What are Archetypes?

That is a very good question.

Archetypes are, according to Google which doesn’t say where the definition originates:

noun /ˈärk(i)ˌtīp/
archetypes, plural

• A very typical example of a certain person or thing
• An original that has been imitated
• A recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology
• (in Jungian psychology) A primitive mental image inherited from the earliest human ancestors, and supposed to be present in the collective unconscious

I like the most simple explanation, the first one, for our purposes. “A very typical example.”

So, let me ask the question: What is a typical man like? Or a typical woman?

What is a complete man like? A complete woman?

Of course, it’s not just one thing, is it? It’s not accurate to say, “A perfect man is strong.” or “A perfect man is sensitive.”

At some times, in order to propagate the race, solve the problems of living, and pursue personal happiness, a man needs to be strong. At other times, he needs to be gentle. In other words, he needs to be able to react appropriately to the moment and what is necessary.

He does this by realigning his energy with the needs of the moment. So it is that a man can be crushing opponents on the football field in one moment can be gently cradling his baby daughter in his arms the next.

So, none of us is really “just one person”. Depending upon the needs of the moment, we can be forceful or flexile, passionate or passive, committed or quiescent.

This is essential.

Continue to: What are Archetypes? Part 2 

About Ryan Orrock

Ryan works with power and sexuality to help people get what they want.

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