Archetypes are universal patterns, ideas, and images that live and grow in the collective unconscious that express themselves through symbol or metaphor and can be recognized as inherent potentials. Archetypes are inborn tendencies shaping behaviour. When brought into conscious awareness, archetypes can be transformed from a hidden, repetitive and sometimes rigid pattern to become a navigational aid and guide.
According to Caroline Myss, inspired by the work of Carl Jung wrote in her book, Sacred Contracts Awakening Your Divine Potential, that there are four principle archetypes of survival everyone shares – victim, self-saboteur, prostitute and inner child. As a group, these four principal archetypes influence how we:
- relate to material power
- respond to authority, and
- make choices.
What is key in transforming these hidden patterns of thought and behaviour into navigational aids and guides is becoming aware of how they have play themselves out through us.
For instance, what triggers or activates the “victim” archetype in you and what is your experience when the victim archetype is activated? You may recognize yourself or others, at home or at work playing “the victim card” and so have some experience with it and its effects – not pretty – seeking pity, abdication of personal responsibility, assignment of blame to another and feelings of disempowerment. The antidote to this pattern is to accept full responsibility for your life. Doing so disarms the victim archetype and helps grow your self-esteem.
The self-saboteur archetype is often referred to as an overactive “inner critic” yet it’s bigger than that. Anytime you have a dream or vision; a goal or plan and take action towards its realization, the self-saboteur archetypal pattern within you becomes activated to cut your action short. As a coach, I’ve helped many clients transform their saboteur from inner enemy to ally empowering their ability to make choices and become more self-accountable.
The prostitute archetype is a tough one and reflects personal integrity. It shows up in how you negotiate making a living, your willingness to compromise your values, or not, and reflects your sense of sense of self-worth. An antidote to a dominant and activated “prostitute archetype pattern” in my coaching experience is clarifying intention and taking small steps to build the structures and lifestyle practices necessary to shift the inner attitude from one of self-loathing to self-appreciation, respect and acceptance, all the while growing in faith and trust in the universe.
The inner child archetype is a symbol of innocence and playfulness. This archetype has a number of variations including abandoned or orphan child; wounded; magical, divine, nature or eternal child. Identifying which inner child archetype best resonates or reflects your inner child archetypal pattern may invite reflection. Once you’ve identified which pattern is dominant and how and when it is triggered, you may become aware of the inner story you have been telling yourself, how it helps or hinders you in realizing the life of your dreams, what you want.
Awareness is the best agent of change. Mindfulness coaching helps! “Individuation can only take place if you first return to the body, to your earth, only then does it become true.” Carl Jung
To learn more about The Four Archetypes of Survival and how they work for you, attend a workshop. Check the event schedule and register for an upcoming workshop date.
About Julia von Flotow
