Uncontrolled bursts of anger, sexual addiction, strange phobias, unexpected deep depressions, unshakeable self-loathing, and self-destructive tendencies are all signs of the shadow archetype โ and we all have one.
The shadow archetype, also known as the shadow self or dark side of humanity, can be seen throughout myth and legend since the dawn of humanity.
If youโd like to discover your shadow archetype, some examples, and how it influences your life, youโll find that and more right here!
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Table of contents
What is the Shadow Jungian Archetype?
How can anyone see straight when he does not even see himself and the darkness he unconsciously carries with him into all his dealings?
โ C. G. Jung, The Essential Jung
We can thank Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung for his idea of psychological archetypes, which are patterns that appear repeatedly within human consciousness.ย
Among the many archetypes within our species is one that Jung named the Shadow, which is the dark, suppressed, and hidden side of our nature.ย
How Does Your Shadow Form (and Signs Itโs Active)?
For one reason or another, we all have abandoned parts within ourselves that we reject either consciously or unconsciously.
These rejected parts are often deemed โugly,โ โbad,โ โunworthy,โ โoutrageous,โ โunlovable,โ or even โdangerous,” and so theyโre cast out from our conscious-facing personalities (also called our โpersonaโ).
But these outlawed fragments of ourselves donโt just disappear into thin air. Instead, they get buried, locked away, and, in some cases, actively blocked off within our deep unconscious minds.ย ย
The longer these shadow parts are cut off from the light of consciousness, the more they fester and build up like a seething volcano waiting to explode.ย
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Incidents of intense rage, emotional meltdowns, mental health crises, addictions, dark nights of the soul, and many other issues are signs that the shadow is trying to get our attention.
Why Should You Face Your Shadows?
To be liberated from the self-destructive force of our shadows, we must turn toward them.ย
We must integrate the shadow archetype into our lives by befriending it and finding the hidden gifts that it carries. In the words of Jung,
Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individualโs conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.
(Psychology and Religion)ย
Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle writes about the shadow archetype, referring to it as the โpain-body.โ He writes:
The pain-body, which is the dark shadow cast by the ego, is actually afraid of the light of your consciousness. It is afraid of being found out. Its survival depends on your unconscious identification with it, as well as on your unconscious fear of facing the pain that lives in you. But if you donโt face it, if you donโt bring the light of your consciousness into the pain, you will be forced to relive it again and again.
(The Power of Now)
Shadow Archetype Examples
Hereโs a list of shadow archetype examples.
Keep in mind that most of us possess more than one shadow archetype, and they can change during the course of our lives.
Also, note that none of these shadow archetypes is totally black or white โ remember that each type has a hidden gift or strength:
- Addict
- Glutton
- Workaholic
- Beggar
- Bully
- Coward
- Wounded/Orphan Child
- Destroyer
- Seducer/Black Widow/Don Juan
- Gambler
- Gossip
- Perfectionist
- Critic
- Miser
- Anarchist
- Saboteur
- Trickster
- Slave
- Sorcerer/Sorceressย
- Thief/Con Artist
- Tyrant
- Vampire
- Victim
A few shadow archetype examples in pop-culture and fiction include Green Goblin (Spider-Man), Alex (A Clockwork Orange), Moriarty (Sherlock Holmes), Gollum (The Lord of the Rings), Bellatrix Lestrange and Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter), Norman Bates (Psycho), Darth Vader (Star Wars), The Joker (Batman), Regina George (Mean Girls), Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Agent Smith (The Matrix), Duck Phillips (Mad Men), Hannibal Lecter (Hannibal), Montgomery Burns (The Simpsons), Joffrey Baratheon (Game of Thrones), Nurse Ratched (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest).
You can find more ways to work with your shadow archetype in my Mindful Shadow Work book!
What is Your Shadow Archetype? (Free Test!)
There are seven main shadow archetypes in this test, which correspond to the seven chakras. The result you get can help you find some focus and clarity on your healing journey.
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What is your shadow archetype? Share below in the comments!
**NOTE: If you’re taking this test on your phone, be aware that the results are within an embedded iframe, so if you struggle to scroll down, try scrolling right at the very edge of your screen to keep going down. Also, a few people have reported that their results aren’t appearing. If you don’t seem to receive any results, please try taking this test in a different browser (examples are Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome), and if that doesn’t work, try using a different device or opening in incognito mode. Enjoy!
What result did you get? Please share below in the comments. I’d love to know!
