Types of Psychological Daemons
I would like to list similar concepts that have led me to further understand my own daemon and what daemons are potentially in the grand scheme of our psychology. For me I found a complex web of potential but for others a daemon may be far less convoluted. A daemon does not have to be all of these or any of these. This is not a be-all-end-all guide or even the full potential of examples out there. This is created from my own personal experience and opinions.
Conscience
These daemons are the center of morality or try to act as their person’s moral compass. Behaving very similarly to the classic shoulder angel/devil trope. Sometimes reverse psychology is used and instead of giving good advice they may provide the opposite causing you to correct them, with the result of amplifying the daemian’s own conscience type thought process.
Anima/Animus
Often the opposite of the daemian’s personality or gender. This is possibly due to needing opposing ideas or behaviors. This is classically thought to creates balance but could be argued and discussed in length on the validity of such a statement. Many consider their daemon the opposite side of the coin, two parts to a whole, one completing the other, and how you cannot have one without the other.
Subconscious
Either a direct connection to or the full embodiment of our subconscious mind. They will know and express things we may not be fully aware but which influences our actions and feelings. You could say your intuition is your daemon and vice versa. They often times will be very hands on with their daemian’s life and choices. This can lead to facing traumas, personal issues, breaking down barriers, and coming to accept truths about yourself.
Intrusive
Not all internal monologues are positive or helpful. Often we have harmful intrusive thoughts built up inside that make it impossible to find the positive. Persistent thoughts that hinder rather than improve. Sometimes a daemon will be born of these thoughts. When this happens you can stop and try to reach for a daemon who encompasses other qualities or you may work with this daemon to overcome the negativity within yourself. While a daemon can and will help fight off intrusive thoughts sometimes the best way around them is to work through them. Daemons who start this way are often harsh, overly critical, self-degrading, insulting, angry, and are difficult to work with.
Social Archetypes
Our internal monologues may be influenced by the people and media we have surrounded ourselves with. The conversations we have with ourselves about going to bed on time or doing homework sure sounds a lot like what our parents would tell us. Or the exciting chatter we have about the newest film releasing sounds like a conversation we have with our best friend. When a daemon is built from our internal monologues they will often get personalities very similar to these archetypes. They may be one type or they may be a mixture. They may not even match the examples listed here since every person has their own unique monologues.
Companion
The classic friendly face. Just a good friend hanging around, offering support, companionship, or entertainment as one would expect from a close friend.
Parental/ Caretaker
They often will want what is best for you. They may give advice or recommend what they feel is the correct or responsible decision. Like going to bed, doing chores, finishing homework, getting off the phone, and etc. They may be very protective or provide a complex mix of encouragement and guilt. They may follow the “tough love” model, pushing for self-improvement, or encourage doing more with the time given to them.
Mentor
How advice was given to us through our development will often be reflected in the daemon. They will likely promote curiosity, provide advice, and encourage problem solving. They may not freely give you the answers or let you take the easy way out of situations. In some cases, they can be very similar to the parental archetype.