Twelve Basic Personality Types
Homeopathic Archetypes: Six Genotypes, and Six Phenotypes
Notes below on Treating Rape, Abuse, Violation | Chronic Miasms affect personality | Book on Homeopathic Personality Archetypes
See also: Homeopathy Science | Counseling services | Family Constellation Work | Sexual Wholeness
Homeopathic practitioners have long described their medicines ("remedies") by the "picture" they represent. Most of the literature commonly available about homeopathic remedies presents the negative aspects seen in illness. However there is a growing body of writing that talks about the personality and its attributes in a healthy state as well as under stress or attack by Disease. See Coulter book, below
Note: Personality distortions occur when the body is under attack by Disease. See descriptions of the emotional results of Chronic Miasms and Chthonic Disease. Also, see Autism: The Journey Back.
It would be best if an individual had the advice of a professional homeopath such as are available through the Hahnemann Clinic for Heilkunst. However, this information may be of use to anyone interested in a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
This information can be very helpful in a person becoming more comfortable with their personality. Reading a book, such as Catherine Coulter's, can help them understand things they might have dismissed or felt were "odd". Knowledge of Archetypes can help a person have more confidence in exploring their unique qualities, seeing how they have developed their archetype in their own unique way.
There is a progression from Emotion-centered to Intellect-centered types:
Sulphur/ Pulsatilla/ Phosphorus/ Calcarea/ Lycopodium/ Silica.
These have been grouped into two "families" (called "Genotypes" www.Homeopathy.com):
1. The Sulphur Family (Sulphur/ Lycopodium / Calcarea carbonica) -- which I understand to be more earthy/emotional, and,
2.The Silica Family (Silicea/ Pulsatilla/ Phosphorus) -- which I understand to be more spiritual/intellectual.
Under stress these decompensate into the following 6 (called "Phenotypes"):
"Stasis Neurosis" (Sepia/ Staphysagria/ Lachesis) -- "blockage of energy from the suppressive impingement of the environment", censure from others, etc., and,
"Psycho-Neurosis" (Arsenicum/ Natrum muriaticum/ Nux vomica) -- Reich's psychoneurosis: "blockage of energy stemming from internal prohibitions, termed repression".
Genotypes: Sketches of the homeopathic personality types
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These contain only a fraction of the details that could be given. The "online" links include illness-focused descriptions. For more uplifting observations of the homeopathic types in Health, see the books mentioned above. |
Sulphur Family:
Sulphur [online]: (From the element Sulphur) Strong, hot, fiery personality, generous in giving out energies and money. When stressed or ill may show self-aggrandizement, over-taxing his/her ability to give, become dirty, smelly, disorganized. Would rather rip off a button than deal with a challenging buttonhole.
Lycopodium [online]: (From Club Moss: protective cover for the earth; dried, burned in science class to make a volcano.) High self-esteem, resilient, adaptable, can burn brightly. When stressed or ill may become detached, distrustful of extremes (intellectual or emotional), avoids confronting problems on deeper levels of relationships.
Calcarea carbonica [online]: (From Oyster shell) A pearl, lustrous personality (Mozart, Helen Keller), can be a very hard worker. Understands others, by nature a nurturer. When stressed or ill may become isolated, defensive, obstinate, insecure, lethargic, and inactive.
Silica Family:
Silica [online]: (From Sand, quartz) Many facets, durable, holds to principles, conscientious. When stressed or ill may lack animal warmth, cold hands and feet, lasting exhaustion from mental exertion, hard, inflexible, critical of others and self.
Pulsatilla [online]: (From the Wind Flower). Delightful personality, radiant, lovely in moving with the winds of events. When stressed or ill may feel blown about, changing mind, dependent on others for support. [May 2008: Has innate sense of the value of human relationships and God's plan for human society. Fairness and support are expectations, and lack of receiving these from society can be extremely distressing.]
