Prostitute: a definition - someone who provides sexual services for a fee. (While "prostitute" is the dictionary definition, the industry has widely shifted toward using the term sex worker.) Collins English Dictionary
Prostitute: a figurative meaning - the verb “prostitute” can also be used figuratively to describe someone who compromises their morals, talents, or reputation for money. Example: “He prostituted his writing talent by only creating adverts instead of writing novels.” (Oxford Dictionary)
I have wanted to write about archetypes for a while now and although I’m no expert, I do believe they offer us a fascinating glimpse into what it means to be fully human. An archetype is a term that was originally popularised by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who defined archetypes as ‘…inherited patterns of thought, behaviours, and instincts that reside in the "collective unconscious" of all human beings.’ These themes then go on to shape how we perceive the world and our place within it.
I was drawn to exploring archetypes in more depth through the work and teachings of Caroline Myss. She describes archetypes as ‘Universal energy patterns that can become personalised within each individual’.
Caroline identifies two levels of archetypes:
Universal - according to Myss, these represent the four shared survival archetypes that we all carry within us. They are known as ‘Child, Victim, Prostitute, and Saboteur’.
Individual - In addition, Myss believes that each of us carries eight unique archetypes (from an extensive list), that represent our specific talents, challenges, and life themes.
As mentioned, I’m no expert but I thought exploring the four Universal archetypes and observing how they manifest in our lives along the awakening path, might be both helpful and enjoyable, (but then I don’t get out much). If you’d prefer to delve deeper into this wisdom beyond my own offerings, there’s a link attached below for further exploration.
According to Myss, these archetypes are innate to everyone (Universal), and are crucial for personal growth and functioning (survival), as an adult.
The Child - this archetype represents the core of innocence and vulnerability, appearing in various forms like the wounded, innocent or eternal child, and serves as a starting point for personal growth.
The Victim - this archetype embodies the impulse to be rescued, seeking attention and avoiding responsibility, manifesting as patterns like being the ‘patient one, doormat or the martyr’.
The Prostitute - representing the act of bargaining away one’s power for survival, this archetype appears in a person’s willingness to compromise their values and spirit for material gain or safety.
The Saboteur - this archetype embodies a self-destructive impulse, acting as a force that undermines efforts toward wholeness and can lead to negative behaviours such as perfectionism or addiction.
Their role and integration according to Myss are:
Universal but Personal -while these archetypes are universal, their specific manifestation in an individual’s life is shaped by their unique personal experiences and social conditioning.
Challenges and Growth - each archetype presents a significant life challenge that must be confronted and understood.
Transformation by acknowledging and integrating the light and shadow aspects of these archetypes, individuals can transform them from hindering forces into powerful allies that support their integrity and life mission.
The Universal archetypes represent our fundamental fears, vulnerabilities, and life challenges that we must confront and integrate to achieve wholeness and preserve our integrity, rather than bargain it away for mere survival.
In this newsletter I’m going to focus on the universal archetype of ‘The Prostitute’, and if this proves popular with you my lovely readers, then I will write more on the other three survival types in future newsletters, so do let me know in the comments?
In psychology and mythology, the prostitute archetype represents the negotiation of value, personal integrity, and power, rather than just physical sex. It highlights situations where you might compromise your body, mind, or values in exchange for physical survival, financial security, or approval/belonging.
Each archetype generally operates on two sides:
The Shadow Aspect: Represents selling out your morals or self-worth to maintain a comfortable financial situation. Examples might include staying in a loveless marriage strictly for money, or compromising your creative talents to keep others happy.
The Positive/Sacred Aspect: Represents an awareness of boundaries and personal agency. It teaches you to evaluate what you are worth and to recognise when you are trading your soul, dignity, or time for a price.
Now that you (hopefully) understand this is not a literal definition, let’s explore together the more figurative meaning of this archetype.
If it is true that we all carry a prostitute within us, how might this be showing up in our lives? Questions to consider might include - how do I sell myself short in life? How I do betray my own values and integrity to ensure my own safety or validation? In what ways do I choose to sell my own power and authority, in order to keep the peace, make money or simply to belong?
For many of us, this part requires deep and honest enquiry to uncover because it often resides in our shadow. It lurks in our blind spot as we desperately deny the rather unpleasant reality that we can be bought, or are willing to betray our values and ourselves for financial security or belonging.
To perhaps make this a little less painful for you to seek out and acknowledge your own inner prostitute, let me share with you below a less than savoury example of how I prostituted myself for money…and did so knowingly too. (EEK.)
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