Universal archetypes are very particular symbols carrying a meaning rooted in the human collective unconscious, regardless of culture. For example, the circle is a symbol of unity. It is a universal archetype.

When you are in a difficult situation, your unconscious projects your limitations onto these symbols. It is a bit as if the archetypes absorbed your problems. So, by transforming these archetypes with the techniques of the Méthode Dolfino®, you also get a positive effect on those same problems.

As an example, one of the universal archetypes regularly used in the Archetypal Journey is that of the tree. The symbol of the tree actually represents the Self of the guided person, in other words their vision of themselves. Since our feelings, our perceptions and our experiences constantly change, the symbolic materialization of our Self does too: the tree changes in appearance. The goal of the Méthode Dolfino® session will also have an impact on the appearance of the archetype. If you are aiming to improve a more emotional aspect, such as learning to listen to your needs, the tree you perceive will reflect that fragility.

As in a video game, every scenario is possible. The tree might be overrun with insects, or some of its branches might be broken, or it might have no more leaves, or it might not be able to glimpse the light because it is surrounded by a forest that is too dense, and so on. In the Archetypal Journey, your mission is to fix what needs fixing so that your tree becomes perfect for you… or even better. By improving your tree, you will work on your goal at your own pace, honoring your own solutions.

To bring to light these universal archetypes brimming with potential, here are the elements to visit during the Archetypal Journey technique:

The tree is the representation of the Self illustrating your self-perception. It also represents the way your existence unfolds and how your life experiences become internalized.

The cellar (the basement) symbolizes the dark aspects of the unconscious and allows you to meet the skeletons hidden in your Young Me’s closet.

The house, for its part, evokes your “soul” as the dwelling or center of your unconscious.

The attic designates your bright facets, your positive strengths, your unique abilities.

The mountain often represents your bond with your father, the masculine principle.

The sea embodies your relationship with your mother, the feminine principle.

The fish evoke your work and your interactions with abundance in all its forms.

The plate represents your relationship with material wealth, with money.

The rat frequently materializes to embody an enemy or adversity.

As with every technique in the Méthode Dolfino®, no interpretation is relevant when it comes to universal archetypes. Whatever the state of the symbol, it in no way illustrates the origin of the block or the problem. Therefore, draw no conclusion about the meaning of the symbols, since this symbolism belongs to your own worldview (or to that of the person being guided).

Here, the guide’s role is to target the universal archetypes to visit during the guidance according to the session’s objective. However, the unconscious of the person being guided knows better than anyone how to symbolize their perceptions and improve things to reach their goal. What matters, then, is that you (in self-hypnosis), or the person you are accompanying, are fully satisfied with the improvements made to the symbols. As the guide, what you think of it matters little. So keep an open mind and always remain non-directive.

During the session, regularly encourage the Young Me to embellish its symbols and to enhance the overall atmosphere and the environment surrounding them. Do this by asking plenty of questions. For example, for the universal archetype of the house, feel free to ask what the windows look like, what materials the walls are made of, whether there is a chimney, or where the door is located, its color. You could also ask whether the house is in the countryside or in the city, whether the surroundings are adequate, whether there is a garden, neighbors, and so on.

Also be sure to encourage the Young Me to thoroughly explore the universal archetypes encountered. Some people may put up a lot of resistance before agreeing to go down to the basement: if so, get creative. A ghost, a mobile camera, or an ally insect slipping under the door to spy and report back on what’s happening in the basement, as well as installing lamps or torches or modifying the stairs, are extraordinary assets with the power to soothe the fears of a frightened Young Me.

Finally, nurture lightness and humor throughout the guidance. These, too, are powerful sources of encouragement.

Do the induction and have the person visualize themselves in a comfortable place, in nature

Introduce the universal archetypes by having them appear one after another in the setting. Choose the archetypes to explore based on the objective. For example, the tree is essential when the objective relates to self-confidence. A trip through the sea is a good idea if family ties seem to be at the root of the problem. A full tour of the house will help restore balance following a painful life experience. It’s possible to explore several archetypes within the same session.

Do even better by improving the overall atmosphere and the environment around the archetypal symbol

Open up the field of possibilities to make it even better (at least three suggestions)

Move on to another archetype by repeating steps 2 through 6