Archetypal & Symbolic Meanings in Children's Projective Drawings

In children’s projective drawings, scribbles, doodles, random markings and iconographs (i.e., images or symbols) are used to represent a subject, theme or meaning of subconscious and/or unconscious thoughts and emotions not explicitly expressed. This is a special dictionary for those working with children and adolescents (and to some extent, adults, too) through their projective drawings to understand what is in their hidden minds. There are two main types of meanings that can be found and deciphered or interpreted from these projective drawings. The first type is the archetypal meanings, which refer to universal symbols and themes that are deeply ingrained in the human collective unconscious, such as the hero, the shadow, or the mother figure. The second type is the symbolic meanings. They, on the other hand, are specific interpretations associated with individual symbols or elements in the drawing, often shaped by personal experiences and cultural influences. These two types of meanings can offer insights into a drawer’s emotions, thoughts, and unconscious desires.