Beebe's eight archetypes
The Trickster
Seat 7, in the shadow
The shape shifter of myths, from Hermes to Coyote
The shadow of the Eternal Child, seat 3
The Trickster is your Child's function facing the other way: your blind spot, where you feel tricked, or trick yourself.
The role
The seventh function uses the same process as the Child, in the other direction. Beebe gave it the archetype of the Trickster, the shape shifter of myths, from Hermes to Coyote: the part of us that sets double binds, plays tricks and feels tricked.
It is a blind spot: we do not see it coming. But the Trickster also breaks false certainties and exposes what was hidden, often by making us look foolish.
BeebeSigns of the Trickster
- Double bindNo way to win.
- Testing limitsPoking the bear.
- Shape shiftingChanging forms.
- DeceptionSmoke and mirrors.
- ChaosBreaking the rules.
- DisorientationLost in the maze.
- The trapLuring you in.
- MockeryLaughing at authority.
- Hidden truthExposing what is real.
- Blind spotNever seen coming.
Its gift, and its trap
The gift
- Humility and humour.
- Breaking rigid patterns.
- Seeing through masks, including your own.
The trap
- Blind spots that keep catching you out.
- Manipulating, or feeling manipulated.
- No win situations.
The light it shadows
It is the shadow of the Eternal Child, seat 3: play turned into tricks.
BeebeGrowing with it
When you feel tricked or trapped in a no win situation, ask what you are not seeing. The Trickster laughs at the ego, and the ego grows by learning to laugh too.
BeebeIn the hero's journey
Tests, allies and enemies: the shape shifter met on the road, who confuses the Hero, and teaches it.
How all eight seats fit Campbell's story: The hero's journey within.
MazWiz readingThe Trickster 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 IntuitionESFJ ESTJYou
Hidden meanings and long plans are your blind spot. You can be caught off guard by where things were obviously going, or feel tricked by people who "saw it coming". It also frees you: no plan is ever certain.
Extraverted IntuitionISFP ISTPYou
New possibilities are your blind spot. You can miss an obvious option, or be thrown into confusion when plans change, and people who juggle ideas can seem to play tricks on you. Accepted, it loosens your certainty.
Introverted SensingENFJ ENTJYou
Routines, details and your body's signals are your blind spot. You can forget what you promised, or be tricked by habits you never noticed. Accepted, it shows you the value of small, steady care.
Extraverted SensingINFP INTPYou
The physical world and the present moment are your blind spot. You can miss what is right in front of you, or feel tricked by people who act fast. Accepted, it brings you back into your body and your senses.
Introverted ThinkingENFP ESFPYou
Exact logic is your blind spot. You can be caught in contradictions you did not see, or tricked by arguments that only sound right. Accepted, it teaches you to question your own certainty.
Extraverted ThinkingINFJ ISFJYou
Plans, systems and numbers are your blind spot. Deadlines, money or rules you did not take seriously can catch you out, and people who organize better can seem to trick you. Accepted, it shows you that structure can serve what you love.
Introverted FeelingENTP ESTPYou
Your own values and feelings are your blind spot. You can be surprised by what you really feel, or feel tricked by people who claim to be authentic. Accepted, it teaches you to listen to yourself.
Extraverted FeelingINTJ ISTJYou
The mood between people is your blind spot. You can miss how others feel, or feel tricked by people who play on emotions. Accepted, it opens you to warmth and connection.
The texts are our reading of Beebe. BeebeMazWiz reading