Discovering Soul Qualities through Archetypes

One approach that can help us to understand soul development, inborn qualities and their expression is by exploring archetypes. Archetypes are patterns of energy that represent positive and negative human characteristics. Archetypes describe patterns that we manifest in our energy systems and in our lives, for good or ill.

Beyond being a symbolic language for specific energetic patterns that reflect the best and worst in human nature, archetypes can describe something of our individual soul nature. It is obvious that we all have different inclinations, aversions, assets and deficits.

Exploring archetypes can provide a deeper understanding of ourselves and our soul’s development and purpose. With this broader awareness we are freer and better able to choose a more positive natural expression of our energies.

Archetypal information resonates deeply with our psyche, so it can help us sidestep a lot of resistance to change, more easily embrace self acceptance and more gracefully shift from negative to positive expressions of energy.

As you investigate the descriptions of the archetypes, you will probably find it easy to recognize the ones that operate in your life. After all, this knowledge is already known to you deep inside!

For quick reference and as a way to begin becoming acquainted with this particular concept of energy patterns, see the descriptions below correlating the positive and negative expression of each archetypal energy as well as the chakra associated with that energy.

Chakra Archetype Issue

Root Mother, victim Survival, self care

Sacral Emperor/empress/Martyr Emotion, entitlement

Solar Plexus Warrior, servant Personal power, self worth

Heart Love/actor Love, compassion

Throat Communicator, lost child Communication, power of choice

Brow Intuitive, intellectual Intuition, ability to envision

Crown Spiritual master, egoist spiritual connection

Excerpted from Ch. 12, 12 Keys for Life and Self Mastery