The source of all life, the ocean symbolizes divine oneness. Souls emerge from the primeval formlessness and separate into beings, eventually to return to the oneness of creation.

Within an individual psyche, the ocean represents subconscious depths that contain entire ecosystems operating below the person’s awareness. Monsters and unknown dangers from the past lurk in the abyss while waves of emotion threaten to engulf. But just as the waves threaten to destroy, they also carry life to safety, as they cleanse and renew. The voyager who survives a crossing is transformed by the experience, gaining wisdom, clarity, and wholeness.

How do you experience the ocean archetype? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

New to archetypes? Check out the Introduction to Archetypes post which goes into greater depth on what archetypes are and how to use them.