Active Imagination Guide
Exploring Transformations of the Psyche
“Consciousness swims on the unconscious world like a round disc, or is like a small island in the ocean. Consciousness can never be identical with the soul, it is only a part, perhaps a very small part, of the soul. The soul is the whole.”
- C.G. Jung, “Consciousness and the Unconscious: Lectures Delivered at ETH Zurich (vol 2)”
We stand in the light of our ego's awareness each day of our lives. From this conscious standpoint, what is observable shapes the borders of our reality. The structures provide a reliable sense of continuity. A feeling of having a steady grip on our inner and outer world.
Despite its position as ruler in the kingdom of sunlight awareness, our ego is merely a fraction of the totality of psyche. By its nature it is limited, easily exhausted, and rigid. As a vehicle of will and identity, it is integral to the healthy workings of our psyche. Yet it struggles to grasp the fullness of our being. It spins narrative webs to compensate for the uncertainty that rises from the depths. It resists against any force that threatens its reign.
Walking a meaningful path of individuation requires that we relativize our ego. That is, understanding that our consciousness is a small piece of the puzzle. That it is in service to unconscious forces that move through the body; exciting emotions, informing our thoughts, and driving our behaviors. Realization of this fact should not crumble the psychic system or lead us to feelings of futility. It allows us to develop greater harmony and wholeness by including all parts of our being.
In practice, this means consciously acknowledging the limitations of ego’s awareness and capabilities. Rather than assuming we have all the answers or jumping to rational conclusions, we can pause and ask ourselves:
What is giving rise to these things in my life?
What is unseen that is influencing this situation?
How might my current view be limited? What am I missing?
The Language of the Unconscious
“Naming with images and metaphors has an advantage over naming with concepts, for personified namings never become mere dead tools. Images and metaphors present themselves always as living psychic subjects with which I am obliged to be in relation.”
- James Hillman, “Re-Visioning Psychology”
The simple act of asking these provocative questions can lead us to insight. And yet there is a curious pattern; a barrier we may find ourselves hitting up against each time we try to analyze, discern and think our way through a situation. We may have awareness (the chief tool of our ego) and yet we still cannot seem to shift a pattern in our life, stop the nervous system from becoming dysregulated, or prevent a repetitive behavior from manifesting time and time again.
Where ego falls short is where we find an invitation to venture into the depths. By crossing the threshold into the underworld, we forsake daylight consciousness for a new mode of being. Establishing this bridge allows us to mediate the limitations of our ego with the vast richness of the unconscious.
We can do so by:
Writing down and working with our dreams.
Noticing fantasy images and day dreams in waking life.
Paying attention to the subtle sensations of the body and searching for an accompanying image or impression.
Utilizing divinatory techniques.
Creating art in spontaneous, inspired and intuitive ways.
Practicing active imagination.
Central to all these practices is attuning to and learning the language of the unconscious. It does not speak in the ways of the dayworld; with concrete language and literal interpretations. It produces images, lush with symbolism and metaphor. It’s multiplicity means that we can take hold of a product of the unconscious (say a dream image) and turn it over and over again; each time discovering more nuance and variations.
Touching into our imagination (the realm of images) is a return to the source of our psyche. It is the vital life force that flows from the core of the unconscious. Imagination is not in service to us. But when we consciously choose to engage it, we are impacted. For image holds a depth of complexity that we can barely fathom. It activates our emotional, physical, and mental centers - aligning all at once. Image strikes through with intensity where words fail. Its essential aliveness means that we can return, time and time again, to the images of our psyche to orient us and contain our experiences in meaningful ways.
Active Imagination
“It is as if we did not know, or else continually forgot, that everything of which we are conscious is an image, and that image is psyche.”
- C.G. Jung, “The Secret of the Golden Flower”, Alchemical Studies (CW 13)
Active imagination1 is a technique by which an individual evokes images from the unconscious and then engages them in dialogue and interaction. The method requires active participation with the images rather than mere passive observation of them. Traditionally this is done through visualization and the use of fantasy. But other expressive modalities work as well.
It is particularly effective for strengthening the dialectic between ego and unconscious. Unlike dreaming, where ego presence is highly diminished, active imagination gives us the chance to interact with the materials of our own depths in a conscious manner. It trains us to lower the field of ego’s awareness and allow a stream of unconscious material to flow in naturally. In this environment, we can unearth incredible insights to our inner states and deepen our self-awareness.
Many sources that discuss active imagination warn us of its potential dangers. That without sufficient ego strength, we may become flooded from the unconscious material. This is where discernment is key. If you feel uncertain if this is right for you, consult with a therapist. Dream work can act as a more gentle approach in the meantime if you’re still curious to work with the unconscious.
Some years ago, I was listening to a lecture from Jungian analyst Murray Stein. He shared 2 principles of active imagination that have stuck with me ever since:
“Whatever comes, receive it. If it moves, follow it.”
With these axioms in mind, we can begin to work with and follow the transformations of the psyche. Here are some loose guidelines for the process.
Begin by choosing a starting point.
By what means will you begin your active imagination? Select a starting point or set an intention for what you are exploring. Some ideas include: