This archetype is one that people are loathe to admit they have. In many cases to admit that you are an Addict sometimes takes bottoming out. Every one of us is touched by the Addict archetype. The only question is how much of our life is consumed by it. Besides the usual suspects – drugs, alcohol,
food, and sex – one can be addicted to work, sports, television, exercise, computer games, spiritual practice, negative attitudes, and the kinds of thrills that bring on adrenaline rushes. You can have all kinds of funny little addictions that at the surface level are quite acceptable. For example, there is nothing wrong with cleaning but compulsive cleaning could be an indicator of the Addict archetype because it is an obsessive compulsive disorder. In its positive aspect, the Addict archetype helps you recognize when an outside substance, habit, relationship, or any expression of life has more authority over your will power than does your inner spirit. Confronting addiction and breaking the hold that a pattern or substance has on you can impart great strength to your psyche. Discovering the empowerment that comes with perseverance has a lifelong impact, becoming a reference point for what you are able to accomplish.
From a symbolic perspective, the shadow aspect of the Addict represents a struggle with will power and the absence of self-control. People who are extremely intellectual or emotional frequently have a close link to this archetype, because they struggle to balance these powers. Without this internal balance, the will may give up its power to an external substance that exerts authority, providing shadow order to your life. The shadow Addict compromises your integrity and honesty. Many addicts, for example, steal as a means of supporting their habit. Your mind is your 6th chakra; your choice is your 5th chakra; your heart is your 4th chakra. When you don’t know what to do in a situation, ask yourself: “Which choice will keep me congruent?” At that point, you have substituted a higher choice for the choice you have yet to make. Staying congruent requires that your head agrees with your heart; your 6th chakra must be aligned with your 4th. To become congruent is one of the most difficult tasks of maturing spiritually. When your head goes one way and your heart another, you become an Addict because your 5th chakra demands consistency. The one thing your mind and heart can agree on is an addiction. Even if they do not like it, at least your mind and heart can agree on: “I’ve had a bad day so I deserve this; I’ve had a good day so I deserve that.”
In evaluating your connection to the Addict, review how many of your life’s challenges concern an external substance or a consistent, domineering pattern of trying to maintain order in your life. Although that challenge is a part of all of our lives, the degree to which an addiction controls you and your lifestyle determines whether the Addict is part of your intimate family of twelve. For instance, you can be inconsistent in your exercise program yet quite disciplined in your
spiritual practice. Needing a substance or practice or person so intensely or regularly that you compromise relationships, finances, integrity, character, or emotional and psychological well-being, however, indicates that you should look very seriously at this archetype as a possible choice.
Film Reference: Dom the Luise in 'Fatso'
food, and sex – one can be addicted to work, sports, television, exercise, computer games, spiritual practice, negative attitudes, and the kinds of thrills that bring on adrenaline rushes. You can have all kinds of funny little addictions that at the surface level are quite acceptable. For example, there is nothing wrong with cleaning but compulsive cleaning could be an indicator of the Addict archetype because it is an obsessive compulsive disorder. In its positive aspect, the Addict archetype helps you recognize when an outside substance, habit, relationship, or any expression of life has more authority over your will power than does your inner spirit. Confronting addiction and breaking the hold that a pattern or substance has on you can impart great strength to your psyche. Discovering the empowerment that comes with perseverance has a lifelong impact, becoming a reference point for what you are able to accomplish.
From a symbolic perspective, the shadow aspect of the Addict represents a struggle with will power and the absence of self-control. People who are extremely intellectual or emotional frequently have a close link to this archetype, because they struggle to balance these powers. Without this internal balance, the will may give up its power to an external substance that exerts authority, providing shadow order to your life. The shadow Addict compromises your integrity and honesty. Many addicts, for example, steal as a means of supporting their habit. Your mind is your 6th chakra; your choice is your 5th chakra; your heart is your 4th chakra. When you don’t know what to do in a situation, ask yourself: “Which choice will keep me congruent?” At that point, you have substituted a higher choice for the choice you have yet to make. Staying congruent requires that your head agrees with your heart; your 6th chakra must be aligned with your 4th. To become congruent is one of the most difficult tasks of maturing spiritually. When your head goes one way and your heart another, you become an Addict because your 5th chakra demands consistency. The one thing your mind and heart can agree on is an addiction. Even if they do not like it, at least your mind and heart can agree on: “I’ve had a bad day so I deserve this; I’ve had a good day so I deserve that.”
In evaluating your connection to the Addict, review how many of your life’s challenges concern an external substance or a consistent, domineering pattern of trying to maintain order in your life. Although that challenge is a part of all of our lives, the degree to which an addiction controls you and your lifestyle determines whether the Addict is part of your intimate family of twelve. For instance, you can be inconsistent in your exercise program yet quite disciplined in your
spiritual practice. Needing a substance or practice or person so intensely or regularly that you compromise relationships, finances, integrity, character, or emotional and psychological well-being, however, indicates that you should look very seriously at this archetype as a possible choice.
Film Reference: Dom the Luise in 'Fatso'