Phosphorus [online]: (From metallic Phosphorus, which burns brightly) Radiates a captivating energy, spontaneous and calls upon her/his strong psychic sensitivity and extrasensory perception. When stressed or ill, they may lack sustained energy to carry out their plans, and their many imagined goals may dissipate and be unrealized.
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| Phenotypes: Following are negative aspects of personality presentations evident under stress. These are not fixed, and can be remedied back to more balanced type in the above basic six: |
"Stasis Neurosis"
"Stasis Neurosis" -- "blockage of energy from the suppressive impingement of the environment", censure from others., etc.
Sepia [online]: (From the black ink of cuttlefish.) Overworked, exhausted, tolerates dysfunctional family ("I've got to do well"). Hides emotions. Weepy.
Staphysagria [online] (From Stavesacre, a green plant.) Mental depression, hysteria, hypochondriasis, sexual excess or prior sexual abuse.
[NOTE formerly they theoretically classed these symptoms as being Graphites [online]: (From graphite or black lead.) Depressed; anxious; sluggish thinking; tearful, weeping; thoughts of death. However, this has clinicaly shown to be Staphysagria]
Lachesis [online]: (From venom of Bushmaster snake) Strong sex drive out of control if not in committed relationship. Possessive. Addictive behavior.
"Psycho-Neurosis"
"Psycho-Neurosis" -- Reich's psychoneurosis: "blockage of energy stemming from internal prohibitions, termed repression".
Arsenicum [online]: (From Arsenic oxide) Perfectionist. Overdoing things. A controlling personality. Competitive. Pride. Strict regimentation (as in healthcare program, athletics). Fears for safety, of family and self. Fatigue.
Natrum muriaticum [online]: (From Table Salt) Sensitive, impressionable, sadness, weary from life, resentful, bears grudges, difficulty expressing emotions, fears closed spaces, does good works but fears is a failure; intense hopes and dreams.
Nux vomica [online]: (From the "Poison Nut") "Type A" personality; driven; sensitive; feels everything strongly; capable of hard work and diligence; receptive and intelligent.
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Treating Rape, Abuse, Violation
Note on treating some emotional states that may be encountered when working with people in a sexual healing context: These are major assaults on a person's Being, often moving deep into subconscious areas, tissue memories are involved. These can be called Disease and can be treated. Multiple approaches have been pointed to as helping, and I would list Pelvic-Heart Integration, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Homeopathy and others that I would add to the list if contacted by practitioners. There is hope. There is power available to cast out the unwanted violating energies, and I am convinced one can consider the process as one of scientific administration of energy principles, or consider it a kind of spiritual warfare if they view things in those terms.
Some key disturbances/Diseases that can result from these assaults are the Chthonic Diseases. These can create devastating mental and emotional situations that can be treated effectively with homeopathy.
Treatment needs to be done in the sequence determined by the principles of the Complete Medical System described on the websites: www.Homeopathy.com, and www.Heilkunst.com. [See also this site's Homeopathy main page]
Emotional shock--loss: Natrum muriaticum. (However, if the emotion is still very much in the present, Ignatia is more appropriate.)
Emotional shock--suppressed anger, guilt, humiliation, indignation: Staphysagria.
Emotional shock--fear: Poppy.
Emotional Trauma Remedy: is simply NSOL plus Nux vomica [a combination used by the Heilkunst practitioners].
Jealousy: Lachesis (or other indicated remedy)
Violation, Rape--Staphysagria
Chronic Miasms affect personality. Listing omitting accompanying remedies treating the miasms.
[Note, May 2008: The information below contains inaccurate listing of the Chronic Miasms/Primal Diseases as now determined from continued study of Hahnemann's writings. Some of the following are more accurately described as "pathic" diseases generated by action of the original Chronic Miasms.
