Simularities between archetypes and the major arcana

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After looking into many of  the common archetypes of literature, history, and general human behaviors, I saw many similarities in tarot (specifically the major arcana).  I didn't find an archetype for each of the 22 major arcana, but I found very similar cards for about half of them.  I used the Caroline Myss archetype card collection and read the descriptions to compare the light and shadow aspects of the archetypes and the tarot cards.  For example the fool card represents being free, open, and having faith, but could also represent naivety.  In understanding the comparison between tarot and archetypes we can easily see the light and shadow sides of the characters and experiences that are described in tarot and bring understanding to how they are experienced in our own life.

The Seeker and the hanged man: The Seeker archetype is described as someone who is driven by a search for truth and understanding, but can also be unwilling to commit to anything because they insist on seeking for more.  This is similar to the energy of the hanged man who is quite literally stuck as he goes within himself and searches for more.  The quest for truth, whether it be inside or outside of ourselves, is valiant, but too much reflection and thinking and no action will not lead you anywhere.

Athlete and strength: The Athlete is someone who does no accept limitation and continues to overcome it through inner strength and a drive to do keep developing physically and spiritually.  In his shadow, he is unable to admit to weakness and believes he is much stronger than he is. The strength card in tarot is about patience, persistence, drive, and balancing our animalistic side with our spirit.  In the reverse it is a sign of weakness and lack of confidence.  Both cards represent using inner strength to become bigger and better people, but can just as easily become symbols of weakness and indulging in a false image of strength.

Slave and the devil:  The Slave archetypes represents the act of surrender.  In one sense it represents having trust in something greater than ourselves, but it also is giving away our own power out of fear.  The devil card is the card of being trapped and powerless to our own negative habits and addictions.  In both cases, the powerlessness is self induced and therefore can be stopped by the decision to reclaim this power.

Hermit and hermit:  Both the hermit card and hermit archetype represent withdrawing from the outside world and looking within.  This is a powerful act which can lead to personal discovery and growth, but becomes negative when it fueled by fear of others and leads to complete selfishness

The destroyer and death: The destroyer archetype represents taking away what is harmful so something better can come in, but can also represent destroying things in a way that is not helpful.  The death card also represents the destruction and rebirth of some aspect in our lives; it is a huge transformation just as life and death are.  Destruction must be done carefully however, because you could ruin something that could have been beautiful.

Judge and justice:  The judge is a person who attempts to discern in fairness what is just and right. In the shadow aspect, the judge is overly critical and misuses power.  Justice is a card of karma and getting what one "deserves" in accordance to their actions.  Both seek fairness, but we should be very careful about what we decide is fair, and not act as a god.

goddess and the empress: The Goddess is the ultimate symbol of femininity.  She represents beauty, nature, sensuality, and receptivity.  On the other hand she could represent exploiting the feminine to manipulate others.  The empress represents strong feminine energy as well as abundance and fertility.  Both cards show the positive side of embracing the feminine, but the goddess reminds us not to abuse it for short lived personal gain.