Mask of the Trickster
	In Jungian psychology the persona archetype takes its name from the ancient Greek word for the mask used by an actor, and it serves a similar purpose. The persona is the public mask or facade we often develop as a response to what we learn is required of us to be for others. Most of us have a variety of masks we wear in different roles and situations. If we become too identified with one particular mask we may forget that it is merely a mask, or that we have others we can choose to wear. Jean Cocteau said: "Art is a lie which tells the truth. "Masks can be used to express your spiritual self. Not masks to cover "imperfection" - not make-up, rather masks which allow you to express who you are and who you wish to be. They can be seen as symbols for the dream self.The idea behind the Mask process is very loosely based on the teachings of Carl Jung, who believed there was an unconscious struggle between the individual and society and used symbolism to explore this phenomena. Jung meant by the unconscious that portion of the psyche which lies outside conscious awareness. The unconscious expresses itself through dreams, fantasies, 'Freudian' slips and the like. Jung distinguishes two layers of the unconscious: the personal unconscious derived from one's own experience, and the collective unconscious containing the universal patterns and images called archetypes. Our collective unconscious appears through our "persona" ("actor's mask" in Latin) It is the partially calculated public face an individual assumes in relating to others. The persona is derived from the expectations of society and early childhood training. Conforming to the mores of society is useful both in facilitating contact with others and being part of the tribe, but can be inhibiting when one completely identifies with it. Jung believed that we have a "shadow self", like a 'dark side' which harbours our more primal ideas and impulses. Most of us would act on them, given the chance. Most of us repress our shadow, or feel guilty when we "let it out" - feeling that this part of our being is like an 'evil twin.' However, Jung believed we should confront our shadow, explore it and make friends with it, and that doing so would bring sweet rewards. He thought that our shadows can help us understand our motivations, inspire us to new thoughts, and become a source of invigorating inspiration. The exploration of one's shadow can then become a process of "individuation" - the conscious realisation and fulfilment of one's unique being. It is associated with unconscious imagery and leads to the experiencing of the Self as the centre of the personality, transcending the ego. It begins by challenging egocentricity, producing the awareness that the ego is subordinate to a more comprehensive psychic entity - the Self. Coming to terms with one's Self - of which one's shadow is a part - leads one to be more centered in responding to social mores, ideals and norms, and in taking actions not driven entirely by Ego.A desire to begin a process of challenging egocentricity begs the question of how one goes about exploring shadows. This is where the Mask process comes into play as creating imagery to mirror the Self. Sometimes a mask can allow more of ourselves to come out by hiding other parts and leaving us less vulnerable. Masks can allow one to paint a tear when sad, and put on warpaint when angry. Art can allow one to assume roles outside of one's 'Self' - and in so doing see oneself through a stranger's eyes. Any form of creative artistry allows one to step in to a surreal playground.                                                  ( Anonymous - Trickster from the web or ... a "Webster" )