“The Orphan archetype in each of us is activated by all the experiences in which the child in us feels abandoned, betrayed, victimized, neglected, or disillusioned. We are all orphaned in one way or another simply because we are raised by parents or caregivers with their own wounds, and somewhere along the way they have not been able to fully meet our emotional or physical needs — we each have an inner Orphan. We have each experienced abandonment in our times of need, and this is imprinted in us in a deep way.
“Each archetype has a shadow side and a light side. The shadow of the Orphan is this perception of complete powerlessness and being alone. It often shows up in cynicism. Originally betrayed by others, Orphans often betray their own hopes and dreams because they expect disappointment and then end up abandoning themselves again and again. The Orphan may do something to provoke rejection simply have a greater sense of control over life. Since disappointment, rejection, and abandonment are seen as inevitable, we feel just a bit better by leaving first.”
