A First Exploration of the Archetypal Imagery of the Kylin

Abstract

This paper explores the archetypal imagery of the Kylin in the Chinese psyche in the context of the cultural unconsciousness using the "multiple evidence method" of cultural anthropology and the "archetypal analysis" of analytical psychology. The Kylin archetypal imagery changes because the development of consciousness begins to have the ability to understand and confront the rich archetypal imagery of selfhood. The "deer" in a sense is a yin analog, That is, it becomes a symbol of power. Kylin has the body shape of a deer, and in Chinese characters, Kylin is written with a deer as a character component, so the element of deer occupies an indispensable place in the imagery of the Kylin prototype. Although the Horn of Kylin has the appearance of invasion and battle, it does not assume an attacking posture. Thus, the horn of Kylin is a symbol of the balanced unity of the two polarities of yin and yang. In addition, Kylin has the body of a deer, and its horn features both yin and yang qualities. From this perspective, the Kylin archetypal imagery is a combination of the two poles into one, which we can take as a symbol of integration, just like Tai Chi in Chinese culture. yang is summoned from the Self and yin is a link to the unconsciousness, a union of the ego and the Self in the unconsciousness, suggesting the sublimation of the oneness of Kylin's opposites. The Kylin has the body of a deer and a horn on its head, characteristics derived from mother earth's nourishment. The Kylin possesses a pair of wings that can link the transformation of the sky. Kylin is clad in scales, then it is the gift of water. It makes Kylin become the messenger who carries on the communication between consciousness and unconsciousness, plays the role of integration and linking, and becomes the bridge in the process of self-nature.