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Warrior Archetype
KEYWORDS: DEDICATION, ACTION, DETERMINATION
CHALLENGES: SADISM, MASOCHISM, AGGRESSION, DETACHMENT
TO CULTIVATE: PHYSICAL EXCURSION, MARTIAL ARTS, ACTIVISM
SUB-ARCHETYPES: ACTIVIST, ATHLETE, HUNTER, SOLDIER
SHADOW ASPECTS: AGGRESSOR (+), COWARD (-)
The Warrior is fiercely dedicated to protecting what he believes in. He relentlessly trains his skill to give him the potency to destroy that which does not serve his purpose. He is ever vigilant and awake.
The Warrior’s path is in determination and action. He so fully believes in his cause he is willing to die for it. If not physically, at least Metaphorically. The Warrior will risk reputation, ridicule, and position for a just cause.
After all, the Warrior intimately understands death. He knows that he will one day die on the battlefield or at home. This drives him to wield whatever strength he has with purpose. He wants to ensure he has an impactful life and death, as he can. He uses his life force to protect and uses death to service a greater life.
But you cannot just avoid your inner Warrior and hope to spare yourself conflict. Suppression leads to equally insidious problems. Unchecked, it will lead to violence, both internally and externally. You must face it and utilize its energy. If you are detached from the Warrior, it will slowly bubble up and leads to passive-aggressive behavior, abuse, and outbursts.
The energy of the Warrior is also internal. Commitment to spiritual practice, bettering yourself, and facing the shadows are critical aspects of the Warrior Archetype. Utilize this energy to find fortitude and resolve towards your goals.
When you draw this card, consider how you suppress or cultivate the energy of the Warrior. Has a shadow warrior hurt you in your past? Do you turn your aggression inward, or do you turn it into positive action?
Activist
KEYWORDS: REFORMER, INFLUENCER, PROGRESSIVE
CHALLENGES: RIGHTEOUSNESS, BLAME, BURNOUT
TO CULTIVATE: PROTEST, DEBATE, DONATE, HOPE
The Activist advocates for change. He uses courageous actions and words to persuade others to stand with him in creating institutional change. The Activist not only believes in his power to affect the world, but he sees it as a responsibility. Society is and always has been filled with injustice. Too often do people turn a blind eye in exchange for comfort. The Activist has the clarity of sight and force of will needed to better the world.
The work of the Activist is but one drop in the bucket. With time the bucket will overflow, and a wave of change will unfold. The Activist must also remember to enjoy life and find moments to recharge. Otherwise, they won’t have the energy to endure for the long game, and it is a long, long game.
When working with the Activist, you must ensure your actions come from a desire to protect and not an identity you cling to. Otherwise, he could slip into judgment and moral oppression.
The spirit of the Activist awakens whenever you protect yourself or others. It can be standing up for yourself at work, calling others out for saying hurtful things or taking the time to widen someone else’s perspective.
When connecting with the Activist Archetype, stay curious instead of reactive. Have compassion knowing everyone has their timeline of self-realization and guide those that are ready along their path.
Athlete
KEYWORDS: DRIVEN, COMPETITIVE, TEAMWORK
CHALLENGES: OBSESSION, MANIA, SACRIFICE
TO CULTIVATE: SPORTS, EXERCISE, TRAINING
The Athlete pushes himself to unlock his body’s potential. Training and repetition allow him to improve his eye-hand coordination, stamina, endurance, and skills.
Being an Athlete is not about having a peak muscle mass or able-bodied. The athletic spirit is in finding the personal limits of the body. The Athlete uses sports to push himself. The thrill of competition and greatness inspires him to new heights. He finds his physical edge, and through tireless training, he achieves new heights.
A Musician utilizes the Athlete’s energy to pursue precision, skill, and movements to express themselves. Mental Athletes, such as chess players, push their capacity through training and study. Whenever you seek to know your limits and then go beyond them, you are embodying the Athlete.
When you look at your weaknesses as a challenge to overcome, you are invoking the Athlete. With consistency and ever-growing goals, you will unlock your potential.
