Archetypes
From unconscious patterns to conscious growth
What is an archetype?
Encountering the term archetype for the first time can be rather confusing – ironic, considering it is something we are supposed to instinctively understand. Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung developed the theory of archetypes in the 20th century, defining them as "universal images that have existed since the remotest times" (CW 9i). He believed these patterns to be part of the collective unconscious, present in all people.
DEFINITION
Imagine a wise old woman. This immediately conjures an image in your mind, doesn't it? You can imagine how she behaves, how she looks, and even the feeling of mystery or respect she inspires. That's the power of an archetype. These patterns are not consciously learned. We understand these patterns unconsciously, because they repeatedly show up in myths, fairy tales, people, dreams, art, and stories across the world.
Archetypes are the building blocks of human imagination and experience. They help us understand ourselves and others because they speak a language older than words. Whether we are aware of it or not, these figures shape how we think, feel, and make sense of the world.
My work with the archetypes
While great thinkers like Jung, Bolen, Moore, and Gillette laid the foundation for understanding archetypes, my focus is on carrying that work forward into the present. Archetypes are fascinating in theory, but they’re even more powerful when translated into tools we can actively use, for example in order to see yourself, your relationships, and your patterns with greater clarity. As different archetypes activate in different life stages and scenarios, you don’t just “find your archetype”. The real art is learning how to cultivate and balance all of them, using each as a resource when life calls for it.
Archetypes exist in countless variations, but two of the most widely used systems are the feminine and masculine archetypes. This page highlights those two frameworks because they’re easy to recognize and work with, even if they only represent part of the archetype spectrum. You’ll find more about other archetypes (and why there’s no single “complete list”) in the FAQ at the end of the page.
Feminine Archetypes
The most widely recognized framework of feminine archetypes comes from the work of psychiatrist and Jungian analyst Jean Shinoda Bolen. In her book Goddesses in Everywoman (1984), she introduced 7 goddess archetypes drawn from Greek mythology, each reflecting different patterns of personality and behavior in women. You may recognize them in yourself, the women around you and the stories we share.
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Some of the following archetypes may already feel second nature to you, while others need more attention to grow. The more you get to know them all, the more balanced, resilient, and empowered you become.
If it's your first time around, start here:
Meet the 7 feminine archetypes -
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Masculine Archetypes
The most widely recognized framework of masculine archetypes was popularized by Jungian psychologists Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette. In their book King, Warrior, Magician, Lover (1990), they outlined four primary archetypes that represent different aspects of masculine energy and development.
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COMING SOON
Please be patient with me as I work on detailed blog posts about the masculine archetypes :) -
The King
represents
AUTHORITY • ORDER • RESPONSIBILITY -
The Warrior
represents
COURAGE • DISCIPLINE • STRENGTH -
The Magician
represents
KNOWLEDGE • INSIGHT • TRANSFORMATION -
The Lover
represents
SENSUALITY • PASSION • INTIMACY
Archetype FAQ
How many archetypes are there?
There isn’t a single fixed number. Jung spoke of archetypes in general as universal patterns of the human psyche. Carl Jung's original archetypes include the Self, Shadow, Anima & Animus, and the Great Mother. Later writers expanded on his ideas in different directions, often using numbered lists (which is catchy, but slightly misleading).
Also, we don’t just have one archetype, we contain all of them. Some are may be more active than others and they can shift with different life stages, roles, and challenges. Cultivating the full spectrum gives us more balance and what Carl Jung called psychological wholeness.
What is my archetype?
The thing is, you don't just "have" one archetype, even though it can feel that way if you really strongly identify with one. When it comes to the theoretical foundations, archetypes aren’t meant as personality types. Jung’s view was that we carry all archetypes within us, even if some are more developed than others. In my experience, people usually gravitate strongly towards 1-3 archetypes, with the rest of them still being potentials to develop and grow into.
Can my archetype(s) change over time?
Yes. Different archetypes can come forward at different times in life depending on your stage, your relationships, or the challenges you’re facing. Someone may live primarily in the Huntress’ independence during youth, then find the Nurturer’s caregiving rising during motherhood, and later connect more with the Mystic’s spirituality. Working with archetypes can help you notice which are active, which are dormant, and which ones you might want to cultivate more consciously.
Are archetypes scientific or spiritual?
Jung was quite empirical in how he studied archetypes. He carefully observed the human psyche and studied recurring symbols in myths, dreams and cultural stories. At the same time, archetypes have always carried a symbolic, very spiritual dimension, appearing as sacred figures or guiding forces across traditions.
Some of Jung’s ideas, especially around gender, reflected the cultural assumptions of his time rather than scientific fact. Today, we approach archetypes more flexibly, using them as a language to explore inner strengths and possibilities in a contemporary context. Seen this way, working with archetypes can be deeply empowering – they become powerful tools for personal growth.
Can I choose to embody a specific archetype?
Yes, we can actively cultivate the archetypes in our lives. The first step is awareness: get to know the traits of a given archetype and notice where it already shows up in your life (or not). The second step is action: bring those qualities into daily practice. Journaling, reflection, and intentional habits all help strengthen the archetypes you want to develop.
If you’d like guided support, I’ve created the Feminine Archetype Workbooks designed to help you explore each archetype more deeply. They combine journaling prompts, exercises, and profound insights to make the process less abstract, so embodying an archetype becomes something you can actually work with in your day-to-day life.