Finding Meaning Through Archetypes in the Natural World

An archetype is a universal symbol that can be a character, action, theme, symbol, or setting that shape our experiences. The psychologist Carl Jung was the first to popularize archetypes as a path to healing, as he believed that there are certain archetypes that are central to human experience and part of our collective unconscious. We can use these archetypes to learn more about ourselves, access our subconscious, and find meaning and connection in the world. Carl Jung said, “In all chaos there is cosmos, in all disorder a secret order.” We can look to archetypes in the natural world for a sense of order and meaning. When we are struggling with mental health or addiction issues, it can be extremely difficult to find meaning or connection. These simple archetypes from the natural world can provide an entryway into feeling less alone.

1. Forest. The forest can symbolize the unconscious mind and inner exploration. The forest is a mysterious and often scary place and when we go into its depths, we learn a great deal about ourselves, our fears, and our capabilities.
2. Mountains. Mountains give us a sense of hopefulness, personal achievement, progress, and perspective. The top of a mountain can be a place of deep insight, as we’ve come a long way from the bottom when the climb began.
3. Desert. Deserts can represent death, hopelessness, or spiritual loss. The desert can be a place of difficulty and drought before rebirth.
4. River. The river is always flowing, fresh, and life-giving and can symbolize new life and movement.
5. Ocean. The ocean connotes what we can’t see or the infinite. The ocean is a place of exploration, vastness, danger, and surrender.

RedCliff Ascent is a therapeutic wilderness program, nestled between two mountain ranges in the high desert of Enterprise, UT. We focus on adolescents ages 13-17 who are struggling with various challenges from anxiety and depression, to school abandonment and the need to reconnect with their family. With over 25 years of experience, RedCliff uses a relational model and narrative therapy to drive an outcome and an evidence-based approach. RedCliff Recovery offers an experience like no other through a proven, 12-step, adventure-based wilderness program. For more information, call us today: 801-921-8488