Maybe you’ve heard about archetypes and wondered “what are they and what do they do?” Or maybe you are familiar with the subject of archetypes but are still curious about how you can benefit from working with them.
Here are 7 things you should know about archetypes—and how you are effected by them whether you are aware of it happening or not:
1. Archetypes have a persona
That’s right, archetypes have identifiable characteristics and personality traits which make up their persona. Archetypes aren’t people, but they have a personality that is created by humanity’s collective unconscious. In the shadows of humanity’s psyche, constellations of behavior, motivation, and interest are formed into collective representations of character and identity.
When you think of the idea of The King archetype what comes to mind? It’s likely that what you describe will have several similar traits or characteristics common to descriptions by other people, living in other cultures, even from other times in history. Those common and enduring characteristics are what defines an archetype’s persona.
2. Archetypes have a domain of influence
Archetypes don’t live in the ‘real world’ (observable reality) but they definitely have their own domain and sphere of interest which they specialize in. Some archetypes have a domain of influence in nature, for others it is the home and family, for others it is science or alchemy, and for others it could be commerce, artisanship, or spirituality.
Archetypes project their influence from the incorporeal -spirit- world into the material world that we see and experience every day. They insinuate and instigate their agenda through the personal unconscious by planting symbols, thoughts, and inspirations in the minds of people.
3. Archetypes want you to notice and listen to them
An archetype’s primary purpose is to interact with and influence humanity—bridging between the known and the unknown, the real and the imaginary, between the practical and the magical resources of life.
What do they have to do with you or me? On a grand scale, archetypes sponsor humanity’s evolution and transformation. On an individual level, they desire that people live their life to the fullest potential through personal development and growth. So, archetypes want you to notice them and listen to their message for you.
4. Archetypes work with people
They plant ideas and symbols in dreams and sponsor spontaneous thoughts and inspiration which drive and steer personal interests and determine what people focus their time on. You could be completely oblivious to an archetype’s influence and be pushed along by it—following their lead without knowing it is happening. In this case, the unconscious maneuvering and influence is still trying to get you to realize something or prompt a change or transition—it’s just that it is likely to be a more bumpy ride.
It’s bumpy because when people are unconscious to what is driving or leading their interests or goals they tend to not do so well with making decisions. Whenever we are able to see things clearly, and have a broader view of some problem or challenge—we make better decisions and are more effective in achieving our goal or purpose.
If I can’t see them does that mean they aren’t interested in me? No, it just means you aren’t seeing their influence—it’s still happening, just unbeknownst to you. Learning how to recognize archetype influence in your life is an important achievement which makes working with archetypes much more fruitful.
5. An archetype’s influence is subtle
Archetypes influence people subtly, through their subconscious in dreams and preverbal thought-forms. If someone isn’t paying attention to these, they won’t even know they are being influenced.
How can I tell if there’s an archetype influencing me? You will notice a subtle feeling urging you to do, say, or think something and it will feel like being swept along by something taking you somewhere—like a river current does to a raft. That’s if you notice what’s happening. A lot of the time people are influenced by an archetype and it goes unnoticed.
Another way to notice archetype influence is by looking at the quality and content of your dreams. Vivid dreams, where it feels like you’re awake in the dream, are often an indication that an archetype is communicating with you. Also, compelling symbolism and recurring themes in dreams can be an indication of an archetype’s influence.
6. How to work with archetypes
What do I do if I want to work with an archetype? Pay attention to the symbols and themes showing up in your life experience. Also, notice what keeps turning up that is unsettling and that challenges you to grow, heal or transform. These are clues that an archetype is trying to get your attention and pass a message onto you.
You will need a method for personal inquiry and reflection that lets you see the patterns, themes and emerging influences and what their intentions are. When brought into the light of conscious awareness, you can work with this information to make changes and informed choices for personal development and growth.
7. Archetypes assist your personal development and growth
Consciously working with archetypes awakens us to what is going on all around us that we previously didn’t see. This additional information and expanded viewpoint makes it easier to resolve issues and make better choices—which makes us more effective and capable of overcoming life’s challenges and taking steps to heal and grow.
How can I get the most out of working with archetypes? Get a coach who can help you establish a practice of discovering and applying what you learn about yourself and the archetype’s mentorship for you. You need someone to show you how to decipher the symbols and themes you will discover—and apply their meaning to your unique circumstances.
Want to know more?
Get coaching in Working with Archetypes:
- Learn more about archetypes and what they represent
- Discover their influence in your life and how to work with it
- Detect when they are active in your psyche and what to do about it
- Learn how to listen to their message for you and how it can benefit you
- Establish a relationship with them to provide ready access to their insight and wisdom
- Practice ways to work with archetypes—consciously and through your subconscious for maximum effect
Contact me to arrange a free consultation session.
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Originally posted on December 12, 2018 @ 3:30 pm
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