Definition.
Active imagination is a set of techniques used for engaging the images and figures of the unconscious psyche through imagination. In active imagination, we invite the subconscious parts of ourselves — our symptoms, our psychological complexes, and even the figures from our dreams — to step forward and interact with us.
Dreaming with open eyes
.
— Samuels et. al.footnote 1
Jung used the term [active imagination] in 1935 to describe a process of dreaming with open eyes.
Active imagination opens a door of communication between the conscious and unconscious parts of ourselves. Using this practice, we can converse with the figures that populate our dreams, explore our inner terrain, and interact with archetypal images. Visual and performing arts can be forms of active imagination, as can conscious imaginal dialogue with inner figures. Writers and artists may find this tool useful for connecting with their creative source, while for researchers, active imagination is a primary tool for imaginal inquiry. The benefits of active imagination vary from person to person but, practiced regularly, many people find the practice improves their quality of life, and gives them greater insight into themselves and the larger world.
The technique, in brief.
In A Critical Dictionary of Jungian Analysis, Samuels et al helpfully describe active imagination as
dreaming with open eyes.
footnote 1 Sometimes this is literally the case, as one of the core techniques of active imagination is to
select an encounter from a nighttime dream and, in cooperation with the figures of the inner world, to re-enter the dream, allowing
the narrative to continue to unfold. Such dream re-entry is one several imaginal methods for inviting
unconscious content forward and allowing it to ‘speak.’ This work can be done in artistic media, as well — painting or performance, for instance.
In this approach to active imagination, we invite subconscious parts of ourselves — including symptoms, complexes and other inner figures — to step forward and interact with us. From the point of view of our ‘I’ (the ego, or ego-complex), we can speak with these parts of our psyches, ask them questions, and even have shared adventures. In this way, the subconscious mind is given the time and space to express its images, its desires, its wishes.
Though it bears similarities to both shamanic journeying and meditation, active imagination does not require an altered state of consciousness, such as trance. The ego remains fully conscious during the practice and brings its own ethics and resources to the imaginal conversation. Additionally, there are no hard-and-fast rules or pre-established structures. The main requirement for active imagination is a time commitment — as little as 15-20 minutes per encounter — and a willingness to treat one’s inner images as real, at least for the duration of the dialogue.