Accurate list: Two sets of four -- Upper and Lower zones of the human:
Upper Miasms-- Psoriasis/Tuberculosis/Gonorrhea/Syphilis
Lower Miasms-- Malaria/Ringworm/Cancer/Lyme
See the eight chronic miasms outlined in the Energy Anatomy description.
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Table from Morrison’s article, including homeopathic remedies. Again, this is not accurate. However, I have retained it for historical information, documenting the concern that homeopaths have about Chronic Miasms. |
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Additional information as an example: Tuberculosis Miasm |
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Acute/Rabies Miasm |
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Originally, these remedies were used during acute illnesses such as scarlet fever, pneumonia and delirium. Later it was found that they are useful in chronic conditions where the sensation of the patient is identical to the sensation of an acutely ill patient. The patient feels as if he were reacting to a sudden, unexpected, life-threatening situation (illness, attack, accident, etc). The patient is in an almost “primitive” state usually accompanied by great fear and child-like reaction. There is no compensatory mechanism except fight or flight. He seeks reassurance and protection. Often mania states require remedies from the acute or typhoid miasm. Severe phobia disorders also frequently fit within this miasm. [see table for associated remedies] |
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Typhoid Miasm (Sankaran) |
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Also known as the subacute miasm. Remedies in this miasm were originally used for typhoid fever – that is high, unremitting fever often associated with prostration from violent diarrheas or other infections. The infections are slightly less rapid in their onset (like all our descriptions of Bryonia) than the remedies in the acute miasm. Now we find these remedies can be useful in a variety of chronic conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, collapse states, psychosis. Patients in this miasm who have acute or recurring psychotic breaks have good prospects from homeopathic treatment. The patient feels himself to be in an urgent, life-threatening situation requiring his full capacity to survive. The patient is willing to use any means to return to a secure position: Violence, scheming, flight, lying, etc. Willful children who demand their desires so strongly that parents cave in often require remedies from this group. The patient’s goal is to conserve every resource to combat the threat. Thus materialism and business struggles are a strong component. The feeling is, “If I can just get through this crisis, I have it made and I can rest.” He seeks rest and a secure position. |
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Malarial Miasm (Sankaran) |
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In malaria, the situation is still less severe. The patient is suffering but not in immanent danger for his life. Instead he finds himself repeatedly accosted by highly uncomfortable conditions. These conditions leave him weak and vulnerable between the attacks. He is partially crippled by the condition causing him to be dependent on those around him. His forward progress is arrested as he deals with these harassing attacks. For chronic conditions, the remedies of the malarial miasm feel they are facing recurring attacks from life – they feel stuck in a situation where nothing goes right and he is never truly well. He can do little more than complain or act out. Patients in this miasm often feel miserable and make those around them miserable from their negative outlook. The patient especially suffers with intermittent fevers, recurring hemorrhoids, recurring or allergic asthma, migraines, neuralgia, rheumatism. |
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Ringworm Miasm (Sankaran) |
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Ringworm and fungal disorders are annoying but not at all life-threatening. These conditions often get better very slowly but slip back in at the first vulnerable moment. It is a constant effort to combat the condition. The theme for ringworm miasm is struggle against an external object but alternately feeling optimism or pessimism. The patient often repeatedly uses the word, “trying.” The feeling is that he must try and try and yet he never quite gets there though never quite gives up. |
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Psoric Miasm (Hahnemann) |
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The theme for psora according to Sankaran is struggle against an external problem but with a feeling of optimism. Paradoxically, since many of the remedies and characteristics of psora have been differentiated into other miasms, few remedies are left in this category. Many have noted the similarity between Sankaran’s description of this miasm and his description of the ringworm miasm. |
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Sycotic Miasm (Hahnemann) |
