Note: this one came to mind as I watched the BBC news. This morning Paul B. (the dear!) sent an email suggesting I write on the same topic. The change of a monarch is on many minds today. Spo
I think it was Robertson Davies who said the best government (at least from a psychological point of view) is a socialist monarchy. This gives folks a conscious collective of fairness and a monarch who fills the archetypal need for King/Queen energy in our lives. Humans can’t help but create a King. Anthropologists say we are social simians we need hierarchy to get things done. Jungians (like myself) see the necessity of someone to represent and resonant with our inner King/Queen archetype.
Like everyone else, the late Queen was the only personification of King/Queen energy I have ever known. I cannot imagine what a change in Incarnation is like. Being English by history.* Mind! My ability to write with any expertise about Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and how this effects The Psyche of her subjects is going to be a weak endeavor. I have always resonated with Great Britain as personified by the monarchy but this hardly qualifies me to comment with expertise on the event. I am discussing the archetypal energies, not the actual monarchs.
From a Jungian point of view, the energies are shifting from ‘Queen’ back to ‘King’ again, and that is no small matter. What stays the same is the ‘age’ element. There isn’t the usual Old One dying and passing on the King Energy to The Young Prince. Curious too is Charles’ plan on keep his name and not become George VII. That too is significant; he isn’t going to emulate his grandfather. **
I will be curious to see how The Collective Psyche of the U.K. and the Commonwealth – and thems who are attune to King/Queen energy by proxy will react to this change of the archetypal figure head. I would advise the new guy now surmounted by the crown and task to emulate as much King Energy (watch the Shadow side!) as possible. Get out from under his late parent’s shadow (pun intended) to channel King energy his way as best he can. It is no small task especially after following such a long and beloved holder of the Energy. He needs to stop being Prince Charles and be King, utilizing Sage Energy as well as he can muster.
I am curious to hear from The Spo-fans who are subjects of Her – oops make that His – Majesty if I am even close to saying something or is it all rubbish.
P.S. My middle name is Charles. I am pleased as Punch from a personal reason he kept it.
*Spos ran around England from ~1066-1630 and the first five generations of Spos on North American soil they saw themselves as English-types, not Americans. This is deep archetypal energies indeed.
**For thems who don’t know English history, Charles I and II were rawther interesting fellows with rawther colorful histories. While we complain about royal shenanigans there is a part of us that loves seeing our monarchs acting out our fantasies. I hope Charles III does the name good.
41 comments
September 9, 2022 at 8:20 AM
Brian Dean Powers
When I think of hierarchy, I recall my years in civil service. All throughout the bureaucracy, there were directors and administrators who demanded loyalty but gave little or none back, demanded but rarely listened. Overbearing, intrusive, hypocritical… I could tell such stories!
September 9, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Urspo
Aye sir, like all archetypes the King has its negative shadow side – the Tyrant. History is full up of those sorts, including offices and bosses.
September 9, 2022 at 8:43 AM
Paul Brownsey
That’s the sort of thing I hoped you’d provide for us. But now I need to know the difference between ‘King’ energies and ‘Queen’ energies.
September 9, 2022 at 12:03 PM
Urspo
I am glad it was worthwhile to read. There isn’t really any difference between them, other than King Energy has more masculine trappings/Queen the feminine – at least by Jungian definitions. Defining masc/fem is harder to do as we evolve away from traditional/stereotypical definitions. More modern J-followers are using the word “Ruler” in lieu of K or Q – makes sense.
September 9, 2022 at 12:10 PM
Paul Brownsey
Interesting. I was bearing in mind what you’d previously said about King energies and Queen energies when Charles made his address to the nation tonight and I was thinking there didn’t seem to be much traditionall or conventionally masculine in it. The main emphasis was on continuity with his mother’s ideals of service.
September 9, 2022 at 12:15 PM
Urspo
I’ve not had time to head His Majesty’s speech, being at work as I am. It is prudent of the new boss not to waltz in and announce he/she going to make some major changes now I am in charge. Freaks people out. Best to start as a continuation for assurance sake and once settled slowly change what you will. It takes a long time to change a culture; Rulers are wise not to do this too fast or obvious.
September 9, 2022 at 8:48 AM
David Godfrey
A blogger in Scotland described the Queen as a constant, non-political leader. I liked that. Political leaders get so political, the Queen and the Constitution should be constants. My English roots are closer, about 110 years,
September 9, 2022 at 12:04 PM
Urspo
That is one of her successful features; a symbol of constancy like a lighthouse in calm and storm. Good for her. Too bad our leaders don’t do likewise. In their defense they can’t as they are elected by a party to be that party’s views.
September 9, 2022 at 12:15 PM
Paul Brownsey
If I may make a second comment–and even if I may not: I very much like the idea of a head of state who isn’t a politician. That way, any tendency we have towards veneration and reverence get siphoned away from the politicians and focused on someone where they can’t do much harm. The danger is when a party politician is also head of state and gets to harness for his own nefarious (?) designs people’s patriotism and veneration for the head of state.
