Beebe's eight archetypes
The Eternal Child
Seat 3, in the light
Also called the Puer or Puella, or the tertiary function
Its shadow: the Trickster, seat 7
The Eternal Child is your third function: where you play, find relief and feel pure joy, and where you are easily hurt.
The role
Beebe gave the third function the archetype of the puer aeternus or puella aeterna, the eternal child of myths: playful, innocent and creative, with a kind of divine spark. It is the relief valve of the Hero, the place you go to play.
A child is also vulnerable. Criticism in this area hurts more than it should, and the Child can sulk, show off or refuse to grow up.
BeebeSigns of the Eternal Child
- PlayA source of joy.
- InnocenceA fresh, pure view.
- CreativityImagination at work.
- ReliefRest and recharge.
- WonderNever quite grows up.
- PotentialRoom to grow.
- VulnerabilityEasily hurt.
- Seeking praiseNeeding encouragement.
- AvoidanceRunning from responsibility.
- ClumsinessNot quite grown up.
Its gift, and its trap
The gift
- Joy, humour and a light touch.
- Creativity and inspiration.
- A fresh look at what the Hero takes too seriously.
The trap
- Immaturity and sulking.
- Using play to escape responsibility.
- The Hero and Child loop: comfort that goes in circles.
Its shadow
The Child's shadow is the Trickster, seat 7: the same function facing the other way, where play turns into tricks and double binds.
BeebeGrowing with it
Let it play, but do not let it run the house. The Child grows safely when the Parent carries the responsibilities, and it rewards you with the energy to carry them.
BeebeIn the hero's journey
At the end of the journey the Child comes back, as a new innocence: Campbell's freedom to live, once the trials are over.
How all eight seats fit Campbell's story: The hero's journey within.
MazWiz readingThe Eternal Child in each function
Every function can sit in this seat, and it feels different in each. Yours is marked.Pick your type at the top to see yours.
Introverted IntuitionISFP ISTPYou
Insight is your playground. Hunches, symbols and "I knew it" moments delight you, though you trust them less when the stakes are high.
Extraverted IntuitionESFJ ESTJYou
Ideas are your playground. Puns, wild what-ifs and trying something new on a whim make you light up.
Introverted SensingINFP INTPYou
Familiar comforts are your playground. Nostalgia, rituals and cozy favorites recharge you.
Extraverted SensingENFJ ENTJYou
The senses are your playground. Spontaneous adventures, great food, movement and beauty bring pure joy.
Introverted ThinkingINFJ ISFJYou
Logic is your playground. Puzzles, exact words and figuring out how things work are a delight.
Extraverted ThinkingENFP ESFPYou
Getting organized is your playground. Lists, plans and a project coming together feel like fun.
Introverted FeelingINTJ ISTJYou
Your feelings are a private garden. Songs, small sentimental things and quiet kindness move you deeply.
Extraverted FeelingENTP ESTPYou
People are your playground. Making a room laugh, hosting and charming strangers come naturally.
The texts are the ones of the DTI result page. Beebe