Introduction

The Unconscious Realm - Introduction To The Syzygy (Anima and Animus)
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This series focuses within the unconscious realm of the mind. Lurking within our shadow is another unknown influencer on our lives. They are known as the anima and animus; collectively referred to as the syzygy. To understand these common archetypes, we need to understand energy.
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The duality of life is found everywhere. This is because all is energy. All energy has its opposite degrees. This includes both masculine and feminine energies. Masculine energy is related to logic, assertion, and objectivity. Feminine energy is related to intuition, compassion, and creativity.
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According to Jung,

If you are a man there are suppressed collective feminine tendencies, the anima, within your unconscious mind.

If you are a woman, there are collective masculine tendencies, the animus, within your unconscious mind.
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The reason they are hidden in the unconscious, deeper in our unconsciousness than the shadow, is because they are difficult to reconcile in the face of society.

A stereotypical masculine man would find it difficult to understand and accept inner tendencies such as patience and empathy.

A stereotypical feminine woman would find it difficult to understand and accept inner tendencies such as assertiveness and reflection.
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This C. G. Jung quote that provides clarity to this paradoxical topic. He wrote in Aion,

“It is possible to describe this content in rational, scientific language, but in this way one entirely fails to express its living character. Therefore, in describing the living processes of the psyche, I deliberately and consciously give preference to a dramatic, mythological way of thinking and speaking, because this is not only more expressive but also more exact than an abstract scientific terminology”
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It is a difficult subject to get a grip on. Jung admits this. The syzygy is his attempt to grasp our energies and their influence on the unconscious mind. To gain further understanding, each gender needs to be explored alone. Next, we’ll explore the anima.