The archetype of Santa Claus

Do you believe in Santa Claus? Jolly Old St. Nicholas is an integral part of Western society and many of us grew up with this magical icon. I recently came up with the idea that Santa represents a unique archetype. In Jungian psychology, the archetype is defined as an inherited memory represented in the mind by a universal symbol and observed in dreams and myths.

Searching for these symbolic images of this dear old man, I realized that what Santa Claus represents can also be used to motivate us to create for the new year. I see him as a fun loving guy who brings us joy, love, excitement and happiness. It is said that he makes all our dreams and wishes come true. During this season we are full of expectation, the glow of light-filled homes, the fun of being with friends and neighbors to celebrate life, and the joy and gratitude of giving and receiving.

I find that Santa reflects various archetypes. He can be seen in the Innocent archetype, helping us to trust, hope, and believe that a better day is yet to come. He is clearly driven by faith and trust, bringing that hope and giving us that faith and trust that all will be well.

The caregiver archetype, however, is not in the exercise of power that is the motive, but in the drive to provide care to those who need it: the care, concern, and nurturing that they lack but deserve. It is about giving to others to satisfy their needs. And he asks for nothing in return except a cookie, a glass of milk, or some eggnog. He seems to be a powerful guy, deciding who gets a new Nintendo and who gets t-shirts or shoes. If we are good and believe, Santa will make sure we get everything we want.

A significant aspect of the story of Santa Claus is the magical transformation of climbing up a chimney at the touch of his nose along with his annual journey around the world. And on top of that, the flying reindeer without GPS on board is truly miraculous. He magically brings gratitude, compassion, and love to all, to the heart of one child at a time. Santa is the quintessential Wizard archetype who helps us transform and transcend current reality to find new ways to treat, be, and succeed.

As we create our dreams, our visions, and our choices for 2010, let’s remember to use our Santa Claus model in conjunction with the Law of Attraction, Creation, and Allowing. As you have chosen and then more clearly defined your choices in creating your 2010 Journey, use this technique to change your beliefs and allow what you want.

Sometimes just the subtle shift from seeing our images from an adult look of trying to force, worrying and wondering how things will change, to childish expectations and faith. A key component of the Art of Allowing is letting go and letting God. Freeing ourselves from our attachment to old beliefs, ideas and teachings allows us to open ourselves to the Infinite Possibilities of the Universe.

Then too, we may like Santa’s management skills to a universal manager. Can you imagine him bringing toys to everyone, all over the world, in one night? And all on time and within budget? That is what we are taught the Universe can do for us, when we turn it over to God/Source. In the book “Ask and it shall be given” one of the Proven Processes is to hand it over to the manager. As we set our goals, it’s like delegating to a Universal Manager. And as we step back and let the Universe set things in place, WE CREATE! Remember, we are not giving up options, we are simply going through all the details and creating our options.

I urge you to focus on delivering to your Universal Manager all the things you feel you need to do this holiday week. You will find it surprising that as we change our approach to reality, our reality changes. I have personally done this when I have felt overwhelmed by all the tasks I feel I must do. Surprisingly, some get done, some don’t, while others just don’t seem that important. I have had times when my daughters and daughters-in-law would offer to do some baking. I have learned to accept help and respond with “Yes!” grateful. This process is priceless in all aspects of life, not just on vacation. The Law of Attraction is unfolding and orchestrating everything that needs to happen to bring me my desires, Now.