I thought I would do something slightly different today and do a sort of “book review”, where I choose the biggest takeaways from a great book I recently read.
The book is called ‘Journey‘ by Beth Martens and the subtitle is: “A map of archetypes to find lost purpose in a sea of meaninglessness.”
An intriguing subtitle, which definitely pulled me in.
I have read about Archetypes before, and in one my online programs – Become a Natural Superhuman – I draw on the archetypes of the Leader, Warrior and Sage.
The exploration of Archetypes was probably popularized by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychologist and psychotherapist, who was around at the time of Sigmund Freud.
The work on Archetypes has been expanded since then (the mid 1900’s) and has been approached from many different angles.
What I LOVED about this recent book by Martens was the seamless fusion of the work of Archetypes with Joseph Campbell’s ‘Hero’s Journey‘.
Joseph Campbell studied ancient mythology and religion deeply and identified a pattern existent in all origin stories, where (in general) the hero sets out on a quest, faces trials and tribulations, finds mentor ship, does the work, slays the dragon and then returns a hero and ready to pass on what they learned to the next generation.
Think ‘Star Wars‘, ‘Harry Potter‘, ‘Lord of the Rings‘, ‘The Matrix‘, etc..
So the revelation that the Hero’s Journey could be explained and mapped out using Archetypes, is extremely insightful.
It makes SO much sense!
The roadmap developed by Martens (aptly called ‘Journey‘) using 8 sequential Archetypes becomes a great overlay to see where we are at on our own Hero’s Journey.
The author attributes this work, and the deeper understanding she took from it, as being responsible for her healing from 3-year struggle with cancer.
So let’s dive in and see where some of the greatest insights are revealed.
Going a little bit deeper
For me, this was the greatest reveal.
It starts with understanding where you are at on the Hero’s Journey, and what Archetype you most identify with, at this stage of your life.
The 8 Archetypes that Martens identifies, explains and steps through on the ‘Journey’ are:
1. The Child.
2. The Rebel.
3. The Warrior.
4. The Nurturer.
5. The Lover.
6. The Hedonist.
7. The King.
8. The Alchemist.
You will have to read the book to get into greater depth and details with with them; and also why they unfold in this order. The author uses great examples and personal experiences to show how the Archetypes are expressed, and how you might find yourself in one or the other.
One of the ways she explains we can understand what Archetype we most identify with now (at this stage of our journey) is by understanding the ‘shadow side’ of the Archetypes.
When we are in alignment with an Archetype and expressing it with the infusion (consciously or unconsciously) of consciousness itself, it can be an amazing thing.The opposite also applies when we are out of alignment.
Let me show you what I mean.
A Nurturer can be great to be and to have in our lives.
However a Nurturer who has no boundaries, might give (nurture) until they burn themselves out, which might even slip into resentment towards the person they are helping. This would be the ‘Shadow’ side of a Nurturer – giving until burn out.
Another example might be the King Archetype. They can do great things as a leader and in service to others (think of a benevolent King Arthur), but the ‘shadow side’ of a King Archetype would be if they abused their power for their own benefits or coerced people to do things they did not want to do.
The shadow side of a Rebel, might be a ‘rebel without a cause‘.
Someone who identifies as a Rebel Archetype, who is on a mission to do something that benefits humanity (e.g. crusading to reduce the use of plastics), is a Rebel in alignment with their Archetypal nature.
And therefore expresses themselves (and their ‘Purpose’) in a healthy way.
The author suggests that one Archetype is not grander than another, but are just stepping stones on the Hero’s Journey, and are for us to work with and through. They allow us a chance to better know ourselves.
The author talks about her misalignment with the Rebel Archetype (which she most identified with) as the cause of great suffering in her life – physically and psychologically. And it was only through understanding the true nature of the Rebel Archetype – and their shadow side – that she was able to make much more conscious and ultimately better choices in her life; which turned her life and health around.
The other thing Martens suggests – which resonates for me – is the journey through these Archetypes is generally a circular journey, but in an upward spiral.
We circle through these throughout our lives as we evolve and overcome different challenges in our lives.
Now I could keep going deeper into the essence of this book and it teachings, along with my personal experience in relationship to this subject, but I think you would actually get most out of this book if you actually read it yourself.
The better we understand ourselves, the different parts of ourselves, and where we are on our own Hero’s Journey, the better choices we can make to not only shape our destiny, but to better navigate our day-to-day life.
“By unconsciously suppressing archetypes, essential parts of the self and others are rejected. Because of it, you turn on yourself and experiences that part of yourself as an enemy.” Beth Martens (Journey)
This book is an excellent tool to know why you do or don’t do what you do or don’t do.
Let me know what it reveals for you.
In Summary
This is a great book to shine the light on your own journey and where you are on the path.
You get to see yourself in the different Archetypes as they are presented.
Understanding the shadow side of each of the Archetypes might be a HUGE reveal for you, as it may highlight where you are in or out of ALIGNMENT.
When we are out of alignment with the deeper parts of ourselves, in can disrupt our health, relationships and our ability to live out our purpose.
I didn’t go into it, but this is a great book to explore whether we are ‘on’ or ‘off’ our Purpose.
My Parting Words
I loved this book.
I also liked it so much that I organized a call with the author, to discuss what came up for me.
The author – Beth Martens – had gone through a lot of struggle and confusion in her own life before she understood the deeper messages in this work.
It was when she saw the synthesis between Archetypes and the Hero’s Journey, that it truly ‘clicked’ for her.
It made sense.
And I agree.
Her book – which is an enjoyable and easy read – makes a lot of sense.
It is also great at revealing ‘blind spots’ or what she calls ‘shadows’.
Once we are made aware of something (that we are missing) we can then do something about it.
That is HUGE!
It can even change your whole life’s trajectory.
So check out her book.
I don’t get anything from the author by recommending the book for you, apart from knowing that I have given you a great guide, which is likely to give you some great ah-hah moments, which is what I am here for.
Have a more illuminated day, and a week full of blind-spot reveals.
Take care
Carl
Quotable QUOTE:“If knowledge is power, self-knowledge is a superpower. Wisdom and knowledge can save your life, and the lack of it can be the death of you.” Beth Martens
PS: Have you read or listened to this book yet? 18 Ways We Make Life WAY Harder Than It Needs To Be
1 reply on “Reviewing The Book ‘Journey’ By Beth Martens ”
Wow…..great synopsis, thank you so much for your reflections and sharing this with your people!! #kinghero