Ali Jafarian

The Creator has a passionate need for self-expression, to be a cultural pioneer. Creating offers a means of dealing with how out of control the world seems. The Creator is highly imaginative, with a developed sense of the aesthetic. This archetype often appears in environments that are reflective of good taste and a unique point of view. On a quest to create things and expressions of lasting value, the Creator constantly seeks to acquire new skills.

The Creator notices and acts upon the need for innovation, invention and reinterpretation. Believing in the value of inner expression, the Creator is dedicated, hardworking and achievement oriented. This archetype’s self-esteem and confidence are anchored in the practice of creative expression, which also provides an antidote for existential depression. Sometimes seen as elitist or eccentric, people can be challenged to understand the volume of the Creator’s inner critic, misunderstanding how fragile and vulner- able the Creator’s self-confidence can be.

Creating transmutes the need to find meaning in life into the power to make meaning. Trusting in inspiration, the Creator pursues those moments when ideas flow effortlessly and creativity is a cherished companion but learns to practice patience when the channel doesn’t feel quite so open. Believing wholeheartedly in the creative process, the Creator quests for immortality through creative work.

The Seeker epitomizes the call to find meaning and is on a path to find wisdom and truth wherever it may be. Demonstrating great patience and perseverance, this archetype appears tirelessly motivated. The Seeker leaves no stone unturned or unexamined on the journey. With the ultimate goals of empowerment and enlightenment, the Seeker connects with the inner self and finds inner meanings by exploring and questioning both the external and internal environments.

Motivated by an unquenchable need to know – intellectually, emotionally and spiritually – the Seeker is ambitious and independent. Preferring to “do it myself,” the Seeker is in perpetual motion and travels lightly.

This archetype quests for a world unknown but deeply felt. The search for truth often uncovers lies, deception and mysteries about the Seeker and the world. The process creates a capacity for seeing through any masks of deception. The process of discovery reveals a vast canvas of lessons―talents, knowledge, abilities, perspective and points of view. Searching for deeper meaning in life, the Seeker is open-minded, ambitious and relentlessly honest. The Seeker looks and listens for the highest potential in self and others. Driven to continuously learn and know more, the Seeker thirsts for a better way, a better life and a better world.

The Explorer is motivated by a powerful craving for new experiences and will do almost anything to avoid boredom and entrapment, even if it means not knowing what might be coming next. Innovative and ambitious, the Explorer seeks different perspectives and expanded horizons. The Explorer is known to push boundaries and delight in unexpected discoveries, embracing a “no limit” philosophy.

At the core of this archetype is the urge to hit the open road. Highly individualistic, the Explorer demonstrates a “live and let live” attitude. This archetype is generally ahead of mainstream thinking. It marches to the beat of a different drummer, one that resonates with youth and accompanies transition times that signify freedom, such as leaving for college. The Explorer gains self-understanding by discovering the reflected self in the external world. Ultimately the Explorer strives to be authentically true to the self, while reconciling a way to still belong to a broader community.

Understanding that there are no limits to becoming and no end to learning, the Explorer cultivates experiences to stretch and grow, opportunities to step out of the routine of daily existence and to be comfortable at a seemingly constant edge. The Explorer is independent and self-directed and enjoys individualistic pursuits. Inherently a nonconformist, the Explorer values freedom and innovation. Meaning is derived from experientially discovering the world and the subsequent ability to align those outer realities with inner needs.

The Mentor is essentially a teacher and trainer who supports not only learning but also character development in order to prepare others to meet life’s challenges. To enable the kind of intimacy and trust required to fulfill this role, the Mentor must be someone in whom trust can be placed without reservation.

Additionally, the Mentor is a good listener who can hold a large container of seemingly unrelated puzzle pieces. With an empathetic voice of reason and a developed capacity for hearing limiting beliefs, the Mentor represents the wiser qualities within us, often acting as a secondary conscience by offering gifts for others to use along their journey.

The Mentor can behave as the Herald, delivering messages with information, guidance and encouragement for what some might deem the “call to adventure.” Relationships with students may extend for long periods of time during which the Mentor remains as advisor and support through multiple engagements.

An excellent judge of character, the Mentor possesses a great curiosity about what makes people tick and an advanced ability to discern between authenticity and insincere behavior. Gratification is found by supporting others toward empowerment and partnering with them toward the realization of higher-order goals. The Mentor is motivated by the desire to be a rising tide that lifts all boats and to share wisdom for the benefit of all.

The Servant can assume a spectrum of roles, from one who serves another to servant leadership. This archetype’s duties can be performed in a similar spectrum, from domestic to government or business. The unifying quality of the Servant is a calling to service for the benefit of enhancing others’ lives. Although sometimes seen in a pejorative light, the true spirit of the Servant does not contain a mandate to subservience or being indentured but represents a perspective that prioritizes others.

In supporting the well-being and empowerment of people and community, the Servant feels a deep responsibility to contribute positively to the world. A diligent and dedicated helper, the Servant is a humble steward, freely choosing to serve and to satisfy.

Service occurs in many places ranging from behind the scenes to out in front, from in the home to the workplace. When in a leadership position, the Servant focuses on helping remove obstacles and assisting others in reaching their objectives. Servant leadership is generally participative and reflects a spiritual view of an organization’s vision, mission and identity.

The rewards of service are sufficient for this archetype, and external recognition is not required. Service can be rendered for the benefit of multiple levels of community, from self to others and beyond to ideals, concepts and causes.