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The Prophet — the Archetype of Societal Renaissance
Prophets and the liminal transformation
Once upon a time there were only two religious archetypes. One could be found in rural areas and was associated with miraculous deeds and supernatural abilities; this was the archetype of the magician. The other could be found in the urban areas with higher densities of population with their kingly courts and their centres of learning and bureaucracy; this was the archetype of the priest.
But with the unfolding of history a new religious archetype emerged. While this new archetypal figure might perform the occasional trick or miracle they were not magicians. And while they were well-versed in the priestly tradition they were not priests.
This new type emerged from the margins. They were outcasts living at the edge of the inside. They were neither insiders nor total outsiders. They were liminal entities filled with a wild impressive energy. This new archetype came to be known as the prophet.
But before we talk about the prophet let’s talk a little more about the relationship between the priests and the magicians.
