Archetypes, part II - The Way of Phi in Practice -

The Mother & The Magician – Who Is Stronger?

Dear friend,

In this second issue about archetypes we look at the Mother and the Magician.

Archetypes can be understood as energies that are represented or manifested in various forms.

The Mother

The Mother is both a role and an energy.

In a biological sense, as a mother, you might become a mother in a literal sense, by carrying a child, nurturing it, supporting it and letting it go.

The female body produces many hormones before, during and after childbirth, which change her physiology and thus support the mother in carrying out what is needed. A lot of this is programmed into our biology and happens through instinct.

However, as most parents discover, being a mother is not limited to the woman who gave birth to a child. The father or adoptive parents can also develop motherly traits of caring and nurturing the child. As can an older sibling, a grandparent or someone else e.g. a kindergarten teacher.

On a more metaphorical level we talk about Mother Nature or the Earth as our Great Mother.

The Earth in many ways carries us, nourishes us, supports us and lets us go to make our own choices.

Mother energy is Circular, in that it holds space, supports, and gives us freedom to choose. It is leading through firm gentleness and unrelenting care. Always present to return to, but also encouraging to try our own wings and fly wherever we want to.

The Circular shape is also present in the Mother, all the way from before conception (ovum, vaginal aperture), during pregnancy (round belly), while breastfeeding (round breasts) to caring and supporting the growing child (the Mother's body is often more rounded).

The Mother surrenders to allow life to be created through her and gives life. Trusting.

The power of the Mother is all about empowering the child to grow and create his or her life.

The Magician

The Magician is also both a role and an energy, although these days, many probably view the Magician as either a mythic character (like Merlin), a fairy tale character (like Gandalf) or as an illusionist who uses various tricks to make things appear like "magic" (like David Copperfield or Joe Labero to name but two).

Fewer seem to believe in "real magick" (a term coined by Aleister Crowley).

So, what is magic?

In some regards, we are all engaged in magic on a daily basis, but we are so used to it that we just consider it the normal way of things. Whenever we want something to happen and it then happens, that could be construed as a magical act.

Magician energy is Linear, which can be seen in the wand that he traditionally carries. The wand (sometimes a staff) seems to be a tool that the Magician wields in order to focus and direct the energy.

The archetype of the Magician can be embodied by women as well as men.

The Magician takes responsibility for his actions and their consequences.

The power of the Magician is about bending reality to one's will.

Who Is Stronger?

If we consider and compare the Mother and the Magician, who is stronger?

While the Mother holds, the Magician controls.

While the Mother supports, the Magician commands.

When her work is done, the Mother lets go and finds pleasure indirectly in seeing the child make its own way in life, at times returning and then venturing out again. This is an altruistic quality that reaches outwards. To grow the Mother gives life and gives it freedom.

When his work is done, the Magician enjoys the outcome directly (perhaps by giving it to someone who needs it). This a self-centered quality that collects and reaches inwards. To grow the Magician creates and shapes this as he wants them.

So who is stronger?

Perhaps that is like comparing apples and oranges.

What does this mean to you?

How much of the Mother have you realised in your life? – Can you support things and allow them to happen in the way that they should. How deeply can you trust the life force, whether in you or around you?

What about the Magician? – Can you make things happen? How much responsibility are you willing to accept for your actions and their consequences? To what extent can you act and make things happen just because you want to?

Ready to Practice Philosophy?

If you are in or around south Sweden, there will be a philosophical café in Lund the first Wednesday of every month, starting on the 1st of October 2025. Click here for more information and to book your ticket.

If I were to organise Philosophical Cafés online – would you join? If yes, drop me a line. If enough people are interested, I will make it happen.

With gratitude,

Christopher