The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious

Individuation can only occur after a psychological treatment process has uncovered and integrated archetypal material. In this section, Jung provides his first comprehensive definition of the term “individuation,” writing: “I use the term ‘individuation’ to denote the process by which a person becomes a psychological ‘in-dividual,’ that is, a separate, indivisible unity or ‘whole’” (275). While many people believe that only conscious material makes up the entirety of the ego, Jung disagrees. He explains that individuals often betray the hidden parts of their unconscious in their words and actions, without even realizing that they are doing so. He says this proves that deeper levels of the psyche and ego exist.

When the unconscious is not given its due attention, certain neuroses can develop. Jung argues that it is a mistake to view the unconscious as a second personality, rather than seeing it as a part of the psychic whole. Just as the internal and external are intertwined, the unconscious and conscious parts of the psyche are interconnected and impact one another. He reiterates that the archetypes of the collective unconscious contain an element of autonomy. The plane upon which they enact their power is the emotions of the individual. Therefore, unconscious complexes can often be identified during emotional outbursts.