An essential tool in understanding ourselves and our shadows is looking at ourselves through the lens of Shadow Work archetypes. Jung, the originator of the idea of shadow, was a keen proponent of using archetypes in his work and teaching.
What are archetypes?
Archetypes are universal patterns of behaviour, instincts of the mind. These are patterns or thought structures that have been observed across cultures and across time, showing up repeatedly in stories, myths, and human behaviour. An example of an archetype which we all can recognise is that of ‘mother’ which embodies a pattern of behaviour beyond genetics and birthing.
Four fundamental Shadow Work archetypes
In our school of Shadow Work (the oldest, originating in the 1980’s), we focus on four primary archetypes which represent four fundamental ways of being that are necessary for successful lives. These are Sovereign, Lover, Warrior and Magician. In an ideal world, we would have ready access to all four of these primary archetypes. In reality, we find we may have less access to some than others.
Some of these archetypes are easily accessible to us, giving us the strengths which come to us naturally. Sometimes this access to this archetype can become so strong that it is more of a clinging, an entrenchment of behaviour which means that we can’t pick up and put down the behaviour linked to that archetypes but find ourselves being controlled by it and we become stuck. This archetype moves from being an area of strength to a rigid overuse which prevents us having good balance and might mean other archetypes are less used. This is called inflation.
For another archetype, we may find we struggle to access it, and it remains out of reach. This is an area of undiscovered potential which when we learn to use, will give us much more range in our behaviour and responses to life. This is called deflation.
Why are some archetypes easier or harder to access?
We discover early on in life that some parts of us are more acceptable than others to those around us. Qualities, behaviours, or feelings which don’t fit in with the way we are expected to be in the world, we put in shadow. The concept of the shadow comes from Jung and is the collection of parts of ourselves that we hide, suppress, and deny either consciously or unconsciously. We can put many distinct aspects of us in shadow; it could be loud part, the selfish part, the creative part, the assertive part. They may be parts we see as ‘dark’ or ‘negative’ or those we may see as ‘positive’, full of power and creativity but that we exiled to the shadow as they were too risky to see or show. We can also put archetypes in shadow.
If an archetype is not in shadow, we have ready and easy access to it. We have a mature and balanced expression of the archetype, and it brings all the wonderful qualities that serve us well. If we have unconsciously put an archetype in shadow, the archetype is displayed in two opposite ways. It can show up as an inflated version of the archetype, where behaviour becomes the exaggerated form of the mature archetypal behaviour. This inflated archetype can end up controlling us and we can find ourselves unable to act in any other way, even if doing so is detrimental. The opposite can also happen. The archetype can deflate and become inaccessible, meaning we cannot display the qualities and behaviour of that archetype.
Let’s explore the archetypes.
Sovereign
The Sovereign archetype embodies the essence of leadership and vision, representing the ruler who hears and speaks with purpose. As the guiding force of the realm, the Sovereign provides direction, dreams big, and makes moral choices that shape the path forward. This archetype creates order from chaos, instilling stability, centeredness, and balance in its domain. Devoted to the well-being of all subjects, the Sovereign offers support and nurtures others with a genuine desire to help and parent them. Radiating love for all in the land, the Sovereign decides on where the boundaries lie, and the Warrior (see below) will protect them.
Full of self-esteem and secure in their worth, the Sovereign is confident and accepts themself fully, believing in the inherent goodness of all. This belief enables the Sovereign to praise and affirm, fostering a positive environment. Generative by nature, the Sovereign is concerned with leaving a legacy, connecting the material with the spiritual, and trusting in a hopeful future. Through idealising and motivating others, manifesting ideals even in adversity, and nurturing those in its care, the Sovereign profoundly affects and transforms, sowing seeds that have lasting, positive impacts.
Lover
The Lover archetype is the embodiment of deep emotional connection and sensual experience, linking us to our innermost selves, others, nature, and the natural flow of life. The Lover thrives on the unity and oneness of all things, celebrating the power of love and the richness of emotional depth. This part of us is spontaneous and playful, valuing the world of feelings and the freedom to express desires without concern for boundaries.
Embracing a life of connection and expression, the Lover is attuned to the sensual and sexual dimensions of existence, welcoming diverse realities and experiences. They nurture both self and others with sensitivity and a profound understanding of their needs, trusting in the power of closeness and physical touch. The Lover yields to vulnerability to maintain connections, relies on others for support, and releases emotions and thoughts, allowing them to flow and find expression through catharsis. Through their embracing of unity and emotional richness, the Lover enhances their capacity for genuine connection and sensory enjoyment.
Warrior
The Warrior archetype represents our active force in the world, embodying energy, perseverance, and discipline. This part of us is driven to take decisive action, guided by the values and direction provided by the Sovereign. This part manifests through the symbolic carrying of a sword—sometimes merely displaying its glint rather than wielding it in combat.
The Warrior defines boundaries, exercises power and builds a strong sense of self while protecting sacred territory. They firmly establish what is “me” and “mine,” set clear limits by saying “no” when necessary, and uphold integrity by fulfilling commitments. With a focus on self-discipline, duty, and the accumulation of technical skills, the Warrior serves others and sacrifices for the greater good. This aspect of us makes real-time decisions, believing in the power of action and trusting in the present moment. Through dualising concepts like good/bad and right/wrong, the Warrior identifies personal values, possessions, and allegiances, and is dedicated to defending boundaries and leading his or her team to victory.
Magician
The Magician archetype embodies our inner problem solver and strategist, excelling as both a logical thinker and an intuitive seer who perceives the unknown. This aspect of us detaches to gain broader perspectives, assessing risks and exploring life’s mysteries. The Magician judges, plans, and solves problems with a profound understanding of secret knowledge and ancient formulas. Masterful in alchemy, the Magician transforms wounds into strengths and fosters change.
By raising consciousness and initiating others into higher realities, the Magician values the process of creation over mere consequences. This part of us effortlessly accesses other archetypes and embraces abstraction and paradoxes, holding them in equilibrium. Driven by a deep belief in the power of learning and a trust in attained wisdom, the Magician remains vigilant, observing and reframing situations to offer guidance and new perspectives.
Where are you with these archetypes?
Which ones do you feel you have good, balanced, mature access to? Are there any you feel less connected to and may be in shadow and deflated? Are there any you chuckle at, thinking, yep, that’s me and maybe see that that archetype could be inflated?
The Magician is inflated for me, I use it a lot more than the others and my Lover is deflated. As I’ve done more and more shadow work for myself, my access to the Lover archetype has grown and given me so many gifts. In fact, I can let you into a little secret. One of the reasons I love facilitating Shadow Work is that it gives me no option but to be in touch with that Lover part of myself, meaning I get as much out of a session as the participant. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.
You can get a first inkling as to your relationship with the archetypes using our free Shadow Work Quiz. If that gets your juices flowing, get in touch for a Shadow Work discovery call to see where you could go with this next. Or if you are more of a go with the flow Lover archetype or get-on-with it Warrior, you may want to book straight on to one of our retreats or an online or in-person one-to-one session.
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