The Slave archetype is a completely misunderstood archetype and it is one of the most powerful archetypes you can possess. Jesus and other spiritual masters had the Slave archetype. The Slave archetype represents a complete absence of the power of choice and self-authority. Yet it is precisely the absence of will power that gives the Slave its potential for personal transformation. The ultimate spiritual task is to surrender one’s will to the Divine—in effect, to become a Divine Slave. Saying to God, “Take my will and command me,” is the most difficult act to undertake.
The goal in many monastic practices is to release one’s individual power of choice and become subject to the will of a spiritual mentor, trusting that individual to have your best interests at heart. This act of releasing your will to a higher authority is also witnessed within organizational hierarchies, such as in the military and corporations. One becomes a
Slave to the system. For tens of millions of African Americans, the Slave archetype carries a historical freight that is impossible to overlook. If Slavery is part of your genetic history, you need to take a close look at the possible presence
of the Slave archetype in your intimate family. Others who may dismiss this archetype as having no role in their life may discover that it is more prevalent than most people imagine, because of its many different expressions.
We don’t think of a soldier armed with weapons as a Slave, yet following orders unconditionally is an aspect of the Slave—especially when these orders personally violate your integrity. The Puppet, for instance, may be manipulated by others. Regardless of how this archetype manifests, however, its core learning is to understand the paradoxical truth that you are only truly free when you have surrendered all power of choice to the Divine.
The shadow side is to be a Slave to an addictive substance, or to a person, or to a society. Something or someone has so much command over your will that even the gods cannot speak to you. You would take a shot of heroin over a spiritual vision, where your master is a needle.
Film Reference: Djimon Honsou in 'Amistad'
The goal in many monastic practices is to release one’s individual power of choice and become subject to the will of a spiritual mentor, trusting that individual to have your best interests at heart. This act of releasing your will to a higher authority is also witnessed within organizational hierarchies, such as in the military and corporations. One becomes a
Slave to the system. For tens of millions of African Americans, the Slave archetype carries a historical freight that is impossible to overlook. If Slavery is part of your genetic history, you need to take a close look at the possible presence
of the Slave archetype in your intimate family. Others who may dismiss this archetype as having no role in their life may discover that it is more prevalent than most people imagine, because of its many different expressions.
We don’t think of a soldier armed with weapons as a Slave, yet following orders unconditionally is an aspect of the Slave—especially when these orders personally violate your integrity. The Puppet, for instance, may be manipulated by others. Regardless of how this archetype manifests, however, its core learning is to understand the paradoxical truth that you are only truly free when you have surrendered all power of choice to the Divine.
The shadow side is to be a Slave to an addictive substance, or to a person, or to a society. Something or someone has so much command over your will that even the gods cannot speak to you. You would take a shot of heroin over a spiritual vision, where your master is a needle.
Film Reference: Djimon Honsou in 'Amistad'