The Guardian
The Guardian archetype is one of the many Service archetypes. The Guardian loves to support others and they want to be of value to those who are in need. Unlike other Service archetypes (such as the Samaritan or Healer) the Guardian is most comfortable when they are part of a larger support system. They tend to prefer working on causes within larger organizations where they are essential but not in a leadership position. They are comfortable taking cues from those with authority but thrive best when they are respected for their important, often invisible role.
Guardians are kind, empathetic and patient. The very nature of the Guardian is to be loyal and committed. A parent is a kind of guardian of their children and this can offer another view of the type of role the Guardian inhabits. The Guardian both protects and blocks. They are willing stand in the way of someone who may be taking great risks at the expense of others, or block someone from entering a space where they don’t belong. They are drawn to the needy, the underdog, and the lost. They stand up and even fight if necessary for those who are vulnerable and in need even if they are complete strangers.
But it isn’t just people that require protection, the Guardian can protect a place, such as becoming an environmentalist, they might feel called to protect a philosophy or way of doing something from disappearing in our modern ever-changing world. They could be collector of antiques, a historian, an art curator, a security guard at a museum. The Guardian might be drawn to positions, such as a nurse, an EMT or social worker as they are capable of setting aside emotions to make clear and rational decisions.
Some key words and phrases associated with this archetype:
Loyalty
Trustworthy
Responsible
Rational
Protective
Persistent
Supportive
Guidance
Dutiful
The Deserter
While the Guardian is devoted to his or her purpose, the counterpart of the Deserter abandons this role. They either give up or reject the calling to serve, creating self-abandonment as well. Without a strong devotion to the self and one’s calling, they lack the resources to be available to others. Once the Deserter abandons his or her calling it feels like an emotional “one way ticket.” There is no going back even if they want to. The Deserter takes on too much responsibility and neglects to take care of him or herself. This causes burnout and provides the logic for desertion. The Deserter can also feel resentment if they don’t receive the respect they believe they deserve. They will also leave their post, if they feel that their purpose has been contaminated by others’ agendas etc.
Sometimes the reasons for leaving are more personal. The Deserter may be running away from something difficult or too painful to confront. If they have committed acts that they deem unforgivable this also motivates them to desert their past and refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They can become cold and distant toward even their family and friends unintentionally betraying those they love. Giving up is central to this archetype.
The Deserter can also show up in ways that are less dramatic. A refusal to cooperate is one example; an unwillingness to be available for oneself, a lack of personal responsibility and constant blaming or finger pointing can also be examples of self-abandonment. Any unwillingness to receive support and help from others when needed or even a resistance to asking others for help, are all forms of desertion.
Some words and phrases associated with the Deserter Archetype
Lack of Boundaries
Takes on Too Much
Burnout
Neglect
Giving Up
“I Can’t”
Fearful
Quitter
Runs from Problems
A few questions to ask to transform the Deserter into the Guardian
- What brings me the most self respect?
- What am I most afraid of regarding my service to others?
- What is my motivation for serving others?
- How can I take responsibility for myself and actions?
- How can I guard and serve my own needs better?
- What are healthy boundaries?
- What would happen if I ran toward my problems instead of away from them?
- How can I tell if I am getting burned out?
- What may have caused me to abandon myself or my calling?
