Why Alternative Archetypes?
For those who feel out of step with the dominant culture. For those who long for meaning, depth, and soul. For those standing at the edge of an old story, wondering what comes next…
Reimagining Who We Can Become
What if the roles we’ve been handed by our culture no longer reflect who we are—or who we are becoming?
Many of us sense that the maps we were given to navigate life are out of date. The dominant archetypes—the Hero, the Leader, the Hustler, the Influencer—may have served a certain era, but they don’t speak to the deep longings many of us carry now. Longings for meaning, connection, soul, and sustainability. Longings to live in ways that feel rooted, real, and life-giving—not just for ourselves, but for the world.
This is the starting point for the Alternative Archetypes project.
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing a series of new archetypes—images of possibility that offer gentler, wiser, more imaginative ways of being in the world. These archetypes aren’t about personality types or job titles. They’re deeper than that. They’re soul patterns. Invitations. Inner guides.
Each one offers a doorway into a different kind of life path—one that might not be reflected in the dominant culture but is deeply needed now.
Why This Project, and Why Now?
We are living through times of rapid change, deep uncertainty, and what many call a crisis of meaning. The old stories—about what makes a good life, a successful person, a worthwhile path—are fraying at the edges. More and more people are sensing that the conventional roles we’re encouraged to play aren’t the full truth of who we are.
In these times, we need new guiding images.
We need archetypes that honour the inner life, that celebrate slowness, community, ecological wisdom, creativity, service, and radical honesty.
Archetypes that make space for grief and joy, for solitude and connection, for not knowing and deep listening.
Alternative Archetypes is my small offering toward that larger cultural shift.
The Roots of the Work
This project has grown from years of reflection, deep reading, and personal exploration into how we might live more meaningful, connected, and soul-aligned lives. It’s grounded in archetypal psychology, eco-spirituality, and a belief in the anima mundi – the soul of the world.
It’s also been shaped by my own life experience—by questions that wouldn’t go away, by feeling out of step with dominant values, and by a longing to honour both the inner and outer landscapes we inhabit.
Who This Is For
This project is for:
- Those who feel out of step with the dominant culture
- Those who have always sensed there was another way
- Those who are weary of endless striving and long for something slower, deeper, more soulful
- Creatives, carers, rebels, mystics, elders-in-the-making
- Anyone standing at the edge of an old story, wondering what comes next
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
What to Expect
Each archetype is introduced with a symbolic image and a brief written overview—just enough to give you a taste of its energy and essence.
These short entries are not explanations, but invitations. If one sparks something in you—a sense of recognition, curiosity, or creative energy—trust that. Follow the thread.
In time, full explorations of each archetype will be published in the Alternative Archetypes book. These will include:
- Their symbolic roots
- Core characteristics
- Light and shadow expressions
- How they connect to life purpose
- Ways they show up in daily life
- Gifts they bring to community
- A contemporary fairy tale to bring the archetype to life
The archetypes are grouped into six thematic constellations:
- Wisdom & Insight
- Creative & Expressive
- Healing & Service
- Community & Connection
- Earth & Eco-Spirituality
- Change-Oriented
Some may feel instantly familiar. Others might challenge you. All are invitations to consider who you are becoming—and what kind of world you want to help create.
This Is an Unfolding Journey
The first archetypes are now live. A new one will be added each week. To stay connected, receive updates, and explore the deeper philosophy behind the work, you’re warmly invited to join the Alternative Archetypes monthly newsletter.
In Closing
We are in a time of great unravelling—and great possibility.
The stories we tell about what it means to be human matter. They shape what we value, what we strive for, and how we treat each other and the Earth.
The Alternative Archetypes project is my way of offering new stories.
I hope they help you see yourself—and the world—a little more clearly.
And I hope they remind you that your way of being, no matter how unconventional, may be exactly what’s needed right now.