The Five Archetypes: Discover Your True Nature and Transform Your Life and Relationships

by Carey Davidson

Discover the personality archetypes within you and improve your life and relationships with a new self-guided system of personal transformation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy, the elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are the foundation of how nature grows and evolves. They are believed to help us understand everything from illness and healing to the fundamental processes of child development—and they continue to inform Chinese medicine practice today. But as Ayurvedic nutritionist, reiki master, and Tournesol founder Carey Davidson demonstrates in this book, each of the five elements can also be seen as a personality archetype—and inside all of us is a unique blend of these archetypes that serves as a window into living a more fulfilling life on every level.

In The Five Archetypes, Davidson explains that by knowing the personality traits associated with each type and using what she calls the Five Archetypes method, you can actually start to predict your behavioral patterns—not only with yourself but also with your friends, your romantic partner, your children, and even your colleagues. By practicing this method, you will also:

-Learn how to exercise more control over behaviors that thwart your potential
-Hone your self-awareness and self-regulation skills in the face of day-to-day stress
-And understand what really makes people tick, so that you spend less time in stagnant relationships and more time in gratifying ones

Through her study of the elements and the observations she’s made in her work with individuals, couples, companies, parents, kids, and educators, Davidson has created a simplified and practical guide to harnessing the strengths of our five archetypes. Complete with an assessment designed to help you discover your primary, secondary, and lowest types, The Five Archetypes will not only teach you more about yourself and others but also transform your relationships and set you on the path to personal and interpersonal harmony.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction, Relationships, Spirituality, Philosophy, Lifestyle

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2020

About the author

Life is a challenge, isn’t it?

But it can be so much easier and more fulfilling by tapping into ancient truths about what makes us human. I call these The Five Archetypes. They have been helping people live happier and more fulfilling lives with better relationships for thousands of years.

I changed my life with these insights. I survived a divorce and learned to thrive. I raised my kids. I started a business and found a new love. But this isn’t one of those Instagram #bestlife pictures, because didn’t I mention life is really difficult? It remains so. Business is tough. Kids grow up and have minds of their own. Challenges remain.

We all have those critical moments, right? Mine was around my 40th birthday. I caught a beautiful glimpse of clarity over a cup of hot chocolate in a Paris cafe. I’ve sometimes wondered if it was the tryptophan, but that clarity grew even after the chocolate high wore off. The inspiration never did wear off. Health became a choice and a lifestyle and eventually, a new business and life's work. All of which came together in my book, The Five Archetypes: Discover Your True Nature and Transform Your Life and Relationships (2020 Simon & Schuster).

What’s the book about, I’m asked? I could answer that almost as long as it would take you to read it. But it’s really about this. I’m absolutely convinced you can have a happier life with fulfilling relationships and a sense of purpose. I think this book can help.

And a little chocolate never hurts.

Reviews

[Joanna Bożerodska · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smalsu buvo pasidaryti knygoje esantį asmenybės testą ir pasiskaityti apie savo dominuojančio archetipo savybes. 5 archetipų tema mane labai sudomino, tačiau knygoje pateikta informacija man pasirodė labai bendra, paviršutiniška, jaučiuosi lyg perskaičiusi straipsnį internete, o ne kelių šimtų puslapių knygą.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big connoisseur of self-help and psychology books, so I was excited to win a free digital ARC of The Five Archetypes from Net Galley and Tiller Press. I love self-discovery and want to find out as much about myself as possible! The author explains the archetypes and gives you a quiz to see what Traditional Chinese Medicine element you relate the most to: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The quiz was a little long but overall helpful. I did tie pretty close in the two elements I already thought I might be. I feel like the author gave some helpful information on how to work with your "opposing types" (usually what you scored the lowest in) as well as how to strengthen yourself in those areas. I've been trying to figure out what types my roommates and boyfriend are. I think this is another great tool in your arsenal to learn more about yourself.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas, but not presented in a particularly organized or helpful way. The writing is somewhat gushy and repetitive, full of the same old breathless promises of life and self-improvement that are grinding everyone’s souls down to perfectly smooth, burned-to-a-crisp little nubs.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-arc copy of this book. I have a personal love for psychology books that deal with personality. I was a Psychology major and find the idea of adapting the mind to new concepts interesting. In that being said, The Five Archetypes is an interesting book that uses an ancient Chinese theory that an individual can become self-aware and change the elements that affect their personality in dealing with decisions, people, and their environment. I really think that this book has a lot to offer those who are whole hardheartedly interested in adapting better behaviors for stress, anxiety, and lifestyles.
#TheFiveArchetypes
#NetGalley

