Golden Emptiness: Archetypes - Understand Your Psyche (English)

Archetypes are collective mental patterns that help us organize human experiences to have shared meaning. Each individual has a unique combination of images, memories, and emotions surrounding these core archetypes.

Human identity is initiated by eight personality functions that represent the journey of achieving true self-awareness. The first four (Hero, Parent, Child, and Anima/Animus) are our main Conscious functions, while the next four (Anti-Hero, Ex-Parent, Senex/Stubborn Child, and Demon) are our Shadow functions.

Above the line are the four functions we naturally use, part of our conscious psyche, and below the line are the four Shadow functions, residing in our subconscious. Our daily self-comprises the four conscious functions, while our Greater Self includes all eight functions (both conscious and unconscious).

First, let's get to know our conscious functions through their archetypes:

1. Hero (Dominant) - Flow Function

   The Hero archetype represents the part of us that faces challenges and overcomes obstacles. In Erik Thor's theory, this is called the Flow Function. It provides full awareness and drives us to act, guiding us through personal journeys. The Hero involves courage, determination, and the resolve to achieve goals.

  The dominant function in a person is the Hero archetype. Everyone is born with this fully available function, often seen by others as their "talent." The Hero is the aspect of ourselves that we naturally excel at and rely on. This function pushes us to face challenges and achieve our life goals. If someone doesn't recognize their strength, it might be because their environment or education forced them to develop and use different functions. Understanding and recognizing the Hero function is crucial for achieving success in life.

   Personality Manifestation

   The positive emotional sense of solving problems with the Hero function is expressed through rational perspectives:

   - Se (ESxP): Scanning the environment for real or practical experiences.

   - Si (ISxJ): Knowing life through personal practical data.

   - Ne (ENxP): Scanning the environment for hypothetical alternatives.

   - Ni (INxJ): Filling life with individual subconscious impressions.

   - Te (ExTJ): Organizing the environment efficiently.

   - Ti (IxTP): Making sense of life through personal logical understanding.

   - Fe (ExFJ): Creating a socially friendly environment.

   - Fi (IxFP): Living according to personal values and principles.

 

2. Parent (Auxiliary) - Goal Function

   The second function, or auxiliary, in personality psychology is the Parent. This function develops as individuals mature, particularly between ages 12 and 20. During this period, individuals start to feel the need to internalize values and wisdom from their environment, often seen as "parental guidance."

  Most people rely on their first two functions in daily life: the Hero, which manages personal life, and the Parent, which manages relationships with others. However, individuals often struggle to manage themselves using the Parent function, as it complements the Hero's awareness.

  The Parent archetype represents the nurturing and protective part of ourselves. In Erik Thor's theory, this is known as the Goal Function, giving individuals purpose and direction. The Parent involves responsibility, guidance, and caregiving roles, helping shape structure and stability in life. By internalizing this function, individuals can develop the capacity to support and guide themselves and others in facing life's challenges.

   Personality Manifestation

   The positive emotional sense of supporting others through the Parent function is expressed through rational perspectives:

   - Se (ISxP): Helping others in practical experiences.

   - Si (ESxJ): Teaching others based on known information.

   - Ne (INxP): Showing others alternative possibilities.

   - Ni (ENxJ): Highlighting the fundamental meanings of things.

   - Te (IxTJ): Directing others to organize the environment efficiently.

   - Ti (ExTP): Teaching others based on logical truths.

   - Fe (IxFJ): Instructing others on ethics or group values.

   - Fi (ExFP): Guiding others through personal connections to situations.

 

3. Child (Tertiary) - Hobby Function

   The Child archetype, as the third or tertiary function, starts off weaker and gets tired quickly, like a child playing for a short while before getting bored. Initially, its energy burns brightly but fades fast. People start recognizing the Child aspect in themselves typically between ages 20-35, reflected in midlife adults exploring self-love or trying to appear good and influential.

   The Child archetype represents the innocent and curious side of ourselves. In Erik Thor's theory, this is called the Hobby Function, teaching skills and abilities through exploration and play. The Child brings creativity, joy, and curiosity, encouraging individuals to learn and grow. This positive energy helps people explore personal interests and find enjoyment in activities they love.

  When the exploration from this function increases, human awareness of their potential also grows with their understanding of reality. However, many midlife adults struggle to acknowledge the Child within themselves, often seen by others who notice their weaknesses or efforts to grow. At this stage in life, recognizing the Child archetype often leads individuals to seek partners who can join them in play, exploration, and facing life's challenges, fulfilling their hidden desires.

