Power

Power is the capacity to stay present in what is real and act in ways that support life. In the King archetype, power is not personal glory or control. It is the steady strength to rule our realm—our inner world, our relationships, our work, and the quiet ways we influence spaces.

This power is quiet and deep, like a dark, still lake. It doesn't boast or threaten. It is there: awake, grounded, and available. Strong power draws others in and can unsettle people unused to it.

When we lose this balanced power, we fall into the King's two shadows: the Tyrant (power becomes domination) or the Victim (power is disowned; we collapse or stay "nice" at the cost of our truth).

What True Power Is

Grounded presence: The ability to stay here, in our bodies and hearts, even when things are intense or uncertain.

Capacity to act: We can make decisions, set limits, and take risks. We respond instead of react.

Service, not self-inflation: We use our position and gifts to benefit others as well as ourselves.

Integrity in action: Our behavior matches our deeper values. What we promise, we deliver.

This is power with, not power over. It strengthens others instead of shrinking them.

The Shadows of Power

Active Shadow: The Tyrant

Strength is confused with attack, shaming, being right, or needing the last word. We may look in charge but we're driven by fear, hurt pride, or old rage. This shadow feels powerful only by making others feel small.

Passive Shadow: The Victim

We stay small, agreeable, or helpless to stay safe or "good." We hand our authority to others and resent them for it. Inside, there may be frustration or a sense of invisibility.

The Alchemy of Hatred

The Mature King does not pretend to be above hatred, rage, or jealousy. He knows these forces live in everyone, including himself. His key move: he feels the raw force of hatred without discharging it outward or pushing it into numbness.

By staying present without acting it out or repressing it, the energy of hatred transforms into fierce, clear power. It becomes strength of presence, not violence. Hatred loses its toxicity and becomes energy we can use wisely.

Near Enemies: False Versions

Harsh control: Confusing domination with strength. True power is grounded and life affirming.

Collapse and false powerlessness: Staying small to stay safe. True power takes its seat.

Spiritual bypass: "We're all one, so differences don't matter." True power faces reality.

Charm as identity: Performing goodness to look right. True power stays in uncomfortable questions rather than hiding behind an image.

Power in Relationships

Real life includes built-in power differences: parent-child, boss-employee, teacher-student. The King sees these asymmetries.

In roles of authority, Kingly power shows up as honesty about the asymmetry. It uses power for protection and growth. It stays non-reactive when tested. It includes the grace to say no and set boundaries that help everyone.

False power in authority exploits the asymmetry, demands loyalty, silences questions, or hides behind the role.

The King's Inner Seat

A practical expression of power is the ability to take our own seat in charged situations. In tangled moments—arguments, feeling misunderstood—we try to fix the other, blame them, or avoid conflict.

The King does something different. He comes back to himself. He pauses, breathes, feels his body and his own presence. He acts from inner support, not from panic or people-pleasing. This groundedness restores trust, even in difficult times.

Power and Responsibility

For the King, power and responsibility are inseparable. The more power we have, the more our actions matter.

Mature power uses authority in service of what is needed. It accepts mistakes, repairs where possible, and learns. Owning our power means owning our impact, both wanted and unwanted.

The King knows his realm is healthiest when everyone is empowered. He shares power and encourages others to find their own inner seat.

Growing Power

Practice non-reactive presence: In daily disruptions, notice our impulse to attack, control, or disappear. Pause, feel our bodies, breathe.

Stay with strong emotions: When hatred or deep hurt arises, feel it as sensation and energy. Notice what is alive rather than turn away.

Return to our inner seat in conflict: When we're hooked by someone, use it as a signal: breathe, feel our spine, sense ourselves.

The Fruit of Mature Power

When the King lets this deep power fill his body, mind, and heart, he becomes a place of rest in the midst of turmoil.

This creates true peace—not the fragile quiet of suppression, but the peace that comes from justice and right relationship. The King's realm can relax when his power flows from genuine authority rooted in care.

Power and Service

The deepest expression of power is service. The King who has owned his power uses it not for personal gain but for the flourishing of his realm.

This service orientation keeps power from corrupting. When power serves ego, it destroys both the wielder and those around him. When power serves life, it multiplies. We become a wellspring.

Inquiry

• Where does your power become domination or control?
• Where do you feel your power most fully—and what do you do with it?
• How do you use your strength to make others stronger?
• When you are powerful, who benefits?
• What would it mean to own your power without apology?