Carolyn Myss, a renowned author and speaker in the fields of human consciousness, spirituality, and mysticism, health, energy medicine, and the science of medical intuition, has significantly contributed to the understanding of archetypes in modern psychology and spirituality. Her work, particularly in the book "Sacred Contracts," delves into how archetypes play a crucial role in our lives, shaping our personalities, behaviors, and life paths.
Archetypes, according to Myss, are universal, mythic characters within our collective unconscious – a concept first introduced by psychiatrist Carl Jung. They represent fundamental human motifs of our experience as we evolve, and they evoke deep emotions. In "Sacred Contracts," Myss expands upon this idea by suggesting that each individual has a unique set of twelve primary archetypes that correspond to the zodiac. These archetypes form a part of what she calls the "sacred contract" – an agreement the soul makes before birth to learn certain lessons and develop along certain lines.
Myss's approach encourages individuals to identify their own archetypes and understand the dynamics these energies play in their lives. By doing so, she believes we can gain insight into our personal patterns, make more conscious choices, and fulfill our potential. This process involves introspection and often requires an examination of one's biography to see how these archetypal patterns have manifested over time. Understanding our archetypal makeup, according to Myss, can lead to a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, allowing us to live a more meaningful and purposeful life.
Today I want to share one arquetype that inspire me:
The Liberator
Carolyn Myss says:
"The Personal Liberator is the archetype identified in our pursuit of personal empowerment. Personal empowerment is part of the quest for self-liberation.
In this era of self-empowerment, we need to understand the difference between the search for self-empowerment and the quest to self-liberate. While one stage of personal empowerment is the capacity to manage the chaos of the outside world, the more challenging work is liberating yourself from interior patterns and voices that have authority over you.
I will leave you thinking about personal liberation, the freedom to see people in their beauty, and the freedom to see the world the way you want. Nothing on the outside can control your capacity to liberate yourself because you control that on the inside. That’s the real power, the power of you."
We tend to think of Liberators as great military and political leaders who free an entire country or people from servitude, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Simon Bolivar of Venezuela, Nelson Mandela, and, depending on your politics, Lenin, Castro, and Che Guevara.
But in everyday life, any number of people can play a similar role on a smaller scale, helping to liberate us from the tyranny of self-inflicted negative thought patterns and beliefs, spiritual sluggishness, poor nutrition, destructive relationships, or addictive behavior.
The Liberator archetype can be an invaluable ally in helping to free us from old, entrenched beliefs and attitudes that have been inculcated from without, much like colonial occupying armies. Jesus, Muhammad, and the Buddha were Liberators in this sense, offering options to the violence, suffering, and spiritual stagnation of their respective times and places. You do not have to be a charismatic leader to have this archetype.
Thousands of people have taken part in long campaigns to win freedom from various kinds of oppression, from the Freedom Riders of the Civil Rights movement in this country to the Freedom Fighters of the Hungarian Revolution.
The shadow Liberator manifests in those who would liberate us from one tyrant only to impose their own tyranny over our lives – corporate, political, religious, and spiritual leaders who speak of freedom as a way to their individual aggrandizement.
In evaluating whether this archetype belongs in your circle of twelve, ask whether you have shown a life-long pattern of helping to free others from injustices, from adverse economic or social conditions, or simply from their misconceptions.
FILMS—Anthony Quinn in Zorba the Greek; Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame; Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc; Tom Selleck in In and Out.
FICTION—Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
FAIRY TALES—Belling the Cat.
RELIGION/MYTH—Dionysus and Eros (both bore other names meaning “the liberator”)
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela
Mar 9th, 2011 by Jennie Malone
The Liberator
You do not see walls
Only open windows
Nor dead, barren fields
Only that which grows.
You do not see mountains
Only death-defying passes
Nor a man with no sight
Only he who needs glasses.
You do not see “impossible”
Only “I’ll show you the way”
Nor the struggles of tomorrow
Just the joy of today.
You do not see grief
In the dearly departed
Just promise of the future
In the journey they have started.
You do not tolerate defeat
Nor the idea of giving up
Never the weary old dog
Just the exuberant young pup.
You shatter the myth
That fear is an option
That suffering is mandatory
That joy demands caution.
You liberate us from chains
The heavy ropes that make us bleed
You show us the winter garden
That with hope there is seed.
You liberate our hearts
From our sad and jaded ways
To appreciate the moment
Now and all our days.
You show us fear is the enemy
The result of toxic old habits
That we have to break the cycle
And stop being addicts.
We thank you, great Lord
For showing us the path
We embrace courage and joy
No longer victims of wrath.
We see Your mighty sword
We embrace Your clear sight
We take up Your journey
For joy, we will fight.
We will fight our own demons
We will slay them at last
To show us the way
You have been cast.
The path to liberating our souls to the light is as unique as each individual who walks it. It requires courage to confront the shadows, patience to weather the storms, and an unwavering faith in the journey itself. Yet, the promise of reaching a place of profound understanding and universal love is a beacon that draws us forward. In the end, to liberate our souls to the light is to realize our true potential, to live authentically and freely, and to shine brightly in a world that so desperately needs the illumination of awakened hearts.
With Gratitude,
Gabriela Ana
Holistic Health Coach
Gabriela Ana is a holistic health coach focused on empowering women worldwide. She emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection for overall well-being through personalized plans including healthy habits, exercise, stress management, and holistic practices. Gabriela aims to support women in feeling their best and living fully, offering compassionate guidance throughout.
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