ARCHETYPES OF MANHOOD

By Sensei Erwin L. Rimban

There exists many archetypes within a man. But for purposes of study, let us tackle four fundamental archetypes which will be illustrative examples of archetypal analysis in the language of Archetypal or Jungian Psychology. These four fundamental archetypes are the Warrior, the Magician, the Lover and the King archetypes.

The archetype of the Warrior corresponds to the astrological element of Fire. Fire is the element of passion. The passion to create new ideas. The enthusiasm to explore new experiences and ways of expression. The ebullience to actively engage its environment. Thus, the warrior archetype is active whenever a man is creating new ideas, exploring new environments, solving problems and overcoming obstacles. This energy configuration inspires a man to be energetic, dynamic, optimistic, passionate and idealistic. It gives a man courage, initiative and gregariousness. In the Grail mythology, the archetype of the warrior would correspond to Sir Lancelot, the second greatest knight in the Round Table.

The archetype of the Magician corresponds to the astrological element of Air. Air is the element of mentation, cognition and intelligence. The capacity to build an informational database. The ability to express this informational database in the form of words, symbols and numbers. And the willingness to form networks with others in order to expand and enrich this cognitive database. Thus, the magician archetype is active whenever a man is listening to others, reading a book, attending seminars, watching the news, talking to others, etc. This energy configuration inspires a man to be talkative, communicative, adaptable and fashionable. In order to be instep with the times and thus able to continuously expand and enrich his mind. Every time a man is initiated into new fields of knowledge, he is actively invoking this archetype. In the Grail mythology, the archetype of the magician would correspond to Merlin, the wizard of Camelot.

The archetype of the Lover corresponds to the astrological element of Water. Water is the element of the emotional nature. It is the element of feeling. It is the element of connectedness, whether to people, events and experiences. The capacity to experience deeply the vicissitudes of life. The ability to form deep, intimate and lasting relationships. The capacity to reflect on experience, thus acquiring wisdom. And the ability to be transformed by these experiences. Thus, the lover archetype is active whenever a man is forming deep relationships with persons of both sexes. Deep friendships. Lifelong bonds. It is also active whenever a man reflects on his past experiences, reliving the joys as well as sorrows of life. Feasting in the banquet of life, so to speak. And, of course, this archetype is active whenever a man is forming a deep emotional, sexual and spiritual bond with a woman. This energy configuration makes a man emotional, introverted, introspective, sensitive, intuitive, perceptive and empathic. In the Grail mythology, the archetype of the lover would correspond to the Druid Prince Taliesin, who was a bard, courtier and lover.

The archetype of the King corresponds to the astrological element of Earth. Earth is the element of the builder. The strength to build values, occupations and cultures. The capacity to appreciate material forms and transmute them through persistence and hard work. The practical knowledge to be able to conquer the natural world. And the vision to build lasting works of art. Thus, the king archetype is active whenever a man is studying all sorts of practical knowledge that he can utilize to build something someday. It is active whenever a man is studying the natural world of forms, intent on manipulating the forms for practical use. It is active whenever a man is building a house, a family, an occupation, a culture, or a civilization. This energy configuration inspires a man to be practical, down-to-earth, studious, determined, persistent, and appreciative of the natural world. In the Grail mythology, the archetype of the king would correspond to King Arthur, ruler of Camelot and leader of the Knights of the Round Table.

What archetypes sizzle within you? What drives you? What elemental forces awaken you and inspire to heights of wisdom, success and accomplishment? Discover your archetypes, and enter a whole new world of possibility, intricacy and meaning!

May this sharing inspire everyone. Love and peace to all of Humanity!