Archetypes are Living Forces
Ever notice how some spiritual people in your life just pull at you in ways you can’t fully explain? Like, there’s this invisible gravity, and you keep bumping into the same dramas or patterns.
Sometimes, this can feel like what Jungian-inspired thinkers call archetypal possession – when a universal pattern, or archetype resonates strongly with someone. It’s not about blame. Its more like noticing a subtle current moving beneath the surface, shaping our thoughts, feelings, style and interactions.
We’re diving into a layer of psychology that often gets ignored—but is getting harder to ignore every day. Take a slow deep breath. No need to figure it all out right now.
That’s what this article is about.
Think of it as the backstage of human behavior, where archetypes, energies, and old patterns mingle, sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly.
It might help you reflect on the roles and archetypes you encounter in spiritual circles, creative communities, or even just social media—and how easily those roles can masquerade as identity.
Ask yourself: am I seeing people as they are, or as the archetypes they’re playing?
Let this be a friendly invitation to pause and reflect, not to judge. Knowledge is power. 
Archetypes: The Living Energies in Us All
Archetypes aren’t just fancy Jungian jargon.
They’re universal psychological patterns and living psychic energies.
When one of these energies becomes dominant- starts running the show- it can shape a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—sometimes without them even realizing it. Think of it as a guest moving into your house, unpacking its bags, and rearranging your furniture while you’re asleep.
Ever see someone on Social Media who seems to fully embody a Queen, Shaman, King, Wounded Healer, Goddess, Trickster, Persephone, Dark Feminine, Magician, or any other archetype? Chances are, there’s a bit of unconscious archetypal possession at play.
This isn’t automatically “bad” or pathological.
People can work with these energies, play, wear them like temporary costumes, or let them fuel creative self-expression.
But
here’s the kicker: archetypes are not your true self.
They guide, inspire, teach—but they don’t define who you truly are. You are free, messy, brilliant, and far bigger than any role or symbol.
An Example of the Shadow Magician Archetype: Power That Isn’t Grounded
Ah, the Magician.
Knowledge, power, creativity, transformation—sounds amazing, right?
But when the Magician archetype is running wild without developed ethical grounding, it goes rogue.
When this arhetype isn’t integrated, it can go into it’s shadow form.
Meet the Shadow Magician.
This is the version of power that manipulates instead of transforms. Instead of guiding personal growth or integration, it may:
- Exploit others’ efforts without fair recognition
- Test or manipulate people energetically
- Seek admiration and position itself above others
- React defensively or aggressively to critique
Those around a Shadow Magician might feel:
- Obsession, envy, frustration
- Manipulation or subtle loyalty tests
- Ideas being mirrored or copied without clarity
- Energy drained faster than a phone on 1%
The shadow Magician sees anyone talented, authentic, independent, or creatively advanced as a threat. In it’s Shadow, this archetype thrives on people who mirror its energy. Autonomy or genuine superiority in others? Threatening.
Ego feels undermined, and the illusion of control becomes non-negotiable.
What Happens to the Ego in Shadow Archetypes?
1. Ego Loses Its Steering Wheel
When the archetype dominates, ego isn’t really driving anymore. Decisions, morals, instincts—they’re all a little hostage to the archetype’s whims. Ever known someone brilliant who melts under the glare of another’s brilliance? That’s a reactive ego.
2. Ego Becomes Vulnerable
Ego becomes fragile, hungry for validation. Criticism or independence in others triggers defensiveness, aggression, or insecurity. And yes, manipulation, control, or sabotage often follows.
3. Ego Protects Itself Through Projection
Projecting insecurities is the ego’s shield. That itch you feel when someone criticizes, copies, or undermines you? Could be the archetype in play—your energy is feeding their story.
Here’s the hopeful part: the ego can wake up. Through reflection, you can:
Recognize archetypal patterns in yourself or others
Separate your true self from the archetype’s energy
Use the archetype consciously, ethically, and creatively
When integrated, ego and archetype walk side by side. Power transforms rather than drains. Influence inspires rather than controls. And suddenly, everyone feels a little lighter.
So, what now?
Maybe it’s just a nudge to notice the energies around you—and within you. The archetypes people sometimes wear like costumes. The ways your own ego reacts.
Remember: It just means you’re awake enough to notice. And noticing is the first step to freedom—for them, and for you.
Ask yourself:
Am I interacting with the person, or the archetype they’re carrying? Am I letting my own energy get drained, or am I holding my ground?
Knowledge is power, awareness is liberation, and a little curiosity goes a long way.
So sip your coffee, breathe, and maybe smile at the chaos of it all—you’re learning, and that counts.
By Tea Franca