[~EnlightenMe~]

Can someone please explain this to me?

I read that if you think of the person of the same sex of you that you hate the most and why you hate that person can represent your shadow. I don't see this as being wholly true.

What I am really interested in is the animus in a female, and what is possession by the animus part? I'm reading a book but would love to have a synopsis as I find it curious. It talks about how the only way to know this part is by projection. I want to know what this means, maybe give an example if you know.

Thanks!

[nicoleflynn]

I don't hate anyone and know little about Jungian theory (although a major Jungian endorsed my book). I am a Sophomore in the mental health field. I would think you could google this information.

[CantExplain]

Jung was a bit of a mystic and some of his ideas don't make much sense.

[Perna]

I use my dream characters to understand Jung's stuff. But this page might help you?

The Role of the Animus in a Woman's Spiritual Journey

[Jungatheart]

From my understanding - which is probably limited and biased - Shadow can be revealed in many different ways. Anyone, not just same sex, can ignite parts of ourselves that we ignore/hate/need to integrate. The animus/anima states that we all carry aspects of the opposite sex with in us. Yin/yang, light/dark, male/female, ect.
In terms of the projection - I think it centers around the idea that we keep things hidden from ourselves. As I have gotten older, slowly things have been revealed that I never realized in the past. If you would would have told me XYZ about myself 5 years ago, I wouldn't have really understood or felt the words, or maybe even agreed to them cognitively. But truth does eventually get revealed!

So, in my understanding, when Jung says that our shadow is that which we deny, projections are like an outlet for those. And we place blame on the other (projection) b/c we can't own this part of ourselves. And that is how it gets revealed. I think it's unconscious - not a failure of knowing one's self.

I offer up a bit of caution when exploring this topic. Jung's concepts are so interesting. But be weary of the head trip that can go along with this. Boundaries, holding others accountable for their actions, not over-taking responsibility, validation, ect - are important as well. Not every feeling is a projection, and I think that is where it gets confusing for me.