  Personality Manifestation

   The positive emotional sense of childlike relief through the Child function is expressed through rational perspectives:

   - Se (ENxJ): Seeking guidance from others in practical experiences.

   - Si (INxP): Enjoying nostalgic memories, especially childhood.

   - Ne (ESxJ): Exploring hypothetical alternatives like a child.

   - Ni (ISxP): Delving into fundamental meanings like a child.

   - Te (ExFP): Finding relief in organizing the environment.

   - Ti (IxFJ): Exploring logical frameworks like a child.

   - Fe (ExTP): Connecting with others in a childlike manner.

   - Fi (IxTJ): Achieving inner harmony through personal alignment.

 

4. Anima/Animus (Inferior) - Protector Function

   The fourth function, or inferior, is the Anima/Animus, the weakest natural function needing consistent training. Feeling chaotic in life might indicate a lack of balance, only achieved by using the inferior function. Lack of energy and enthusiasm could also stem from not using Anima/Animus. This function rarely reaches the mastery level of the first three natural functions, remaining a lifelong weak point requiring continuous care, training, and development.

   The Anima/Animus archetype represents the feminine aspect in men (Anima) and the masculine aspect in women (Animus). In Erik Thor's theory, this is called the Protector Function, teaching how to face life's challenges and find balance between opposing elements within us. Integrating this function is essential for achieving internal harmony, aiding individuals in their journey towards psychological and spiritual maturity.

   Often, people are unaware of the motives or drives behind their conscious actions. The inferior function indirectly reveals that what we seek is often unrecognized or hard to understand. Hence, individuals need to acknowledge their responsibilities to achieve complete self-awareness. Recognizing and understanding the Anima/Animus function provides valuable insights into hidden motives and drives, helping achieve greater balance and harmony in life.

   Personality Manifestation

   The potential downsides of feeling emotionally connected with life through the Anima/Animus function are expressed through rational perspectives:

   - Ne (ISxJ): Feeling low in exploring new possibilities.

   - Se (INxJ): Feeling low in practical, real-time experiences.

   - Fe (IxTP): Feeling low in personal relationships and values.

   - Te (IxFP): Feeling low in technical and logical aspects.

   - Ni (ESxP): Feeling stuck in hypothetical thinking.

   - Si (ENxP): Feeling low in maintaining practical actions, like learned routines.

   - Fi (ExTJ): Feeling low in personal loyalty and integrity.

   - Ti (ExFJ): Feeling low in individual technical and logical knowledge.

Above the line are the four functions that we naturally use, which are part of the conscious of our psyche, and below the line are four shadow functions that are in the subconscious of our psyche. Our selves consist of four functions that we use in daily life, while our Larger Selves consist of all eight functions (both conscious and unconscious).

We have previously discussed the four main functions in the human self, including:

* Hero - Dominant: The first dominant function is called our "gift." This is an innate ability that fully develops since birth and is crucial for achieving success in life.

* Parent - Auxiliary: The second function acts as a supporter, usually developing well as we mature. This function helps us nurture and support others.

* Child - Tertiary: The third function is weaker and easily fatigued. Like children who quickly get bored, this function also tends to overcompensate in efforts to appear more mature and equal to the dominant or supporting function.

* Anima/Animus - Inferior: The fourth and weakest function that requires constant training. Lack of balance, energy, and enthusiasm often results from not using this function. This function is rarely used and difficult to master compared to the other three functions, making it a weak point that needs continuous care and development.

Now let's delve deeper into our buried personalities, which are difficult to access to our own consciousness as humans, namely the shadow function - the human personality function.

5. Opposing Personality/Anti-Hero - Inspirational Function

Opposing Personality is the first shadow function that closely related to the part of ourselves that we want but is difficult to achieve. This function often creates a love-hate relationship because even though we want it, we feel frustrated because we cannot fully master it. In the context of human psychological journey, Opposing Personality can be called as Inspirational Function in human subconscious, as explained by Erik Thor in The Hero's Journey. This function teaches humans to trust and accept their own weaknesses as part of the process of learning and personal development.

Manifestation of Unconsciousness

Opposing Personality often emerges unconsciously in our behavior and can vary depending on personality type. Here are some examples of how Opposing Personality can manifest in various personality types:

- ISxJ's Se (Extraverted Sensing): They may think that living in the present moment is an irresponsible act. They desire the ability to live more spontaneously but feel trapped in the structures and routines they create.

- INxJ's Ne (Extraverted Intuition): They tend to think that having many possibilities is absurd. They feel more comfortable with a single clear conclusion from the patterns they see, even though they desire flexibility in seeing many possibilities.

