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In Jungian symbolic psychology, the concept of symbol is extended to encompass
the entire individual and collective psyche. Structuring symbols, complexes, and
functions are expressed as polarities that include both the subjective and objective
worlds.
Consciousness is described as the interaction of five archetypal forms of
intelligence. Among them, Byington introduces alterity, in which the anima
and animus archetypes relate dialectically, making it the archetype of democracy,
of scientific and artistic creativity, and of love.
Through this dialectic of opposites, analytical psychology and psychoanalysis are
analyzed as complementary approaches and used to explicate shadow formation
through fixation and defenses. In this manner, ethics can be studied psychodynamically,
and the shadow can be equated with sin and evil within the individuation process.
Through this ample symbolic perspective, the psyche is conceived as being
(following Heidegger), with its three main polarities—mind–body, mind–nature,
and mind–emotions—expressed through symbols.
The matriarchal and patriarchal archetypes, along with the alterity and totality
archetypes, form the ruling archetypal quaternio, which is the basis of symbolic
elaboration to form the ego and consciousness.
Parallel to Jung’s individuation process, Byington has conceived the cultural
Self and the humanization process based on Teilhard de Chardin to describe
an archetypal theory of history. This theory includes the activation of the
alterity archetype, whose mythological root is expressed through the myth of
Christ in the West and the myth of Buddha in the East.
Jungian Symbolic Psychology concludes with an interpretation of the Oedipus
myth based on the dialectical relationship between analytical psychology and
psychoanalysis.
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