I have talked in another article about the importance of integrating the four archetypes of King, Warrior, Lover, Wizard in our lives if we want to become full human beings.
The article focuses on what can go wrong if the most powerful archetype, the King, is neglected and the King of Shadows emerges. This article is based on the work of Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette.
There are two kings of the shadow: the tyrant and the weakling.
We’ve all heard that “oh, his male ego has been hurt” expression. This eludes the Ego trying to overcome the power of the archetypal King and take the throne for himself. This will lead to the inevitable downfall of tyrants and we see it often in art, politics, and business.
The tyrant thinks he knows everything and doesn’t listen to anyone else. In the end, he is overthrown or simply ignored. This will come at a terrible price not only for the person in question, but sometimes, in the case of great dictators, entire countries suffer.
The tyrant has no conception of service to those under his care, so his downfall is inevitable. He has never “followed his beatitude” and therefore cannot bear to see anyone else follow theirs.
We need to be affirmed for who we are as children, but eventually we let go and establish our own identity. After this comes true humility where we declare our allegiance to the archetypal King and Queen and are able to serve the world.
Are you in that place now or do you still have work to do?
The opposite pole of the Tyrant is the Weak. This is the grumpy, listless man. He would rather go and sulk in the corner than stand up for what he believes in. You can go and lie on a Bali beach for years, thinking you’re being really cool, but you don’t really have a clue what your life is about. Although it is not as destructive as the tyrant, it does not serve the world because it gives nothing.
However, put pressure on a weakling and he will jump to the opposite pole of the Tyrant yelling insults to everyone around him. The weakling and the tyrant can be very close friends.
If you are not in touch with your King archetype, look to those around you, as a negated archetype is always projected onto someone else. So who dominates you? You will find that I am sure you blame them for everything that is not right in your life. Regain your power and return the King to the throne.
For more information, see The inner king by Robert Moor and Douglas Gillette.
