Elemental Archetypes

Archetypes (the Council Suit in SoulCollage®) are those energies within us that represent universal patterns or themes.  The 5 Chinese elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal) that are the basis for Chinese medicine and Feng Shui include archetypal characteristics when applied to our personalities.

Water

Water is fluid and so are the personalities of those with water as their dominant element.  Strength and adaptability is evident by the ability to move in and around obstacles and to ultimately wear those obstacles down. While some people resist change, these SHAPESHIFTERS embrace it.  They do best (in jobs and otherwise) when they are continually learning something new and have the opportunity to change the way things are done.  They are very willing to adapt their methods/ideas when they receive new information.  As THINKERS they want to understand the essence of ideas—to find the truth, meaning and significance of what is going on around them.  They are curious; when their curiosity is satisfied, they are ready to move on to the next interest.  Because they like change, trying on new things, and may not finish what they start, they may appear flighty or unreliable to others.  Water personalities are happiest when they are in their imagination and when they are able to use their creativity.  These ARTISTS often find that their purpose is to create.

Wood

Wood is often personified by the HERO, the EXPLORER, and/or the WARRIOR. The wood dominant person is adventurous, independent, and a pioneer of innovation.  Wood personalities are active competitors and love to prove their point. As opposed to meandering water, wood people like to travel in a straight line and pick up speed.  Wood people like to be recognized and admired.  They stay focused on their goal(s).   They passionately like to set things right and can use their voice to speak out against what they perceive as unfairness. Their passion often can be interpreted as anger by others.

Fire

Fire is a catalytic energy that can transform the mundane into the magical. The charismatic MAGICIAN that exemplifies those with fire as their dominant element is generally more community minded than the two prior elemental types.  These MAGICAL CHILDREN are fun, a bit theatrical, compassionate, and consequently draw others to them.  Fire people are happiest when everyone is enjoying their stories and when they can envision stories in which everyone receives what they desire.  These STORYTELLERS are terrific at entertaining, and at selling themselves and/or their wares.  They are generous to a fault, yet because they are unwilling to feel obligated to others, they have difficulty asking for help.  When these MAGICAL CHILDREN mature, they learn that honesty is critical to fully realizing their potential.

Earth

Earth is nurturing and stable, and therefore those with earth as their dominant element have these qualities as well.  They are generally serene and able to put others at ease.   These people with the GREAT MOTHER archetype advocate for what is good for the whole.  They feel responsible to achieve balance, to be fair to all, and to follow through.  They are susceptible to over-commitment.  Because they focus on supporting the goals of those around them, they may be overlooked or de-valued themselves.  The inclination to put others first can deplete their personal well-being.  As the mother creates an environment that instills balance and cooperation, they are good managers in general.  They are highly empathetic, and can be prone to depression (or overly preoccupied with “fixing it”) as they feel the anguish of others.