Hunter
KEYWORDS: PATIENCE, DILIGENCE, GOAL ORIENTED
CHALLENGES: DISTRACTIONS, ARROGANCE, LACK OF FOCUS
TO CULTIVATE: MAKE GOALS, HONE SKILLS, HUNT OR GATHER
The Hunter uses focus and patience to achieve his goals. He waits until all the details line up to allow him the greatest chance of success. He is one with the cycles of the moon, the wind, and the season. He leaves as little to chance as possible by preparing and adjusting to the world around him.
The Hunter isn’t born with these skills. Diligent practice is needed to hone his skills. Hours, months, and years of training all condense in that singular moment of the hunt. When focused, his brain, mind, and eyes are glued to the target. If his mind slips, he may lose the game. His determination is his greatest weapon.
The Hunter Archetype asks you to look at your goals. What preparations can you make beforehand to lead to success? What actions should you practice until there automatically? Above all else, do you have the determination and patients to reach your goal?
Soldier
KEYWORDS: LOYALTY. HONOR, DUTY
CHALLENGES: INDIVIDUALITY, GUILT, PTSD, BELIEF
TO CULTIVATE: JOIN A TEAM, SERVICE, REGIMENT
The Soldier releases his individuality to support a greater good. His singular actions might not make a difference, but he can change the world as a member of a larger group. He does not fight for his gain. He fights for the security of others.
The Soldier values honor, trust, loyalty, courage, and duty. He has faith in his fellow soldiers and the hierarchy of his army. He learns to rely on his fellow soldiers to the point of life and death. This allows him the confidence to move as a unit. When necessary, he will fight, kill, and destroy to protect what he holds dear.
A significant challenge for the Soldier is in returning home. When stripped of his group identity, he can become lost. When silence and solitude arise, it can make a soldier question past actions. The Soldier must again learn how to find his purpose.
The Soldier Archetype gives you insight into how you work in a team. It asks you to look at what part of your ego you will give up in service to the broader vision.
Aggressor
(+) SHADOW ASPECT OF THE WARRIOR
KEYWORDS: BULLY, HOSTILE, BITTER
TO BRING TO BALANCE: THERAPY, VULNERABILITY, ACTS OF KINDNESS
The Aggressor forces himself onto the innocent and weak. To make himself feel strong, he becomes a bully. This can come from a lack of self-confidence or fear. The Aggressor might be unwittingly repeating the hurt that has happened to him in the past. To protect himself, he takes on the offensive, hoping to always be in control. The Aggressor often misreads the situation and triggers hostility.
The danger of the Aggressor Archetype is that he sees his actions as justified. This makes it harder for him to adjust and adequately channel his anger. To change, the Aggressor must reach the sensitive, vulnerable child underneath.
To move beyond aggression, you must look at where you feel disempowered. The Aggressor can also come out if you let small things build up. What might start as little irritations can turn into the uncontrollable fire over time. When you find yourself subtly upset, don’t suppress it. Instead of voice your concerns. This allows the energy of the Warrior to move freely instead of festering into becoming an Aggressor.
Coward
(-) SHADOW ASPECT OF THE WARRIOR
KEYWORDS: FEARFUL, NERVOUS, TIMID, TENSER
TO BRING TO BALANCE: AFFIRMATIONS, VISUALIZATIONS, EXERCISE
The Coward is a slave to his fear. His low self-esteem and lacks of resolve lead him to lose faith in himself. He believes he’s not good enough to achieve his goals and cannot (or will not) change. As a result, he will not stand up for himself or others.
Whatever show he may put on for the outside world, despite the skills and prowess he may possess, internally, his every action is to keep his insecurities from becoming discovered. Hiding them, rather than facing them openly. The Coward could be a CEO that hides behind his busy schedule instead of facing his problems with intimacy. Or an artist that seeks other people’s praise instead of following his real creative desire. Underneath the Cowards actions is still a frightened child that needs the protection and reassurance from others, instead of within.
The Shadow Aspects of the coward can come out in lies, denial, and being passive-aggressive. In modern society, we see this Archetype most often within relationships. Be it romantic relationships, friends, or work. Avoiding conflict won’t help in the long run.
To change, the Coward must practice the skill of courage by looking at how he relates to his emotions. He must stop looking at his fear, embarrassment, and anxiety as barriers and instead persevere despite them. Courage doesn’t mean you have no fear. It means you rise to the challenge of it.
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