The Different Shadow Archetypes Types

On the surface level, the 12 Shadow Types can be enjoyed simply as describing 12 different personality types. But the Shadow Types system goes far beyond simply offering another grouping of people into categories. For each type, there is a profound understanding of the individual’s psychological dynamics. This understanding gives deep insight into the person’s core wounding, main coping strategies, tendencies for imbalance, and self-concept. Even more significantly, the Shadow Types system provides practical methods for bringing peoples’ shadows into the light to integrate them and achieve greater wholeness and balance.

When working on shadow work, these are the archetypes you may encounter on your journey. 1. The Magician archetype is that part of ourselves that steps back to gain perspective and, from a distance, see the big picture. It is characterized by the quality of being Aware. 2. Detacher The DETACHER Shadow Type represents the side of us that remains separate from the intensity of life and can be observant and objective. Detachers tend to be knowledgeable, independent, and self-reliant—to the point of being cool, aloof, and distant. Read more … 3. Optionizer The OPTIONIZER Shadow Type represents the side of us that weighs various options and can appreciate different perspectives, which enables us to mediate between people and bring harmony. Optionizers generally like to keep all possibilities open—to the point where they can procrastinate and avoid making decisions, so as not to close out any other possibility. 4. Alerter The ALERTER Shadow Type represents the side of us that questions almost everything and is watchful for potential problems. Alerters often make good whistle-blowers, Devil’s Advocates, and watchdogs because they want to protect people from possible dangers—to the point where they can be naysayers and cynical. 5. The Sovereign archetype is that part of ourselves that takes leadership in life, from being a world figure to being a parent or a team captain. It is characterized by the quality of being Positive. 6. Idealizer The IDEALIZER Shadow Type represents the side of us that thinks big and is always coming up with a new, bigger, better vision of how things could be. Upbeat and optimistic, Idealizers typically see the sunny side of everything and love adventure, novelty, new people, and places—to the point where they have a hard time committing to anything and following through with their promises. 7. Affecter The AFFECTER Shadow Type represents the side of us that appears confident, charismatic, and accomplished. Inspiring and cheerful, Affecters can motivate others and take the lead. Certain that they are anything, they thrive on risks and, as a result, can crash at times. They usually can’t bear to be seen as a failure though; their image is vitally important to them, to the point where others may question if they are genuine or just ‘affected.’ 8. Fosterer The FOSTERER Shadow Type represents the side of us that is drawn to supporting and caring for others. Fosterers have a kind of radar for spotting the needs of others and then responding by helping. They tend to be nurturing, supportive, and giving—sometimes to the point where others can feel smothered, manipulated, guilty, or disempowered. 9. The Warrior archetype is that part of ourselves that takes action, sets our boundaries, and asserts our power in the world. It is characterized by the quality of being Real. 10. Upholder The UPHOLDER Shadow Type represents the side of us that cares deeply about what is right. Upholders will stand up for what is just and fair, even if that makes connections more difficult. Upholders believe they must be of service and often work tirelessly. They can become so focused that they can become obsessive or fanatical. 11. Contester The CONTESTER Shadow Type represents the side of us that is courageous, grounded, and comfortable with power. Contesters generally meet challenges head-on, relish the competition of a good battle, and easily take control—to the point where they can be aggressive and intimidating. Read more … 12. Identifier The ESTABLISHER Shadow Type strives to find its own, distinct identity. It would prefer to risk losing connection rather than to risk losing its individuality. This type is about distinguishing itself as unique and special. It is original and creative, but can also be self-centered and status-seeking.

13. The Lover archetype is that part of ourselves that expresses our childlike nature of being spontaneous, emotional, and vulnerable. It is characterized by the quality of being Open. 14 Relyer The RELYER Shadow Type represents the side of us that needs and depends on others. Relyers are usually the classic ‘people persons’ who live for a sense of belonging and connection with others—to the point where they can sacrifice their boundaries and become dependent or subservient. 15 Yielder The YIELDER Shadow Type represents the side of us that endures the hard things in life instead of resisting. Yielders usually bond with others through shared suffering & will choose to maintain solidarity with their group rather than take opportunities for their advancement, to the point where they can be passive & unmotivated about their life as if resigned to their ‘fate.’ 16 Releaser The RELEASER Shadow Type represents the side of us that expresses our thoughts, feelings, and impulses spontaneously, without inhibition. Releasers generally seek free-flowing fun, emotional and physical intimacy, and intensity—to the point where they can be melodramatic and develop addictions.

Which archetype resonates with you the most?

Source: http://www.shadowtypes.com/?page_id=280