43 Comments
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Terry Hall's avatar

"The Listener" is always needed

S. Tsoris's avatar

Surprised that I related slightly more to the writer than the artist. I have sent this article to many people including an artist friend who is obsessed with Carl Jung. Thank you. <3

svanderwicken's avatar

This leaves out the role of"the troops," or those who show up in mass demonstrations, vigils, etc. to broadcast and make visible widespread opposition.

Etke Ney's avatar

I was looking for “rabble rouser.” But maybe this article is for people who aren’t drawn to the most visible or “news-worthy” (for what counts as news these days) actions.

Mercedes McShane's avatar

I am stuck in the wound healer. Also the Hero's journey!

Now I am on break from work. I am setting aside time work on my project. I have been study jung for a couple of years. Also I am studying Astrology. With the Greek gods. Tarot cards to.

A big time projection came to my for front. I got told when I dialog. I can write with both hands. Now you need to pull strength with in yourself. No one is coming to save you. Only you can do that.

Susan Harley's avatar

This post alone is worth my subscription. Such an excellent addition to the question who will I be in the apocalypse ? Thank you

Loren Gerstein's avatar

This is a great essay. Thanks. One role I didn’t see here is Court Jester that I believe points out absurdity and hypocrisy with humor.

Satya Doyle Byock's avatar

Yes! I love that. Agreed.

Dr. Catherine Darley's avatar

What a beautiful concept! I’m sharing with my peeps, it will help people find their place

The Astro Dharma Den's avatar

Wow! This was incredible!

Susan Sevier's avatar

The Seed keeper really speaks to me, but I'm playing with an extension of that, which I think I will call the Gardener. It is one thing to store the seeds away for a better future, but I'm feeling we must be willing to plant seeds now. Watching shows like Gardener's World I've learned that in any packet of seeds, many fail. But then there are the ones that do not fail and the beauty that ensues when they flower and grow when tended by the gardener. Yes, I think the Gardener.

Susan Harley's avatar

Love this idea, its is very inspiring , thank you. I need to cogitate on the different Archetypes and what they offer, so much delicious food for thought .

Chris Tomasso's avatar

For me, Leader, Writer, Artist, Prophet. All of those sound like epic responsibilities, but I love how archetypes help us see ourselves through the realm of mythology. Using narrative to carve spaces for imagination to inhabit and play within, beyond the limits of what we might believe is possible for ourselves.

Here is a project I helped steward that also talks about some archetypes that overlap with what you've described: https://www.earthwise.global/the-5-future-archetypes

Jana's avatar

Satya - your archetypal roles made me pause to reflect on my role in society. I find myself trying to fit into predefined boxes and struggling with labels, as I want to believe I am more than just my societal persona. Yet, we often need a starting point, much like with the Myers-Briggs. What do I do well without trying, and what is the opposite and challenging role? What am I naturally good at, and what role challenges me? I tend to want to control this process, so I choose to surrender it. When I seek responses through synchronicity, I will turn to Jung’s Red Book, and today synchronicity led me to Jung’s archetypal magician. If an archetype is a universal, a priori energy that serves as an organizing principle, it eventually takes on a life of its own.

What is my ideal role during this time of resistance? What is this moment asking of me? It feels like the unconscious magician is guiding me to let go of all reasoning and trust in the unknown. I am reflecting on what would a change of my perspective look like? I read from an analyst/artist about radical juxtaposition, so I am playing more with collage. The magician encourages me to lead with courage, step outside of my comfort zone, and acknowledge the shadow of resistance. This is entering the tension of opposites and finding inner acceptance as a liberating concept, especially during a period marked by death and regeneration.

Naomi Baker's avatar

Thank you for these thoughts. It felt very helpful to me this week.

Allison Gustavson's avatar

Hi! Just FYI, I reposted to notes and someone suggested you might consider adding the martyr (Luigi Mangione) and the revolutionary actor (Che Guevara) to your expanding list of archetypes. Just thought I'd pass along! :)

Sarah K's avatar

a friend of many years came to visit last week and though ( maybe because?) she's endured struggles of health, aging, finances, her energy & presence was fresh, grounded, fun. She's inhabiting her life in a way that left me feeling inspired. There's that power and grace of authenticity that uplifts. Wonder what to call the archetype of simply living into ones truth, one's beauty?

Etke Ney's avatar

Oh yes! Because living authentically is so rare that people are wondering what “authenticity” even means. I’ve been asked by native English speakers to define what I mean by “integrity.” The word “ethical” ought to be a household term. Our language reflects the same paucity with which we, as a species, inhabit our most beautiful potential. I say “as a species” because thankfully there are exceptions. I’m wondering if the “hundredth monkey” metaphor can apply here so that reaching a critical mass/ tipping point in the absolute number of these exceptions means that the phenomenon then ripples quickly throughout the population not even needing to be taught - it becomes instinct.

Emily's avatar

Thank you! This was really so helpful and moving and encouraging!