Exploring the unconscious through Active imagination

Active imagination is not a reductive method for understanding mental images from the unconscious; instead, it requires a patient to go beyond superficial understanding and experience the transcendent power within the image. The key is restraining the conscious mind from influencing internal images as they unfold, resonating with the archetypal atmosphere of the unconscious. It involves challenging oneself by conveying a message of humanity overflowing with images, beyond merely fulfilling repressed impulses. Active imagination intentionally relates to unconscious contents, starting from an image and requiring uncritical consciousness, amplification, constructive interpretation, and contact with the transcendent function inherent in the symbol.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study explored basic steps of active imagination and looked at related topics such as free association, imagination, signs and symbols in order to reveal the characteristics of Jung’s active imagination. According to the results of the exploration, active imagination is not a reductive way to understand the mental images that emerge from the unconscious. In active imagination a patient should go beyond a superficial understanding of her image and experience the transcendent power contained in that image. The key to active imagination is restraining the conscious waking mind from exerting influence on internal images as they unfold. There must be an effort to resonate the archetypal atmosphere in the unconscious. There must be an effort to challenge herself by conveying a message of humanity overflowing with images that goes beyond just trying to fulfill repressed impulses and memories hidden behind images. Active imagination intentionally seeks to relate to the contents of the unconscious. Its starting point is an image in the mind. Starting from the beginning to the unconscious power of the abyss, active imagination requires uncritical consciousness, amplification, constructive interpretation, and contact with the transcendent function inherent in the symbol.