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A psychic archetype represents a core energy expression that we feel defines our psychological and spiritual journey, in this, previous, and future lifetimes. While we may engage in various forms of life practice, like being a soldier or a doctor, we are one enduring archetype, which could be the Warrior or the Healer.
This article will explore the psychic archetype of the Leader.
History is replete with warrior priests and soldier healers (medics). Educators can be athletes and athletes can be educators. We can wear many guises over the course of our lifetimes, but we most often operate from a single psychic archetype.
Sometimes necessity and circumstance can force us into a guise that is far away from our spiritual purpose, or so it will seem. If we look closely enough at our actions within any circumstance, we will be able to see the consistent psychic imprint of our representation.
I have a varied work history, which includes construction, website design/management, teaching (college English), and now spiritual advising. Through each iteration of my work opportunities, I found myself in the same role repeatedly … as a spiritual and emotional advisor to the people around me.
Leadership is something many people strive for, but few achieve it comprehensively. Many different qualities must blend effectively to represent a true leader archetype. In the tarot deck, there are 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, bravery, and maverick choices. The King of Swords leads with logic, decisiveness, and intelligence. And the King of Pentacles leads with practicality, goals, and achievements. Therefore, the Emperor is the ideal blend of all the individual King’s extraordinary qualities.
Each archetype travels through lifetimes to gather experience inside and outside its ideal representation to enjoy and understand the full range of human experience while learning lessons associated with 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 lifetime and a slave in another lifetime.
It really is not hard to imagine an ideal society in which each person discovers their psychic or spiritual archetype and is given a way to express that archetype through work and interactions with the other archetypes in the world. Bringing such a world into existence would require a large-scale and comprehensive acceptance of balance between science and spirituality, between creativity and necessity, and between compassion and integrity.
Reality is an ebb and flow of balance, imbalance, and re-balancing, which is where all souls learn lessons that cannot be found in utopian visions or the spirit realm. We choose to be here, and psychic or spiritual archetypes indicate that we choose a singular type of role so we can experience true mastership.
Each archetype has definable and distinguishable traits. The best leaders do not need praise but acknowledge recognition humbly. They demonstrate the ability to listen to and command those around them, 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.
Age plays a significant role when considering mature leadership in complex systems, like 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 interactions of the boys and girls at play. Strength of character will distinguish one child from the others. This child may organize the others for a competitive game or lead them on imaginary adventures. The strength of character will act like a beacon to the other children who want guidance and direction with their creative energy.
Often the Leader stands out, gets chosen, or accepts the reins of leadership because he or she is the superior person, whether physically, intellectually, or emotionally. It is also possible that the leader excels in multiple areas even if he or she is not the best in any singular 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, the one trait that must be superior is communication. A leader will be an effective communicator, able to capture the attention of followers and excite them about the goals and ideals held by the leader. The leader will also be an adept listener and capable of inviting discussion and argumentation to come to the best decision. Regardless of the input and the strong positions held by those offering suggestions, the leader knows he or she is the final arbitrator.
Leaders thrive under pressure and accept the responsibility of leading with the strength and fortitude necessary to be responsible for those who would follow and support the leader. The best leaders are often reluctant to take on the mantle of leadership because they so acutely understand the duty and commitment involved. Still, as the pressure mounts, their acumen and effort increase to meet the challenge.
Leadership has many styles, and it is important for each leader to know his or her style and lead from that style. Circumstances may also dictate the style of leadership needed for success. Special forces leadership could be vastly 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. If compassion is needed, then that skill might fall to a supporting 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 gathers the chief medical officer, the head of security, the ship’s counselor, the chief engineer, the head of the science division, and the 2nd in command. They discuss an issue and provide input to the captain while he challenges them and listens. By the time they need to make the decision, the captain has processed all the relevant thoughts and opinions and makes his judgment.
