One: The Anatomy of the Hero

The archetype exists as a recurring symbol across many disciplines, cultures and functions. I am not suggesting that they are absolute truths or personal developmental stages. I believe that archetypes can function as personification of our ideals and representations of potential. Archetypes help us to communicate complex and abstract ideas in a concise and concrete way. We see them in our structures of storytelling, recognize them as symbolic figures within art, they are used as tools of self reflection and mystically applied to the faces of the Tarot. For me, the archetype was a tool to begin reflecting on my traumatic experiences from a safe distance.

Like reading a paperback from the bus depot gift shop describing the true nature of my zodiac sign, I could search for small pieces of truth to apply to understanding my view of the world. I could compartmentalize my behaviors into categories that made them more normalized and understandable. Through the archetype, I was able to revive some of what was taken from me spiritually. I could visualize a higher potential and purpose for my life and work to nurture those goals.

Archetypes are everywhere to be found – search for them on the internet, read Herman Hesse, look for them in films, you may even recognize them embodied in the people around you. These symbols helped me to create a journey toward healing; they helped me recognize where I came from, where I was at any particular moment in time, and where I ultimately wanted to go.

This is not an exhaustive list; there are as many variations on this concept as there are people who write about it. Here are some foundations of thought about archetype written by the University of Texas at Austin based on Carol Pearson’s Awakening the Heroes Within. There are more but these are some that I have used to frame my own experiences. They may help you to recognize experiences or perspectives shared by other Survivors. This is a link to a complete list of Pearson’s archetypes (UIL)

Orphan

The Orphan is betrayed, abandoned and alone. They fear exploitation and seek comfort and safety. Their strength is the interdependence and the pragmatic realism that they had to learn at an early age. A danger for the Orphan is that they will always view themselves as victim and avoid the quest to achieve their true potential.

Caregiver

Caregivers first seek to help others, which they do with compassion and generosity. A risk they take is that in their pursuit to help others they may end up being harmed themselves. They dislike selfishness, especially in themselves, and fear what it might make them.

Destroyer

The Destroyer is a paradoxical character whose destructiveness reflects the death drive and an inner fear of annihilation. As a fighter, they are thus careless of their own safety and may put others in danger too. Their quest is to change, to let go of their anger or whatever force drives them and return to balance, finding the life drive that will sustain them. Living on the cusp of life and death, they are often surprisingly humble.

Magician

The Magician's quest is not to 'do magic' but to transform or change something or someone in some way. The Magician has significant power and as such may be feared. They may also fear themselves and their potential to do harm. Perhaps their ultimate goal is to transform themselves, achieving a higher plane of existence.

As always, my friend, read other people’s ideas critically. This is your journey, not theirs. Never let anyone tell you what your experience is or how you should define your path. You will find your own way, as long as you are open to searching for it.

In solidarity,

-Adam

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