September 9, 2022 at 8:50 AM
larrymuffin
Do you know why your family chose not to oppose the American rebellion and join the Loyalist?
September 9, 2022 at 12:06 PM
Urspo
A fair question. William was #1; Nathaniel was #5 and he fought in the Revolutionary War. I don’t have family stories ‘why’. I suspect he/his kin were ensconced in Connecticut well enough not to scram to Nova Scotia lest they lose out.
September 9, 2022 at 9:04 AM
spwilcen
Would seem Charles III has already provided something of a titillating past, directrly or indirectly, eh?
September 9, 2022 at 12:08 PM
Urspo
That is why being a noble/staunch King would be effective. Not unlike Prince Hal in Shakespeare time to throw of Prince for King.
September 9, 2022 at 9:28 AM
Sluggy
The Queen is my 18th cousin 1 x removed on my mother’s side. That line we share cousinry on has been in America for 14 generations so the connection is waaay back. Long live the King. I think Charles III is a bit more akin to Charles II than Charles I. Let’s hope he keeps his head unlike Charles I.
September 9, 2022 at 12:08 PM
Urspo
No doubt there will be lots of parallels made to C1 and C2 so he’d be wise to do otherwise.
September 9, 2022 at 10:42 AM
Old Lurker
I have long thought Charles should just abdicate and hand off the crown to William, so there can be another longish period of stability. But I guess that is Not How Things Are Done. Imagine being promoted into a stressful new position at age 73?
I guess it is for the best that Edward VIII never had kids. That entire affair seems so stupid now, but given Edward’s Nazi leanings having his brother (and subsequently Lizzy) ascend to the throne was probably a better outcome.
I hope the Queen had a good life. Obviously it would have been cute had she lived another four years so she could send herself a card. I am not much of a monarchist but I agree there might be some value in having an archetypal head of state onto which we project our energies. It’s an expensive hobby, though.
September 9, 2022 at 12:10 PM
Urspo
I was recently reminded by thems who know about these things skipping over a generation isn’t a whim or guideline but law. An act of Parliament would be necessary to do so. He’s old enough though to have some time as King and pass onto the William.
September 9, 2022 at 10:59 AM
DwightW.
I am pleased Charles is a good public Speaker. He has already made William the Duke of Cornwall, and the Prince of Wales and Catherine , the Princess of Wales. Sad but inevitable. God Save the King!
September 9, 2022 at 12:11 PM
Urspo
What? It’s my understanding to become Prince of Wales requires a specific ritual in Wales – after C3 has his coronation at least. I must have a look-see on this.
September 9, 2022 at 4:45 PM
DwightW.
Charles’s coronation and Williams Investiture will come next year.
September 10, 2022 at 6:54 AM
wickedhamster
I remember Charles was called Prince of Wales long before his investiture, and some people saying that he really wasn’t until he was invested. Yet, in his speech, Charles said he created William Prince of Wales, which I would think would be all that was necessary legally. So I must embarrassingly admit I don’t know.
September 11, 2022 at 6:53 AM
wickedhamster
I did a Google search, as one does these days, and determined that William is now P of W. No less an authority than “Town & Country” said so. It further appears that QEII did not create him until his investiture, which is why it was periodically pointed that although called by the title, he actually didn’t possess it. The Queen did, however, make clear that she did intend to create him. Of interest to me also is the protocol for calling C3’s wife queen, queen concort, or Queen Camilla. It appears that one does not call her “the Queen” formally, but rather “Queen Consort,” to judge from the BBC usage.
September 11, 2022 at 10:22 AM
DwightW.
Everything is done through Letters Patent. The Investiture is a Formality or a celebration
September 9, 2022 at 11:28 AM
D in Texas
I read somewhere that the Monarch reigns but does not rule. That seems appropriate for the times we live in.
September 9, 2022 at 12:12 PM
Urspo
Yes, and that’s what makes modern monarchy good – all the archetypal energies without the Tyrant element to boss people around.
C1 tried to do this and it ended badly; C2 had sense to do things otherwise.
September 9, 2022 at 1:40 PM
BadNoteB
I’ve admired The Queen Across-The-Pond forever it seems. Always such a class act and pillar of decorum – domestic and international – but with a wry sense of fun and humor that always seemed to outshine even the finest of Royal polishes. And this perception developed long before she teamed up with Mr. Bond for her Olympics spectacular or shared a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear!
Sadly, I don’t see a single blossom on the family tree to take Her place. Charles seems the poster child for opposition to Dr. Oz’s latest political stand on consanguinity and inbreeding. Neither William nor Harry have impressed me as having the wisdom, panache or dignity of Grandma, either. One can only hope there’s a vacancy somewhere in the dungeon to house the new Royal consort. I suspect more lies ahead than a mere shift in archetypes for the British monarchy.
