The Vampire
The archetype of the Vampire is an interesting one and is typically viewed so negatively that many people would be uncomfortable owning this archetype. But it is no more or less challenging than any other archetype operating from the shadow. The Vampire is an archetype that needs others. The expression of the pattern reveals itself through relationships, so this archetype is drawn to interactions and connections with other. And the Vampire is not limited to romantic relationships, it is found in platonic relationships equally. The Vampire seeks out people to fulfill a need they believe cannot be fulfilled any other way. This deep need is almost like a hunger, a desire that is strong and deep.
The Vampire is attracted to other archetypes that are caretakers and supporters. The Vampire needs to take something vital from the relationship and when that need is not met it can result in anger and resentment. They will manipulate, act out, or otherwise engage to keep the person locked into the codependency. The Vampire deeply fears that without this codependent relationship they cannot survive. They will do whatever it takes to keep the friendship going even while they sabotage it and create drama.
The Vampire is drawn to people who are devoted and loyal, and this loyalty can easily turn into guilt and shame. This entangles the partner until they too begin to feel like they will not survive without the Vampire. The Vampire relationship starts out quite innocent and feels fun to both parties but after a while the Vampire needs more and begins making demands. Small ones at first, for which they are grateful to receive but soon those aren’t enough as the hunger of the Vampire is eternal and there is nothing that will truly satisfy them. They want your time, they want your energy, your attention, your focus, your emotional support, your physical presence and eventually some intangible idea that even they cannot convey except through its absence and their insatiable need for it. This often results in chronic complaining.
The Vampire loves secrecy and whispering and making private plans that no one else is privy to. They are not strongly driven by a set of values like many archetypes. This makes the Vampire particularly sinister when left unchecked as they seem to have no scruples at all. They are possessive and jealous. They hijack any situation that threatens their dominance in the relationship. All of this is done unconsciously. The Vampire acts in the shadow and cannot see his or her own behavior. In fact, one of the hallmarks of this archetype is a profound lack of self-awareness. It takes a great deal of experience and practice to have the personal insight and awareness to manage this powerful archetype and transform it into the Best Friend.
Some key words associated with the Vampire
- Co-dependent
- Dominating
- Lacking Self Awareness
- Complaining
- Needy
- Manipulation
- Overreaction
- Demanding
- Secrecy
- Possessive
The Best Friend
The Vampire transformed by the light becomes the Best Friend. The Best Friend is loyal and loving and will stand by your side through thick and thin. They will carry you when you are weak, and root for you when you are strong. They support you when you are down and the Best Friend can be totally relied on for showing up when it really matters.
They enjoy spending time with you but don’t make any demands on your time. You can count on the Best Friend to help you pick out a new car or go with you when you need to have a hard conversation or attend the funeral of loved one. They will be on the periphery of your life, on call for whatever you might need.
The Best Friend has great boundaries and knows that they have this ability to be available for others because they have become their own best friend. They take excellent care of themselves and have formed a strong caretaking regimen.
Even in the light, the Best Friend isn’t highly motived by principles and doing the right thing. They will break the law to help you, they can fight dirty when necessary and will do whatever it takes to be there for you. They are a force to be reckoned with if you find yourself in the way of a Best Friend.
They make wonderful partners and excellent companions. Their steadfastness is part of their strength. They understand that they are responsible for their own vitality and do not rely on others for this but draw from their own wellspring of energy and inner wisdom.
The Best Friend is open, practicing transparency and stands in the light. If they feel jealous, or possessive, they will simply state it as a fact and take responsibility for it. They are open, willing and supportive people who have an incredible stamina in relationships and can endure a lot.
While self-awareness is not their strength the Best Friend makes it a practice to ask for feedback and reflection from those they are closest to. This helps them cultivate the necessary introspection to stay in the light of consciousness and not fall back into patterns of control and codependency.
They are protective and almost act as bodyguards to those they love. They are guardians and keepers of the trust and companionship of their friends.
Some key words associated with the Best Friend:
- Devoted
- Supportive
- Fierce
- Endurance
- Vitality
- Self Care
- Transparent
- Protective
- Self Responsible
- Guardian
