Archetypes are universally recognized symbols of human behavior found in every form of storytelling across different times and cultures. The use of archetypes to explain behavior was introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, and has been expanded by other theorists, including Caroline Myss. Archetypes offer a rich symbolic language through which we can define, refine, and understand life experiences. 

It’s very important to note that archetypes aren’t good or bad. They’re neutral.

Archetypes aren’t angels or beings. Rather an archetype is a distinctive symbolic pattern, and it can be expressed positively in your life, or negatively. When we recognize an archetypal pattern in ourselves, then we can notice whether we’ve put a positive or negative spin on it: 

• Am I a Gambler who runs great risks to the point of compromising my life?

• Or am I a Gambler who hedges a bet and engages with life from a winning perspective, knowing where to draw the line on wins or losses without sacrificing self?

Using archetypes is a means of discussing strengths, weaknesses and individual personality attributes, and encourages us to take an impersonal look at how we behave toward ourselves and in relationship with others.

The study of archetypal patterns helps us recalculate how we engage with other people—from both positive and also not so positive angles. We can choose intentionally to maintain healthy behaviors, or revise actions that aren’t working!

Archetypes inspire specific projects and unravel the blocks that shut down active creating. Aligning with your archetypal team means you are never alone. The uninitiated may scoff and refer to archetypes as your twelve imaginary friends, but once archetypes are understood symbolically you will value this approach to creativity, and wish everyone could speak the language!

We are a community of introverts, extroverts and everything in between. You will never be “called on” or asked to present work without first volunteering. We honor and respect boundaries of all members and welcome you to join a meeting to simply sit back to observe!

Live meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2-3 pm Central and are recorded.

After you sign up, you'll receive an email order confirmation and a separate Welcome Note with more information about our private online community.

If you do not get this email within 24 hours, check your spam folder and then email Zenna at zenna@janedunnewold.com.

Awakened Archetypes is hosted on Circle. Your Welcome email will include a link to create your Circle account.

There are no assignments, there are only tutorials, essays and videos and members choose what they want to focus on. You may read/watch everything, but there is no obligation to do so. We offer a range of ideas and activities because a living, thriving community like the one we foster is all about choice and figuring out preferences, because those are at the heart of who we are as creative beings.

Everyone’s life has lots of moving parts and some times people have more (or less) time than at other times and it’s all ok.

It’s fun, and wonderful to be part of a community of like-minded people who are open to discussion and actively resist judging others. That’s who we are, and that’s what enriches lives so much members return year after year.

By intentionally practicing creativity, we learn to analyze clearly, think deeply, and animate the part of ourselves that wants to have more fun—and become our most authentic selves in the process.

This practice should be available to anyone who seeks it out. With that in mind, we offer scholarships to those with limited budgets and a deep commitment to personal growth through creativity.

Request a scholarship here.

Archetype study is now offered as a separate mentorship program with Jane — Awakened Archetypes!

CST members always have the option to join Awakened Archetypes (and vice versus) and save on both membership fees!