Why Archetypes, Myths & Fairy Tales?

In the midst of countless stories, we find the words that promote our own growth.

Dear reader,

Self-worth is the key to a fulfilling life. Without a strong sense of our own worth, we can feel lost, inadequate or even unwanted. I firmly believe that every human being is valuable and deserves love, recognition and respect. Unfortunately, education and society often give us different messages - for example, that we are only ‘worth’ something if we fulfil the expectations of others or perform well. These beliefs rob us of our true value and keep us small.

I experienced this myself as a child and struggled with the idea of being worthless well into adulthood: I made myself small by putting other people's needs before my own. I thought that I had to earn my worth by being ‘useful’. But at some point I realised: my worth doesn't depend on how well I perform. I am valuable.

Period.

With this realisation, I began to look inward and work on my doubts and fears bit by bit. Archetypes, myths, fairy tales and the characters in them have often helped me with this. Stories are much more than just narratives - they can transform us and help us to come into our power.

This is why I now use them as powerful tools to help others rediscover their inner strength. This approach is particularly meaningful and powerful for several reasons: working with archetypes, myths and fairy tales gives us deeper insights into our own selves.

Archetypes as Mirrors of the Self

Archetypes are universal figures or patterns that we find again and again in the stories and cultures of humanity. We have all encountered these archetypal figures - for example, the heroine, the mentor, the sage, the mother or the shadow side. They reflect different facets of our own personality and can help us to recognise and integrate unconscious parts of ourselves.

Working with the Heroine archetype, for example, can help you rediscover your own strength and determination and use it to your advantage in difficult times. By working with archetypes you begin to understand yourself better. You can learn to activate the qualities you have not yet fully recognised in yourself.

By working with archetypes you can also discover and develop different inner roles. This journey not only strengthens your self-worth, but also helps you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your true needs.

Myths as a Source of Wisdom

Myths' are ancient stories that often contain profound truths about life, human conflict and universal principles. They tell stories of transformation, challenge and growth.

Myths can encourage us to reflect on our own life stories. We can see that we too are capable of change and overcoming our challenges. Myths can therefore serve as a model for personal growth and healing.

Many myths are about hero's journeys, in which heroes go through trials, change and ultimately emerge stronger. This narrative pattern is particularly well suited to our own journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment. By identifying with the experiences of the heroes of the myths, we can also recognise our own inner trials as part of a larger healing process.

A quiet moment on the jetty - before the journey into the unknown, into the self, begins.

Fairy Tales as a Gateway to the Inner World

Fairy tales are rich in symbolism and metaphors, giving us deeper insights into our lives and psychological world. They speak to our unconscious and emotional levels and offer us the opportunity to understand and process complex feelings and inner conflicts.

The themes explored in fairy tales - such as transformation, self-discovery or overcoming difficulties - make them particularly suitable for building self-worth. Fairy tales encourage us to reflect on our own fears and blockages and to realise that there is always a path to healing and growth.

By working with fairy tales, you can gain new perspectives on yourself: By understanding the challenges and transformations of fairy tale characters, you can find the courage to follow your own path of healing and growth.

Storytelling as a Healing Process

When we tell stories about myths or fairy tales, we can reflect on our own life situation. They and the confrontation with archetypes can have a healing effect. Storytelling allows us to process personal challenges and experiences and to see them from a different perspective.

The act of storytelling itself can be a form of self-therapy where we regain control over our own narrative (= life). From this we can develop understanding and acceptance of our own strengths and weaknesses.

Symbolism, transformation and connection to universal themes

Myths, archetypes and fairy tales speak to deeper layers of our consciousness. They allow us to work with personal challenges or hurts on a symbolic level that supports transformation. This symbolic work helps us to process and express difficult emotions or experiences in stories. It is a meaningful format that is easy for us to understand and integrate.

Myths and fairy tales are found in all cultures and throughout the ages. They deal with universal themes such as life and death, love and loss, heroism and weakness that connect us as human beings. Working with these themes can create a strong sense of connection within us - both to humanity as a whole and to our own story. This awareness helps us to see ourselves not as isolated or 'flawed' but as part of a greater whole.

Like a spider's web, stories and insights connect us - every thread contributes to the unfolding of ourselves.

Conclusion

By connecting with archetypes, myths and fairy tales, we open ourselves up to a deeper self-awareness and a stronger sense of self-worth. These stories and symbols are not only part of our past, but also the key to inner growth and healing. They help us to understand ourselves, to change and to realise that we are not alone: We are part of a larger story, a universal narrative that connects us all.

So the next time you come across a fairy tale or mythological story, remember that it is more than just a story. It could be a mirror to a truth about yourself. Let's walk the path of self-discovery, healing and self-empowerment together - with the wisdom and power hidden in these ancient stories.