Throughout this volume there has been repeated mention of the three
primal forces translating into active (assertive); receptive (passive); and
equilibrium (balance). These are reflections of the original dynamics of the
ring cosmos, chaos and ring-pass-not.
The oriental cultures refer to the yin, yang and tao. In western culture these have become yin (feminine),
yang (masculine) and tao. The reference of polarity
is not to be confused with sexual preference, but refers rather to the
archetypal essences.
We see the
dynamics of these forces reflected everywhere in the universe and in the life
process. Modern psychology reflects an understanding of these forces in the
theory of anima-animus. It was Carl Jung who first presented this concept to
the profession. It is the theory that within the male human is his anima or
feminine side. Within the female human is the animus or masculine side. That
idea has been developed and refined over time and it is now a general
realization within therapy that we have both an interior male and female
portion of self.
One of the
most desirable goals for the individual seeking well being and resolution of
the dysfunction within themselves, is to establish a
conscious and healthy connection with the inner female and inner male. This
process requires resolving negative associations with the archetypes that are
the result of growing up with toxic and dysfunctional parents. The distorted
interaction with these parents causes major conflict with the connection to the
individual’s real inner self.
Copyright Ó 2002 by Lynn Buess