Abstract. The concept of the collective unconscious formulated by Carl Gustav Jung presupposes the existence of “universal psychic structures”, which express themselves through archetypal patterns in universal human experience. Despite the wide-range theoretical discussion of archetypes, the empirical data relating to their expression in totally blind people is scarce. This research presents a quality description of cases and analysis of dreams of people with total blindness, in order to examine whether and how archetypal imagery originates when there is lack of visual experience. The results indicate the presence of patterns, corresponding to universal structures of experience, such as relationship with parental figures, care and protection, ordeals and transitions. These patterns are expressed via auditory, tactile, emotional and cognitive elements, pointing out that symbolization is not dependent upon visual perception. The research outlines the need for further empirical study upon the modal features of symbolization in blindness and contributes to the understanding of the universal character of archetypal structures.

Key words: totally blind, inborn total blindness, collective unconscious, dreams

Full text here.