A psychic archetype represents a core energy expression that we believe defines our psychological and spiritual journey, in this, 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 Leader.
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 leader
Leadership is something that many people strive for, but few fully achieve. Many different qualities must work together effectively to represent a true leader archetype. The tarot deck contains five leadership cards; one king for each suit and the “king of kings”, the emperor in the Major Arcana
The King of Cups leads with emotional intelligence, compassion and charisma. The King of Wands leads through action, courage and idiosyncratic choices. The King of Swords leads with logic, decisiveness and intelligence. And the King of Pentacles leads with practical matters, goals and achievements. Therefore, the Emperor is the ideal mix of all the extraordinary qualities of the individual King.
Each archetype travels through lifetimes gaining experience within and beyond its ideal representation 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 freedom by being very free in one life and being a slave in another.
The ideal society (utopian vision)
It is really not difficult to imagine an ideal society in which everyone discovers his or her psychic or spiritual archetype and is given a way to express that archetype through work and interactions with the other archetypes in the world. Creating such a world would require a wholesale and comprehensive acceptance of the balance between science and spirituality, between creativity and necessity, and between compassion and integrity.
Reality is an ebb and flow of balance, imbalance and rebalancing, and that is where all souls learn lessons not found in utopian visions or in the spirit realm. We choose to be here, and psychic or spiritual archetypes indicate that we choose a singular type of role so that we can experience true mastery.
Do you know a leader?
Each archetype has definable and distinguishable properties. The best leaders do not need praise, but humbly acknowledge recognition. They demonstrate the ability to listen to those around them and lead as each moment requires. Standing apart and above is also part of their archetype; they lead by being the best, the most confident and the most capable.
Strength of character
Age plays an important role when considering mature leadership in complex systems, such as the military, government or business. However, we can go to a large playground and observe leadership potential or qualities in young children just by watching the interactions of the boys and girls playing. Strength of character will distinguish one child from others. This child can organize the others for a competitive game or lead them on imaginary adventures. The strength of character will act as a beacon for the other children who want guidance and direction with their creative energy.
Exhibits a superior trait or talent
Often the leader stands out, is chosen, or accepts the charge of leadership because he or she is the superior person, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. It is also possible that the leader excels in multiple areas, even if he or she is not the best in any category. Sometimes the “best player” is the leader and sometimes the leader is able to get the best out of the other “players”.
Across the board, communication is the one quality that needs to be superior. A leader will be an effective communicator, able to capture the attention of followers and enthuse them about the leader’s goals and ideals. The leader will also be an adept listener and able to invite discussion and argumentation to arrive at the best decision. Regardless of the input and strong positions of those making suggestions, the leader knows that he or she is the final arbiter.
Thrive under pressure
Leaders thrive under pressure and accept the responsibility to lead with the strength and determination necessary to be responsible to those who will follow and support the leader. The best leaders are often hesitant to take on the mantle of leadership because they understand so well the duty and commitment that comes with it. But as the pressure increases, so does their acumen and effort to meet the challenge.
Many styles, one goal
Leadership has many styles, and it is important that every leader knows his or her style and leads from that style. Circumstances can also determine which leadership style is necessary for success. Leadership of the Special Forces could be very different from leading children in kindergarten… or maybe not! What is important is the synchronicity of the leader’s design with an appropriate style. A demanding leader needs a demanding style. When compassion is needed, that skill can go to a supportive team member.
One of the best fictional representations of comprehensive leadership can be found in the series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Numerous scenes take place in a conference room where the captain, the chief physician, the head of security, the ship’s advisor, the chief engineer, the head of the scientific department and the 2NL commissioned. They discuss an issue and provide input to the captain as he challenges and listens. By the time they have to make the decision, the captain has processed all the relevant thoughts and opinions and reaches a judgment.
