What Is Active Imagination?

A way to listen to the parts of you that don’t speak in words.

Part of the Language of the Psyche Series

Active imagination is a creative practice for dialoging with your unconscious. Through visualisation, writing, or art, you engage with inner figures and symbols. Instead of analysing them, you meet them. This builds relationships with the parts of you that long to be seen - and often carry profound guidance.

What Is Active Imagination?

Some parts of you aren’t logical.
They don’t speak in thoughts or plans.
They speak in images. Symbols. Sensations. Characters. Dreams.

Active imagination is how you meet them on their terms.

It’s not fantasy.
It’s not “just imagination.”
It’s a bridge to your unconscious, your Shadow, and your more profound knowing.

What Is Active Imagination?

Active imagination is a practice developed by Carl Jung.

It’s a way of dialoging with your unconscious through visualisation, writing, drawing, or movement.

You allow an image or inner figure to emerge (a person, place, creature, symbol) …
…and then you interact with it. Ask it questions. Let it speak.

You're not making it up.
You're letting it unfold.

How It Works

You might meet:

  • A critical voice (that turns out to be protective)

  • A lost child (holding your grief)

  • A wise elder (carrying guidance)

  • A dark creature (guarding your power)

You can speak with them, ask what they want, or even write a conversation.

It may sound strange. But this inner contact builds emotional trust - and unlocks insights your rational mind can’t access.

A Simple Way to Begin

1. Find a quiet space. Sit or lie down. Close your eyes.

2. Bring to mind a recent dream image, emotional trigger, or recurring symbol. Don’t force it. Let one arise.

3. Ask it a question.

  • What are you here to show me?

  • What do you want?

  • What do you need from me?

4. Listen. Respond. Let it become a dialogue.

5. Record what happened.
Write, draw, or reflect - whatever helps you stay in relationship with the figure or image.

Why It Matters

Active imagination helps you:

  • Clarify intense emotions

  • Soften self-judgment

  • Reconnect with your inner protector

  • Discover unmet needs or buried gifts

  • Practice relating to your unconscious instead of being ruled by it

You stop suppressing your inner world and start collaborating with it.

That’s integration. That’s healing.

Final Thought

Not everything in you needs to be solved.

Some parts want to be seen. Heard. Included.

Active imagination is a way to say:

“I see you. I’m listening. I’m here.”

And often … that’s enough to begin the shift.

A Helpful Guide to Read Next

What Is the Unconscious?

The unconscious is the hidden part of your psyche holding repressed emotions, memories, and untapped potential. Engaging with it - through dreams, symbols, and triggers - can unlock profound healing and growth.