The Wise Judge
The archetype of the Wise Judge is an old archetype indeed. Since our earliest civilizations there have been need for courts and neutral figures who must weigh evidence and discover truth to maintain order and justice in society. The Wise Judge is always listening, paying attention to the facts, hesitant to make any hasty assessments. He or she knows that time can reveal truths too. Maintaining balance is an important feature of this archetype. They seek to create balance in all areas of life. They are patient and will seek to understand both sides of a situation before deciding anything. These types will restrain from touting their opinions. They have a marked ability to remain unruffled and totally neutral in conflicts between others, even when they involve members of their own family or close friends. The Wise Judge loves learning and tends to be a scholarly type, appreciating investigative studies and scientific rigor. The Wise Judge does not only rely on the facts, they have a deep capacity for empathy and compassion. They draw equally from internal and external sources of knowledge and rely on the wisdom of experience. The Wise Judge has the ability to apply this same skill to themselves, looking honestly at both the good and the bad in their character. These types often carry an element of authority. People tend to listen to them and heed their advice.
Some key words and phrases associated with this archetype:
Balance
Justice
Responsibility
Listening
Truth and Honesty
Integrity
Compassion
The Critic
The Shadow side of the Wise Judge archetype is the Critic. The Critic is someone who sees themselves as overly qualified to comment on anything and everything around them. These criticisms are often, if not always, unsolicited and unwanted. The Critic is not one to hold back or soften the blow when telling others how it is, and find a certain satisfaction in being blunt and harsh. They pride themselves on being able to handle the truth so they dish out their opinions without compassion or consideration of the other side. They are black and white personality types, seeing the world through an either/or lens. Anything short of drawing a hard and fast line is considered weak and spineless. This attitude makes the Critic tend toward revenge and an eye for an eye mentality. The Critic is self righteous and makes no room for alternate possibilities and multiple viewpoints. They believe that they are superior to the average person though they are loathe to admit it. The Critic tends to be negative, always viewing life through a pessimistic or doom and gloom filter. They can rely too heavily on analysis and become too methodical when making decisions causing them to freeze up or become stuck. The Critic doesn’t like to get their hands dirty but prefers to comment from afar, to nag those around them or judge others without getting, or wanting, all the facts.
Some words and phrases associated with The Critic Archetype
Constantly Critical
Judgmental
Unemotional
Distant
Self Righteous
Negative
Hubris
Nagging
A few questions to ask to help transform the Critic into the Wise Judge
- 1.What value does my judgment provide?
- 2.What is wisdom?
- 3.What is humility to me?
- 4.How can I bring compassion to my interactions with others?
- 5.What value does restraint hold for me?
- 6.How am I unbalanced in my life?
- 7.Is it possible for me to hold more than one truth at a time?
- 8.How am I self critical?
- 9.What is the difference between judgment and discernment?
