Active imagination is a cornerstone of Carl Jung's analytical psychology, designed to bridge the gap between the conscious mind and the unconscious. Unlike passive daydreaming, it requires the ego to actively engage, dialogue with, and even challenge the images that arise from the psyche.

The process is often described as "dreaming with open eyes". While Jung was hesitant to strictly systematize it, practitioners generally follow these phases:

Jung developed this technique between , following his intense professional split from Sigmund Freud. During this period of profound disorientation and visions, Jung began "dropping down" into his own depths to confront the fears and emotions overwhelming him. These experiments were documented in his famous Black Books and later the Red Book . How to Practice Active Imagination