Just as we find in ancient mythology, Jung’s model of the human psyche includes archetypes. Two examples are defined as the persona, the physical aspect of your nature that relates to the external world, and anima or animus, your spiritual nature that relates to the internal world.
Jung also recognised that a failure to integrate unconscious archetypes into the conscious mind can create destructive consequences. Negative aspects of unconscious archetypes can evoke feelings of jealousy, anger and revenge. These negative energies are then projected back on to us in the form of negative manifestations.
In his writings Jung warns of the dangers the shadow presents:
“...it is a frightening thought that man also has a shadow side to him, consisting not just of little weaknesses and foibles, but of a positively demonic dynamism." ~ Carl Jung, On the Psychology of the Unconscious
The wise sages of old were also aware of the destructive qualities that reside deep within your subconscious. One of the mechanisms they used to demonstrate this was through the esoteric symbolism in the stories of Varuna and Mitra.
In
ancient symbolism, the character of Mitra was used to represent the
morning star. He is a solar deity, one of the 12 Adityas mentioned in
the Rig Vedas. He is also one of the seven deities that preside over the
day thus known as Lord of Light and grants wealth (of knowledge).
In Sanskrit, Mitra means “an ally” or “friend.”
The
symbolic meaning of Mitra connects him with harmony and the integrity
of truth that keep relationships strong. Hindus invoke this god when
signing a business contract. He is also the god of friendship together
with other important aspects that are required to maintain a peaceful
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