Archetypes represent universal patterns, images, and symbols that are part of our unconscious and the collective unconscious. They are the psychic phenomenon of the universe, nature, and the process of the soul.
Archetypes are symbols with an emotional charge which serves the purpose of bringing things to our awareness that need to be addressed to fulfill our spiritual purpose. They play a crucial role in our lives since they mirror the inner depths of our psyche, and by becoming aware of what archetypes and patterns are playing out in our lives we can extract the messages they reveal to aid us in making the changes we seek.
Caroline Myss, shares in Archetypes that “it is impossible for us to know who we truly are unless we understand archetypes and, more specifically, our own personal archetypes, because archetype are the psychic lenses through which we view ourselves and the world around us…Archetypes have always been the engine of the human unconscious, but you could live your whole life and not know that. Archetypal patterns are like a door into a hidden realm, parallel reality. Discovering this parallel, in which archetypes reside and learning about your particular archetypes is a way of meeting yourself, perhaps for the first time” (xiii, xv).
Which Archetypes Are At Work In Your Life?
Below are several archetypes that many of us may exemplify and associate with, although this is not a complete list of possible archetypes. Each archetype has a light (positive/constructive) side and a shadow (destructive) side.
When the archetype is out of balance, we will tip that balance scale either towards the extreme of the light or shadow aspects. This is where the lessons of that archetype show up in our life to nudge us to change—change ourselves and our life. When we ignore the archetypal lessons that may be showing up in our lives, we face frustrations, hurts, imbalances, and even physical, emotional, and mental ailments.
Caregiver Archetype
The caregiver archetype is nurturing and passionate about helping others heal. It takes a great inward strength to take care of others who are unwell, as well as aiding them in their own process of healing the mind, body, and spirit. Their nurturing quality is a key component in supporting others in channeling the positive and loving energy needed to change. Although they thrive assisting, supporting, and empowering others to heal, they must also learn the importance of their own self-healing, self-love, and self-care.
If the caregiver gives too much of themselves in helping others, they will quickly become drained, tired, and feel like they are burning both ends of the stick. The lessons of the shadow side will appear: Are you setting healthy boundaries? Do you know your limitations? Are you also taking care of yourself? Are you feeling unappreciated? All these can lead to feelings of burn-out, anger, resentment, and may eventually lead to physical ailments if left unaddressed. The caregiver archetype can become destructive if their intentions in aiding other are not pure, and they do so for personal gain. Alternatively, they can also face a fear of being incapable of taking care of themselves, much less someone else.
WARRIOR Archetype
The warrior archetype fights for what matters and exemplifies strength, courage, and discipline. Their goal is to win and make a difference; to defeat any challenge or obstacle. Even in our own development to mature and shift our consciousness we must utilize the warrior to take our challenges head-on and to slay the inner dragon (symbolic).
The warrior falls into the shadow side when they loose sight of their integrity and moral compass. They become aggressive or competitive for personal gain, becoming villains instead of heroes. As such, this tunnel-vision of destructive motives leads to being estranged from loved ones, and losing the intangible and spiritual gifts in their life.
lover archetype
The lover archetype has an amplified sense of passion, love, and adoration for someone or something. They are unbridled in following their calling, their bliss, and doing what they really love. They can be committed to loving another without any hidden agenda—a joyful devotion. It also encompasses a healthy self-love and knowing how to care for oneself and another.
When in shadow side of the lover can become too possessive, turning their prior joy of passion and devotion into destructive obsession that is harmful to themselves and others. The shadow of this archetype can develop into addictions of lust and carnal desires, and using a false sense of love to manipulate and take advantage of others. These destructive tendencies may stem from the fear of intimacy and trust, because of past pains or traumas.
Orphan Archetype
The orphan archetype is about self-preservation, independence, and learning to get back on your feet when you’re knocked down. The key to finding harmony in this archetype is feeling safe again—within yourself, your environment, and life. If they overcome struggles of rejection or the absence of someone or something, they gain the gift of empowerment and self-reliance. In their independence though, they also know how to ask for help or support without embarrassment.
In the shadow the orphan is in a state of fear of living. They feel unsafe to move beyond past pains or traumas they may have experienced, and are too afraid to seek help. The concepts of lack and feeling alone further drive their fear. They feel life is against them and their suffering is unfair.
Martyr Archetype
The martyr archetype has the courage to go above and beyond for the sake of others, at the expense of their own suffering. The light side of the martyr realizes that their service or suffering has a transcendent cause, which in itself is fulfilling without a need for gratification or reciprocation.
The martyr becomes self-sacrificing for a cause or person, and often cannot see the shadow aspects at play, especially when they use their great acts of service, help, or sacrifice to control or influence another for self-validation. They may become addicted to self-pity and a need for others to stroke their broken ego by saying “poor you.” Often, their self-worth needs healing and they strive to be everything for others to fill that void. For the martyr, the lesson of setting healthy boundaries is tied to healing their self-esteem. It teaches the need to have a healthy balance between service to others, oneself, and/or a cause.
Using Archetypes to Change & Heal
Do you want to discover what archetypes are influencing you? Do you want to work with archetypes to change your life and the patterns that are keeping you stuck? If so, schedule a guidance session to work with me and let’s shift your life patterns together, one archetype at a time.
