In a sense there's a lot of doing this along the way, but not sure how far/often it extends out to the maximum (useful) "archetype" of that specific "self." It seems like something actors might tap into while playing a theatrical role. Anyone played around with archetypal selves (not necessarily just yidam)? What happened, what'd ya learn?
It seems that the Mahasi style mainly practiced around here doesn't explore this part of experience, but the Vajrayana approach uses it a
lot. I used the practice of "assuming godforms", another way of saying archetypes, while doing magick and have also had some fun using modern day archetypes sourced from the media, literature, music and the like. Where the magickal approach appears to differ is that it doesn't explicitly refer to seeing the 3C's, although it's hinted at but I don't recall seeing it specifically mentioned.
In my experience, the mechanism employed when working with archetypes is the same as that used when acting, or assuming a character for whatever purpose. In fact, I had a conversation with a friend last night and he mentioned assuming the character of Michael Corleone when he wanted to feel more assertive or untouchable, so I pointed out that this is pretty much the same as assuming the godform of Mars if you wanted to be more assertive or aggressive, the big difference being one of context.
I'm away to download this dudes book now, I spent a few hours on the site last night and it's got some really incredible stuff on it. Highly recommended if you want a view from the wildside of modern dharma practice.