Gods, Heroes and Groups: Relational Dynamics through Mythic Archetypes

Decoding group dynamics using depth psychology and mythic archetypes, the authors synthesise post-Jungian ideas about myth with modern theories of group psychology. By understanding the currents and hidden dynamics within group life, we not only gain on a personal level, but we can also affect the wider world for the better.

We are each a part of many different groups, teams, and organisations in our lives – this is unavoidable. Groups are powerful – we want to belong, and yet there is something dangerous about becoming too enmeshed with groups. We have painful historical examples to draw from, such as the Holocaust or the Salem Witch Trials. In today’s Western culture, we are experiencing unprecedented groupthink, political radicalisation, and polarisation between groups.

If we can learn to understand the currents and hidden dynamics within group life, we stand to benefit immensely. Not only might we gain on a personal level (better relationships, more effective leadership), but we may also become more influential in service to a better world.

Gods, Heroes, and Groups helps readers conceptualise group dynamics in a deeper way and builds the creative muscle required for generating insight into how their groups operate. The methodology is somewhat novel, synthesising post-Jungian ideas about myth with modern theories of group psychology. Myths carry deep archetypal meaning that can ‘decode’ the unconscious elements in groups, which is especially powerful when combined with modern psychological frameworks.

This type of thinking is a useful skill for executive coaches, facilitators, and therapists who work with groups or family systems, and for anyone looking to understand the effects of groups on the individual.