Archetype Combos and Conflicts

The PMAI^® system of archetypes holds various combinations and conflicts between archetypes that bring nuanced understanding to your Archetype Profile. This is particularly true of these pairs in high scoring archetypes, but it is also useful to consider the meaning of these pairs if only one of them is high scoring for you. In this case, it may be possible that you can access the deeper expression of a lower scoring archetype by understanding how it is naturally related to a higher scoring one.

Some archetypal pairings have a basic posture in common so that the combination intensifies that life quality. Here are a few examples of the way the Warrior, for instance, pairs with other archetypes that augment its qualities.

Warrior and Caregiver. Responsibility is key for both these archetypes; both like to rescue others. If a person has both in the high range, she may be focused upon protecting others by fighting off adversity that may be threatening or by making excuses if these other people are not performing adequately. This combination becomes dangerous when the behavior expressed is disempowering or when the person begins to take over tasks rather than letting someone stumble through the process.

Warrior and Seeker. These archetypes share a sense of autonomous adventurousness that we can see in the wandering knight of mythology or the pioneer of the frontier. When these influences are combined, they can cause a person to fear intimacy and have difficulty settling down. Such a person may be always prepared to find another campaign where his or her services may be in demand.

Warrior and Ruler. The Warrior and the Ruler both seek control over others. Power can be maintained for the Ruler by being continually at war, declaring that he or she is the only one who can keep the kingdom together. For this reason, unnecessary fights or even wars may be waged in order to maintain the Ruler's power. When governing during wartime, this person can be decisive and respected but may not know how to proceed when there is no war. As a result, peace is continually undermined.

Conflicting Archetypal Pairs
Pairs can also be at odds with one another, creating a stalemate that keeps a person stuck, particularly when outside voices or influences reinforce the views of one or both the archetypes. Although some people segment the two impulses into different time slots or parts of their lives, others may feel torn between two seemingly irreconcilable impulses, causing stress or dissatisfaction. Here are some examples of these potential conflicts:

Caregiver and Seeker. The Caregiver is motivated to care for others and the Seeker wants to find himself. These archetypes can tug in opposite directions in a way that can cause stress or even suffering, especially if one (usually the Caregiver) causes a person to suppress the desires of the other (usually the Seeker).

Ruler and Jester. To the Ruler, whose emphasis is on power and responsibility, the Jester's desire to have fun may seem like self-indulgence.

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