Awakening the Heroes Within: Twelve Archetypes to Help Us Find Ourselves and Transform Our World

Enter Ms Peason and her "Heros Within" book. Her brilliant, accessible review of the 12 archetypes that define our personalities suddenly provided me with a new handle - a key to a better understanding of myself and others. What I particularly appreciated in her book was its combination of a rigurous, scientific treatment of the subject, couched in a language both accessible and devoid of academic circumlucutions. I would reccomend her book to anyone who wants to understand himself/herself better and/or redefine his/her professional and personal life.


A powerful vehicle for self-discover.   June 12, 1998
team@distantvisions.com (Jacksonville, Florida)
42 out of 44 found this review helpful

Dr. Pearson's book, Awakening the Heroes Within, provides an ideal vehicle for self-discovery and renewal. The book contains self-score instruments that will help readers discover previously untapped sources of personal power. The book seems particularly well suited for adults in their professional years who are looking for ways to clarify their place in the world. The theoretical foundation for the work is both well-grounded and intuitively appealing. Friends, family, and students, have thanked me for the recommendation of this scholarly work. Like me, they revisit the book whenever they are in the mood for a psyche checkup.

Daniel R. Lofald, PhD, Educational Psychologist


Nice Tool for Self-Definition   November 29, 1998
47 out of 50 found this review helpful

I'm a Creator and a Magician!--who wouldn't be happy to have learned that? I'm also a gardener, a teacher, an artist, an adopted grandmother, a community worker, and I have a lot of other roles in life. Because I read this book, I recognize my strengths and my inclinations better, and I know what to emphasize in my work and in my relationships. I'm glad I read this, and I'm giving copies to others who are unsure about their strengths and how to apply them. Thanks!


This book is a useful tool for self imptovement and insight.   September 23, 1998
30 out of 34 found this review helpful

Dr. Pearson wrote this book with the lay person in mind. I never really understood what psychological archetypes were until I read this book. It is a well written "key" which will likely enhance your understanding of Dr. Carl Jung's work. When used with other great books like THE MODERN ALCHEMIST and EGO AND ACHETYPE, the average lay person can supercharge his/her personal understanding of life patterns and challenges, resulting in accelerated inner growth.


Explore the mythological archetypes within   November 20, 2009
Steve Burns (Nashville, TN)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This book adds to the work of Joseph Campbell by expanding the Mythic Heroes Quest, and giving you more tools to explore your true self. This book guides you in exploring the archetypes that live within each of us. It outlines the twelve different archetypes and explains both their strengths and shadow side. The importance of proper balanced mental and emotional growth is crucial in bringing out the best when awakening these archetypes. These hero types allow each of us to take our individual heroic journey in whatever life endeavor we choose.

The Preparation for the journey. Proper Ego formation allows us to learn to fit into the world.

The Innocent- This is the ability to have trust, optimism, and belief in things as they are. The shadow side is accomplishing this through denial.

Orphan- This reminds us of our vulnerability and interdependence. The shadow side is to become a victim or cynic.

Caregiver- Taking care of others with genuine compassion even when it requires sacrifice. The shadow side is when care is given for manipulative reasons.

Warrior- They are courageous and disciplined, imposing high standards on themselves and others. They assert themselves appropriately to make the world a better place. The shadow side is the bully who runs rough shod over others.

On the journey. Being in touch with our Soul produces wholeness and integrity. (Psyche)

Seeker-Explores internal and external realities and is willing to give up security, community, and intimacy for autonomy. At worst the shadow side makes them an outsider.

Destroyer- This archetype losses lead to a greater receptivity to new ideas, empathy and compassion for others, and a deeper knowledge of their own identity and strength. At worst, it simply decimates a personality, and we see before us simply a ruin of what was.

Creator- When it is active that person is in the process of discovering or creating a more adequate sense of self. At worst, it is simply and experiment, and the person retreats or goes back to the drawing board to start over.

Lover- This enables you to find out who you are by discovering who and what you love. The shadow side of the Lover is jealousy, envy, obsessive fixation on a love object or relationship. Also promiscuity, obsession with sex or pornography, or conversely puritanism.

The return from the journey. The formation of the Self, your genuine identity.

Ruler- The archetype allows us to understand that we are responsible for our inner and outer lives:the buck stops here. The shadow side of the ruler is a despot.

Magician- This archetype allows us to create new realities, transform old ones, serve as catalysts for change, and "name" and thereby create reality. The shadow side calls negativity to oneself, or turns positives into negative occurrences.

Fool- The Fool finds freedom through unconventionality and has a cpacity to enjoy every moment. The Fool lightens us up, finds clever, innovative, and fun ways around obstacles-intellectual or physical. At worst the shadow side leads to irresponsibility.

Sage- Sages find freedom through understanding the big picture and a capacity for detachment. It combines detachment with love, wisdom, and joy in life. The shadow side leads to having little interest in the ordinary, mundane, pleasures of life.

This book was a powerful life changer for me, opening up my mind to seeing how I can use different psychological types within myself to live a much fuller life. Integrating these archetypes will lead to a much more blissful and fulfilling life. I believe you will really enjoy this book and find it very enlightening.