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read on what author Corey Davidson calls the Five Archetypes, five personality traits based on the ancient Chinese theory of the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and how they influence each person's nature, including how they react to different experiences. I'm always interested in learning more about personality, so this one was right up my alley.
Thanks to NetGalley for offering a complimentary digital copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book did not speak to me, it would be of interest to anyone who enjoys learning about different ways of viewing and breaking down personality types. I found Carey to be an informed, if underwhelming, guide through the personality template of the five archetypes of being.

[Whitney Bussey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, Actionable..Highly Recommend!

Samantha Fey of the Psychicteachers and the Enlightened Empath podcasts had Carey Davidson as a guest to discuss this topic and it was well with the listen. So I decided to snag both the audiobook AND the Kindle Edition (so I can follow along when I get the chance). Mostly, I listened via audiobook and I was so pleased with the way she has no problem starting from the basics and working her way through each of the 5 archetypes. I don’t typically like when authors read their own work; however, she nailed it. 360 - all the way around. This book is for anyone trying to gaine better insight into their interpersonal relationships & how to be more understanding and empathetic to a coworker or significant other. There is a quiz within the actual kindle edition or the book that you will take to find out which one you are. You can also go to the authors website and complete the quiz.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Tiller Press for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I am a sucker for personality tests and books on the different archetypes. If you are similar then you will definitely like this one. The book breaks down archetypes into different materials: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Based on the test, you can rank your archetypes and get information on things like what makes you thrive/stress, etc.

It has great, detailed sections on how to be in a relationship, friendship, parent/child relationship and coworker relationship based on each others personality types. When I took the test, I was blatantly an "Earth" type which goes along with other tests I've taken before. Some of the information is redundant and repetitive but overall enjoyable. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and family once it's published.

4/5

[Kate Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO insightful and informative about understanding what makes you tick--what stresses you out, how you relate to other people, what your biggest gifts are. The archetype assessment was DEAD ON for me, although the results (I'm water) surprised me, when I read the description it was almost funny how accurate it was; and yet I had never really thought those things about myself. Also, what I love is how it explains that try to lean more into our primary archetype when we're stressed because that's what we know -- it's just what we do. But that just pulls us more out of balance. Carey explains how to figure out which of the archetypes you need to lean more into to get yourself back to center. You can also take the assessment online at fivearchetypes.com. Two thumbs up with a snap!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite bit about this book is the sentence, “Your comfort zone is not always your sacred path.” This is helpful after you self-test to determine your primary, secondary and the balance of your sequenced traits.

For those of you interested, here is my list of ranked types:

Water (77)
Wood (76)
Fire (74) — my top three are very close
Metal (65)
Earth (59)

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I thought it was interesting and even related with my element to my surprise. It is worth the read.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that will help you identify personality types, this one is for you. It’s not particularly riveting unless you really enjoy reading about psychology.

