Discovering the Power of Archetypes

Images to Illuminate our Inner World

Anna Katharina Schaffner

At our enchanting June Wine & Wisdom evening, we decided to talk about… archetypes! We had a special guest – Luke Bicknell, a coach (and entrepreneur) who works with Jungian archetypes in his coaching practice. The rest of us were also really curious about the topic because Insights Discovery profiles, which we all use in our facilitation and coaching work, are rooted in the work of the psychologist C. G. Jung. Jung was one of the first to write about archetypes. What is more, Lindi is a natural storyteller (in fact, storyteller is her archetype), Anna loves all things that relate to metaphors and stories, and Will is trained as a Deeper Discovery practitioner which explores Jungian archetypes at a deeper level.

So, what is so great about archetypes, and how can they serve you in your self-discovery journey? First of all, archetypes provide us with a framework for understanding the universal patterns and themes that shape our lives – the challenges, threshold moments and deeper preferences we all share. Jungian archetypes help us tap into the collective unconscious, the shared reservoir of universal knowledge and experience that transcends individual boundaries. Carl Jung writes: “Archetypes are the innate forms of human experience and expression. They are the universal patterns that reside in the collective unconscious, connecting us to the shared experiences of humanity” By tapping into imagery from the deep pool of our collective unconscious, we can see ourselves more clearly, transform our self-narratives, and access deeper wisdom.

Archetypes also act as a bridge between our conscious and unconscious selves, illuminating the hidden aspects of our psyche and guiding us towards wholeness. Carl Jung observed that “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” Sometimes, rational, cognitive insight will not be enough to change our behaviour. We also need tools to activate our imagination – to switch from analytical, logical left-brain thinking into the hemisphere of the right brain. In that space, we process in a less linear, more visual mode. We can access our intuition and our innate creativity and resourcefulness. 

Archetypes, finally, also remind us that we are not alone – much of what we are going through are common struggles. The myth scholar Joseph Campbell put it beautifully: “Archetypes are the universal themes and patterns that connect us all as human beings. They are the threads that weave together the tapestry of our collective human experience.” 

There are many powerful archetypes out there – which ones resonate with you? The big ones include the hero, sage, king, queen, heretic, martyr and traveller. We might also identify ourselves as alchemists or architects, conquerors, coaches, or counsellors, innovators or ingenues, helpers or healers, jesters or judges, liberators or lovers, magicians or mothers, rebels, rescuers, reformers or revellers, scientists, seekers, or scholars, philosophers or prophets, tricksters or teachers, wanderers or wizards.

Luke usually works with just four main archetypes – all of which happen to map quite nicely onto our Insight model. They include the orphan, the warrior/father, the lover/mother and the innocent child. Each one of them has unique strengths and faces unique challenges.

The archetype of the orphan (which maps onto the ‘Cool Blue’ preference in the Insights model) represents the feeling of disconnection, but it also encapsulates the inherent strengths of the observant, analytical mindset. Having been abandoned as a child, the orphan tends to be cautious, rational, threat-oriented, attentive to detail and clear-eyed. All of these qualities can be strengths of course, but they can also lead to a feeling of lack of connection and warmth in our lives.

The warrior archetype (the ‘Fiery Red’ preference in Insights) embodies the qualities of courage, strength, task-orientation, directness, and determination. This figure empowers us to confront life’s challenges head-on, while also recognizing the importance of integrity and honour. By embracing the warrior within, we can find the inner strength to take action and make difficult decisions, which are necessary to overcome obstacles and persevere in the face of adversity. The warrior archetype teaches us the value of discipline and resilience and strength. Its shadow side might be jumping into action and aggression. 

The innocent child archetype chases connection, celebration, and joy. This archetype is trusting to a fault and thrives on contact with others (it maps onto the ‘Sunshine Yellow’ preference). It reminds us to indulge in the pleasures of life, to appreciate the present moment, and to find beauty in the simplest of things. It can be inspiring and fun-loving. By embracing the innocent child archetype, we invite playfulness and spontaneity into our lives, fostering a sense of light-heartedness and wonder that can counterbalance the weight of our daily responsibilities. Its shadow side is that it can be too optimistic and trusting, perhaps even naïve, unprepared for dealing with exploitation or bad intentions. It can learn from its opposite, the orphan, to better protect itself.  

The lover/mother archetype (‘Earth Green’ in the Insights model) finally,  seeks to help, heal, support, foster growth, and give appreciation. It is a deeply caring and compassionate figure, strongly anchored in values and seeking to establish harmony. It rests in itself and seeks to nourish others with its resources of kindness and love. Its shadow side is that it might neglect self-care, and can lack decisiveness, quickness, and healthy aggression when confronting adversity or danger.

Archetypes can serve as powerful catalysts for self-transformation. They provide us with imagery and story-building materials that help us to recognize the deeper patterns and narratives that shape our lives. They can empower us consciously to see our strengths and possible weaknesses. As Joseph Campbell puts it: “The power of archetypes lies in their ability to awaken our deepest instincts and stir our souls. They remind us of the universal truths that transcend time and culture.”

By becoming aware of the dominant archetypes within us, we can gain a deeper understanding of our powers and motivations. This awareness provides us with the opportunity to align our actions and beliefs with our truest selves, cultivating authenticity and wisdom.

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Posted on

July 11, 2023

1 Comment

  1. Dr. Bhumika Kanjilal

    Are Archetypes innate or are they inherited?
    I actually prefer the fist alternative; but would also like to have insights.

    I must say that I appreciate the concept and was persuaded by it to an extent.

    Reply

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