Freedom, CA: The Crossing Press 1997.  163 pp.  US$26

Wauters has written a very engaging and insightful book about the role archetypes play in the progression of human spiritual development. The author spent many years working with archetypes in her own personal development and in her private healing practice, after reading Carl Jung's Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious some twenty-five years earlier and subsequently studying at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland.  

The author states that archetypes are universal patterns of behavior which have both positive and negative qualities and are mirrors of the unconscious. As such, they help us understand our behavior (p. 2-3).

Wauters uses "archetypes as a model for self-awareness and as a ladder towards spiritual growth." (p.1) Using fourteen archetypes chosen for their compatibility with the emotional issues and vibrational frequencies found in the chakras, the author connects two archetypes, one functional and one dysfunctional, with each of the seven major energy centers (chakras) of the body. A diagram of the seven chakras and their location in the body is provided, as well as a simple chart which incorporates specific archetypes, both positive and negative, and the emotional issues associated with each level. (p. 8)

The purpose of this book is to guide the reader through the shadow or dysfunctional patterns of behaviour towards awareness and spiritual healing and growth. Wauters advises that we must pass through each archetypal/chakra stage of development sequentially, but that we do not leave the previous stage behind. Rather, these archetypes change in their quality and may reappear from time to time. Wauters acknowledges that while humans are three-dimensional, archetypes are only two-dimensional and readers must not attach themselves to any one archetype, either functional or dysfunctional because archetypes only assist us in identifying our behavioural patterns. We are more than any archetype which presents itself in our lives.

Each archetype/chakra constellation has its own chapter in which Wauters introduces the function of that individual chakra, the negative and positive archetypes attached to that chakra, the myths of these archetypes, mental and spiritual exercises, meditations and affirmations, and guidance for us to take responsibility for personal spiritual growth. For instance, the first energy centre, or base chakra, is located at the base of the spine and is identified with the Victim Archetype (negative) and the Mother Archetype (positive). This is our connection with the earth and reality. In this chapter, Wauters explains the importance of grounding our energy, "to get out of our heads and into our bodies." (p. 29) She explains that when we lose contact with reality, we can become victims. When we take responsibility for ourselves and change mental attitudes of living as a victim, we learn about the nurturance of the Mother Archetype and ultimately we become capable of nurturing ourselves and others.

Wauters explores each chakra in the same manner. Consistently, she provides directions for changing readers' mental attitudes and encourages readers to forgive and release the past. For example, when discussing the heart chakra, the Lover Archetype, is affirmed to be fully capable of loving oneself with total acceptance. Wauters writes, "love it all...be with it and be one with it. Learning to love it as it is is part of our awakening, and as we experience this we make our lives a unique expression of the love within us." (p. 101)

The final, seventh, chakra is located at the crown of the head. It is related by Wauters to the Egoist Archetype and the Guru Archetype. Wauters suggests that individuals have everything they need within themselves for true spiritual awakening and have the capacity to become their own Guru. By working through the chakras and corresponding archetypes she has presented, readers will come to a place of freedom, trust and love.

While Chakras and Their Archetypes contains neither a reference or bibliography section nor an index, nevertheless valuable information is presented to readers wishing to explore their spiritual world. Wauters has simplified and linked chakras and archetypes. Readers require no prior knowledge of chakras or archetypes to comprehend and enjoy this inspiring book.

Reviewed by Lynn Wills, Graduate student (ThD)
Holos University Graduate Seminary www.HolosUniversity.org

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