Dr Allan Hunter has written The Six Archetypes of Love as he sees them, beautifully alive with quotes from wisdom traditions such as Taoism, (“The master doesn’t talk, he acts.”), examples from movies including Casa Blanca, illuminating pieces from literature and also from real life.
Bill Clinton, Bill Gates and Prince Charles appear in thought-provoking cameos, along with other celebrities dotted throughout the book. The overall result is an accessible and enlightening spiritual read about the lessons of love with a view to improving relationships. As Allan Hunter puts it, “We’ve lost sight of what love is and how it works…”
Identifying with Archetypes of Love
Initially there is a strong temptation to flick through the chapters looking for the love archetype with which the reader could most strongly identify. On closer reading, it becomes clear that each archetype: the Innocent, the Orphan, the Pilgrim, the Warrior-Lover, the Monarch and the Magician, incorporates those that have gone before. Hunter implies that however comfortable a person may feel at a specific level, a greater energy is at work, inspiring movement towards the next and higher level of love.
The Innocent Archetype of Love
Each chapter defines a different archetype of love, starting with the Innocent. This is where all human beings begin and the author points out the value of maintaining access to this archetype: “…the Innocent represents the purest form of love and trust we can have…”
“All the great humanitarian movements have sprung from the highest version of the Innocent archetype.” He goes on to explain how this extraordinary love works and eventually dies, and why it is essential to move forward to Orphan Love, and on through the remaining archetypes to the Magician.
Tarot Cards and the Six Archetypes of Love
Hunter writes about the need to feel the different energy of the archetypes of love and reaches out to the reader through the images from the Rider-Waite Tarot. Some of his choices of tarot cards are unexpected and always thought-provoking.
The book flows as a journey through the six archetypes. It explores the possibilities of strengthening love and improving relationships, from the Innocent (The Sun tarot card) through to the Magician. And who wouldn’t want to rise to the dizzy heights of the Magician in love?
Hunter blends the writings of Shakespeare, Leonard Cohen and Ram Dass in his explanation of this archetype of love. He writes, “The Magician therefore is a lover in the very highest sense who promotes the creative, generative love that moves people to a better place.”
What is Love?
The Six Archetypes of Love is not light reading. For those people who ask "What is love?" and "How does love work?" there is a huge amount of information in response. Allan Hunter writes in an engaging and gentle style, communicating with the reader and questioning in a way that encourages greater personal reflection. All of this leaves the reader feeling enriched and inspired to be better in love. Perhaps even believing Hunter when he says “Love does, truly, work miracles.”
Dr Allan Hunter is a professor of literature, counsellor and personal development workshop leader.
Published in 2008 by Findhorn Press, the book costs US$ 14.95 (£ 7.99)
Findhorn Press also published Stories We Need to Know: Reading Your Life Path in Literature by Allan Hunter.
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