Shadow Work Quiz

Shadow Work Archetypes

This Shadow Work Quiz

This Shadow Work quiz provides you with information about your shadow 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. 

Four archetypes

In this Shadow Work quiz, 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. Read our article on the archetypes here.

The results of this quiz show you which primary archetypes you can easily access, giving you the strengths which come to you naturally.  You will also be able to spot the primary archetypes which are deflated and remain more out of reach, highlighting the areas of undiscovered potential.  You may see patterns of behaviour which are so entrenched that they have control over you.  This is when that archetype is inflated.

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 mature and balanced expression of the archetype, and it brings all the wonderful qualities that serve us well.  If we have 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.  

See what this Shadow Work quiz shows up for you and if it gets you thinking about your shadow and how you could explore that more to achieve your goals, book in for a free 15 minute exploration call with Kate.

Important instructions on how to fill in this questionnaire.

For the questions below, you have a sliding scale between two options.  Which side do you feel describes you best?  Which side do you feel most drawn to?  Choose the position you feel you are between the two statements.  For example, if you feel totally drawn to the left and not at all to the right, choose the button furthest to the left.  If you feel that you are somewhere in the middle of the statements, that both have equal weight then choose the button in the middle. 

When someone is struggling and I feel responsible:

I overstep by fixing their problems for them and slip into rescuing.I absorb their feelings so deeply that I feel drained and unable to act.
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When progress stalls and people start losing hope:

I persist through setbacks and keep working until the job is done.I keep faith in a better future which keeps me and others inspired.
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When a group becomes tense or reactive:

I offer a calm, steady view that keeps others grounded.I spot subtle cues and turn them into insight that helps people understand what’s happening.
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When a complex problem needs solving under pressure:

I analyse the issue and propose clear, well-thought-through fixes.I gather different people’s perspectives so we can co-create solutions.
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When a team hits emotional tension or uncertainty:

I prefer to share feelings openly so everyone knows where we are.I prefer to create distance so I can think things through before acting.
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When discussing something important:

I enjoy talking about clear decisions and the next practical step.I enjoy talking about feelings, stories, and creative expression.
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When I’m unsure what to do next:

I over-reflect and delay action.I make a quick call that later proves premature.
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When I want to support someone’s growth:

My first response is to compliment them.My first response is to step back and gain clarity.
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When I am part of something meaningful:

I am loyal and commit strongly to causes and people.I care about the future of all and build lasting systems.
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When someone presses me for my honest view during a difficult situation:

I name the hard truth plainly, even if it’s uncomfortable, and move toward action.I explore hidden meanings and guide change.
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When I’m under pressure to deliver and things feel uncertain:

I chase novelty and become inconsistent, abandoning what I start.I tighten control so much that I lose creativity and become perfectionistic.
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When organising a space or workflow:

I set clear systems so everyone knows where things belong.I notice colours, textures, sounds, and comfort.
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Press submit to receive your scores and read about your Shadow Archetypes.  You will also be added to our quarterly newsletter list. 

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