ONTOGENIC MYTHOTYPES

Until we get to dreams, there is a tendency to think of stories as "words." In dreams we experience stories as structures and patterns that evoke images and experiences, often without words. The language of dreams is Psycho-Symbolic, where words are just another of the symbols and symbol systems and symbolic elements conveyed in the dream. The images of dreams are compact, encapsulated summaries that convey powerful, emotional messages from within the subconscious. In dealing with dreams, such noted authorities as James Hillman have instructed us to "hold the image." By "Holding the image," the conscious mind can begin to discern patterns and structures that can eventually reveal rich psychic content.

Some have said that, "Myths are cultural dreams." Because of the patterns of self-similarity inherent in the "phenomenetic structure" of our universe, such a statement is not outlandish. This is a contention argued most recently by Richard Tarnas in Psyche and Cosmos. One would suspect that our minds are evolved to both create and interpret various levels of meaning within the patterns and structures of dreams, myths and other mental phenomena.

Within the theoretical context of Mythogenics, one such mental phenomena is that of Ontogenic Mythotypes. These are encapsulated summary systems of cultural, family and personal stories containing patterns and structural elements that convey important psychic information for both senders and receivers. Most commonly, these Mythotypes are stories of gods, heroes, legends and unusual creatures. The influence they can exercise is not always benign, and can often be characterized as "control."

Frequently these Mythotypes are attached to archetypes that become seemingly synonymous with one another. The important thing to consider is that there are a limited number of Archetypal Energies, but a nearly infinite supply of Mythotypes. Some Mythotypes are preferred within specific cultural contexts, while another culture can easily attach a different gender and story to the same Archetypal Energy.

Virtually every culture has a Mythotype of father and mother ascribed to two of the Archetypal Energies. Because the archetypes are not contained or subject to the Mythotypes attached to them, the Archetypal Energies can express in ways that are not entirely consistent with the story or other aspects of the Mythotype. That is why there are aberrational expressions, such as the "Devouring Mother," which seem so incongruous when it occurs in the everyday world.

Besides father and mother, Mythogenic Theory suggests there are two "attractional", two "accommodating," tow "addictive/seductive" and four "assertive" archetypes. Regardless of the pantheon, one can see that in nearly every culture there are many Mythotypes that share Archetypal Energy.

One might ask, "What happens to unattached Mythotypes? Do they simply go away?" While there is no definitive answer, there is a possibility that they can become constellated in esoteric phenomena, or, maybe they do just go away.

An important consideration is that Mythotypes tend to be mutually "antagonistic" towards one another. This is rarely a problem until they become constellated with the powerful energies of an archetype. Once energized by the archetype, these Mythotypes may have the means, motive and opportunity to engage in virtual war with one another, regardless of the personal cost to the person whose psyche they inhabit. Once constellated, dislodging a Mythotype can be very tricky business. MythoTherapy can be helpful in this regard.