Archetypes and You
Archetypes can be defined as an image, a character, or pattern of circumstances that recurs throughout literature and thought consistently enough to be considered a universal concept or situation. (Brittanica). An archetype is like a lens through which we see ourselves and the world around us. I first discovered this concept when a friend in college recommended a book to me by the author Carolyn Myss. I found it helpful as I navigated college trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and what path of studies would feel most aligned with my inner nature. Everyone’s personal journey is unique, and I hope tapping into one of the ten archetypes mentioned somehow helps you on your own personal journey or when you are considering what other archetype might be a best fit for you and discovering your place in the world or making some much needed changes.
The Advocate: Also known as the defender, the advocate is an agent for change either for social or environmental reasons. The challenge is to find a cause that engages your strength and talents. You are graced by HOPE and the lesson that one small step is important even if you can’t do it all. Beware of the shadow that seeks external validation and feeling superior to others. The myth is to being forceful or coercive in affecting any change.
3 types: The Hobbyist, The Devotee, The Compulsive
-committed to social, political, environmental change
-improving humanitarian causes
-the voice for those who can’t speak for themselves
-a protector of human rights and the environment
Challenge: How will your engagement in this cause change your lifestyle?
The Artist: ruled by creativity, a natural performer and storyteller. Your life path is to nurture your imagination and find different ways to express your creative nature. Your challenge is to overcome the fear of not being unique and to continue to develop and protect your artistic gifts. You are graced by the spirit of CREATIVITY. Your shadow fears not being acknowledged for your artistic nature and being ordinary. You may regret not staying true to your inner artist. The myth is that you won’t be able to make a living being an artist and that artists and drug use are synonymous and not part of mainstream society.
-they value beauty and see it everywhere
-they are natural performers and love the stage
-have a deep appreciation for music
-dream of writing a bestseller
-are excited about discovering their artform
-their hearts are immersed in their creative endeavours
Challenge: Can you truly express yourself or will fear of failure hold you back?
The Athlete: Clearly physical in nature. Adventurous and competitive spirit. Your journey in life involves experiencing life through the physical body. Activities such as hiking or rock-climbing interest you. Your challenge is to respect your body and its limitations. Your lesson is encountering the vulnerability of the human body such as when you hurt your knee playing soccer. You are graced by the spirit of ENDURANCE. Your shadow believes that physical strength is enough in life. Your myth is that you are the iron man/woman.
-take great care of their body
-very competitive but a good sportsman/plays fair
-fitness program includes massage therapy
-is inspired by other athletes and finds support there.
Challenge: Who are you besides an athlete?
The Caregiver: Very caring. Otherwise known as The Mother or The Teacher or Rescuer. Your journey in this life involves caring for others in ways that they can’t care for themselves. Your challenge is that you will appear selfish if you can’t meet another person’s needs. Your lesson is to know when to help and when to say no. You are graced by COMPASSION. Your inner shadow feels neglected and uncared for by others. Your myth is that if you don’t help, others will think of you as selfish and that if you don’t help them, they won’t make it.
-never lets anyone down who needs help
-is the family caregiver
-chooses a caring profession
-views helping others as a calling
-is compassionate and generous
Challenge: To also care about yourself and become familiar with your own needs. Do something nice for yourself. Take a yoga class, get a massage, go on vacation.
The Fashionista: Ruled by fashion. Otherwise known as the stylist or the diva. Your journey is about honouring your inner self besides keeping up appearances. This leads to self-empowerment. Your inner qualities can work together with your outer beauty. Your lesson is learning how painful it is to be judged by outward appearance while no one knows the inner you. You are graced by EXUBERANCE. Your shadow fears never becoming the Swan. Your myth is that the clothes make the person and that outer appearances are of monumental importance.
-love fashion but are not ruled by it
-always look your best
-uses fashion to boost self-confidence
-helps others develop self-confidence through fashion choices and developing a personal style
Challenge: How does your fashion style reflect who you are and lead to self-empowerment
The Intellectual: The Thinking Type. Also known as The Professional. Your journey lies in learning for the sake of learning and keeping an open mind to other truths. You are graced by WISDOM. Your shadow makes use of the intellect to play mind games or manipulate truth. Your myth is that there is a logical reason for everything.
-learns for the love of learning
-Is ruled by the head instead of the heart
-considers all possible outcomes before reacting
-develops wisdom for self and others
Challenge: To learn to stop overthinking everything.
The Queen/Executive: Otherwise known as the CEO, The Royal. Your life journey is to learn how to be responsible for the wellness of others. Your challenge lies in developing a spirit of discernment to determine where your power of influence is most suitable to you. Your power lies in making a distinction between true power and the illusion of power. You are graced by GENEROSITY. Your shadow is torn between compromising your integrity to maintain your throne. The Myth lies in executive partnering regal femininity with business skills.
-takes charge of situations for maximum results
-takes centre stage naturally
-uses her influence to empower others.
-always looks her best
Challenge: Sharing power with romantic partners.
The Rebel: Otherwise known as the maverick or Feminist. Your life journey is to break through the barriers that hinder the basic liberties of the human spirit. Your challenge lies in finding your own voice. Your lesson is to avoid getting involved in power struggles to assert your authority in life. You are graced by JUSTICE. Your shadow is to face your ego and its agenda for attention seeking. The myth of the Rebel is Prometheus, one of the Titans.
Types of Rebels: noble (lawyers, philosophers, writers), anarchists, social/civil (groups such as Tea Party), feminist
-challenges injustice
-wears bold styles
-has an unconventional approach
-takes the road less travelled
-enjoys making waves
Challenge: Do not allow your inner rebel to control your emotional nature.
The Spiritual Seeker: Otherwise known as The Mystic and Healer, you journey lies in being consistently spiritual. Your challenge lies in balancing physical, mental and spiritual needs. Your lesson is that the truth will set you free. You are graced by HUMILITY. Your shadow is that you feel you are entitled because of your spirituality and that nothing can touch you because you’re spiritual. Your myth is that the spiritual path will lead to a lonely life.
-listens to intuition
-engages in introspection to know oneself better
-seeks purpose in life
-evolves spiritually
-makes spiritual life a priority
-seeks more than material wealth
Challenge: To awaken your intuitive intelligence
The Visionary: Otherwise known as the Entrepreneur or Pioneer. Your journey is to bring the future into the present moment. Your challenge is to remain committed long enough that your vision comes to life. Your lesson is to believe in your vision and to use your knowledge and creativity to influence lives. You are graced by COURAGE. Your shadow can be negative and filled with doubt, imagining worst possible scenarios. Your myth is The Vision Quest, futurism
-unconventional in nature
-is an agent of change
-guided by dreams
-looks to the future and sees what can be
Challenge: To envision new possibilities for humanity and bring the future into the present moment.
An archetype is like a lens through which we see ourselves and the world around us.
