The Four Archetypes

The Four Archetypes

Annie Brook, MA LPC

Warrior, Lover, Queen/King, Shaman-Magician

Archetypes support the mythic dimension of our knowledge and intelligence. To work with archetypal energy invites one to include multi dimensional awareness. Archetypes are characters or energetic presences that hold qualities and vibrations. They are found cross culturally, and represent to us recognizable energy that lives in the collective unconscious. Archetypes show up in psychology as we mature and try to come to understand and develop the full meaning in our lives. They support our developmental life tasks and help us to go from the personal to the transpersonal realms. To utilize our full capacity for wisdom and growth, it is useful to know and call on the energy of the archetypes. This organizes our intuition and psyche to support our daily living. Following are aspects and practices that call forth each of the four archetypes. Start to identify which ones are present for you, which undeveloped, and strive towards an alive integration of all four.

The Warrior

This aspect knows about service, keen skills in the body, energy that can move into fierce situations or know when to retreat. In movement language, this means the ability to move in the sagittal plane, which holds the direction of forward and back and is like the turning wheel. The warrior knows the power of the midline in the body, that ability to regain center. The warrior knows how to host a higher vision and to discipline herself through physical and psychic training that integrates body, mind, soul, and spirit.

Use the chi gung power exercises and organ sounds as support for cultivating the warrior aspect. Aikido, model mugging, and different forms of martial arts are all disciplines that will help bring out the aspect of the warrior. In order to understand dedication and commitment cultivate the ability to have a sense of mission and serve a cause that goes beyond the personal. Finally, allow yourself to sequence through fear. Use the developmental reflex, the "morrow" startle reflex, to sequence fear into excitement and bring this energy back into the body.

"Morrow" reflex. Stand. Surprise yourself with a loud sound and let your arms spread out in frightened surprise, your eyes widen and a surprised gasp come from your throat. Feel the energy, breath into it and then yield by gently bringing your arms all the way back into your chest, crossing and resting them at the level of the heart. Breathe into the protection and comfort, and realize that you are safe and present. Do this a number of times, focusing on the sequence of energy all the way out through the hands and face and down into the belly, pelvis and feet. Be sure, as you come back in, to feel the sensation of coming back together and yielding into midline support.

Once you have done this a few times play with that edge that brings fear into excitement. Go into the fear response and use breath as support to go further out with your arms and embrace the energy. Feel the sensation of your power and life force. Let it delight and energize you. Yield and bring this energy back to your heart and midline as before.

Pick someone to serve for a week. Do activities of service for them and feel your ability to protect and provide.