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Hay House 2003 ISBN #1-4019-0184-0
 The Archetype Cards were developed by Caroline Myss to be used either on their own, in association with her book Sacred Contracts, Caroline Myss's Journal of Inner Dialog or in conjunction with any of her seminars. Much of the foundation for the work with archetypes comes from the work of psychologist Carl Jung, who developed what he termed the "collective unconscious". Each of us comes into this world with an individual personal unconscious nature, but we also inherit the "collective unconscious", which is of a universal, impersonal nature, and is common to al mankind. The archetypes of the collective unconscious become personalized as they come into each individual's life. According to Myss, these archetypes are not passive forces in our lives, they are very active ones. And they have dual natures - they can act as guardians and inner allies, or they can act as shadow manifestations, blocking you or presenting life challenges. Myss teaches that each of us have a "support system" of twelve archetypes - four of which are common to all of us. The four common archetype are the Child, Victim, Prostitute and Saboteur. These are the archetypes that are involved in our more pressing survival issues. They represent the issues and fears that each of us need to confront and overcome to fulfill the "contract" that we came into this lifetime with. The gift of the Archetype Cards is that through working with the cards we can determine for ourselves what the other eight archetypes that we carry are in this lifetime - and these will differ for each of us. Myss starts our by presenting a partial listing of archetypes, such as: Actor, Addict, Alchemist, Bully, Clown, Diplomat, Dreamer, Networker, Samaritan, Scholar, Shaman, Teacher and Wizard. From this listing, we go into the cards themselves to see which fit our situation. Through the use of self-examination, Myss asks each person to determine exactly how devoted they are to each archetype, as there is a path of work connected with each of them. To get to know your archetypes, Myss suggests that you sit down and start asking questions of yourself. From the book, some of the questions that she suggests are:
Myss also makes the point that for an archetype to be part of us, it also needs to carry what she terms a spiritual resonance. Some of the questions that she suggests asking here are:
There are seventy-four archetype cards with this deck, including six blank cards. The blank cards are to be used with archetypes that may be connected to archetypes in the book, but that are not listed. Using the blank cards adds a layer of comfort to this deck - it means that each individual can create for themselves the exact archetype "family" that they have worked out for themselves. The presentation in the book includes a black and white scan, along with a small discussion of each archetype. The cards themselves are 3 1/2" by 5", on sturdy, coated cardstock so that they will hold up well through continued usage. The box that they come in is heavy duty cardboard, with the lid lifting directly off, making for easy access to the cards. The small, 105 page booklet that accompanies the deck explains the background of the cards, and presents each card in depth. I have to say - the presentation here is total quality. While the deep red color of the box will attract people to it, the quality of the presentation - the box, the cards and the booklet, make it a tool of empowerment that will last through considerable usage.
Light Attributes: Expressing a dimension of life that is just beyond the five senses. Inspiring others to see life symbolically. Shadow Attributes: Using talent as an excise to mistreat others. Posing as the Starving Artist to elicit pity. From the book:
(Artisan, Craftsperson, Photographer, Sculptor, Weaver)
Look for a continuing need to make art, or to bring art to others by supporting artists.
Light Attributes: Desire to balance the scales of justice. Righteousness on behalf of society or oneself. Shadow Attribute: Resorting to violence in the name of a cause. From the book:
(Avenging Angel, Savior, Messiah)
Look for a lifelong pattern of defending or representing causes on behalf of others. Used alone, or in conjunction with other books or seminars from Dr. Myss, the Archetype Cards serve as a powerful tool of empowerment. They help us to understand ourselves, and those around us, to make better choices and to come to terms with our own issues. Archetype Cards can be purchased here. Scans of the Archetype Cards (Caroline Myss, 2003) are copyrighted to Caroline Myss. Further reproduction is prohibited.
Bonnie Cehovet
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The back of the cards is a lovely deep red, with a leaf and flower petal centered on it. New life and new beginnings are certainly represented here!
The Artist is certainly an archetype that we can all identify with. Centered on the card (and I really am drawn to the illustration being presented in an octagonal format, as opposed to being outlined in a circle or a square) we see a female figure, paintbrush and palette in hand. The attributes for the Artist are listed as: 
The Avenger is shown as a crusader, wearing a black mask, with a map of the world in his/her hands. The attributes from the card are: