The concept of the collective subconscious mind originates from the field of psychology and was popularized by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, who was a colleague of Sigmund Freud. Jung believed that beyond an individual's personal unconscious mind (which contains repressed memories, desires, and emotions), there exists a deeper, shared layer of the unconscious that is common to all human beings. He referred to this as the "collective unconscious."
The collective unconscious is a reservoir of archetypes, symbols, and universal experiences that are inherited and shared by all members of a particular culture or even humanity as a whole. These archetypes and symbols are thought to be deeply rooted in our evolutionary history and are expressed in myths, folklore, religious beliefs, and dreams across different societies.
Some key points about the collective unconscious:
Archetypes: Archetypes are universal symbols or themes that appear repeatedly in myths, fairy tales, and religious narratives from various cultures. Examples of archetypes include the hero, the mother figure, the trickster, the wise old man, etc. Jung believed that these archetypes are inherent in our collective unconscious and influence our thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions.
Universal Experiences: The collective unconscious is thought to house experiences and emotions that are common to all human beings. It is believed that these experiences are shared due to our shared human heritage and evolution.
Accessing the Collective Unconscious: According to Jung, the collective unconscious can be accessed through dreams, myths, creative expressions, and certain altered states of consciousness. For example, artists, writers, and musicians may draw inspiration from the collective unconscious when creating their works.
As for what can be achieved from tapping into the collective unconscious, proponents of Jungian psychology suggest that it can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself, a greater connection with humanity, and a richer appreciation of cultural and spiritual symbols and expressions. Exploring the collective unconscious may also provide insights into the common threads of human experience and the underlying structures that shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
However, it's important to note that the concept of the collective unconscious is theoretical and not universally accepted in the scientific community. While it has been influential in the fields of psychology, anthropology, and the study of mythology, its claims about the existence of a shared unconscious layer are difficult to empirically test or prove. As with many psychological theories, interpretations and beliefs about the collective unconscious may vary among individuals and schools of thought.