What does the archetype of the eagle mean?

The eagle animal archetype is related to attributes such as long-range vision, independence, high self-esteem, power, strength, wisdom, prosperity and resilience. Currently, this archetype is used by many people who already have or wish to achieve a leadership position.

After all, the attributes of this animal serve very well for this purpose. Moreover, this archetype can also be used when you need to overcome a major obstacle, seek your financial independence, want to better explore your potential, overcome your own limitations and live with more freedom.

If you have the eagle as your power animal or want to connect to this energy, know that in this article you will find valuable information on the subject. Check it out!

Understanding more about animal archetypes

The animal archetypes, power animals or animal totems are increasingly gaining people's attention. However, this concept still generates several doubts, so to help you understand more deeply this subject, we list below some important topics.

Check below what are the animal archetypes, the origin of the study of this concept, what your animal archetype reveals about you, the power animals from the Jungian point of view and the relation of this concept with shamanism.

What are the animal archetypes?

There are several ways to explain what animal archetypes are, in some traditions of shamanism, for example, they are seen as spirits whose purpose is to support and help human beings in their earthly journey.

Taking Jung's concepts into consideration, we can say that they are figures that carry a symbolic meaning. That is, they bring with them a set of characteristics and some patterns of behavior, which can be used to benefit someone's life.

Whatever your vision, by connecting with your power animal, you have the chance to gain self-knowledge, learn the lessons taught by that animal, as well as get help with specific issues in your life.

Origin of the study of animal archetypes

The concept of power animals is quite old, as it is an important part of the culture of indigenous peoples on several continents.

In the beginning of the 20th century, this concept started to call the attention of many people, who began to rescue the knowledge of shamanism, a spiritual practice that lost space in the last millenniums, thanks to the modernization of society, which moved further and further away from nature and from the way of life of the peoples considered primitive.

Throughout the 20th century, several scholars, such as anthropologist Michael Harner, anthropologist and writer Carlos Castañeda, and historian Dee Brown have turned to the study of indigenous peoples' way of life and spiritual practices, which includes the concept of power animals.

Today, this idea is gaining more and more space, not only among those who are interested in shamanism, but also by people who seek personal development. The eagle archetype, for example, is used by people in leadership positions or by those who wish to achieve great goals.

Power animals from a Jungian point of view

According to Carl Gustav Jung, archetypes are representations or symbols loaded with meaning, which are shared by human beings, even from different peoples and over many generations.

Jung's theory explains that besides personal experiences that will give meaning to a symbol, there is also a series of collective experiences, which are accumulated by human beings over time and are stored in the collective unconscious, which would be a kind of reservoir of information shared by all of us.

Just to illustrate, when thinking about an animal like the snake, there is a part of the meaning associated with that symbol that is personal. That is, based on your own experiences, you may be fascinated by it or feel afraid of it, say it is beautiful or ugly, etc.

According to the archetype concept, we all know instinctively what snakes represent, for example, a treacherous and dangerous animal, or an animal that represents transformation due to its ability to change skin.

It is precisely to this collective meaning that the term archetype refers. Just like other elements of our daily life, each animal also has its set of characteristics that are kept in the collective unconscious.

Shamanism and power animals

According to shamanism, whenever someone is born, that person is chosen by a power animal, which will guide him in his earthly journey, offer protection, help with whatever is needed and share his qualities.

In addition, shamanism is also closely linked to healing, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Often, it is the power animal that shows the way for any kind of healing you desire to be accomplished in your life.

It is also worth noting that each power animal teaches a different lesson, which can be learned by observing their behavior and consciously adopting their qualities.

What does the animal archetype reveal about you?

By discovering your animal archetype, you will have a clearer vision of yourself. If you pay attention to its characteristics, you will realize that you have personality traits similar to this animal.

It is worth noting that all power animals have positive and negative aspects. By observing them, you will better understand what can be improved in you. Consequently, you will also have improvements in several areas of your life, such as career, love life, family environment, etc.

Qualities of the archetype of the eagle

Like all power animals, the eagle archetype has a set of specific qualities. If she is your archetype, you certainly already possess some of these traits, but there are others that you can develop with the help of this archetype.

To learn more about this, see the list below with the main attributes of the eagle archetype, such as its vision, leadership ability, emotional independence, strength, wisdom and more.

Vision

Vision is one of the main qualities associated with the eagle archetype. First of all, it has the ability to see much further than humans and other animals. Just to illustrate, from the top of a 10-story building, an eagle would be able to see an ant on the ground.

