Journal Prompt Exercise

Calling up the archetypes

Archetypes are simply the characters played by us on the various stages of life. They are timeless roles that we inherit, and play some better than the others. The archetypes want to express, like any actor, and must be consciously directed by you, so they do not go rogue and ruin your life.

Types + Arch = Highest Symbol

Archetypes unite us, as do all symbols. In fact, symbol and diabolo are antonyms that mean unite or divide. Interesting, that diabolical means “divisive symbol.” Archetypes can be considered the lowest common denominator, the spiritual DNA that we all share and can understand.

I have had the absolute most amazing time learning about archetypes, complexes using oracle and tarot cards. Astrology and mythology have also contributed to my growing ember of knowledge. It is almost as if learning itself fuels my soul.

Here is an example of how I journal in the mornings using an oracle deck composed entirely of archetypes. I pull four cards to represent the four cognitive functions from Carl Jung. After studying the images, I start writing wherever my pen leads. After writing, I look back and reflect on what I can do today to make those imaginations a reality.

Astronomer (from the Academy)

He journeys to the untamed wild, away form the city noise and light to see the stars above and within. Angels appear to guide him, but for what purpose? In one mind, he believes his work, in the other, he falls fearlessly into the ethereal arms of God.

Orator (from the Academy)

The skull sits at the front entrance of the Temple, alone with all his personal possession. Naked, he enters the dressing room and dons a special clean robe. The floor is sacred, so he wears no shoes, and the heated energy channels through his feet and into his tired body. Normally talking, now he humbles himself in the reverent silence. He sought answers, but now in divine presence, he only desires to sit. What a story he shall share, if he ever can bring himself to leave.

The Shepherd (from the Market)

Bleating rams, submissive sheep and one stiff donkey all follow the shepherd as he glides elegantly through the Market. Stopping only to greet, trade and learn of the news in town. Money stuffs his purse only for a while, until he trades it for what he really need - new clothes, waterskins, food and a set of new guitar strings. This simple life serves him well.

Brawler (from the Wilderness)

The wooden desk makes for a lousy bed. Tired as he is, the Brawler struggles to stay awake during the class in Academy. Between his nightly fights and morning classes, two opposing worlds, he struggles to stay awake. In fact, he does both poorly, but cannot decide to continue fighting - or become a doctor…?

There is so much more to the process that I could share, but I’ll keep this short. Learning about the cognitive functions (thinking, feeling, sensing and intuition) along with the archetypes as inherited imprints on our lives helps bring awareness to the decisions we make as well as what we pay attention to as we walk in the world.

You only see what you see…everything else is left unrendered. Journaling like this helps me see what I left unrendered and hopefully brings a little more peace into my life.

As always, may your story continue

P.S.

It doesn’t take a detective to see that my unconsciousness is telling me that I’m tired. :) - each of those characters, besides the Astronomer was a little sleepy.