G is for: Goddess and Gambler, Gentleman and Gardener… and Growing!
And growing is what knowing our individual cluster of archetypes helps us do. We grow boldly into living “what is true about us and what has always been true,” as Caroline Myss writes in her new book, Archetypes. We wake up to our purpose here and give up taking that for granted. As a result, we let the games begin — the ones that bring greater joy, peace, connection, and fun. Sound good? Let’s go!
Goddess: If you share the Goddess archetype, you are rooted in the archetype families Rebel and Fashionista. You relate to Gloria Steinem’s words “God may be in the details, but the goddess is in the questions.”
You are a living question: How do I change convention and, by example, guide other women to do the same for themselves? Fashion flows from you and follows you, whether you’re in a ball gown or blue jeans. You may be a specific type of goddess: domestic, beauty, even a rock goddess like Rihanna. But oh, my goddess, your power is the Feminine.
Gentleman: First and foremost, the Gentleman archetype is part of the Fashionista family. They are styled, smell good, look good, and are considered ladies’ men. The difference between the Gentleman and the Rebel is that the first brings you roses — the other brings attitude. As King James said, “I can make a lord, but only God can make a Gentleman.” That may give you an idea how far back this archetype dates.
Gambler: Your roots are the Rebel and Visionary families. As part Rebel, you are looking to challenge the system. You like to bet against the odds. Sometimes you make it big; sometimes you make big trouble. Ultimately you can end up gambling against yourself, whether it’s with the toss of the dice or the trade of a stock. The Visionary in you knows all of life is a gamble. Your power is not in being reckless but in expressing relentless enthusiasm for bringing your vision of the future. Gamblers aren’t always who you think they are. Think of the great artist Claude Monet, who would not have been able to paint a single masterpiece if he hadn’t played the lottery until he won the loot to buy paints and a canvas!
Gardener: Your archetypal families are Caregiver and Advocate. Your connection and cause is the seed and the soil. The garden is your grace. It’s where you feel most relaxed, where you do your best thinking, practice your highest patience, and wear out your floppiest sun hats.
And then, in its time, come the visible signs of growth: the new flower, the new day, and all new possibilities. Let the games begin!
With grace and gratitude,
Cristina
Cristina Carlino is the founder of Archetypes, Inc. Each week she will reveal a new letter of the Alphabet of Archetypes. Stop back often to discover aspects of yourself you didn’t know existed.
