The Power of the Archetypes
Archetypes have been around since the invention of story, myths and fables. An archetype is a setting, character, image, or story pattern that is universally understood. Archetypes are abstract in that it is not a specific person or thing, but instead a concept made concrete by specific and reoccurring examples and patterns.
Archetypes draw from humanity’s collective history and play essential roles in our lives:
Think of archetypes as intimate companions that form the foundation of your personality, beliefs, motivations, and actions.
They actively guide and protect you, alerting you when you’re veering into destructive or “shadow” behavior.
The shadow aspect of archetypes holds power because it remains hidden; acknowledging it helps neutralize its negative impact. Remember, we are not one dimensional, but have a duality within, the duality balances and directs us.
Archetypes are not mere abstract concepts—they become personalized when they reside within your individual psyche. They’re like inner allies, supporting your journey toward self-awareness and growth. For a more detailed exploration of over 70 archetypes, you can refer to Caroline Myss’s website.
If an archetype had a scent…
The First Archetype being released is Terra. Terra is given the number #9 because the traits of the Enneagram #9 find resonance. Enneagrams are also archetypes.
Terra is an old soul that understands the complexities of life.
Terra’s Archetype companions are Gaia, Mother Earth, Father Time, Peacekeeper, Mentor, Guide, the Wize One and the Grandparent.
Above all else, Terra is helps us to feel and be grounded. I have often said that Terra is who you want if caught metaphorically in a hurricane. Terra takes you into the eye of the storm, where you do not get pulled into all the chaos, drama and swirling activity. In the eye of the storm, you can be safe and feel a sense of calmness as the raging storm surrounds you. This is what Terra provides. A grounded security, especially when anxiety and storms that are beyond your control enter your world. Terra is with you as storms come into your life, reminding you that you are not alone, and to remain grounded.
Terra was created with an array of botanical plants and essential oils. The botanical plants in this blend are harvested from the forest floor. On and beneath the forest floor is an entire universe that we are just beginning to understand. The plant kingdom has a complex communication system that uses many different compounds and characters to unite them as a collective kingdom. Gathering some of these elements and adding them to the perfume blend of Terra has been an adventure of wonderment and learning. Included in the blend are tiny fungi, oak leaves, green moss, and pine cones. These ingredients add an energetic component of this communication system to the blend.
The inspiration of Terra came from a beloved friend of mine who embodies the spirit of peace, gentleness, wisdom and an old soul. Her name is Kathrine. Kathrine lived a hard life, but never saw the hardships as hindrances. She is the most compassionate woman I have ever met. She especially loves creatures and spent her entire adult career tending to them. Her gentle nature and patience are so easy for her. Kathrine has a shadow of something so very sad within her spirit, that I could feel but not identify, because it is her shadow, it is not easily seen, yet present. In stature, Kathrine is a thin small lady, yet she is a powerhouse of strength. Determination and integrity are her strongest character traits.
Katherine told me a story where she had been bitten by a wild Lynx. She was treated in the ER and needed to do the shot series in case of rabies. Again, she never complained. There is a belief that native peoples have where wild animals choose who they will share their powers with. She and I both believe her experience has a spiritual connection. In the belief and linking of animal spirits with humanity, the Lynx embodies wisdom, inviting you to tap into your inner knowing. Like this elusive creature, trust your instincts and seek deeper insights beyond the surface. Intuition: The lynx’s keen senses, exceptional night vision and remarkable hearing remind you to listen attentively and perceive hidden truths. Trust your intuition; it will guide you even when the path seems unclear. Finally, just as the lynx moves silently through the forest, its energy encourages you to be discreet and observant. Sometimes, the most profound revelations come from quiet observation rather than overt action.
Choosing a name: When the perfume first came out for sale in my shop, I named the perfume Lynx. I was unfamiliar with marketing, etc., and soon learned that the name was not effective. With the help of my daughter, the name was changed to I am Grounded, and then later Grounded. The inspiration of who Katherine is, the spirit of the Lynx, the meaning behind the word grounded, and the inclusion of archetypes, I knew that Terra #9 of the Archetype Collection was the final name of this perfume.
Behind the name Anam Cara
Anam Cara refers to the Celtic spiritual belief of souls connecting and bonding. It is my belief that a soul exists in all creation, not exclusive to humans.
In Celtic Spiritual tradition, it is believed that the soul radiates all about the physical body, what some refer to as an aura. When you connect with another and become completely open and trusting, your two souls begin to flow together. Should such a deep bond be formed, it is said you have found your Anam Cara or soul friend.
Your Anam Cara always accepts you as you truly are, holding you in beauty and light. In order to appreciate this relationship, you must first recognize your own inner light and beauty. This is not always easy to do. The Celts believed that forming an Anam Cara friendship would help you to awaken your awareness of your own nature and experience the joys of others.
According to John O'Donahue, an accomplished Irish poet and philosopher, "...You are joined in an ancient and eternal union with humanity that cuts across all barriers of time, convention, philosophy and definition. When you are blessed with an anam cara, the Irish believe, you have arrived at that most sacred place: home."
The products created at Anam Cara Apothecary have blended the souls and mysteries of the forest to give each recipient their own botanical anam cara.