Jung’s concept of the Self archetype represents the centre of your psyche. You might recognise the Self archetype as your True Self or Authentic Self. I like to think of this archetype as the Sacred Self archetype. My inner sanctum.

The Self archetype encompasses your conscious, subconscious and unconscious life. This archetype symbolises unity, balance, and the integration of your personality, as the archetype of the Self describes your search for wholeness and personal growth. You know the Self archetype is active in your life when you dream of mandalas and symbols of unity, or you find yourself drawn to them.

The archetype of the Self describes the ongoing process of individuation, where we search for ways to be our best, to realise our hidden potential, and achieve a sense of psychological balance.

Other clues that tell you the Self archetype is stirring in your life can be found in the stages of Self awareness. I’ve borrowed the three terms below from Myss to flag the three stages of growth involved in the process of developing awareness of the archetype of your Self:

• Revolution
• Involution
• Evolution

Each one represents a different stage of self-perception and growth. These stages are not strictly linear or fixed. Think: rinse and repeat as you continue to grow in wisdom throughout the course of your life. You’re more likely to move back and forth between them as you navigate through life’s experiences and learn more about who you are and what you are capable of, by facing and overcoming your personal challenges. I’ve outlined each stage below.

Revolution

This stage describes those times of dramatic change in your life, or the upheaval in your self-perception and who you think you are. This might occur due to external events, personal crises, or newfound realisations that challenge your existing beliefs. You might experience a strong pull to break free, do something (you think is) stupid, or you might feel the urge to rip off the archetypal shackles restricting your life. This might happen during your teenage years and reappear as midlife approaches. During the Revolution phase, you might reassess your personal values, beliefs, and self-image. All of which lead you to redefining your identity.

Involution

This stage takes you on an inward journey. It’s one of introspection, where you go within, and reflect on your thoughts, your actions, habits and behaviours, and your emotions and how you regulate them. It’s a phase of self-examination, often involving self-doubt and the quest for deeper self understanding. You might explore past experiences, address your personal insecurities, and begin a search for personal meaning and greater life purpose.

Evolution

The evolution stage reflects your growth and progress towards greater Self awareness. For example, you might reach a point in your life where you stop trying to prove yourself at work because you you know you have nothing more to prove. Or you realise that you no longer need to prove yourself to difficult family member. In other words, your self assurance has grown.

During this phase you will have improved your self-awareness and self-acceptance. You will have integrated what you’ve learned during the earlier stages, so you begin to experience more confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity. You know you’re in this stage because you have a more balanced and positive self-view. You’re able to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, and at the same time you know you will continue to grow in Self awareness.

Each of these stages contributes to the overall development of your Self appreciation, recognition, self-esteem, worth and understanding. Each stage plays a vital role in shaping your self-concept and outlook on life.