I do love working with shadows and seeing where we are hiding our selves and dimming our light without realising it. We all have parts of ourselves that we keep hidden—old wounds, fears, and patterns that shape our behaviors without us even realizing it. These are known as our shadows, and working with them can be a powerful path to healing and self-awareness. One of the best ways to explore our shadows is through archetypes—universal symbols or patterns that reveal different aspects of our inner world.
Shadow work isn’t about judging these parts of ourselves; it’s about understanding and integrating them with love and compassion. Here are some common shadow archetypes and how they may show up in your life, along with their light-side counterparts:
1. The Saboteur → The Magician
The Saboteur appears when we subconsciously undermine our own success. Whether it’s procrastination, self-doubt, or making choices that keep us stuck, this archetype reflects the part of us that fears change. When you recognize your Saboteur, ask yourself: What am I afraid of losing if I succeed?
Light Side – The Magician: The Magician is the part of us that embraces transformation, manifesting our dreams with wisdom and trust. When we step into this energy, we recognize our inner power and take aligned action toward our goals.
2. The Victim → The Sovereign
The Victim archetype emerges when we feel powerless, blaming external circumstances for our struggles. While it’s important to honor our pain, staying in a victim mindset can keep us from reclaiming our strength. Instead of asking, Why is this happening to me? try shifting to What is this teaching me?
Light Side – The Sovereign: The Sovereign embodies self-leadership and empowerment. Instead of giving power away, we step into responsibility for our own lives, making decisions from a place of confidence and wisdom.
3. The People-Pleaser → The Lover
This archetype keeps us seeking validation and approval from others, often at the cost of our own needs. If you find it hard to say no or constantly put others first, your People-Pleaser may be in control. The key to healing this pattern is recognizing that your worth isn’t tied to how much you do for others.
Light Side – The Lover: The Lover embraces authentic connection, self-worth, and emotional openness. When we embody this energy, we give from a place of fullness rather than depletion and value relationships that honor mutual respect and care.
4. The Perfectionist → The Creator
The Perfectionist strives for flawlessness, setting impossibly high standards that lead to stress and self-criticism. This archetype often masks a deep fear of failure or rejection. Instead of pushing yourself to be perfect, try embracing the idea that growth comes from imperfection.
Light Side – The Creator: The Creator finds joy in the process rather than obsessing over results. This archetype embraces experimentation, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection, allowing ideas and dreams to flow naturally.
5. The Shadow Warrior → The Warrior
This archetype is the part of us that operates from a place of defensiveness, anger, or aggression when we feel threatened. While the Warrior can be a powerful protector, it can also lead to unnecessary conflict or control. Healing comes when we learn to channel this energy into strength, resilience, and healthy boundaries.
Light Side – The Warrior: The Warrior in its highest form is a force of courage, integrity, and discipline. Instead of reacting from fear, this archetype takes intentional action, standing up for what matters while maintaining inner peace.
6. The Hermit → The Sage
The Hermit withdraws from the world, seeking isolation as a way to avoid emotional pain or vulnerability. While solitude can be healing, this archetype can also lead to disconnection. Balance is found when we learn to re-engage with the world while still honoring our need for rest and introspection.
Light Side – The Sage: The Sage seeks wisdom and inner truth while staying connected to the world. This archetype understands the importance of both solitude and shared knowledge, offering guidance with clarity and compassion.
Embracing Your Shadows with Love
Shadow work isn’t about fixing ourselves—it’s about embracing every part of who we are. These archetypes offer a mirror to understand our inner world with more kindness and awareness. When we meet our shadows with love, they become guides rather than obstacles.
By integrating both the shadow and light aspects of these archetypes, we cultivate wholeness and deeper self-acceptance. Take time to reflect, journal, and explore them with curiosity—you may be surprised by what you discover. ✨