Page 17 - My Indigo Sun March 2025
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The savior archetype often emerges as a leading to either martyrdom or tyranny. Others
response to the puer-senex tension. It can may fall into extremes: a rigid ruler who then
represent the bridge between the two — becomes oppressive or a reckless dreamer who
someone who offers liberation (puer) while destabilizes everything. In this day and time, we
also embodying wisdom and responsibility are offered the choice of leaders who embody
(senex). The savior transcends but does balance — bringing fresh energy, free speech and
not escape; they redeem, integrate, and true freedom, while respecting tradition and
transform. In mythology and religion, enduring societal structures that are proven
saviors often come from above (puer, safeguards for the many.
divine messenger) yet take on earthly
burdens (senex, suffering, sacrifice). Carl Jung believed the only thing that would
Christ, for example, embodies the eternal save us required the individual’s
child in his miraculous birth and lightness accountability, moral responsibility and
of being, yet also the wise old man through owning our own shadow. This goes for
his teachings, suffering and ultimate cultures and societies as well, but he strongly
sacrifice. Psychologically, the puer often felt it was the individual’s efforts that evolve
seeks a savior, someone who will lift them the Godhead. He said, “If a world-wide
beyond earthly struggles. But real consciousness could arise that all division
salvation — inner or collective — requires and all antagonism are due to the splitting of
integrating both energies. You can’t just opposites in the psyche, then one would
ascend (puer); you must also endure and really know where to begin.” To evolve as a
build (senex). The savior complex is deeply collective, we must move forward
embedded in those who aim and seek responsibly, while being open to the
power. Leaders, revolutionaries, and possibilities of constructive change. As each
visionaries often position themselves as of us makes the required effort to see the
liberators (puer) while taking on the true values of both sides, we will generate the
mantle of authority and control (senex). balance of the opposites in our own psyches.
The danger is when the savior believes
only they can “rescue” society, Rebeca Eigen
My Indigo Sun -17
