypes themselves are undefinable natural patterns or forces that shape life in all ages and places. They cannot be known directly, but archetypal themes and images appear in myth, fairy tales, dreams, and fantasies. We tend to think of ourselves as unique individuals, and to a great extent we are. But just as there are shared patterns that shape our physical existence, such as having two arms and legs, two eyes, ten fingers and toes, so there are underlying patterns that shape our psychic existence.
Dr. Kunkel, influenced by his teacher Dr. Jung, articulates the concept of archetypes as foundational elements of the human experience that transcend individuality. These archetypes represent universal qualities that all humans possess, shaping our lives across different cultures and eras. They are not directly observable but manifest in expressions such as myths, dreams, and fairy tales.
While each person considers themselves a unique individual, there are common psychological patterns akin to our shared physical traits, like having two arms and legs. These archetypal forces underscore our collective psychic existence, suggesting that despite our uniqueness, we are connected by these deeper, shared patterns that guide our behaviors, thoughts, and experiences.
