What are archetypes in Jungian psychology?

Archetypes are universal patterns or templates in the collective unconscious — inherited psychological structures that appear across cultures, myths, and dreams. They're not specific images but predispositions to experience and express reality in particular ways. Jung identified many; the most central are the Shadow, the Persona, the Anima/Animus, and the Self.

What is the Persona?

The social mask — the version of yourself you present to the world. It's necessary and useful; humans are social animals and we adapt our presentation for different contexts. The problem arises when the Persona is confused with the self — when you become the mask. People who over-identify with their Persona often experience a midlife crisis when it no longer fits.

What is the Anima and Animus?

The Anima is the unconscious feminine aspect in men; the Animus is the unconscious masculine aspect in women. These aren't stereotypes about gender traits but about psychological principles — the parts of the psyche that are less developed and therefore more unconscious. Men who haven't integrated their Anima may romanticize or be dominated by it (falling for projections of the ideal woman). Women who haven't integrated their Animus may argue from principle in ways disconnected from feeling.

What is the Self?

The central organizing archetype — the totality of the psyche, both conscious and unconscious. It's not the ego (which is only conscious identity) but the larger whole that the ego relates to. Jung described the Self as having a numinous quality — experiences of the Self often feel profound, religious, or beyond ordinary consciousness. Individuation is the lifelong process of the ego building a relationship with the Self.

How do these archetypes interact?

They form a dynamic system. The Persona protects the ego from the world; the Shadow compensates for the Persona's brightness; the Anima/Animus mediates between conscious and unconscious; the Self presides over the whole. Dreams, emotional reactions, and relational patterns all reflect the ongoing negotiation between these structures.