Goddess Archetypes listing N-Z

This page contains a Goddess archetypes listing arranged alphabetically from N-Z. The list contains some of the most well-known archetypal figures including the warrior archetype.

You will also find information on other recognisable stereotypes including the rescuer and the teacher.

This section contains a listing of the main Archetypes, listed alphabetically and an exploration of their shadow aspects.

There is also an indication of what each of the archetypes may represent in your life today.

Lastly you will find links to the individual Goddesses that best embody this archetype.

The Queen

In the positive aspect the Queen represents the regal feminine, using her benevolent authority to protect others. This Goddess archetype can signify the power of women who rule over anything from the office to the home environment.

The shadow aspect of this Goddess archetype reflects the tendency to become arrogant, controlling and aggressive when challenged.

Queen asks whether you rule over your domain fairly, protecting every body’s rights and feelings. 

Do you need to look at patterns of trying to control others to protect your own emotional and personal position? If this is one of your patterns, you need to ask yourself what are you afraid of losing and where does that fear stem from?

The Rescuer

The rescuer provides strength and support to others in crisis. They act out of love with no expectation of a reward.

Shadow rescuer expects the rescued party to be grateful and will often try to keep that person needy.

This Goddess archetype is one of your personality traits if you are always trying to save and help people.

What you need to ask yourself is what motivates you to act this way? Are you expecting a reward for your trouble or do you love helping others?

Demeter fulfills the criteria for this archetype, as she rescues her daughter from the underworld.

The Scribe

The scribe records information about people and events so it can be preserved. Much of the work involves copying information that is already available rather than being free to express personal opinions or develop an individual style.

Shadow scribe uses the information for their own benefit, distorting facts to suit to support their own ideas. Shadow scribe may also claim other people's work as their own.

This Goddess archetype may relate to you if you enjoy compiling information as part of your job or even as a hobby, for instance you may be involved tracing your family tree.

Shadow archetype asks you to look at how you are presenting your material. Are you altering the information to support your view of the world?

The scribe also reminds you not to get so wrapped up in recording events that you forget to experience the moment.

Seshat is known as the scribe to the Gods.

The Servant

A servant performs the menial work of others.  This role can be chosen or enforced by circumstances which prevent the servant from having the same status as the master.

The shadow servant fails to be of service to herself. She has no sense of her own powers and abilities, becoming a slave to the social system. 

This Goddess archetype reminds you to look at the masters and petty tyrants you defer to in your life. Learn to let go of people or the self-limiting beliefs no longer serve you.

Iris serves the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

The Shape-Shifter

The shape-shifter has the ability to change her physical appearance. They are also able to adapt easily to different environments by altering their behaviour. Cerridwen is a classic example of a shape-shifter, changing her appearance many times in an attempt to escape.

Shadow shape-shifter is fickle, lacking conviction and constantly reinventing themselves, like politicians trying to appeal to more people.

A useful Goddess archetype to have if you need to be flexible or perform lots of different roles.

The shadow side asks whether your chameleon like tendencies reflect a deep insecurity and inability to commit to any particular path.

The Teacher/ Inventor

The teacher and inventor communicates knowledge, experience and wisdom.

In its shadow aspect, the teacher may manipulate and mislead their students by indoctrinating them with negative beliefs and destructive behaviour.

This Goddess archetype suggests a love of passing on wisdom and learning to others. Traditionally Saraswati is invoked by students in India to help them with exams.

The teacher's wise counsel can also be called upon to help you see a way through any present difficulties or to help you to master a new skill.

Whilst the shadow aspect is a reminder that whenever we find ourselves in a teaching or mentoring role we must aim to be a positive role model, encouraging others to reach their full potential.

The Virgin

This virgin archetype represents the desire to remain sexually pure and undefiled, maintaining your energy for other projects. It can also symbolize a deep desire to create brand new ideas and methods of working.

Shadow virgin, resists her sexuality due to fear and revulsion of sex and the loss of innocence it symbolizes.

The virgin is one of your main Goddess archetypes, if you are continually preserving your vital energies, for spiritual pursuits.  The virgin may also represent a desire to explore new territory; inventing refreshing, novel ideas and ways of doing things.

On the shadow side, fear and disgust caused by bad past experiences could be preventing you from exploring your sexuality. 

Goddesses with this archetype include Artemis 

The Visionary

The visionary is able to track probable outcomes for the future and able to envisage a better way of living for all mankind. They are clear channels for spirit communication.

Shadow visionary sells their prophetic abilities to the highest bidder. They may even manipulate what they have seen to make it more palatable for their audience. The other shadow visionary is so absorbed in their dreams that they are unable to function in the everyday world.

You may be drawn to the visionary if you possess psychic abilities yourself. The shadow aspect of this Goddess archetype reminds you to use your gifts wisely and to remember to stay grounded in this reality.

You may also seek out this archetype if you are at a cross roads in your life and are unsure what path to take. Work with this Goddess and look for the signs/symbols which will point you in the right direction. Remember that the path she indicates is the one for your highest good.

The Warrior

The warrior represents physical strength, and the ability to protect and fight for your rights and those of others.

Whilst the shadow side of the warrior reflects the need to win at all costs, abandoning ethical principles to prove your supremacy.

If you are drawn to work with this Goddess archetype you may require the warrior spirit to help you to stand up for your rights and set firm personal boundaries. This stereotype is helpful if you want to take control in your life, and no longer wish to play the role of the victim.

You may also choose to call upon the warrior to champion the cause of others.

Conversely the warrior may appeal to you if you have a very strong sense of self and are proud of the victories you have achieved. The shadow side of this goddess may be asking you to reflect honestly on the cost of these victories. Have they been at the expense of others or your principals?

There are many fierce, warrior goddesses including Athena

The Witch

The witch uses knowledge of the universal laws of nature, the conscious mind and esoteric powers to manifest their desires.

The shadow witch uses their gifts to increase their own power.

The witch maybe one of your archetypes can if you have the gift of understanding how to transform situations, influence people, and make your visions and dreams a reality.

The Shadow witch reminds you not to use these abilities to gain power over others as this is not magic but sorcery.

Hekate is a goddess often associated with witches.

For information on the definition of Archetypes  and the A-M

Here you will also discover information on the following archetypes: The Child of Nature, Companion, Crone, Diplomat, Femme Fatale, Heroine, Judge, Lover, Maiden and The Mother. 

The characteristics of the Goddess archetypes are adapted from the work of  Caroline Myss