Survival Archetypes: Guides to Navigating a Pandemic Part 1

The world seems to be turned upside down, and many of us long for a way to navigate the chaos.  This two part series discusses 4 archetypes universal to everyone that form the core patterns of survival. 

 

Each of these patterns can give us a place to stand amidst the chaos.  If we are open to observing what archetypal patterns are emerging for us we can better navigate our lives and interact positively for ourselves and our community. 

 

First off, what is an archetype? 

 

Archetypes are universal patterns of talents, motivations and behaviors.

They contain a dialogue of how and why we use our energy the way we do.

Archetypal patterns are a way to learn about the truth and possibilities of our lives.

 

Every character archetype has an empowered or light side as well as a disempowered or shadow side. 

 

Archetypes are both universal and personal.  

 

More on archetypes can be found on Julienne's website:  archetypist.com

 

The core survival archetypes are:  The Child, The Victim, The Saboteur and The Prostitute. 

 

Part 1 delves into The Child and The Victim and Part 2 will cover The Saboteur and The Prostitute. 

 

Each are their own distinct template but for the core 4 survival archetypes but it's useful to also bring in their strongest corollary archetype.  

 

The Child  

 

Corollary archetype:  Sovereign (or King/Queen) responsible for self, has wide care and concern for others.  Is willing and able to respond to the needs of others. 

 

Empowered attributes: 

• Imagination 
• Sees things afresh 
• Willingness to try something new
• The rejuvenating power of play
• Connects with nature 
• Curiosity - being curious keeps you open - seeking wisdom vs simple answers even if unsubstatiated - these often concretize - become a protected belief because we are not able to let in opposing or new ideas.   

 

Dismpowered attributes: 

• Naiveté - believing because we want a simple answer.
• Blind trust / handing our power over to another for protection
• Temper tantrums
• Refusal to follow guidance because it’s uncomfortable “You’re not the boss of me!” 

 

Attendant archetypes:  Seeker, Detective, Guide, Artist, Student

 

Victim / Warrior 

Empowered attributes: 

• Creates, holds and protects boundaries
• Uses discernment before engaging in battle
• Seeks not to hurt others but protect
• Acknowledges that wounds connect us to each other fostering understanding & compassion 
• Alerts us to when we are in danger

 

Dismpowered attributes: 

• Refusal to move toward healing
• Hands power over due to woundedness / helplessness 
• Seeks attention through complaining without movement toward resolution
• Engages in blame but not toward healing 

 

Attendant archetypes: Judge, Hero, Mentor, Liberator 

 

R.A.I.N.  process to working with archetypes adapted from work created by Tara Brach 

Recognize the pattern at work in any situation

Accept situation with Compassion

Investigate how to move forward

Navigate to next right action or connection  OR  Non-attachment - let go