COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

In his studies, Carl Jung realized that every person favors one of four cognitive functions of human consciousness: sensing, feeling, thinking, or intuition. Sensing and intuition are functions of pure perception. Sensing information comes from without, and intuition comes from within. The judging processes, thought and feeling, are used to interpret our perceptions. Thoughts are conceptual interpretations of perceptions, while feelings are value judgments.

Each function can be focused towards the outer world or the inner world. People focused on the outer world are termed extroverted, while people focused on the inner world are termed introverted. Both worlds contain objects. Inner objects are ideas, which we have personal feelings towards. A strong attitude towards an idea will form a complex, such as inferiority, and be projected as outer objects in our world (people and situations).

Feeling (Subjective Judgement)

Feelers are the most empathetic and connected with their hearts. Family and relationships are of great value to them. Their judging functions are strong, while their perceiving functions are repressed - making them somewhat moralistic and structured.

Extroverted Feeling: Sociability (Sun)

A person who favors extroverted feeling seeks to create positive feelings in others in order to have abundant personal relations and inspire people. They enjoy community gatherings and social services (actors, teachers, service, diplomats).

Introverted Feeling: Nurturing (Moon)

A person who favors introverted feeling desires to understand the inner lives of themselves and others in order to support people. They enjoy being with family and close friends in a private setting (home-makers, therapists, nurses, culinary).

Thinking (Objective Judgement)

Thinkers are the most logical and realistic people. They reliably shoulder responsibilities to gain lasting results. Their judging functions are strong, while their perceiving functions are repressed - making them somewhat conservative and materially focused.

Extroverted Thinking: Ambition (Jupiter)

A person who favors extroverted thinking uses tactical planning to achieve tangible results. These are ambitious people who focus on directing the worldly activities of people (business people, lawyers, politicians, military leaders).

Introverted Thinking: Organization (Saturn)

A person who favors introverted thinking seeks to increase their knowledge of the world. These are the most logical people who focus on structure and control, devising and improving systems of thought and technology (academics, scientists, technology, engineers).

Sensing (Objective Perception)

Sensing types are the most in touch with their bodies. They are athletic, sensual people who appreciate the physical world. Their perceiving functions are strong, while their judging functions are repressed - making them freedom-loving and impulsive.

Extroverted Sensing: Physicality (Mars)

A person who favors extroverted sensing seeks direct experience with the senses. They are the most physical people who focus on their skill and ability to interact with the outer world (athletes, builders/fixers, soldiers).

Introverted Sensing: Sensuality (Venus)

A person who favors introverted sensing seeks the subjective experience of enjoyment that the senses provide. They are skilled, creative, peace-loving people who connect deeply with nature (artisans, musicians, craftsmen).

Intuition (Subjective Perception)

The intuitives are the most abstract, inventive people who often seem somewhat eccentric to the rest of us. Their perceiving functions are strong, while their judging functions are weak - making them impractical and often unreliable.

Extroverted Intuition: Innovation (Uranus)

A person who favors extroverted intuition seeks to apply their unique insights into fields of knowledge. They are the most open-minded people who seek to discover new ways of being (philosophers, explorers, inventors).

Introverted Intuition: Introspection (Neptune)

A person who favors introverted intuition observes the patterns of change as people and circumstances flow through time. They are the most reflective people, who dream of what is possible through connecting with and understanding the inner nature of reality (artists, mystics, writers).