A psychic archetype represents a core energy expression that we believe defines our psychological and spiritual journey, in current, past and future lives. Although we may engage in different forms of life, such as soldier or doctor, we are one enduring archetype, which could be the Warrior or the Healer.
This article explores the psychic archetype of the Peacemaker, which is associated with the astrological sign of Libra.
One archetype, many guises
History is full of warrior priests and soldier healers (medics). Teachers can be athletes and athletes can be teachers. We can wear many guises over the course of our lives, but we usually operate from a single psychic archetype.
Sometimes necessity and circumstances can force us into a guise that is far removed from our spiritual purpose, it will seem. If we look closely enough at our actions under any circumstance, we will be able to see the consistent psychic imprint of our representation.
I have a varied work history including construction, website design/management, teaching (college English), and now spiritual consulting. With each iteration of my work opportunities, I repeatedly found myself in the same role… as a spiritual and emotional advisor to those around me.
The Peacemaker
Every society needs people who are analytical, concerned about justice, and willing to enforce peace. Many different qualities must work together effectively to represent a true peacekeeper archetype. In the tarot deck there are five cards that best represent this energy: Justice, Temperance, Judgment, the Two of Swords and the Four of Swords. The sign Libra represents this archetype astrologically.
Justice is probably the definitive card for this archetype. The Peacekeeper enforces the law and does so with detached decision-making. The scales represent analysis and balanced consideration of all information. The sword represents the clarity of mind necessary to determine the merits of a situation. Once a decision is made, action will be taken quickly and dispassionately.
Moderation represents poise and equilibrium that has the opportunity to develop with more life experience. Temperance, as an archetype, is the fourteenth encounter for the Fool, indicating that from time to time we need to step back and assess where we are to determine whether we are in or out of balance. Balance and peace go together.
Judgment represents important and life-changing decisions, as well as the judgments of the world around us. Judgment, as an archetype, is the twentieth lesson for the Fool, which teaches us the need to use everything we have learned through encounters with others, and the lessons we need to make life’s most important choices. Peacekeepers often end up in the role of judges.
The Two of Swords is a ‘lighter’ version of the Justice card, as it applies to your everyday life and daily decisions. The Four of Swords depicts a real Peacekeeper resting on top of a tomb. He is guarded by the woman and child in the stained glass window, both representing those he protected.
People born between September 23 and October 22 have a Libra sun sign. The symbol for Libra is the scale. As a Cardinal Air sign, these individuals initiate through analysis, decision-making, and judgment. They are at their best at negotiating, balancing/rebalancing life circumstances and relationships, and creating harmony where there is disharmony. They must learn to be assertive to manifest their best results.
Each archetype travels through lifetimes gaining experiences within and beyond its ideal representation, in order to enjoy and understand the full range of human experience, while learning lessons related to completing his or her work. We learn lessons through support and resistance. A person learns the many facets of safety by being very safe in one life and unstable and unsafe in another.
Do you know a peacekeeper?
Each archetype has definable and distinguishable properties. The best peacekeepers prefer roles that require them to enforce the rules and prevent chaos. They demonstrate the ability to face angry people and remain calm in unstable situations. They work hard to develop their logic, critical thinking and negotiation skills. They master honesty.
Keen observers
One of their strengths is their keen awareness and powers of observation. They can see the truth and lies quite easily. Give them enough time and they will get a full picture of any situation or person; they will know “what is really going on”. They can absorb large amounts of information and parse it into the important and the useless, what they need to mediate a situation and what is merely a distraction. They don’t rush to gather facts.
Knowing the right questions to ask
Because they have a ‘sharp’ mind, they know what questions to ask and how to ask them to get to the truth, because it is the truth that brings real and lasting peace. Their questions often have a dual purpose: they try to find a direct answer and at the same time distinguish who they are dealing with based on how someone answers their questions. They always have an agenda when things or people are out of balance…go to peace or return to peace.
Willing to fight for peace
These individuals can be great fighters, but they are not aggressors. They respond to aggressors, and if force is necessary, they will respond in kind and to the extent necessary to keep the peace. Once peace is restored, they will return to peaceful ways until summoned again. They do not desire power or leadership, only balance.
Many styles, one goal
Maintaining peace requires constant vigilance, so these individuals remain alert even though they appear relaxed. They are also ready to take action and will keep themselves fit and prepared; the peace is often broken or shaky. Sometimes the role is diplomatic and laced with communication skills, and sometimes the role is physical, requiring the use of force to keep volatility at bay.
One of the best fictional representations of comprehensive peacekeepers can be found in TV shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger, or Law and Order. The characters in these shows demonstrate skills and mastery of law enforcement, which are used to make the world a safer place for the many people who can become ensnared by the destructive behavior of greedy, narcissistic, and pathological people.
