Working with archetypes involves recognising their empowered, distorted and shadow dynamics. The shadow of an archetype represents the parts of that archetypal energy that remain unrecognised. The shadow is an aspect we haven’t yet integrated or accepted within ourselves. These can include both what we consider to be “dark” traits, like manipulation, aggression, or fear, and surprisingly, even “light” traits like power, confidence, or creativity, that we deny, often due to fear, conditioning, or self-doubt.

Whether light or dark, our shadow aspects are often projected onto others, denied within ourselves, or rejected outright. For example, someone who represses their inner Warrior archetype may see others as overly aggressive or controlling, while failing to acknowledge their own discomfort with healthy assertiveness. Similarly, a person who disowns their Healer archetype may downplay their gifts or avoid situations where they could bring comfort or insight.

Working with the shadow of an archetype invites us to bring the unrecognised workings of our inner life into our awareness. This allows us to reclaim disowned qualities, release projections, and move toward greater wholeness. It’s not about eliminating the shadow. It’s about understanding and integrating it as part of the path to transformative and authentic Self-expression.

When exploring these patterns, whether in ourselves, our communities, or society, it’s helpful to look at how archetypes show up in both their empowered and distorted forms. Recognising these archetypes allows us to transform our fears, pain, or rigid identity into self-awareness, personal responsibility, and growth.

You will notice the shadow of an archetype is at play when you find yourself asking, “Was that really me?” Here are three examples each of empowered and distorted moments that might prompt this question, and how these moments, good or bad, can be opportunities for archetypal reflection, self-awareness and personal growth. Following on from this you will find five archetypal reflections to use as journal prompts.

3 Empowered Ways

1. You stood up for yourself confidently in a situation where you’d normally stay quiet. The Empowered Warrior showed up—assertive, protective, clear.
2. You offered comfort or wisdom that deeply helped someone, even though you felt unsure. The Healer or Sage emerged—intuitive, compassionate, grounded.
3. You led a group or took initiative in a way that surprised even you. The Leader or Ruler archetype stepped forward—organised, decisive, empowering.

3 Distorted Ways 

1. You lashed out or acted passive-aggressively in a moment of frustration. The Warrior or Saboteur was active—reactive, defensive, undermining.
2. You overextended yourself to “help” someone but ended up feeling resentful. The Caregiver or Martyr emerged—self-sacrificing, boundary-less.
3. You shrunk back or avoided a challenge, even though part of you wanted to act. The Victim or Wounded Child was in charge—fearful, overwhelmed, needing rescue.

Journal Prompts

For those moments when you catch yourself wondering, “Was that really me?” in either an empowered way or a distorted way, take some time to reflect on the following: 

1. Which archetype was active in me when it happened? 
2. How was it expressing its shadow: Was it through its empowered or distorted form?
3. What unmet need or inner wound might be driving this?
4. What was the archetype trying to encourage, express, support, protect, control, or avoid?
5. If the archetype was expressing itself through its distorted form then ask: How can I invite the empowered version of this archetype in me to come forward?

Reflecting on archetypes in this way helps shift us out of reactivity and into transformation. The goal isn’t judgment, but loving kindness, archetypal integration and conscious evolution. The key is to pause and ask the archetype. 

This reflective habit is at the heart of Body Soul Spirit Archetype Work.
The aim is to generate self-awareness, personal growth and spiritual development.

Gail Goodwin 2025