Archetypal Intelligence is humanity’s original AI. Since humans first walked the earth, we have been mentally “downloading and uploading” archetypal information. Everyone is still at it. You’re either doing it consciously, subconsciously or unconsciously.

Archetypal Intelligence is a term I’ve coined to describe the ability to perceive, decode and utilise archetypal information to identify the hidden potential in people and organisations.

Utilising archetypal information includes recognising a suite of 70+ archetypes and their various manifestations within in a range of contexts, analysing their impact on human behaviours, and prioritising a growth mindset for lifelong learning.

How does it work? Archetypes are universally understood patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. Mother. Hero. Warrior. Rescuer. Teacher. Healer. You get the idea with each one. You recognise the story in the archetype.

You mother everyone. You speak like a teacher. You’re always rescuing others.

Your personal archetypal patterns form your habits.

“Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny.”

Gandhi

Archetypes can be used to represent the multidimensional aspects of your character.

One archetype system proposes that everyone shares the same 12 archetypes for life. Another system suggests that you have 4 shared archetypes plus 8 individual archetypes, again for life. But. There is another way.

360° Self-author Archetypes

My 360° Self-author Archetype system opens up your mind to consider that you are not stuck with the same 12 archetypes for life. The scope of individual human life, and humanity itself, is not that narrow. You are free to “download and upload” your choice of archetypal information, as required, to grow in self-knowledge and expand your Archetypal Intelligence.

You are allowed to play with any archetype you wish.

As a collection, archetypes are like a box of magical dress-ups. Each archetype has a hat. Shoes. A coat. Each one has an entire outfit. The Alchemist archetype does not think, feel and act like the Warrior archetype. The Judge archetype does not think, feel and act like the Child archetype. The Vampire archetype does not think, feel and act like the Liberator archetype. The stories are not the same. Each plot, role and script is different.

You are meant to experiment with them. Test them out. Try them on for size. Check the fit. Is it right for the present moment?

Playing with the magic of archetypes is a way to keep learning more about yourself and others. You can embody the higher potential attributes of any archetype to assist you if you want to change your thoughts, emotions, behaviours, habits, and your stories.

I’ve been collaborating with archetypes since 1996 and I’m still unearthing their potential. There is not much you can’t do with archetypes.