What is an archetype reading?
Using the twelve astrological houses as a basis for the reading, twelve archetypes are chosen from a deck, each corresponding with an astrological house.
Jung described archetypes as universal patterns and images that have emerged from mankind’s experience and knowledge over eons. Archetypes play a valuable role that relates to our work, relationships with others, spirituality, values and highest potential. For example if someone calls you a hermit, hero or caregiver, immediately an image springs to mind. This is what an archetype is. A behaviour pattern that is instantly recognisable.
According to Caroline Myss, all archetypes are essentially neutral and manifest in both positive and shadow attributes. For example: the Judge. In the positive, the judge is a natural mediator, involved in interventions between people; someone with a high standard of justice and wisdom. In the shadow, the judge manifests as a consistently destructive critic, judging without compassion or with a hidden agenda.
The Shadow is everything within us that is unconscious, repressed and undeveloped. While these qualities and attitudes that we judge as ‘bad’ or ‘unacceptable’ remain unconscious, they will remain a driving force in our life. These very attitudes, when examined in the light of awareness, lose their power and can transform into an ally and positive attribute. By becoming aware of our unconscious attachment to both our Shadow archetypes and Wisdom archetypes, we can begin the journey of true soul growth.
Our twelve fundamental archetypes are our intimate companions through life. They provide the foundation for our personality, feelings, beliefs, motivations and actions. They take on an active role as guardian and inner ally, alerting us when we are in danger of falling into destructive or shadow behaviour. All archetypes have a shadow manifestation as well as positive aspects. A positive aspect of the Saboteur is to warn us when we are in a situation where we could sabotage our best interests. The shadow aspect of the Saboteur would be to sabotage a positive choice for fear of failure.
We may have inherited a particular archetypal pattern from our ancestors, or it may be one we bring into this life for our soul growth. When conscious, archetypes become our ally. When unconscious, they can create resistance which holds us back from reaching our true potential.
