How to Blend MBTI and Archetypes

How to Blend MBTI and Archetypes

ByMelissa Kennedy

In today’s fast-moving workplaces, understanding personality isn’t just for self-help books—it’s a practical tool for hiring, team building, and leadership. Most HR professionals are familiar with MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), but what if you could combine it with archetypes and even astrology to get a fuller, more nuanced view of your team? Let’s break down how you can blend these frameworks for real-world results.

Why Go Beyond MBTI?

The MBTI is popular for a reason—it’s easy to use and gives everyone a four-letter “type” (like INFP or ESTJ). But MBTI alone can feel a bit flat, especially when you’re working with diverse teams or seeking creative solutions. Archetypes (think: The Hero, The Caregiver, The Sage) and astrology (your zodiac sign and birth chart) add layers that can help you understand motivators, values, and even communication styles.

“MBTI tells you how your team processes information, but archetypes and astrology can hint at why they do what they do.”

Case Study: The Stuck Project Team

Recently, I worked with a product team that had stalled out. MBTI revealed a cluster of ISTJs and ESTJs—great organizers, but not exactly risk-takers. Their manager suspected something deeper was going on. By mapping team members’ archetypes (using a simple online quiz), we spotted a lack of “Creator” and “Magician” energies. A quick look at their astrological charts showed heavy earth and air signs—practical thinkers, but not spontaneous.

With this information, the team shifted roles: one “Magician” (a creative, intuitive archetype) was invited from another department to consult, and the group added weekly brainstorming sessions. Within a month, their project was back on track and more innovative than before.

How to Blend MBTI, Archetypes, and Astrology: A 15-Minute Framework

Here’s a quick guide you can run with, whether you’re in HR, management, or just want to understand your colleagues better.

Step 1: Collect MBTI Types

  1. Have team members take a free MBTI test (16personalities.com works well).
  2. Record results in a shared doc or spreadsheet.

Step 2: Identify Team Archetypes

  1. Use an online archetype assessment, like archetypes.com or Scott Jeffrey’s list.
  2. Ask everyone to share their top two archetypes.

Step 3: Add Astrology (Optional, but Fun)

  1. Collect birth dates (be respectful—this is optional).
  2. Use a tool like astro.com to generate sun, moon, and rising signs.
  3. Map zodiac signs to team roles. (For example, fire signs—Aries, Leo, Sagittarius—often thrive in leadership or creative roles.)

Step 4: Map and Discuss

  • Lay out your team’s MBTI types, archetypes, and zodiac signs in a simple chart (see below).
  • Spot patterns—are you heavy on planners but light on innovators?
  • Use this insight to delegate, recruit, or adjust team dynamics.

Quick Comparison Table: MBTI, Archetypes, and Astrology

Name Key Feature Best Used For Time to Complete Free Tool
MBTI 4-letter personality types Communication, team roles 10 min Try it here
Archetype Quiz 12 Jungian archetypes Motivations, team fit 5 min Try it here
Astrology Chart Zodiac sun/moon/rising Work style, strengths 5 min Try it here

Product Picks: Tools for Personality Mapping

  • MBTI Card Deck – Visual, hands-on tool for quick type discovery.
    Pros: Great for workshops.
    Cons: Not a full replacement for a real test.
    Best for: HR facilitators, team leads.
    Check price on Amazon
  • Archetype Cards by Caroline Myss – 80-card deck with archetype descriptions.
    Pros: Super intuitive, helps spark discussion.
    Cons: Some cards are a bit abstract.
    Best for: Teams, coaches.
    See today’s deal
  • The Astrology of You and Me by Gary Goldschneider – A practical, workplace-focused guide.
    Pros: Relatable, easy to read.
    Cons: Not super detailed for advanced users.
    Best for: Newbies, managers.
    Check price on Amazon

15-Minute Ritual for Team Alignment

Want to try this with your team? Here’s a quick process you can run at your next meeting—no incense or chanting required.

  • Minute 1-3: Everyone shares their MBTI type (or guesses if unknown).
  • Minute 4-6: Each person names their top archetype.
  • Minute 7-9: (Optional) Share zodiac sign and one work-related strength it brings.
  • Minute 10-12: Discuss: What’s our team’s superpower? Any gaps?
  • Minute 13-15: Brainstorm one small action to balance the team (invite a different perspective, rotate roles, etc.).

Best Practices and Real-World Tips

  • Always make participation voluntary and respect privacy.
  • Use these frameworks as conversation starters, not as hard rules.
  • Mix and match—sometimes MBTI is enough, sometimes archetypes or astrology add missing insights.
  • Document your findings. Over time, patterns emerge that help with hiring, promotions, and team happiness.

“Blending personality tools doesn’t mean putting people in boxes—it’s about understanding the many ways we tick, so your team can thrive.”

Useful Links & Further Reading

Some links in this post may be affiliate. You pay the same price, but I may earn a small commission to keep this blog running.

Thank you for reading! If you want to take a deeper dive into blending personality frameworks for better HR practices, consider exploring certified courses or consulting with professionals who specialize in organizational psychology. Remember, every team is unique—experiment, adapt, and find the mix that unlocks your team’s full potential. And, as always, keep things lighthearted. After all, sometimes the best insight comes from a surprising conversation over coffee rather than a spreadsheet.

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