Who Am I; The Secret Language of Archetypes

archetypes and personality

This weekend, I stumbled upon a concept that had been quietly hovering at the edge of my consciousness—archetypes.

Archetypes are by no means a new idea; they date back to Plato and were later studied deeply by Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Carolyn Myss. Yet, this time, they struck a more personal chord.

These universal figures or recurring patterns shape the stories we tell, the people we encounter, and, most importantly, who we are.

They help us uncover our true selves, understand what drives us, and deepen our connections with the people in our lives.

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Want to know who you are and what makes you tick? Explore Archetypes

Archetypes are like recurring characters or patterns that show up not just in myths and stories but in each one of us.

Archetypes are all about how we show up in the world. They are how we interact at a soul level with universal aspects of power.

The idea goes all the way back to Plato, who talked about something called Forms — these perfect, universal templates that shape how we see and understand the world. Fast forward a few centuries, and Carl Jung took this idea and gave it a psychological twist.

Jung believed archetypes are part of our collective unconscious, a kind of shared memory or blueprint for human experiences. They’re not something we actively think about; they just exist, shaping how we see ourselves and others.

Jung described archetypes as roles or patterns we all tap into at different times. For example, think of the Hero — that inner drive to overcome challenges, push limits, and fight for a cause. Or the Caregiver, who focuses on nurturing and supporting others, often putting their needs aside to help those they love. Then there’s the Rebel, the part of us that questions authority breaks the rules, and fights against injustice. These are just a few examples, but the list is long, and each archetype shows up in its own unique way, depending on who we are and where we’re at in life.

Joseph Campbell, a mythologist, took Jung’s ideas and connected them to storytelling. He talked about the Hero’s Journey, a pattern we see in myths, books, and movies where the main character faces trials, grows, and transforms. It’s no accident that we resonate with these stories — they reflect our inner struggles and growth.

Carolyn Myss took things even further, exploring how archetypes play into our personal lives and relationships. She believed that understanding them could help us see both our strengths and the ways we hold ourselves back.

What’s cool about archetypes is that they aren’t locked into one shape. They shift and adapt depending on where we are in life.

You might feel like the Rebel when you’re challenging a system, but turn into the Caregiver when someone close to you needs help. Archetypes are these universal patterns that make the human experience feel both deeply personal and strangely familiar at the same time. And the more we learn about them, the more we can start to see them at work in ourselves and the people around us.

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princess archetype

One of the most powerful things about archetypes is how they can help us navigate challenges. When life feels overwhelming, understanding the patterns we naturally lean into can be incredibly grounding.

For instance, tapping into the Hero archetype might remind us that we have the courage and drive to keep going, even when things are hard. On the flip side, recognizing when we’re stuck in a less helpful pattern—like the Victim, who feels powerless—can motivate us to shift our perspective and take back control.

Archetypes also play a big role in how we connect with others. In relationships, they help us see how we tend to show up, both in ways that strengthen connections and in ways that can create tension. For example, someone deeply aligned with the Caregiver might pour themselves into taking care of others, but they might also struggle to set boundaries or ask for help when they need it. By being aware of these tendencies, we can find balance—learning when to embrace the positive aspects of an archetype and when to keep its less helpful traits in check.

The light and shadow sides of archetypes are part of what makes them so valuable. They remind us that every strength has a potential downside, and every challenge has an opportunity for growth.

If we can be honest with ourselves about both sides, we can move through life with more intention.

This self-awareness isn’t about labeling ourselves or putting ourselves into boxes—it’s about understanding the patterns that shape us so we can make choices that align with who we really are.

Archetypes are tools, not rules.

They guide us, but they don’t define us.