Regardless, we’ll be having a spot o’ tea, scones and generous slices of Dundee Cake this afternoon in tribute to a class act and interesting life well-lived. God save The Queen!
September 9, 2022 at 4:02 PM
Urspo
I join you in this jolly sounding tea party!
September 9, 2022 at 6:41 PM
Richard Portman
Thank you for these reflections. I agree with Robertson Davies.
We haven’t heard anything of the Dalai Lama for a while. He is another one of these benevolent monarchs, where the heart of the people lives.
September 10, 2022 at 10:49 AM
Urspo
indeed so, I haven’t heard from Mr. L. in a long time I wonder where he is and what he is doing?
September 9, 2022 at 9:09 PM
Richard Portman
Meanwhile, Laurie and and Andrew are still stuck in ” The Charioteer ” by Mary Renault. A great, tragic gay novel. Elizabeth II was already a young queen in those days. It wasn’t easy.
September 10, 2022 at 10:50 AM
Urspo
malevolent and benevolent leaders all have the same matter: it is an easy. Edison a life of leisure, usually. The nasty ones have to be constantly on guard.
September 10, 2022 at 8:31 AM
johnmichael42003
I am fascinated with the royal family. And I wonder what happened with the brothers Harry and William. And why the public disregards Meghan so much. I honestly don’t think she made Harry step down from his royal duties. So much scandal.
Love the series The Crown, it gives insight, albeit maybe skewed to the Queen’s life.
September 10, 2022 at 10:50 AM
Urspo
no doubt lots of ink has been spilled on the topic of brother rivalry and Meghan. In general, an outside of the family woman as homewrecker is an ongoing theme throughout history.
September 10, 2022 at 8:49 AM
Lori Hawkins
I don’t think any of the family now will ever come close to living up to her legacy. I hope I’m wrong.
September 10, 2022 at 10:51 AM
Urspo
probably not, so it is wise of them not to try. After John Paul II died ( and people are still talking about the good old days with him) the current Pope is wise not to try to be JPIII.
September 10, 2022 at 4:48 PM
BadNoteB
Off topic but… one of the more bizarre things I’ve ever seen was on a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica while in Rome. After waiting an hour in line to stand at what seemed a block away to view the Pieta behind bullet-proof glass (what sad social commentary for that to be necessary), we approached the end of a long hallway and seriously longer lines waiting to see some sort of tribute to Il Papa JPII…
We figured the wait probably wouldn’t be worth it but, as an indoctrinated but recovering Catholic, I was compelled to investigate what all the obvious fuss was about. To my utter shock, it was a white stone crypt with a hermetically sealed glass panel for full viewing of the corpse inside, decked out in full papal regalia, looking like he’d just retired for a long overdue nap!
I found this to be very disturbing – on par with stumbling upon the stuffed remains of Trigger (Roy Roger’s esteemed equine companion) in a museum somewhere I’ve blocked from memory. It was a relief to discover on the WWW today that they finally replaced the glass with an engraved stone panel. One can only assume he’ll eventually be placed in the catacombs below for an eternal rest beside his predecessors? Regardless, it makes me glad The Queen wasn’t Catholic!
September 12, 2022 at 12:22 AM
Robert
I foresee one of the biggest challenges for Charlie 3rd is surviving the judgement by the media. Rather than focussing on mourning E II my husband relays press tales of poor old duchess Megan not following protocols with the management of bouquets. Charlie 3rd has been more outspoken than others of his ilk.
September 12, 2022 at 7:16 AM
Urspo
I suspect CIII is quite aware of the challenges and bias towards him and he will ‘keep it sweet’ for now. In time I hope he becomes his own sort of like ‘Prince Hal’ going to H5.
September 12, 2022 at 5:01 AM
Phil Hollman
I’m a British citizen in UK, and though I’m usually a tepid royal supporter, I have surprised myself how strongly I’ve been affected by the Queen’s death. It feels as though a part of my britishness has gone.
September 12, 2022 at 7:17 AM
Urspo
I am glad to hear from you. Your comment resonates with so many, including thems on this side of the pond. She held archetypal energy that resonates with our own King/Queen energy. It is in times like this were the ‘need’ for a monarch comes forth – from a psychological need anyway.
September 14, 2022 at 8:02 AM
Ron
I liked the queen. I remember when I was ten years old in third grade and my teacher gathered us up to March down to Mrs. Yost’s sixth grade classroom where the 15 inch black and white TV was positioned in the upper corner of the wall behind her desk. Our innocent little faces watched in gaped mouth awe at the bejeweled splendor of this beautiful young woman crowned Queen of Great Britain and realm. I have lived with her my entire life and am saddened at her passing. We have aged together. Perhaps not as gracefully on my part but have aged. My turn will be within the next five years. Mark your calendar.