The Altruist
The Altruist - As represented by the steadfast Elephant
If you released the rabbit from the trap, congratulations—you are what’s known as the Altruist. Represented by the steadfast Elephant, you are a thoughtful individual driven by a need to do good, gifted with the power of generosity. Your strength lies in your ability to help others. But be mindful not to lose yourself in causes you don’t truly believe in. Ensure that your kindness doesn’t come at the cost of betraying yourself or neglecting your own well-being.
In a world where success is often measured by ruthless ambition, the Altruist can feel adrift. Your desire for justice and fairness may leave you disheartened by the world’s selfishness. But don’t mistake your ideals for weakness. The Altruist shares much in common with the Magician, and indeed, Altruists sometimes transform into Magicians. Just as the Magician must turn inward to stay aligned with their values, so too must you. Your compulsion to do good should not come at the expense of your own well-being. When the Altruist prioritizes their own needs, they become far more capable of helping others.
Every society needs its Altruists. Above all, they are guided by an internal compass—a deep sense of morality they may not always fully understand or articulate. Like the Warrior, Altruists are driven by conviction, but rather than seeking glory or an ideal, they are propelled by an inner sense of duty, even martyrdom. Their selflessness, ironically, can make them self-centered, as their unwavering dedication to their values may unintentionally harm loved ones. The Altruist must recognize when their need to do what’s right negatively impacts those around them.
The Altruist archetype can be dangerously self-sacrificing. The urge to forgo personal privilege for the sake of others is noble but flawed when not balanced. Remember the airplane safety rule: put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. This truth may not sit well with an unbalanced Altruist, but it’s essential—your ability to aid others increases when your own needs are met.
A balanced Altruist is a truly exceptional individual.
But you must remain mindful of your ultimate goals. Recall how you were labeled the Altruist in the ritual—how you freed the rabbit, risking the anger of the cabin’s owner. If your goal was to help others, it seemed the right choice. But consider the cabin’s potential rewards, perhaps powerful enough to save the world. Do not let short-sighted compassion prevent you from achieving greater good.
A word of caution: history’s greatest Altruists show how difficult selflessness can be in a world that rewards selfishness. Today, we live in a strange era that elevates pseudo-Altruists—those who loudly decry injustice yet contribute nothing beyond outrage. Their righteous superiority breeds inaction, the hallmark of the false Altruist. Be careful not to get caught in this cycle of negativity and stagnation.
REMEMBER—The most impactful Altruists follow an internal compass aimed at a higher calling. They know they cannot save everyone. Spider-Man embodies this archetype, yet in every story, he must learn balance: understanding that caring for himself—his relationships, his well-being—is just as vital as helping strangers or fighting for a cause.
Other Notable Altruists in Fiction: Spider-Man (Marvel), Chidi Anagonye (The Good Place), Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation), Wall-E (Wall-E), Ted Lasso (Ted Lasso), the Doctor (Doctor Who).
To continue to the second part of the ritual . . .