How your archetype can reveal why you’re still single

Archetypes are universally recognizable patterns, symbols, or themes that appear in literature, mythology, religion, and art across different cultures and time periods. The concept of archetypes was popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who believed that these universal symbols and motifs were part of the collective unconscious — a shared reservoir of memories and images inherited from our ancestors.

In the realm of archetypes, shadows refer to the darker or hidden aspects of a character or archetype that are often repressed, denied, or ignored. These shadows can manifest as negative traits, fears, or unresolved issues that the individual or archetype struggles to confront.

Understanding and integrating these shadow aspects is often a central theme in the development of characters or in the hero’s journey, as it adds depth and complexity to their arcs. The process of confronting and reconciling with these shadows is crucial for personal growth and transformation.

First you need to identify your Archetype. Take this free archetype quiz in the below URL before reading ahead:

www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

More extensive paid versions of the test can be found here.

Now that you have your achetype. Take note of the light and shadow aspect of eacharchetypes:

1. Hero:

• Light Aspect: Courage, determination, and selflessness.
• Shadow Aspect: Arrogance, recklessness, and a disregard for others.

2. Mother:

• Light Aspect: Nurturing, caring, and protective.
• Shadow Aspect: Smothering, controlling, and overprotective.

3. Father:

• Light Aspect: Authority, guidance, and protection.
• Shadow Aspect: Authoritarianism, tyranny, and a lack of emotional connection.

4. Joker/Fool:

• Light Aspect: Humor, spontaneity, and playfulness.
• Shadow Aspect: Irresponsibility, foolishness, and a lack of seriousness.

5. Lover:

• Light Aspect: Passion, intimacy, and connection.
• Shadow Aspect: Obsession, possessiveness, and codependency.

6. Wise Old Man/Woman:

• Light Aspect: Wisdom, guidance, and insight.
• Shadow Aspect: Manipulation, secrecy, and a desire for control.

7. Explorer:

• Light Aspect: Curiosity, independence, and a sense of adventure.
• Shadow Aspect: Restlessness, impulsivity, and a fear of commitment.

8. Ruler:

• Light Aspect: Leadership, responsibility, and order.
• Shadow Aspect: Tyranny, dictatorship, and a fear of losing control.

9. Innocent:

• Light Aspect: Purity, optimism, and trust.
• Shadow Aspect: Naivety, vulnerability, and gullibility.

10. Rebel:

• Light Aspect: Independence, nonconformity, and a desire for change.
• Shadow Aspect: Rebellion for the sake of rebellion, chaos, and destructive behavior.

In modern society, archetypes continue to play a significant role, and they often manifest in various forms across different contexts, including media, marketing, and popular culture. Here are some examples of archetypes in modern society to help you relate to the normalized nature of them:

1. The Hero:

• Modern Representation: The superhero archetype in comic books and movies, such as Superman or Spider-Man, embodying courage, strength, and a sense of justice.

2. The Rebel:

• Modern Representation: Characters who challenge societal norms, authority, or conventions, seen in figures like antiheroes or characters in rebellion-themed narratives.

3. The Explorer:

• Modern Representation: Travel bloggers, adventurers, and those who seek new experiences, capturing the spirit of exploration and curiosity.

4. The Nurturer:

• Modern Representation: Caregivers, social workers, and individuals dedicated to fostering well-being, reflecting the nurturing and protective aspects of the mother archetype.

5. The Wise Mentor:

• Modern Representation: Characters like Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series or Yoda in Star Wars, imparting wisdom and guidance to the protagonist.

6. The Lover:

• Modern Representation: Characters in romance novels, love stories, and romantic comedies, exploring the complexities of relationships and passion.

7. The Jester:

• Modern Representation: Comedians, entertainers, and characters who provide humor and levity, often challenging societal norms through satire.

8. The Ruler/Leader:

• Modern Representation: Political leaders, CEOs, and figures in positions of authority who are expected to provide direction and maintain order.

9. The Innocent:

• Modern Representation: Characters embodying purity and goodness, often found in narratives aimed at conveying a sense of hope and optimism.

10. The Everyman/Everywoman:

• Modern Representation: Characters who represent the average person, relatable and navigating everyday challenges, often seen in sitcoms or slice-of-life stories.

As you can related (from a modern POV), each of these characters have strengths and weakenesses — or light and shadow.

From the archetype you identified in the first section, become curious on your dark side. This is the side of negative character traits that drives the reason you may have complications in both romantic and personal relationships.

Deconstrucing your archetype — an artistic expression

Exploring the shadow side of your archetype involves delving into the hidden, repressed, or less acknowledged aspects of yourself. This process can lead to self-discovery, personal growth, and a more holistic understanding of who you are. Here are some steps to explore the shadow side of your archetype:

1. Self-Reflection:

• Take time for introspection. Reflect on your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Identify patterns and recurring themes in your life. Hint: romantic / close relationships is what triggers the most common source of obvious patterns!

2. Recognize Positive and Negative Traits:

• Acknowledge the positive aspects associated with your archetype. Then, honestly examine any negative traits, fears, or tendencies that might be part of your shadow side.

3. Explore Personal History:

• Consider your upbringing, experiences, and relationships. Look for events or situations that may have influenced the development of your shadow side.

4. Journaling:

• Keep a journal to record your thoughts and feelings. Write about instances where you noticed behaviors or emotions that surprised you, and explore the underlying reasons.

5. Feedback from Others:

• Seek feedback from friends, family, or trusted individuals. They may provide insights into aspects of yourself that you may not be fully aware of.

6. Dream Analysis:

• Pay attention to your dreams. Jung believed that dreams could reveal aspects of the unconscious, including the shadow. Analyzing your dreams may offer clues to your hidden fears or desires.

7. Creative Expression:

• Use creative outlets such as art, writing, or music to explore your emotions and experiences. Creativity can be a powerful tool for expressing and understanding the shadow.

8. Therapy or Counseling:

• Consider working with a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can provide a supportive and objective perspective, helping you navigate the complexities of your unconscious mind.

9. Meditation and Mindfulness:

• Practice meditation and mindfulness to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness can help you observe your reactions without judgment.

10. Shadow Work Exercises:

• Engage in specific shadow work exercises designed to bring the unconscious to the surface. This could include guided visualizations, role-playing, or dialogues with different aspects of yourself.

11. Acceptance and Integration:

• Embrace the shadow without judgment. Recognize that these aspects are a natural part of the human experience. Integration involves accepting both the light and shadow aspects of your archetype.

Remember that exploring the shadow side is an ongoing process, and it requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. As you integrate the shadow, you may find greater authenticity, personal growth, and a more balanced expression of your archetype.