- IxTP's Te (Extraverted Thinking): They may regard agreed-upon logical rules as something foolish and a waste of time. They desire the ability to easily follow external rules but feel more comfortable with their own internal analysis.

- IxFP's Fe (Extraverted Feeling): They may think that agreed-upon ethics do not meet real needs of people and can even negatively influence them. They desire the ability to adapt to social norms but feel more comfortable with their own personal values.

- ESxP's Si (Introverted Sensing): They may regard memorized rules and the like as something foolish and restrictive. They desire structure and stability but feel more comfortable with freedom and spontaneity.

- ENxP's Ni (Introverted Intuition): They may think that taking only one possibility from many is foolish and limiting. They desire accuracy and depth from a clear pattern but feel more comfortable with the emergence of many possibilities.

- ExTJ's Ti (Introverted Thinking): They may regard breaking something down into individually evaluated details as something foolish, inefficient, and time-consuming. They desire the ability to think deeply and analytically but feel more comfortable with quick and efficient logical actions.

- ExFJ's Fi (Introverted Feeling): They may think that adjusting everything to the needs of individual people is too troublesome. They desire the ability to adjust to their internal values but feel more comfortable with broader social harmony.

Inspiration and Learning Functions

Opposing Personality can also be seen as an inspirational function because it encourages us to learn from our weaknesses and understand that imperfection is part of our journey. According to The Hero's Journey concept, this function teaches us to accept that we cannot be everything at once, but we can learn and grow through the challenges we face.

Impact on Personal Development

Understanding and integrating Opposing Personality can help us reduce internal and external conflicts. Instead of seeing these weaknesses as obstacles, we can see them as opportunities for growth. For example, an ISxJ who feels that living in the present is irresponsible might begin to see value in flexibility and spontaneity, thereby becoming more balanced in their approach to life.

6. Senex/Ex-Parent - Utopia Function

Senex, also known as the "Critical Parent," is a shadow function that often appears when our Parent Function is under pressure. This function reflects the negative aspects of ourselves that emerge when we feel stressed or under pressure. In Jungian archetype, Senex is a representation of the rigid and critical authoritarian figure. This is the part of us that feels compelled to uphold rules and order, often in a harsh and inflexible manner.

Manifestation of Unconsciousness

Senex function often appears in the form of authoritarian and critical behavior. When individuals feel stressed or pressured, they tend to exhibit behaviors that reflect a rigid and inflexible authoritarian figure. Here are some ways Senex can manifest in various personality types:

- ISxP's Si (Introverted Sensing): They tend to avoid past memories except to blame, and will be critical if others dwell too much on remembering: "I am an authority on factual data, and you have been stuck in the past for too long. You need to move on [I feel bad about the past, and project it onto you]."

- INxP's Ni (Introverted Intuition): They tend to interpret everything within the framework of the "big picture" where the worst will happen, and blame others around them: "I am an authority on concepts and inferences. What you do aligns (implying, indicating, etc.) with negative patterns I see, and I will oppose it. [I feel these patterns are opposing me, and project it onto you]."

- IxTJ's Ti (Introverted Thinking): They often angrily slam others with "truth" or logical principles: "I am an authority on logical sequences. You are absolutely illogical! [I unconsciously know my logic is not too deep with my external focus, and I project this onto you]."

- IxFJ's Fi (Introverted Feeling): They may angrily slam others with personal or universal ethical truths: "I am an authority on ethics! Your behavior shows a lack of personal integrity. [I feel I don't meet my internal ethical side with my external focus, and I project this onto you]."

- ESxJ's Se (Extraverted Sensing): They are highly critical of how things look, easily finding faults: "I am an authority on real reality (e.g., how something looks). What you made is ugly. [I feel deficient in this area, and project it onto you]."

- ENxJ's Ne (Extraverted Intuition): They may attack people who bombard them with alternative possibilities and meanings, especially if they do not have "authority" to do so: "I am an authority on hypothetical ideas. Your ideas are utterly foolish! [I cannot handle the emergence of possibilities from the environment and project it onto you]."

- ExTP's Te (Extraverted Thinking): They will fight, compete, and rival others in the way everything is arranged: "I am an authority on logic. You are absolutely illogical! [I unconsciously know my logic is not too practical for others with my internal focus, and I project this onto you]."

- ExFP's Fe (Extraverted Feeling): They will authoritatively criticize those they perceive as disrupting social harmony (and eventually disrupt that harmony themselves), referring to the standards applied to themselves: "I am an authority on ethics. Your behavior shows bad social behavior [I oppose external values when it contradicts internal standards, but my conscience bothers me about this, and I project it onto you]."

