You’ve probably heard the term archetype tossed around — maybe in astrology, psychology, branding, or storytelling.
But what does it actually mean?
Here are 5 things to know about archetypes:
(1) What is an Archetype?
In the context of storytelling and psychology, an archetype is a universal, recurring symbol, theme, character type, or pattern of behavior that appears across cultures and time, representing fundamental human experiences and emotions.
In Jungian psychology, an archetype is a universal pattern—an instinctive image, motif, or pattern of behavior rooted in the collective unconscious. It’s not just a character or a label, but a template for a way of being.
Archetypes shape the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
According to Jung, archetypes are innate patterns of thoughts and behavior that strive for realization. They aren’t things we learn — they exist within us already, and we recognize them without being taught what they are. The same archetypes exist in all cultures.
(2) Archetypes Are Everywhere
Archetypes aren’t limited to mythology or fairy tales. We encounter them constantly.
Here’s a short list of examples:
- In astrology, each planet and zodiac sign is an archetype—a symbolic expression of a multi-faceted way of being.
- Yoga poses are archetypes. Warrior II isn’t just a shape—it calls forth a particular energy, a way of standing in the world.
- Seasons are archetypes. If I say something is “in a winter,” even metaphorically, you likely sense stillness, contraction, maybe loss or rest.
- In real estate, building types are archetypes: A pre-war co-op, a downtown loft, a new construction condo, a trailer, a suburban house—they each signal a certain vibe, a lifestyle, a kind of person who lives there. You create an image in your mind based on those habitats.
- The roles we play in life are archetypes: lawyer, yoga teacher, investment banker, real estate agent, personal trainer, mother, father, the quirky best friend, the salesperson, the trickster. You probably already have a picture in your mind of how those people act.
- Personality types are also archetypes. For example, Myers-Briggs, DiSC, and Human Design are different systems to categorize patterns of behavior and motivation.
- In storytelling, plot devices are archetypes: the unrequited love, the hero’s journey, the reformed “bad girl” or “bad boy” are all archetypal stories.
(3) Archetypes Are Mental Shortcuts
Archetypes are not a concept that you “believe in” or not; it is merely something you learn to recognize.
Archetypes are a heuristic—a mental shortcut that helps us organize experience and name and recognize energy patterns.
If I tell you I met a guy who gave off “investment banker vibes,” you probably know what I mean.
Heuristics help us process information, but they also leave us vulnerable to hidden biases.
Your preconceived opinions and biases about that investment banker archetype shapes your opinion of the person before you’ve ever met him.
(4) Archetypes Are a Language
Archetypes are a language—a foundational tool for how we tell stories, interpret people, and orient ourselves in the world.
But unlike other common words, archetypes are not rigid definitions. They’re representations of a set of qualities, possibilities, and expressions.
(5) Archetypes Are Multi-Dimensional
Archetypes are not “good” or “bad” or “positive” or “negative.”
They are multi-faceted and multi-dimensional, containing the full spectrum of human experience.
Every hero has a dark side. Every villain has a redeeming quality. Every archetype encompasses both the light and the shadow.
The facets of an archetype that show up in any situation depend on the context: what energies is the archetype interacting with? Who else is in the story? What is the setting?
Why Understanding Archetypes is Useful
Understanding archetypes gives us a framework for exploring the different aspects of who we are and how we show up in various contexts.
The point isn’t to fit into the archetypal box or attain some illusory measure of perfection. Rather, archetypes are mirrors that help us see the many dimensions of ourselves—and others—more clearly.
The more familiar you become with different archetypes the more facets of yourself you can see. And you’ll realize that you transcend any one archetype, because you have all of them within you.
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