The Queen / Intimidator Archetype

The Queen

History

The Queen is an old and easily identified archetype because it has been around for a long, long time. Queens from history such as Elizabeth I of England and Catherine the Great are examples of this archetype and how it has been shaped. Powerful women who ruled successful large nations and overcame many attempts of others trying to seize that power. Most notable queens of history did not marry and were not sharing the throne with a king. Those who were married often ascended the throne after their husband’s death or controlled the nation as a consort. 

Masculine Power and Feminine Power

The Queen archetype personifies Feminine power. They embrace the qualities of womanhood such as mothering and compassion without appearing weak or fragile. Many queens saw their subjects as their children and had a maternal feeling toward their people. They made great rulers in this respect because their subjects felt loved and cared for in the way a mother loves and protects her children. The queen is very devoted and loyal to those she feels responsible for. The masculine power in the queen is contained but accessible. They can be swift to action, very decisive and strong willed. But these qualities are used sparingly and only when necessary. Because the Queen has this strong feminine and masculine power, marriage and relationships can be difficult. This archetype is known for its intensity and determination. 

The Castle

The Queen feels strongly about her personal space, her home is her castle and she doesn’t tolerate invasions of privacy or disruptions of that space. Their autonomy and independence is important to them and they chafe at others making the rules or demands. This is part of what makes relationships challenging. They desire love and affection but aren’t willing to give up this independence. If you find yourself in a relationship with a Queen make sure she has adequate space to call her own and she will be a happier one indeed. The Queen is a gracious host, a devoted friend and a wonderful companion when her boundaries are protected and in place. They have an authority that people are naturally drawn toward and they command a room without any effort. Others defer to them and the Queen is happy to take charge. 

Presentation

The Queen is very much aware of how she is perceived by others and presentation is important. She has a separate public life from her private one but she is comfortable in both and even allows the two to cross over from time to time. She is often admired, respected by others and carries a certain clout in her circle of influence. This is important for her to maintain but she also needs those close friends that she can let into her inner circle and be part of her private life. But be aware, once you are part of that private life the Queen prefers you to stay in that role and you have to be comfortable with that kind of privacy. The Queen though can embody both versions of herself and they are never at odds or conflicting with one another. The Queen  is comfortable being on her own and is not afraid of being alone. 

Reformation and Service. 

The Queen is interested in reforming social conditions. She will use her influence and ambition to bring about improvements wherever there is lack. This can often show up as a desire to help others on a large scale rather than one to one. This is a good use of their natural compassionate nature. They want to see big comprehensive reforms that help a community, a town or city even a country. They do well in positions of service as long as they have enough power to make decisions and major changes.It may not seem like it but the Queen is a service oriented archetype. Their desire to help others and bring about positive change is fundamental to this archetype. They may not be in the trenches doing the day to day but they are the mastermind behind projects and they love to bring them to completion. 

Some key words and phrases associated with this archetype: 

1. 1.Powerful
2. 2.Reformer
3. 3.Dignified
4. 4.Reliable
5. 5.Composed
6. 6.Protective
7. 7.Compassionate
8. 8.Authoritative
9. 9.Determined
10. 10. Gracious

The Intimidator Archetype

Power

When the Queen is in the Shadow she becomes the Intimidator. The Intimidator is obsessed with power: and have a single minded focus on getting it. They think nothing of borrowing the influence and power of others until they can usurp them and take control themselves. (For example, a regent who controls the throne through fear and intimidation of a child monarch.) They thrive on control and commanding others and getting to make all the major decisions. They find the feminine aspects of their personality get in the way of the more domineering qualities of the masculine which the Intimidator prefers. The motherliness and compassion that is apparent in the Queen is suppressed by the Intimidator. In times of old, the queen was not taken seriously as a leader unless she displayed masculine character traits and so the development of this archetype was formed and the conflict between masculinity and femininity occurred. The Intimidator is better off without a partner or even close friendships because anyone in their circle will sooner or later get hurt. 

Appearances

The Intimidator cannot let others get too close. Their public persona is the one most relied on and they keep everyone else, even loved ones at a discreet distance. These two versions of themselves are very conflicting. For example, the Queen is passionate and emotional and in private can be quite explosive but they are uncomfortable with anyone seeing that side of them. They hide it behind a mask of cool control. Others have the false perception that they are cold and unfeeling. It is common theme in the lives of Queens both historical and fictional to alter their appearance. Some turn themselves into witches others wear a wig or face powders and even full masks. This need to control appearance is a major part of the shadow side of the Queen. 

Entitlement

The Intimidator has one main goal in mind. Getting what they want. It doesn’t matter how or who gets hurt in the process. The Disney character Cruella DeVille is a good example of the Intimidator archetype. They have no scruples about getting their own way. They feel entitled to whatever they want. And while this may seem extreme the pattern can be seen in both large and small ways. One doesn’t have to be dark and cruel to be entitled. It has more to do with the inner experience than outer behavior. The entitlement of the Intimidator creates a profound loneliness and disconnect from others. Entitlement is a desire for respect and an expectation that others should obey. But respect is earned and others only truly obey out of love and devotion not force. 

Jealousy and Vanity

The Intimidator is vain and easily made jealous by the power and success or beauty of others. Her vanity is not only about her appearance but any other form of perceived power. The intimidator wants to be beautiful but only because there is power in beauty. Ironically she suppresses the very aspect of her nature that is most closely connected to beauty, femininity. She is jealous of others talents and abilities and of course their power over others. Jealousy only reflects an unmet desire within. The Intimidator is actually jealous of her own light aspects. She is jealous of the Queen! But of course if the Intimidator was aware of this, the transformation toward the Queen would already be underway. An example of this is the Queen in the story of Snow White. She is not jealous of Snow White’s beauty as much as she is jealous of her gentleness and feminine innocence. 

Some other famous Queens from history, literature and film include Queen Victoria, Wu Zetain, Cleopatra, Lady MacBeth, Cersei Lannister, and even Ursula from the Little Mermaid. There are many others too. Read about them and find the similarities for yourself. A few keywords associated with the Intimidator include:

1. 1.Quick Tempered
2. 2.Over emotional
3. 3.Demanding
4. 4.Entitled
5. 5.Superiority
6. 6.Lonely 
7. 7.Conflicted
8. 8.Vain
9. 9.Jealous

A few questions to ask to help transform the Intimidator into the Queen:

1. 1.How do you define power?
2. 2.When do you feel weak and vulnerable? 
3. 3.Who or what makes you jealous and why?
4. 4.What would it mean if everyone saw the uncontrolled side of you?
5. 5.What are your specific strengths regarding feminine qualities?
6. 6.How can you inspire respect from others?
7. 7.How can you balance your masculine and feminine sides?
8. 8.Is your appearance compatible with your inner life?
9. 9.Where do you feel a desire to reform, serve or do good in the larger sense?
10. 10.How are you loving and compassionate to others especially those less off than yourself?