If you’re interested in other shadow-related resources, here are a few: Shadow Self Test, 35 Shadow Work Prompts (For Each Chakra), and 21 Signs Youโre Experiencing โSoul Lossโ.
Three paths to inner transformation โ hereโs how I can help you go deeper:
1. The Spiritual Wanderer Course: Are you feeling lost, adrift, and unsure of your life's purpose? Gain clarity, focus, and direction on your inner path by uncovering the five archetypes of awakening within you. Learn how to navigate the highs and lows of your inner journey and chart your unique path with 3+ hours of audio-visual content, workbooks, meditations, and a premium test.
2. Shadow & Light Membership: Do you crave consistent support on your spiritual quest? Receive weekly intuitive guidance and learn to embrace your whole self, including your shadow side. Cultivate deeper self-love with our affordable, personalized support.
3. Spiritual Awakening Bundle: Ready to embark on a profound soul-searching adventure? Dive into our collection of essential transformative resources! Explore five illuminating eBooks and seven in-depth journals, plus unlock two special bonuses to empower your spiritual growth.
Wounded Child…accurate
So, I got The Victim. Ugh. Have to dig into that further. Definitely need some inner work. In the meantime, gonna start journaling today. Great article. Thank you Aletheia!
Hi Rosie – I got the victim also, and โUghโ was my reaction also. I immediately went into defensive mode when I got my result, which is bc of my perception of being
victim = weakness.
Yeah, having an ‘ugh’ reaction is totally normal. ๐ We are looking at your main shadow archetype, after all. Thank you both for being open to it, however. That’s crucial โค๏ธ
The Nihilist – crown chakra imbalances seems accurate! Iโve been feeling disconnected from Source lately.
Thanks Tara, I think you’ll find you’re certainly not alone in that ๐
This test was accurate and Confirming of the old self, it revealed that which I have been releasing. My weakness is truly my strength ๐ฅ
Most grateful ๐๐ฝ
JMS
Thanks Joey ๐
This was a great article. I enjoyed it. I got the wounded child which is pretty accurate. I too am fighting to get my ptsd issues recognised and stuff, because the chance at living a ‘normal’ life has gone for now. I will try to heal the wounded kid, not sure how though it’s been very tough… I just been running away from it my whole life to be frank
Hi Lala, thanks for sharing this comment. Have you ever really gone into parts work, also known as IFS (internal family systems)? I highly recommend it โค๏ธ There’s a great book called Self-Therapy by Jay Earley, which can help you to self-guide yourself through the process if you don’t have access to (or don’t want access to) a practitioner. The Self-Love and Inner Child Journals can be really nourishing too ๐ฆ Wishing you much healing.
Thank you I appreciate your recommendation. sadly mental health professionals do not believe my story so its tough, but I will keep this information in mind to tell them IFS may be a good alternative. It would definitely help manage everything better
I only get a big white space. twice now. bummer.
Better than what I got. Lol๏ปฟ๐๏ปฟ
Try a different browser, Simone.
I am a Wounded Child. I was kind of expecting “slave” because I’ve had to wait on everyone throughout my life. But I’m seeing where that fits into being a wounded child as I was severely abused mentally, verbally and physically as a child into adulthood by both (evil demon parents) and both siblings who are a waste of skin. My husband treats me as if I were his personal chef and housekeeper, there is no physicality in this marriage. I’m pretty messed up. But I’m so glad I took this test, now I realize I have some work to do on improving my state of mind and physical wellbeing. But then there is the guilt of doing that. Wow, Aletheia, I’m grateful for your teachings. Much love XOXO.
The wounded child and the slave archetypes are definitely closely related, as well as the victim shadow archetype. I’m so glad you’ve found more clarity and direction through this test, Janeth! Much love โค๏ธ
Wow, my test results were spot on! I’ve struggled with “wounded child” issues my entire life and thought I’d put them to bed for good. I’m a bit horrified that they were so easily uncovered. I may have to take them to my grave since I’m now 80 years old! I’m grateful for the insight though. Thanks for your generosity in sharing this free tool!
Now is better than never to work with your wounded inner child. Even just saying a simple “Hello dear inner child, I feel you and acknowledge you” whenever you feel anxiety or sadness can be a wonderfully healing and validating practice. Thanks for your vulnerability, Susan โค๏ธ
I’ve taken the test twice and don’t get a result!
Please try a different browser, Lois. <3
I got the trickster, which actually is pretty true, my issue has always been the throat chakra. Thank you
Thanks for sharing this and for your honesty, Flavia!