Creating your Archetypes

Every season we will explore different archetypal qualities corresponding to the Five Elements in nature and to the Four Phases of the Moon. If these archetypes speak to you, then why not bring them to life for yourself? Maybe you want to use names that resonate more strongly with you or change some of the qualities assigned to them in our sessions. The intention behind this exercise is to help you connect with the fundamental energy of each Lunar phase and, for those still bleeding, your monthly cycles, allowing you to embrace these archetypes as supportive allies in your everyday journeys.

Materials

Choose the materials you want to work with: pencils, paints (including menstrual blood), clay or a collage made from magazine cutouts. You have the option to make audio recordings or video clips. You can also create a choreography that brings your Archetype to life or dedicate a chapter to her in your Life Story, if you are writing one. While each archetype you create over the next year may prefer different mediums, I recommend that you choose one medium for the entire series. This way, at the conclusion of our program, you can see how the energy of each archetype alters the identical materials.

Visualization

Concentrate on the archetype and answer the following questions instinctively, without second-guessing yourself. There are no right or wrong answers, this is your interpretation. Consider writing down your ideas if it helps.

• What colors do you associate with this archetype?
• What natural forms?
• What objects?
• What physical posture?
• What energy levels?
• What symbols?
• Where does she live?
• Who does she live with?
• How does she wear her hair?
• What clothes does she wear?
• How does she move?
• If she is a shape shifter, what animal or plant can she transform into?
• What weather pattern would best represent her?

Archetypes by season

Each season I will invite you to come back to this page to give form to the Archetype Within. You can follow this link for an overview of each Elemental Archetype.

Spring Season

The Maiden, representing the Pre-Ovulation Phase and the Waxing Moon.

Summer Season

The Creatrix, representing the Ovulation Phase and the Full Moon.

Late Summer

The Mother, representing Fecundity and the Full Moon.

Autumn Season

The Alchemist, representing alchemical transformation and The Wild Woman, representing the Luteal Phase and the Waning Moon.

Have fun!

Yamin