The Horizontal Plane of Consciousness and Its Dynamics

The horizontal plane in the system of consciousness functions represents consciously accessible aspects of personality, which take place in everyday functioning – in decision-making, perception of the world, relationships, and evaluation of experiences. Each personality type has differently arranged dominant functions that determine its natural way of experiencing and responding.

This plane includes four basic psychic functions in their extraverted or introverted forms: Thinking (T), Feeling (F), Intuition (N), and Sensory Perception (S). Combined with orientation (introversion/extraversion), an individual typological structure arises (e.g., Ni-Fe-Ti-Se for INFJ).

The horizontal plane is like a “mental field” of ego activity, where the integration of these four functions occurs – from dominance to inferiority. Understanding this structure helps to comprehend why we excel in some areas and struggle with tension, resistance, or inner conflicts in others.

The following sections describe each type according to the dominant introverted or extraverted function and show how the process of descent to suppressed areas looks, its spiritual dimension, and integration possibilities.

Description of the Horizontal Plane of Consciousness

1. Dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni)

Key Challenges

Resistance to corporeality and chaos of the external world (Se). Suppressed need for spontaneity and the present moment.

Descent Process

Gradual opening to bodily sensations and environment. Acceptance of unruliness and uncertainty of the world, not just visions.

Spiritual Function Activation

Fe connects intuition with emotions and relationships. The spiritual bridge is formed through linking the inner image with the social field and body.

Function Integration

Ni leads vision and direction. Fe provides emotional resonance and connection with others. Ti brings internal logic and analysis of experiences. Se learns to accept the world in its bodily presence.

2. Dominant Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Key Challenges

Resistance to emotional expression and social dynamics (Fe). Difficulty establishing authentic emotional bonds.

Descent Process

Recognition of the need for relationships and emotional openness. Entering dialogue and social field, activating emotional resonance.

Spiritual Function Activation

Ne supports openness to new possibilities and perspectives. The spiritual bridge forms when logic opens to emotional context.

Function Integration

Ti analyzes and systematically understands the world. Ne discovers new connections and opportunities. Si preserves experiences and traditions. Fe creates emotional harmony and social connection.

3. Dominant Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Key Challenges

Resistance to external structures, rules, and pragmatism (Te). Suppression of the need for efficiency and systematization.

Descent Process

Acceptance of the world as a space where one can authentically live within rules and organization. Learning to act effectively in the external world.

Spiritual Function Activation

Se enables contact with the body and environment, opening emotional experiences. The spiritual bridge connects inner values with concrete action.

Function Integration

Fi evaluates and experiences authenticity. Se brings direct contact with the world and body. Ni discovers deeper meanings. Te realizes values through systems and organization.

4. Dominant Introverted Sensing (Si)

Key Challenges

Fear of uncertainty, resistance to change and openness to the new (Ne). Rejection of experimentation and improvisation.

Descent Process

Opening to new possibilities and perspectives. Learning playful exploration of the world without fear.

Spiritual Function Activation

Te enables organizing new ideas and experiments. The spiritual bridge is formed by connecting stability with variability.

Function Integration

Si preserves and analyzes experiences. Te plans and organizes. Fi evaluates inner authenticity. Ne opens new paths and perspectives.

5. Dominant Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Key Challenges

Resistance to routine and past experiences (Si). Rejection of the necessity for stability and rootedness.

Process of Descent

Acceptance of bodily memory and experiences. Realization of the value of tradition and stability.

Activation of Spiritual Function

Fi helps to connect personal values with the possibilities of the world. The spiritual bridge arises through integrating the new and the old.

Integration of Functions

Ne seeks and discovers new paths. Fi gives personal direction and authenticity. Te ensures implementation and systematization. Si provides rootedness and experience.

6. Dominant Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Key Challenges

Resistance to subjective values and authenticity (Fi). Rejection of the inner world of emotions.

Process of Descent

Acceptance of inner feelings and values as a valid reality. Realization of deeper meanings of personal authenticity.

Activation of Spiritual Function

Si gives experience and grounding. The spiritual bridge arises by connecting pragmatic efficiency with authenticity.

Integration of Functions

Te organizes and directs. Si preserves experience and tradition. Ne discovers new perspectives. Fi experiences and evaluates authenticity.

7. Dominant Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Key Challenges

Resistance to internal analysis and criticism (Ti). Difficulty setting personal boundaries.

Process of Descent

Acceptance of inner autonomy and critical thinking. Learning self-reflection and objectivity.

Activation of Spiritual Function

Ni connects the overall picture and vision. The spiritual bridge arises through integrating social empathy with personal vision.

Integration of Functions

Fe communicates and unifies. Ni sees connections and meanings. Se ensures contact with reality. Ti brings critical logic and structure.

8. Dominant Extraverted Sensing (Se)

Key Challenges

Resistance to introspection and abstraction (Ni). Suppression of the inner world and deep visions.

Process of Descent

Development of the ability for internal reflection and direction. Acceptance of complexity and spiritual dimensions of life.

Activation of Spiritual Function

Ti provides an analytical framework and inner order. The spiritual bridge arises by connecting immediate experience with deep structure.

Integration of Functions

Se experiences the world with immediacy and intensity. Ti analyzes and plans. Fe balances and harmonizes relationships. Ni develops visions and deep meanings.