In addition, the retinas of the eagle's eyes have many more light-detecting cells and this bird also has a sharper perception of colors. This makes it an excellent hunter and also helps it when it comes to protecting itself from predators.

Thus, part of the lesson taught by this animal is related to the ability to see further and more clearly, either in the sense of finding opportunities that others have not yet seen, or even to use this vision to take precise and accurate actions to achieve your goals or solve a problem.

Freedom

In general, all animals that have the ability to fly are associated with freedom, but because the eagle's wings are longer than those of other birds, it is considered by many to be the greatest symbol of freedom. Its ability to soar as high as 3,000 meters also contributes to this idea.

Therefore, those who encounter the eagle archetype are invited to take responsibility for their own freedom, mainly in the sense of reflecting on how to see and live beyond the limitations imposed by other people, by circumstances and even self-imposed.

Emotional independence

Unlike other birds, eagles do not live in flocks, moreover, they build their nests at high altitudes, distant not only from other eagles, but also from other species. For this reason, the eagle represents emotional independence and self-sufficiency.

Those who have the eagle as a power animal have a great ability to accomplish what they want without depending on anyone. Even without support or help they go ahead because they have as a guide their own vision of what they want. They also do not let themselves be affected by others' opinions since they have a very clear idea of what they want for themselves.

Self-esteem

The archetype of the eagle is also related to self-esteem, that is, the ability to understand your own value, your qualities and recognize what you have to offer. This animal totem brings as a lesson the need to accept yourself, but without becoming complacent.

That is, to be content with your current version, but without ceasing to seek constant improvement. Finally, it is worth noting that the eagle is associated with people who trust their own judgments and are not afraid to express themselves or seek what they believe they deserve.

Overcoming obstacles

Another very important quality of the eagle archetype is its capacity to overcome obstacles. Some migratory species can cover great distances in a single day, besides, it is precise when dealing with prey as well as predators.

She is a symbol of resilience, strength and energy and is therefore a great archetype to connect with when facing a challenge or wanting to conquer a goal.

Power and strength

The eagle is also a symbol of power and strength. Throughout history, it has been associated with many deities, just to illustrate, in Greek mythology, Zeus transforms into an eagle to become able to control lightning and thunder.

The image of the eagle in itself is already imposing, but its characteristics also contribute to this idea. It is an expert hunter, which is possible thanks to its vision and the strength of its claws and beak. That allows it not only to capture small animals with ease, but also to carry them during the flight.

These characteristics are shown in individuals who have this animal as a guide, through the ability to pursue their own goals, a great level of resilience and a lot of willpower.

Leadership

The eagle as a power animal is also a symbol of leadership, precisely because of its sharp vision and ability to make quick and accurate decisions. Some species fly about 50 km / h, but when finding prey, the eagle acts quickly, reaching the incredible speed of 300 km / h in the dive.

Thus, this is an archetype that teaches us the importance of precision, the moment to save energy and the moment to act quickly. Characteristics that are very important for those who exercise any kind of leadership.

Wisdom and prosperity

There are several reasons why wisdom is associated with the eagle, such as the precision with which this animal acts and its precise, far-reaching vision.

In addition, this bird can also fly above the clouds and its nest is built at high altitudes. This possibility of elevation is associated both with great mental capacity and divine wisdom.

This archetype is also associated with prosperity and is used by many people who are interested in progressing in professional life and business.

The lesson offered by the eagle in this aspect is to pursue what you want with confidence, using all the resources you have at your disposal. And thus achieve the freedom offered by the expansion of your financial resources.

Shadow side of the eagle archetype

Like all archetypes, the eagle also has its shadow side, that is, a set of negative characteristics that should be avoided.

If the eagle is your power animal, check below a little more about the aspects you need to be careful with, such as arrogance, disputes, difficulties in love and even the danger that this archetype offers to bosses.

Arrogance

One of the aspects of the shadow side of the eagle archetype is arrogance, which can arise, for example, due to excessive self-confidence. Often, one of the lessons that those who have this bird as a power animal need to learn is to listen and respect the opinions of others, whether they come from someone with more experience or not.

So it is important to know how to use the qualities of the eagle, such as strength and self-confidence, to your advantage. So that you have a clear notion of your worth, but do not let this hinder your relationships, especially in professional life.

