The Animus

The Unconscious Realm - Exploring The Animus
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We will now focus on the anima’s masculine counterpart, the animus.

“Woman is compensated by a masculine element and therefore her unconscious has, so to speak, a masculine imprint.” - C. G. Jung
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Typically, the animus tendencies are picked up from the father figure at birth. These masculine energies are suppressed and hidden due to cultural norms. Women feel they have to present themselves in a certain way, leading to these traits forced into the unconscious.
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The animus, or masculine energy, has both positive and negative elements.
Such is energy (+-)⚡️

In General

Positive masculine tendencies include: spirit, courage, reflection and self-knowledge, and power.

Negative masculine tendencies include: opinionated, conventional, cold, self-righteous, and argumentative.

If you notice the feminine tendencies from the previous post about the anima, you will notice the opposites within the positive and negative aspects. This is why I harp on the idea of wholeness to become your best self.
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One example of the animus influencing a woman is when one develops a rational value that leads to excessive criticism and stubbornness towards to others who do not hold this value. Their urge is focused to impose it on others without deep reflection about what the value truly represents.

The animus may also be projected on a man that resembles the inner positive aspects of these masculine tendencies. This may cause a “love at first sight” moment, unaware of his true nature. This can lead to troubles later in the relationship.

In addition, there is are positives to the animus. For example, when a woman is confused about her place in life, it is her inner animus that she relies on to provide reflection and self-knowledge necessary to provide reason.
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Without integration of opposing gender tendencies, they arise and influence our thoughts and behaviors. If this continues without awareness, one may become possessed by their inner anima or animus.

“A woman possessed by the animus is always in danger of losing her femininity.”
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Syzygy possession will be discussed in the next post.