The imaginal realm is an important concept in Jungian psychology and post-structuralist philosophy. It is an area of experience that is outside the realm of conscious thought, yet directly connected to symbolic and archetypal meaning. It is a place of potential, a dreamlike landscape, a psychic environment that can be associated with new images and insights; a realm of possibility. Burbea suggests that the imaginal realm is a space of potential in which we can find new perspectives and stories to help us respond to the challenges of life. It invites us to observe and make sense of the rich depths of our inner lives and to connect to those aspects of ourselves that have been excluded from conscious awareness. Accessing the imaginal realm can be a source of transforming insight and creative inspiration.

See also: imaginal practice, dependent origination, conventional truth, imaginal dimension, imaginal figure