Playing with the Archetypes, Overseers to Inspiration
It was one of those days
where I became acutely aware of my multi-archetypal “overseers” or the whole
inner family. There was the grooming teenager taking care of my exterior in
front of the mirror while the curious philosopher listened intently to a
program on NPR. There was the caretaker/mother making sure the house and
critters were attended to before resuming my writing project. There was the
adult child who escorted me to the gym and pushed me triumphantly through the
challenging spin class. Finally, there was the little child who found great joy
in getting me into the pool for a fun and refreshing swim. The Valley Girl reemerged
to lie blissfully in the sun before the knowing parent encouraged her back
inside to protect her from solar radiation. While still indulging the teenage
sun worshipper, a spontaneous call to the muse of humor arose. Suddenly I wanted
to burst out into raucous silliness and spread mirth across the land. It was an
invitation for the fool, comedian or divine wise guy to make his offerings to my
writer.
I believe these colorful
spirits or personae have been my traveling companions since the beginning of
time. They are a part of all our psyches, though they appear in different
guises. However, they are mostly ignored until a provocative behavior or some event
calls them to emerge from the depths, sometimes quite dramatically. I was lucky
that today’s lineup was more muse-like and appeared on my day of leisure while
feeling relaxed and creative.
Giving rise to this lively
cast of characters made me aware that I am so much more than I think I am. While
in the shower, washing away the residue of chlorine and Coppertone, I—little
solo me—became very curious about this “I” who runs the Linda show. Who/what is
that? Ego or a conditioned form of it? I became aware of a greater sense of I
or Self. This greater Self felt like an objective witness/watcher, a beloved
friend who was overseeing the whole show and my inner family members. However,
as soon as the judge steps in, out pops one of the lesser characters. Oh, is my
body too flabby?—Insecure teenager or worried adult. I’m glad I’m feeling
strong from my workouts—Positive coach/parent. I probably could have worked
harder—Negative coach/parent. I’m going to water the plants and fill the
birdbaths—Caretaker or responsible adult. Now I’m going to play with words.
Enthusiastic child/artist.
As momentary awareness
connects me to my beloved watcher/knower, I see that she is yet another
archetype but one of a higher order. Might this be one of the Major Arcana in
the Tarot deck? It could be the Priestess, non-judgmentally and lovingly
overseeing my life and offering her proverbial wisdom and guidance. Also up
there at the top of the Arcana is the Fool-Child and the Magician, perfect escorts
for the Priestess to enhance my joyfulness and creativity.
What a wonderful day it has
been reconnecting with my lesser and greater archetypal troupe. They connect me
to my past, present and future and make me ever more aware of all that I am. I
am intrigued to find myself as a player on the great mandala of life, intimately
connected and tuned in to a rich storehouse of symbols. I am particularly
pleased that the ancient archetypes and oracles of the Tarot would offer such
lovely and timeless spirits as personal overseers. They are only a thought away
and love to be remembered and of service.
The Priestess
In your watery receptivity, you are the reflecting
pool —
A mirror to others. You are a counselor, a wise owl.
Like the dolphin, you tune in to others through
vibrations.
—From James Wanless’ “Voyager
Tarot”
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