[Hallee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very Informative book. Definitely going to be analyzing everyone in my life now to know what archetype they are lol. I liked how the author incorporates ayurvedic practices for each archetype and simple ways the fortify your primary and lowest rankings. def a book to reflect back on and pull out when needing some extra help/guidance

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Carey Davidson for an ARC of The Five Archtypes: Discover Your True Nature and Transform Your Life and Relationships.
I found this book very interesting in a self help manner. I always think any book that is available to help you in any part of your life is a gift. Whether it's a health book, astrology book, Feng-shu or other book, I think having a well rounded view of possibilities is enlightening.
I knew some of the book's five archetypes from reading other books. I knew I was "Fire" without having to complete the test. I did anyway.
Reading through the Fire section was assuring and enlightening. From the list of a Fire's needs, I have to say most - if not all - rang true for me. I appreciated the advice/self help offered in how to handle relationships.
I know a solid Water and it also rang true for him.
Very interesting read.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so insightful! I appreciate Carey’s descriptions of the five archetypes but also the path she lays out for each person to become more balanced. It’s self-help from a holistic perspective.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for any and all personality assessments. I felt this one supported its theories and was well explained. I might revisit this book from time to time. A lot to chew on, especially in the chapters regarding interactions with other archetypes.

[Mrs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough approach to finding your strengths using the five elements in nature: Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, and Water. The test has a lot of questions and each explanation offers readers a different take whether one element is primary or secondary. Really enjoyed reading this book.

[Lina_K8 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Be galo ilga knygos pradžia, kur tik aptariama kuom knyga bus naudinga. Ir daug pilstymo iš tuščio į kiaurą. Vis primenama ir primenama, kaip knyga padės bet niekaip neprieinama prie esmės. Veiksmas knygos prasidėjo tik apie 85 puslapį. Įdomu buvo išsiaiškinti ir paskaityti apie savo archetipą, bet tik tiek.. Kadangi skaičiau ir apie kitus archetipus, tiesiog skaitymo metu pastebėjau, kad kiekvieno archetipo pastraipos vos ne identiškos, tik keičiasi tam tikri aprašymai palei pačius archetipus. Ar knyga buvo naudinga? Nelabai.. Ar rekomenduočiau? Tikrai ne.

[Kelly Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A transformative guide to understanding yourself and others on a deeper level.”

The Five Archetypes is an inspiring blend of ancient wisdom and modern application. Carey Davidson has created a practical, easy to follow system that helps you not only understand your own patterns and behaviors but also navigate relationships with more compassion and clarity. I loved how she connects the foundational elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water to personality archetypes that feel both relatable and actionable.

[Eliza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read as audiobook. Probably not the best format for this book. I found it very repetitive and a bit confusing when listening as it talks about your ‘main’ archetype and then lists ways to increase all the other archetypes in each chapter. There’s only so many times you can hear ‘sorry Jerry Maguire’ before that joke gets old!
I think there is some good information here, but it doesn’t really work as an audiobook.

[Mariah Wills · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 60 pages had decent information, and the chapter on my primary archetype was engaging, but it appears that the archetypes were copy/pasted and had their names changed and a couple sentences changed here and there. The first 60 pages and your primary archetype is the only one you have to read. That equates to roughly 100 pages out of 286 or so 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Cailin Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, that starts by covering the five elements considered in traditional Chinese medicine and how they can be extended farther to explain our personal actions. I found it hard to get into, it was a bit more hippy dippy than I expected it to be, honestly.

[Jill Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book with a lot of information in it. I liked taking the quiz but wish it was at the beginning of the book. I felt the introduction was way to long, I wanted to get right into the different Archetypes, but there was to much set up.

[Emma Maham Klein · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I missed so much good information from this book because of its repetitiveness. Parts of the book are literally copy and pasted in every chapter. I found myself skimming for parts that weren’t repeated.

[Tennille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and captivating book about the five archetypes. The author does a great job introducing them, providing a quiz to the reader, and then going into detail about each one. Fascinating how spot on they are! Would recommend reading again.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was alright, but too much time was spent on the introduction, and ultimately this classification system is good but not my favorite in classifying different types of people.

[Iris A. Lawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, I didn't agree with her assessments. However, others may find this enlightening.

[Lili Markova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Книга-гороскоп

[Evan Guest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got through three of the Archetypes and realized every chapter is the same. Could be valuable for beginners in EQ.

[Aenys · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The writing was really exhausting to read, you'd think being a main fire archetype author would make the book less boring.