Senex as the "Utopia Function" in The Hero's Journey

 In the context of Erik Thor's The Hero's Journey, Senex is interpreted as the "Utopia Function". This function reminds us of the significant stakes in life and the crucial roles we play, often without realizing it. Senex teaches us to understand that while we have a role as a Parent figure providing guidance and direction, we also need to recognize the importance of this role and expect recognition or rewards from others. Senex reminds us of the importance of responsibility and recognition in our role as a Parent.

 Impact on Personal Development

 Understanding and integrating the Senex function can help us face and manage stress and pressure better. Instead of being authoritarian and critical, we can learn to balance enforcing rules with showing flexibility. Thus, we can become wiser and more supportive figures, both for ourselves and for those around us.

 7. Trickster/Manipulator - Aggressive Function

 The Trickster always creates chaos. This function can be a source of creativity but also delusion. Think of the jester who once lived in medieval castles: both wicked and clever, grotesque and brilliant. If you behave like a fool or if others appear foolish to you, you are experiencing this seventh function. The Trickster relates to the truly "hypocritical" nature of humans, hiding behind deceit.

 When the Child Function tells us what we want to hear, the Trickster tells us what we don't want to hear! We feel "bound," and then, in a rebellious way, we try to turn the tables by using it to deceive, trap others. In severe trauma, the Self uses this function to try to keep information out of consciousness and binds someone from taking action that might expose the ego to more damaging content.

 Manifestation of the Trickster Function:

ISxP's Ne (Extraverted Intuition): ISxP may feel disturbed by possible ideas that may happen, seeing it as a disturbance from practical reality.

 INxP's Se (Extraverted Sensing): INxP may feel disturbed by the physical reality around them. They may try to manipulate or escape this reality by behaving oddly or foolishly.

 IxTJ's Fe (Extraverted Feeling): IxTJ may be disturbed by social values and may use these values to manipulate or control others, often feeling out of place in social situations.

 IxFJ's Te (Extraverted Thinking): IxFJ may be disturbed by external logic and may make mistakes when trying to apply it. They often struggle with logical processes, causing inappropriate attempts to organize others.

 ESxJ's Ni (Introverted Intuition): ESxJ may be disturbed by unconscious images or inferences and may use this to manipulate others into confirming their worst fears.

 ENxJ's Si (Introverted Sensing): ENxJ may be disturbed by facts that contradict their views and may use this to manipulate others. They may selectively remember past details to support their agenda in misleading ways.

 ExTP's Fi (Introverted Feeling): ExTP may be disturbed by a focus on personal values and may use this to manipulate or challenge others, often causing moral conflicts.

 ExFP's Ti (Introverted Thinking): ExFP may be disturbed by varying logical principles and may use this to manipulate others or behave strangely. They often use logical arguments to meet their needs, causing inconsistent or strange reasoning.

Trickster in The Hero's Journey

 In Erik Thor's The Hero's Journey context, the Trickster is known as the "Aggressive Function". This function reminds us of the risks and dangers associated with our Child nature. According to Carl Jung, the Child nature is vulnerable and weak to learn new things, because within the Child there is a Trickster/Aggressive who manifests a vigilant or cautious nature. Trickster does this by deceiving or camouflaging actions so that they appear as evil thoughts.

 Impact on Personal Development

 Understanding and integrating the Trickster function can help us recognize risks and dangers that we may not want to acknowledge. By confronting and managing the delusional and chaotic aspects of ourselves, we can develop better vigilance and take wiser steps in our lives. Trickster also teaches us not to always trust what appears on the surface and to dig deeper to understand true motivations and intentions.

 8. Demon - Control Function

 Demon is the eighth function in Jungian personality theory, often considered a source of total chaos within us. This function is extremely evil and can drastically change our perspective. Remember what the Devil did in mythology: he opened human eyes to see what is good and what is bad, but also caused humans to be expelled from Heaven. The same applies to our nightmares: they scare us, but also teach us important lessons if we are willing to learn from them.

 Manifestation in the Unconscious

 The Demon function emerges when we face extreme pressure or highly challenging situations. It is a manifestation of our most hidden dark side, which often appears in the form of nightmares or highly disturbing thoughts. Here are some ways how Demon can manifest in various personality types:

 How this might play out in our subconscious:

 - ISxJ's Ni (Introverted Intuition): Seeing hypothetical frameworks as insane, yet using them under excessive pressure ("terrifying predictions with detailed certainty"): "Your abstract dream world makes me feel completely lost [so I project this onto you], so I will use negative inferences to make you feel threatened."

 - INxJ's Si (Introverted Sensing): When under extreme stress, they may waste time recounting the impacts of the past: "You're trying to destroy me with my past, [I feel threatened by the facts stored (which I see as irrelevant as they are) used against me, and I project this onto you], so I will use your past to destroy you!"

