The Lover archetype applies to both men and women, and appears not only in those who are romantically and sexually inclined, but also in anyone who exhibits great passion and devotion. One can be a lover of art, music, gardening, nature, needlepoint, or God. The key is having a sense of unbridled and exaggerated affection and appreciation of someone or something that influences the organization of your life and environment. Although the Lover is present in everyone’s life to some degree, as a personal archetype it needs to play a significant role in the overall design of your life and your self-esteem, which is its strongest link to your psyche. The Lover is connected to issues of self-esteem because this archetype is so strongly represented by one’s physical appearance. Even if you have the Lover archetype prominently in your psyche, you may repress this pattern out of a lack of self-esteem, especially regarding your physical attractiveness.
The shadow Lover manifests as an exaggerated, obsessive passion that has a destructive effect on one’s physical or mental health and self-esteem. The Don Juan archetype is very similar to the Lover and when properly channeled, its sexual energy provides great power. Like the Femme Fatale, the Don Juan archetype can make us aware of falling into sex role clichés, misusing the power of romantic attraction and pursuit. Although associated with sensuality and sophistication, this archetype represents a man preying on women for the sake of conquest alone. Sex addiction is not about sex but about the need to gain control of someone. Don Juan radiates an attitude that all women need him far more than he needs them, and that he is invulnerable to their charms.
The positive aspect of the Don Juan archetype is its underlying vulnerability and its power to open wide a heart that is capable of deep love. As many stories portray, once the Gigolo meets his match, he has also found his mate. But his match, in keeping with the profile of this pattern, must have emotional independence and the self-esteem to be immune to his manipulative skills.
People with the Lover or Don Juan archetype are capable of deciding within minutes that you were just destined to be together. The archetypal pattern is illogical and ungrounded, as its attempts to sweep someone away. Being in a relationship with a person having the Lover or Don Juan archetype can be exhilarating, but then very hurtful when another object of affection is pursued. A woman can also have the Lover or Don Juan archetype and need one man after another.
Drama: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
The shadow Lover manifests as an exaggerated, obsessive passion that has a destructive effect on one’s physical or mental health and self-esteem. The Don Juan archetype is very similar to the Lover and when properly channeled, its sexual energy provides great power. Like the Femme Fatale, the Don Juan archetype can make us aware of falling into sex role clichés, misusing the power of romantic attraction and pursuit. Although associated with sensuality and sophistication, this archetype represents a man preying on women for the sake of conquest alone. Sex addiction is not about sex but about the need to gain control of someone. Don Juan radiates an attitude that all women need him far more than he needs them, and that he is invulnerable to their charms.
The positive aspect of the Don Juan archetype is its underlying vulnerability and its power to open wide a heart that is capable of deep love. As many stories portray, once the Gigolo meets his match, he has also found his mate. But his match, in keeping with the profile of this pattern, must have emotional independence and the self-esteem to be immune to his manipulative skills.
People with the Lover or Don Juan archetype are capable of deciding within minutes that you were just destined to be together. The archetypal pattern is illogical and ungrounded, as its attempts to sweep someone away. Being in a relationship with a person having the Lover or Don Juan archetype can be exhilarating, but then very hurtful when another object of affection is pursued. A woman can also have the Lover or Don Juan archetype and need one man after another.
Drama: Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare