Jung's analysis of Christ as an archetypal figure reveals the psychological significance of the Christian symbol system. The tension between the trinity (three) and quaternity (four) reflects the fundamental challenge of integrating the shadow into our understanding of wholeness.
Interactive Trinity/Quaternity Mandala
Explore the psychological transformation from trinity to quaternity. Watch as the three-fold Christian symbol evolves to include the fourth element - the shadow - creating psychological wholeness.
Repressed
Evolution of Christian Symbolism
Trace the development of Christian symbols from early Christianity through medieval theology, showing how the trinity symbol evolved and what it left out.
The Psychological Significance of Christ
Christ as Self Symbol
Jung viewed Christ not as a historical figure but as an archetypal representation of the Self - the totality of the psyche including both conscious and unconscious elements.
- Bridge between human and divine
- Symbol of psychological wholeness
- Integration of opposites
- Individuation pathway
The Missing Fourth
Traditional Christian trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) excludes the shadow element - the dark, evil, or feminine principle that Jung saw as essential for psychological completeness.
- Devil as split-off shadow
- Mary as feminine fourth
- Evil as necessary opposite
- Psychological vs. theological truth
Trinity vs. Quaternity
The tension between three (spiritual perfection) and four (earthly completion) represents the challenge of integrating spiritual ideals with psychological reality.
- Three: Divine perfection, spirit
- Four: Earthly completion, matter
- Transformation through integration
- Mandala as wholeness symbol
Modern Implications
Jung's analysis suggests that modern psychology must integrate what religion has split off - acknowledging the shadow to achieve genuine wholeness.
- Shadow work in therapy
- Integration over perfection
- Authentic self-realization
- Collective shadow projection
Symbol Integration Exercise
Drag and drop symbols to create your own mandala. Explore how different arrangements affect the psychological meaning and balance.
Available Symbols
✝ Cross
○ Circle
△ Trinity
□ Quaternity
● Shadow
☉ Light
☽ Feminine
☉ Masculine
Drop symbols here to create your mandala
Psychological Analysis
Create a mandala to see psychological interpretation...
Jung on Christ and the Self
"Christ is the still living myth of our culture. He is our culture hero, who, regardless of his historical existence, embodies the myth of the divine Primordial Man, the mystic Adam."
— Carl Jung, Aion
"The quaternio is an archetype of almost universal occurrence. It forms the logical basis for any whole judgment. If one wishes to pass such a judgment, it must have this fourfold aspect."
— Carl Jung, Psychology and Alchemy
"The Christ-symbol is of the greatest importance for psychology in so far as it is perhaps the most highly developed and differentiated symbol of the self."
— Carl Jung, Aion