Archetypal influences on Ego Development “Questing... is not an ego trip; it is an adventure to bring into fulfillment your gift to the world, which is yourself.” – Joseph Campbell The Archetypes associated with Ego development are the Innocent, Orphan, Warrior and Caregiver. They help us learn to take responsibility for our lives, even when we do not yet know how to do so. Together they teach us the components of character: The trust required to learn the basic skills of living; the courage to fight for ourselves and others and the ability to identify with the greater good. These Archetypes also help establish the fundamental components of Ego consciousness and together they help establish a container, known as the Ego, that can allow the Soul to flow through. The Innocent helps us develop the mask we wear to establish our social role (our persona). The Innocent within wants to be loved and be a part of things. The Orphan presides over the parts of our psyches we repress, deny or hide so that we can establish a persona acceptable to ourselves and others. The Orphan tries to protect us from being abandoned, hurt or victimized. The Warrior establishes the Ego per se, with a focus on protecting boundaries and getting our needs met. The Warrior cuts off anything that seems to threaten survival of the body, the Ego, our integrity, and eventually a true sense of Self. The Caregiver presides over the opening of the heart so our goodness is motivated by genuine compassion for self or others. The Caregiver is asked to sacrifice many of their own wishes, desires and priorities, not only for the good of other people, but also to find the Soul.

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