what is satan as an archetype?

Answer 1

Hi cheiwach,

I think the "archetype of satan" is the ever-present inclination in humans to do the wrong thing (wrong is also known to many as "evil"). This archetype is common to virtually all cultures and reaches far back into their collective memory and unconsciousness (every culture has personal character qualities that its members struggle to defeat/avoid)

Note: Under this viewpoint, there is no such thing as satin being some kind of divine force or an entity operating on its own. The satin is simply a destructive spiritual influence that tends to keep us from doing the "right" thing (whatever that might be)

Even the Bible says that we can overcome that destructive spiritual force (on our own). For those interested in the Bible, see where Genesis 4:6-7 tells that G-d instructs that humans are capable of mastering their own inclinations.

"6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
From biblegateway.com (NIV), http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=4&version=31&context=chapter

Answer 2

Perhaps the shadow, which is more a collection of the 'unacceptable' qualities of the other archetypes than an 'original' entity like them. Seeing as societies differ in which archetypal qualities they value more than others.
In the tarot the devil represents the lesson of mastering our hungers and ambitions, or the difference between being chained in a dark cave to being carried to the mountain top.
The implication for me is that through understanding what the devil represents we may allow what has been left in Shadow to be expressed in a way that will (hopefully) not be destructive, or not at all. I don't know what Jung would say, Self actualisation could maybe do without absolutely all of it coming out, and symbolism, sublimation and rituals can go a long way. Besides, archetypes can be seen as containing a repertoire to fit the society we are dumped into.

Answer 3

Satan is the human way to name evil nature for different religions however he is real just look at to days society and past / also Satan/Lucifer was Gods' most beautiful of angels thus came vanity some say he was an archangel others a seraphim's which is most likely being that they are the highest level in heavenly hierarchy

Answer 4

In religious terms, Satan represents the opposite and opponent of the` truth` and dogma contained within any belief system. With the adoption of Monotheism (just one God) the opposite needed representation. Satan, or the Devil, have been cast as evil, fearsome, wicked, soul destroying opponents of the one true belief. Lucifer, Satan, or the Devil, can be traced easily within early religions, where they were often deities of Paganism, but NOT evil. Christianity invented a malevolent Lucifer, to absorb, and denigrate older belief systems. The Devil is of course, total fiction.

Answer 5

Basically, the model for all the really cool bad guys of page and screen, the original Dark Lord (and just as fictional.) The Bible is the original Lord of the Rings etc.

Answer 6

Rebellious child which Dad doesn't have the balls to discipline, despite the harm to society.

If you can call that an archetype.

Answer 7

satan is that part of us that is evil. The part which we do not want anyone to know about and which we are trying to keep under control. That part which comes out when we think nobody will find out :)
good luck

Answer 8

archetype of Christian mind control and domination.
They created this character to scare people and keep them submissive and keep the donations rolling in.

Answer 9

Satan is evil personified- a fallen Archangel.

Answer 10

The Anti-Christ or Shadow figure.