The Archetype of Rebirth

According to Jung, the archetype of Rebirth is one of four fundamental archetypes and is primarily concerned with psychological and spiritual transformation. Thus, a person might experience the death of a past way of being, followed by the birth of a new self or personality change. Such a process requires the individual to shed former identities, perspectives, or behaviours incompatible with their new stage of personal development. This transformation encourages the individual to advance in their individuation process, becoming a more developed and mature person (Jung, 1953).

Concerning the archetype of Rebirth, individuals consciously engage with unconscious material emerging from their psyche, often through rituals, ceremonies, dream journals, or meditative practices. By doing so, they become active participants in their transformation, which fosters a deeper connection with the unconscious and results in internal growth or increased awareness (Jung, 1959).

Archetypes are ingrained in the human psyche and a part of the collective unconscious. When the Rebirth archetype emerges, it is often considered to be a positive conversion, as it furthers the development of one’s personality (Jung, 1959). On the other hand, the Rebirth archetype can also be observed in societal changes or movements, prompting a cultural rebirth. For instance, if a subject has long been shamed, condemned, or kept in secrecy, the Rebirth archetype may manifest to foster community and collective engagement, sparking a cultural awakening. This, in turn, can become a catalyst for groups who have been systematically disempowered or oppressed (Jung, 1969).

Jung also illustrated the power of the Rebirth archetype in his famous story of the scarab beetle. During one of his sessions, a patient recounted a dream in which she was given a golden scarab, a symbol of rebirth in Egyptian mythology. As she spoke, a real scarab beetle tapped against Jung’s window. He caught the beetle and handed it to her, saying, "Here is your scarab." This synchronistic moment broke down the woman’s rigid rationalism and opened her up to the workings of the unconscious. The scarab symbolised transformation and renewal, demonstrating how the Rebirth archetype can manifest in powerful and symbolic ways (Jung, 1960).
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References: 

• Jung, C.G. (1953). Two Essays on Analytical Psychology. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Jung, C.G. (1959). Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Jung, C.G. (1960). Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
• Jung, C.G. (1969). The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.