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Gonorrhea is a condition that is not life-threatening but is shameful and embarrassing. The remedies used to combat gonorrhea and gleet also treat the ailments of suppressed gonorrhea. All of the diseases that respond to this group of remedies are fixed and intractable: They do not go away but they do not progress. The patient spends a great deal of time trying to cover up or compensate for the illness. Thus we have the well-known characteristic of the sycotic miasm: secretiveness. The patient is often riddled with guilt and insecurity. Inferiority complex is a common finding in this miasm. The physical conditions often center around the urinary or genital tract. Also common is asthma, tumors and neoplasms, eczema, genital herpes. |
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Cancer Miasm (Foubister) |
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When a patient receives a diagnosis of cancer, it is obvious that the condition is life threatening. The patient and the family feel there is almost no hope but yet they do not give up. They search high and low for a new drug trial, a new surgery, or even a farfetched alternative like homeopathy. The feeling is one of desperation, of holding on to hope with the fingernails. The patient who needs a remedy from this miasm feels he must carry out his life perfectly – one failure of duty, one lapse in cleanliness, one cheat of the proper diet and all will be lost. Perfectionism and the need for control with the feeling of being strained to one’s very limit are the normal presentation. Physically the cancer miasm is often found in patients with a history of cancer but many other physical ailments can be produced. Anorexia nervosa is often treated by remedies of this miasm. Tumors of any sort, neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis are often found in this miasm. |
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Tubercular Miasm (Vithoulkas) |
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The feeling of the miasm relates to the ever encroaching and eventually fatally suffocating infection. The patient rebels, struggles, longs for freedom from his condition. He hurries to live his life even as he intuits that it is burning away from him. He feels the walls closing in upon him. His loved ones cannot be trusted. He suffers from respiratory conditions, persecution complex, deformative arthritis |
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Leprosy Miasm (Vakil) |
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Lepers have suffered enormously through history. The condition is slowly progressive and eventually leads to death. However, even more disturbing to the patient is the reaction of those around him. He is reviled by his friends and community. Where they looked at him with affection they now feel loathing. This results in a desperate state of self-disgust and self-hatred. He feels contempt with his condition and towards himself or others. He desires to tear, mutilate or bite himself. He suffers from suicidal thoughts or impulses, depression, morbid obesity. |
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Syphilitic Miasm (Hahnemann) |
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Syphilis was an inexorable death sentence in the pre-antibiotic era. The condition is utterly destructive – either physically or mentally. Extreme nihilism marks the patient in the uncompensated state. The diseases are destructive of bone and tissue leading eventually to death. The patient reacts to his illness or his perceived life situations as though under a death sentence. He is prone to feelings of violence and revenge. Suicide or homicidal feelings are common. Destructive addictions often result. Physical conditions include advanced cardiac conditions, aortic disease, aneurysm, alcoholism. |
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Catherine Coulter, Homeopath. Nature and Human Personality: Homoeopathic Archetypes: This is an excellent look at the healthy state of twelve homeopathic personality types. Contains 11 of the 12 major personality types that were basic to the approach Hahnemann used in his later years and is taught within the Heilkunst method. |
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Edward Whitmont, M.D., Psychiatrist, Homeopath. Psyche and Substance [review of book]: "...Shows how symbolic and imaginal thinking is 'eminently helpful' in grasping homeopathic remedy pictures." Presents 12 remedies, the personality profiles of people who exemplify the remedies. The Alchemy of Healing [review of book]: Survey of historical healing systems, including homeopathy. |
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Open Minds: A New Perspective on
Healing. This looks at the way the Heilkunst program of applying
homeopathy includes nutrition, bodywork, dental detoxification,
good psychological counseling, and more. [See this and more at the
college
Store.]
"Imagine
true health, your chronic ills gone! |
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| Dynamic Legacy: From Homeopathy to Heilkunst. This comes as a CD-ROM or two 3-ring binders and gives an extensive presentation of the groundwork and principles of homeopathy as practiced by Dr. Hahnemann in his later years. This work has been rediscovered, translated and now taught by the Hahnemann College for Heilkunst. Solid documentation on Reich, orgone energy, orgasm. [See this at college Store. Its Table of contents ] |