Archetype of the Alchemist

Tony Crisp

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The archetype of the alchemist is similar to that of the magician, wizard or even scientist. As with any archetype the alchemist depicts processes or forces within you, and with the alchemist it is about transformation. A negative aspect of this is the sense of superiority that possesses some people, leading them to a conviction they are in control of the forces of nature and can manifest magical powers or perform miracles at will. Sometimes, to achieve a result, the person operating under this archetype will use trickery, lies and threats or pressure, as with those who subtly pressurise others to do their bidding.

The positive influence of this archetype is in the release of a patient and persevering attempt to investigate and understand the unconscious processes of life and thereby, through meeting ones own inner and external processes, to arrive at transformation.

Useful questions are:

If I have met this archetype in my dreams, what have I learned from it about transformation?

Do I deal with some relationships by feeling superior to others?

Do I feel I have magic powers that other's do not possess?

Blake

The Archetype of the Artist

Tony Crisp

This includes author, actor, playwright, chef, musician, sculptor, etc. The fundamental influence of this archetype is toward giving form either to what is at present formless in the depths of the human spirit or society, or formless in oneself. It is also about bringing something new to the world, so is sometimes akin to childbirth or parenthood. Sometimes the power of this archetype leads to an enormous drive to do something outstanding that will claim attention from others. But often it is a drive within the person to give form to an influence they barely understand themselves, and as it comes into being is as much a surprise to the creative artist as it is to her or his audience.

Venosa

Venosa

The negative aspect of this is the urge to live out a hollow copy of the artistic life, perhaps living in self imposed poverty or eccentric behaviour to give form to their need to be acknowledged as an artist. Or they may spend all their own or someone else's wealth in a desperate bid to create something that is worthless. Caroline Myss, in her book Sacred Contracts, suggests that supporting such a person is as much an influence of the negative artist archetype as being the crazy artist.

Useful questions are:

If the artist is a powerful force within my life, what is it I am trying to give form to?

Do I believe that to be an artist I have to be eccentric or live in ways to give me a confidence I don't have?

What have I learned from the artist archetype?

Archetype of the Athlete

Tony Crisp

This archetype is not about whether we are athletic in an external sense, but about the dedication, the strength or drive to succeed we can tap into in our everyday, our working life and our personal urge to change. A handicapped person who challenges themselves to positively meet life with a smile and vigour is as much tapping into the athlete archetype as an Olympic winner. This also connects with people who change the health and state of their body through continued exercise and good living.

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The negative side of the archetype is the attitude that leads a person to use their strength of body or purpose to bully, threaten or injure others. It may manifest as a form of showing off how strong, powerful or sexual you are; or at least posing as such.

Useful questions are:

Does this influence enter my life in a strengthening way or as an urge to dominate or impress others?

If the athlete archetype is acting positively in me, what particular qualities is it bringing to me and how can I enhance or continue to develop them?



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