 - IxTP's Fi (Introverted Feeling): They might become intensely jealous and resentful of those who appear morally content, and want to overthrow and expose them. They appear as evil hypocrites wearing the mask of a "good person". They then appear as very correct themselves in attempting to defeat this envy object. Also, destroying themselves in spending time and energy very involved in the private cause "important" against this object: "You are trying to destroy my humanity to the core (internal), so I will use morality to destroy you."

 - IxFP's Ti (Introverted Thinking): Cold and evil logical analysis, used to destroy others' analysis. They may truly feel tied by logic, and want to delete it from the world: "I am the main internal logic (and very stressed by this), so I will destroy you with logic or destroy the logical order itself."

 - ESxP's Ne (Extroverted Intuition): The conceptualization of emergence makes them feel bound, and they may try to destroy the abstract patterns they see: "I can't handle the possibilities that arise from the environment [so I project this onto you], so I will try to destroy all these double ideas and possibilities!"

 - ENxP's Se (Extroverted Sensing): When under extreme stress, they may face isolated details in a messy way, even destroying them: "I can't handle concrete details [so I project this onto you], so I will try to destroy these concrete facts!"

 - ExTJ's Fe (Extroverted Feeling): Others are socially damaging and unappreciated, so they may use emotional manipulation and evil harmony: "I can't handle the social values bound [so I project this onto you], so I will try to destroy these social values!"

 - ExFJ's Te (Extroverted Thinking): The disorder of others drives them mad; quickly fix everything or destroy it altogether: "I can't handle external logical order [so I project this onto you], so I will try to destroy this logical order!"

 Demon in The Hero's Journey

 In Erik Thor's The Hero's Journey context, Demon is known as the "Control Function". This function, though called "demon" within us, is a manifestation that must be controlled. When we are able to control this function, it can become an "autopilot" that automatically leads us to actions filled with wisdom.

 Impact on Personal Development

Understanding and integrating the Demon function is a great challenge, but it also offers deep transformational potential. This function teaches us to confront our greatest fears and our darkest sides. By facing it, we can gain profound insights into ourselves and develop greater wisdom. The Demon function also demands that we control negative impulses and turn them into positive strengths in our lives.

 Brief Conclusion

 Conscious Functions:

1. Hero - Flow Function:

   This function provides us with complete and full awareness, and forms the core of our identity. It is our greatest source of strength, allowing us to be in a state of "flow" where we feel most alive and effective. In Erik Thor's terms, the Flow Function helps us achieve peak performance and alignment with ourselves.

2. Parent - Goal Function:

   This function gives us purpose and direction in life. It is the aspect of ourselves that drives us to teach, guide, and support others. As the Goal Function, it helps us set and achieve goals, inspiring others to do the same.

3. Child - Hobby Function:

   This function teaches us skills and allows us to explore the world in a fun and spontaneous way. It's the part of ourselves that enjoys creative activities and recreation, helping us maintain balance by engaging our childish side.

4. Anima/Animus - Protector Function:

   This function teaches us about the challenges we face in life and protects us from unseen threats. As the Protector Function, it helps us overcome weaknesses and face our deepest fears, enabling us to grow stronger.

Shadow Functions:

5. Opposing Personality - Inspirational Function:

   This function represents everything we always desire but find difficult to attain. It teaches us to embrace our weaknesses and use them as a source of inspiration. In Erik Thor's terms, the Inspirational Function helps us see hidden potential behind our limitations.

6. Senex - Utopia Function:

    This function reminds us of the most important aspects of our goals. When our Parent Function is stressed, Senex or the Utopia Function emerges as a reminder of core values and the consequences of our actions. It helps us stay focused on what truly matters.

7. Trickster - Aggressive Function:

   This function helps us manage danger and risk in creative yet often delusional ways. As the Aggressive Function, Trickster teaches us to be vigilant against threats and to use cunning to confront them. It challenges us to see reality in unconventional ways.

8. Demon - Control Function:

   This function serves as a source of wisdom and collective experience, often appearing in chaotic and fearful forms. As the Control Function, Demon teaches us to control and integrate our dark sides, enabling us to achieve greater balance and wisdom in life.

Integration and Personal Growth:

 Integrating all these functions, both conscious and shadow, is key to personal growth and balance. Conscious functions help us build strength and identity, while shadow functions challenge us to confront our dark sides and weaknesses. By understanding and working with all these functions, we can achieve our full potential and become wiser, more self-aware individuals. These functions complement each other and help us live more meaningful and effective lives.