Supportive traits are like great personal assistants that help us navigate through life’s challenges more smoothly. From handling day-to-day responsibilities to tackling complex issues, we often and consciously rely on these trusted aides—our supportive traits—knowing that they are capable and reliable at what they do. Ultimately, living in the absence of our supportive traits is akin to losing both our arms; we would struggle tremendously to function without them.

Your habits shape your identity,
and your identity shapes your habits.

James Clear

As our supportive traits come naturally to us, we tend to employ them effortlessly, as if we are writing and drawing with our dominant hand. Therefore, we often take our supportive traits for granted, not realizing how valuable they are to someone of a different archetype. If left unchecked, we might even run the risk of overusing them, preventing other parts of ourselves from flourishing.

Like our dominant traits, our supportive traits are simply facets of our personalities. Whether they are strengths or weaknesses is entirely dependent on the way we utilize them. If we cultivate and develop our supportive traits well, they can become valuable additions to our toolbox of super strengths. However, if we use them in an unhealthy manner, the same traits will ultimately lead to our undoing.

There is virtue in knowing one's values, but without refining them, it will only be a journey half traveled. In this regard, Oracles will devote time and effort to ensure that the things they hold dear are aligned with their life vision. Contemplating deeply, they question the essence of every value they have, in order to reaffirm their purpose. Essentially, Oracles believe that an unexamined life is simply not worth living.

Still, the problem with Oracles lies not in their ignorance but in their inaction. Some Oracles may spend their whole lives reflecting on their values, thinking that fulfillment can only come from within. Yet, even after discovering their purpose, they may still feel empty inside. This is because they are missing a critical piece of the puzzle: the fulfillment that comes from contributing to others. Without this missing piece, Oracles will lose out on their chance at true happiness.

As much as their values may build them up, their passions may also tear them down. When Oracles are too absorbed in their interests, they might neglect everything else, even matters that are crucial for their survival. For instance, they might go days on end without rest just to complete something they like. If they succumb to such extremism, their lofty dreams may end up standing on stilts, only a nudge away from crumbling into a mess.

To Oracles, failing to fulfill their potential would be a betrayal of their nature. As such, they aren’t afraid to prioritize their personal growth despite social pressures to conform. Never hesitating to be their own person, their tenacity enables them to mature into inspiring, self-made individuals. By embracing and developing their individuality, Oracles show that they are unyielding in their convictions. This allows them to forge their own paths; ones that align with their values.

Having said that, some Oracles may become self-absorbed, forgetting that their actions affect other people too. Unaware of what’s happening around them, they might accidentally cause trouble by doing their own thing. Failing to apologize for such behavior only adds to their image of being self-centered. Over time, those close to Oracles will grow weary of dealing with their inconsiderate behavior, ultimately leaving them for greener pastures.

On top of that, as Oracles build themselves up, they might end up viewing themselves too highly. If an Oracle starts believing that they are the only individual that matters, they might then dismiss the needs and priorities of their community, considering them as unimportant. Worse yet, some Oracles may be so unaware of their own behavior that they infuriate others without even realizing it. This will gravely tarnish their reputation, making Oracles a target for ridicule.

Like sailors who rely on the North Star to traverse vast and tumultuous oceans, Oracles rely on their inner compass to navigate through life’s challenges. With an intuitive sense of right and wrong, they cultivate strong personal values that they abide to no matter what. And while the world changes chaotically, these beliefs will continue to shine as a beacon of light, guiding Oracles through any storm.

However, some Oracles may take their beliefs a little too personally. Even when their perspectives are questioned in good faith, they may take it as a personal attack and refuse to listen. Clouded by emotions, such Oracles might go to the ends of the earth just to defend what they believe in. Unfortunately, by doing so, they miss out on the chance to learn and grow as a person. Without a clear head, the fiery passion of Oracles might only work against their own interest.

Oracles may become unreasonably hard on themselves when they fail to live up to their values. A small mistake, barely noticeable by anyone, may push them over the edge. They might beat themselves up badly because nothing less than perfection can satisfy them. Denying themselves even an ounce of compassion, Oracles in this state of mind unknowingly sow the seeds of self-contempt in their soul.

Thus far, we have explored both the Oracle's dominant and supportive traits. In our jargon, these traits are known as one's heroic traits. Think about it, don't we all look like heroes when we put these traits to use? Not just wannabe heroes, but real ones—those who are truly powerful yet unimpressed with their own abilities.

Superhuman strength and the ability to fly are awesome superpowers that we all wished we had. But Superman doesn't pride himself in any of those abilities. To him, using those powers to save the world is just another day on the job. Similarly, even though we are great at our dominant and supportive traits, we do not find them the least bit amazing. From our perspective, there is nothing special about these mundane things that we do every day.

That said, as heroic as our traits may seem, no hero in the world is perfect. Even the most powerful heroes, such as Naruto, Thor, or Wonder Woman, have their own flaws and weaknesses. However, that does not invalidate them as heroes; it only makes them all the more admirable. The same goes for our own heroic traits. They may not be perfect, but our strive to improve them is what sets us apart.

I am not a hero. I just did what any
decent person would have done.

Miep Gies

When our heroic traits bask in the light, they will inevitably cast shadows—traits that we tend to neglect. Our shadows are foreign to us, as they are the complete opposite of our natural traits. Because we fear what we don't understand, most of us will subconsciously push away or suppress these parts of ourselves. Unfortunately, if we allow the fear of failure to overpower our minds, these suppressed shadows will eventually swallow us whole.

Nevertheless, shadows are not our weaknesses. They are simply parts of ourselves that we are unfamiliar with, and therefore, would rather avoid. But if we harness our shadows, they will eventually become our hidden strengths. It may be daunting at first to explore these dark and unknown parts of ourselves. However, with a curious mind and a compassionate heart, there's nothing to be afraid of. With that said, let us venture deep into the shadows within us.

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Shadows Within [Oracle]