Masculine archetypes are symbolic representations of various aspects of the masculine psyche and collective unconscious. These archetypes provide a framework for understanding and exploring different facets of masculinity, spirituality, and personal growth.
When remembering the frame work we have already laid out concerning the core of the masculine energy, these archetypes make a lot more sense and makes one realize that they are all holding the same thing, just in very different ways. The masculine energy is the structure. They bring structure and resounding feeling of being at harmony when someone is walking in it fully. Let’s delve into a few descriptions of some prominent masculine archetypes:
If you haven’t read my first blog on this, I highly recommend it. https://elizabetheternal.com/the-masculine-energy/
And if you so feel the desire, as the next few posts will be about the feminine archetypes and the way these two energies depend on each other, you may want to check out my post on the feminine energy https://elizabetheternal.com/the-feminine-energy/
The king
The King archetype represents leadership, authority, and the ability to provide guidance and structure. He symbolizes the mature and responsible aspect of masculinity. The King archetype encourages us to take ownership of our lives, honor our responsibilities, and lead with integrity. He reminds us to cultivate a sense of purpose and create a positive impact in our communities and relationships.
This is often what we associate with true masculinity, in the way we view the mother or the maiden as the true feminine. In real human experience this is the guy that gets up at the same time every day and crushes every bit of there day. This is the guy that holds to many responsibility for the average person and he holds them as though they are nothing. This is the guy who works hard and plays much harder when the time is right to do so. However, only when the time is right, otherwise, they are entirely present and in control. a natural leader without the desire to be recognized as such. In fact I would wager a bet he does not even see it that way.
The Warrior
The Warrior archetype embodies strength, courage, and a fierce determination to protect and defend. He symbolizes the ability to face challenges, overcome adversity, and fight for what is right. The Warrior archetype encourages us to tap into our inner strength, stand up for our values, and protect those who are vulnerable. He reminds us to embrace discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of justice.
This archetype is easy to get confused with the King, but they are indeed very different. Though many hold these two archetypes interchangeably. Often time we refer to these men as possessive and over protective. It can easily become domineering and controlling if they don’t have a firm respect for the feminine energy. They are seen as being the protective entry of any group, usually on guard and keeping their wits about them is very important. Someone operating in this energy does not play as hard as the king. Nothing is worth being unable to control a situation if it is needed. This is another one of the archetypes that are the most closely associated in modern thought as masculine.
The Lover
The Lover archetype represents passion, sensuality, and emotional depth. He symbolizes the ability to connect deeply with others and experience profound love and intimacy. The Lover archetype encourages us to cultivate emotional intelligence, nurture intimate relationships, and embrace the beauty of life. He reminds us to seek pleasure, express love openly, and connect with our hearts.
What is amazing to me, is that when I see this archetype in real life, it is often associated with a more feminine man. Someone who has lost touch with what makes him a man. This could not be further from the truth. The idea of what is ‘manly’ is leftover bullshit from a time period in which our way of life was consistently compromised and the kings and warriors were well within their element. There is something to be said for quiet strength and fortitude. This is the guy who loves his girl so recklessly and fully that nothing else in his world seems to matter. He is the pillar of an involved father, who invests in the emotional well being of his children. Unsurprisingly so, this archetype is highly sought after by the feminine. It’s the source on many books, and movies, and other content that makes women swoon. And yet, looked down upon by other men. What a hard energy to operate in. But when done well, with amazing unbridled confidence, is really something amazing to behold.
The Sage
The Sage archetype embodies wisdom, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth. He symbolizes the intellectual and introspective aspect of masculinity. The Sage archetype encourages us to seek knowledge, expand our understanding of the world, and cultivate inner wisdom. He reminds us to embrace lifelong learning, engage in self-reflection, and share our wisdom with others.
What I find to be unbelievably amazing about this archetype, is that I have personally not seen his particular energy stand alone. It makes me wonder if the archetype is associated heavily with the hermit. Which for those of you who don’t know, is a card in the tarot deck; known for being a lonely wonderer. We see these archetypes in books all the time, and even in movies, and yet the real life Sage seems to be an illusive creature. I have seen in so clearly in people who have another archetype that they operate in far more. Those who have a ‘prophetic’ nature.
Maybe scholars and professors that gave themselves over to their craft entirely. I just have not personally come across someone who primarily operates in this. Though I would love to! The curious nature of me craves a good long conversation with them.
The Magician
The Magician archetype represents transformation, creativity, and the ability to manifest our desires. He symbolizes the power of the mind and the capacity to tap into unseen forces. The Magician archetype encourages us to harness our creative potential, cultivate our intuition, and shape our reality. He reminds us to embrace our ability to create positive change and manifest our dreams.
The Charismatic prophet. Must I say more? No, but I certainly will. Unchecked, this archetype seems to get lost in the spiritual realm easily. Looses touch with reality and the day to day happenings of a ‘normal’ person. Often times needing the feminine energy more than the other archetypes. It provides a sense of grounding and assurance. Yet they really are something to behold. They are the guy that always seems to know what you’re thinking before you do. The guy you can sit for hours with a talk about the most random of things, and he always seems to have some sort of deep insight on it, even if its a concept he has never fully thought about before. Its as if the creative nature of this man paints a picture in his head about every day mundane things, and often that comes out in some sort of them in the form of some sort of creative career.
So…
These descriptions provide a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of masculine archetypes. Each archetype encompasses a range of qualities and characteristics, and exploring them can deepen our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and our spiritual growth. By embracing and integrating these archetypal energies, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and spiritual expansion.
You can operate heavily in one as your primary archetype, but also hold one or two others. Some embody a part of all of them. Because at the end of the day, the energy is exactly the same, the expression of that energy has just changed. Not the true underlying energy of the man or masculine energy carrying individual.
If you wanna dive a little deeper, there are some other place that this information is given with a bit more depth that are worth check out