Danger for employers

Those who have the eagle as their power animal are often seen as a danger to employers, for several reasons. Firstly, because as they are very independent, these people tend to have difficulty working in a group or even accepting others' opinions.

Secondly, because they are very strong and independent, they also have difficulty following rules that are common to everyone. Finally, this archetype is also associated with visionary people who are always looking for new ideas, which will not always be valued in a work environment where hierarchy is important.

Disputes

Disputes and conflicts also appear frequently as characteristics of the shadow side of the eagle archetype. Often they are caused because those associated with this archetype have strong opinions and are not afraid to fight for what they think is right.

It is therefore extremely important to be more careful in relationships and in the professional field, especially in the sense of learning to control one's emotions, to accept other people's points of view, and to know the right time to speak and to listen.

Difficulties in love

The firm personality, characteristic of the eagle archetype, can also cause the individual to have problems in the love life. These are mainly related to the difficulty of accepting the opinions and desires of the other or of recognising one's own mistakes.

Therefore, it is necessary to work with these aspects so that not only the love relationship, but also all the others, are lived in a lighter, more satisfying and healthy way.

Further information about animal archetypes

Now that you know what the animal archetypes are and the main attributes of the eagle archetype, there is still some important information on the subject. Check below what the purpose of animal archetypes are, how many you can have, how to discover yours and more.

What is the purpose of animal archetypes?

The animal archetypes can be used for several purposes. First of all, this is an excellent way to obtain self-knowledge, since by discovering your power animal you will have the chance to know its main characteristics.

In this way, you will also understand what your strengths and your shadow side are and thus know what needs to be worked on in you so that you live better.

In addition, they are great allies in the process of physical or emotional healing, since each power animal offers a specific medicine. This does not mean that traditional medicine should be left aside, but it is a great alternative for those seeking holistic treatments to complement the traditional ones.

It is also worth pointing out that for shamanism, the path taught by the power animals is a way to learn to live better, with oneself, with other people and even with nature.

How to discover your animal archetype?

There are several ways to discover your animal archetype. First of all, you can look at those animals that you have an affinity with. It is likely that you have a great admiration or interest in a certain animal and even own items with that symbol, such as clothes, decorative items, etc.

You can also make a list of your main personality traits and compare them with some archetypes to find out which one you have more affinity with.

Finally, there are guided meditations and even tests available online that can help you in this task. When in doubt, it is interesting to use these tools, because they offer a result in a faster and simpler way.

How many animal archetypes can you have?

According to shamanic traditions, each person is chosen by a power animal at birth. This is the animal that will accompany them for their entire life, sharing their characteristics, serving as a guide and helping them along their journey.

However, it is common for people to connect with other power animals throughout their lives. Sometimes this occurs naturally and unconsciously, due to the circumstances that that person faces or what they wish to achieve.

But it is also possible to do this consciously, by choosing the animal you wish to connect with, according to its qualities. This connection can be established by observing this animal, learning about it or even through specific meditations for this purpose.

What is the meaning of the eagle archetype?

The archetype of the eagle is associated with a great capacity for leadership, visionary people, strong and independent. It is related to the search for wisdom, prosperity, freedom and overcoming obstacles.

In its negative aspect, the eagle archetype has as main attributes arrogance, conflicts, difficulty in establishing happy relationships and following rules. So, these are the aspects of this archetype which require care and attention.

How to use the eagle archetype?

To use this archetype it is first necessary to connect to the energy of this animal, either through the study of its particularities, observation or even meditations and visualizations specific for this.

However, the most important thing is to integrate the qualities that this animal possesses into your life, which can be practiced in the most diverse situations, even if it is with small steps.

In practice, you can start by improving your self-esteem, recognizing your strength, creating a clear vision of the goal you want to achieve, making decisions independently and creating practical plans for overcoming the obstacles you are facing.

What are the advantages of knowing your animal archetype?

Knowing your animal archetype is an excellent way to develop yourself, both from a spiritual and personal point of view. Even because by observing the characteristics and behavior of this animal, you will have the chance to better understand yourself.

According to shamanism, the power animal also serves as a guide, protects, supports and helps human beings on their journey. In addition to offering the teachings of its medicine to restore the physical, emotional and spiritual health of those who seek its knowledge.

In this way, it is possible to find a more harmonious and satisfying way of life, whether with oneself, with other people or even with nature.

Now that you know all this, do your best to integrate this knowledge into your life. Without a doubt, the eagle archetype will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.