The male energy in our culture loves to glorify Warrior energy because it feels powerful and confident. Don’t get me wrong, it’s important and very useful – but “archetypally” I think it’s really helpful to clarify its role.
The primary job of the Warrior is to set and maintain boundaries.
That can mean guarding your safety, your integrity, or even your sanity. It does not, however, decide what the boundaries are – that is the job of a higher authority (your Spirit, God, or another leadership archetype).
Ideally, the Warrior is in service to something greater than itself. It is an implementer, not a decider.
In the absence of a separate legitimate authority that can harness, focus and set its agenda, the Warrior is at great risk of falling out of balance and becoming dangerous or ineffectual. Leadership is unquestionably one of its traits, but that applies to the execution not the definition of the mission.
That also means that unless it is in shadow it is not aggressive, it is responsive. Its job is NOT to impose your/its will on others. Defending your sovereignty does not equate to violating another’s.
Warrior energy is most effective when it is dealing with boundaries that have been consciously identified ahead of time, but it can also be helpful in acquainting you with boundaries you weren’t aware of or were uncomfortable acknowledging.
Feelings of anger, transgression, or being attacked, particularly if they are uncomfortable or don’t seem to make sense, are often the Warrior’s way of trying to get your attention. If you react reflexively, usually something like lashing out/fighting back or escaping into greater avoidance will occur. If, however, you choose to bring awareness to the situation, you give it the chance to either remind or teach you that something just happened that threatens to compromise your personal power.
Sometimes the mere conscious observation of a boundary can bring the situation back into balance. More often, you will be required to speak up for yourself or modify your actions. Even though the metaphor of war is unavoidable with this archetype, retreating or going into battle can only be choices of last resort if one is to stay in integrity.
Even if confrontation is required, it is helpful to keep in mind the distinction between reclaiming your power vs. diminishing the other’s.
Higher level Warriors understand that a wounded adversary is dangerous and cannot be trusted; the best resolutions are the ones that empower all parties.
(So, if your inner monologue just now said, “But the best adversary is a dead one,” congratulations! You just met your shadow Warrior.)
For the most part, the Warrior’s job is to establish, restore, or maintain the sovereignty of your empowerment.
What is your relationship with your inner Warrior?
What you have just read is a composite of two posts I made in my Facebook group Your Spiritual Adventure. If you are interested in more information like this, I invite you to join us here.