For this activity I would like to discuss the aspects of the
‘amimus’ – (the male aspect present in the collective unconscious
of women) and its connection to art and writing.
Taking an on-line writing course a few years back I came to
discover what I thought was my ‘muse’, while doing a visualization
exercise. After I finished the exercise I was somewhat disappointed
to find my ‘muse’ was not the exotic female I had pictured, but
a distinquished, stone faced gentleman who’s name became Jeffery.
Not only was I disappointed but I never felt comfortable calling
on him for artistic endeavors.
Through working with archetypes over the next six years I have come
to know ‘Jeffery’s’ identity. He is what Jung refers to as the ‘animus’
or male aspect that exists within the unconscious mind of the female.
Please, if you have the time read this article by:
Dr. C. George Boeree
This is where I have gathered my information.
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/jung.html
anima = female aspect of the collective unconscious present in men
animus = male aspect of the collective unconscious present in women
anima + animus = syzygy
Examples:
anima – young girl, a witch or the earth mother
– spontaneous and intuitive
animus – wise old man, a sorcerer, a number of males
– logical, rationalistic, even argumentative
It is my theory the anima/animus would probably be the ‘other half’or
‘better half’ as it is so often referred to in our coupled society.
Also being an important part of our collective unconscious and important
to discover.
Unknowingly, Jeffery became a constant character in much of my writing.
He appears in many of my stories and I also use variations of him through
my artwork with different themes.
Example: A Number of Males
I had made several collages of what I considered male ‘muses’(again – I
would refer to these male figures now as animus) for an artist exchange.
As I look at these pieces now, with specific numbers and letters I see
the connection to the animus.
Another story character is the ‘hero’, archetype. Jung’s writings refer to
this archetype as our ego – always fighting with the shadow. The shadow
taking different forms such as: a werewolf, a dragon, or dracula type.
The hero is guided by ‘the wise old man’ and another example of the
animus. His job is to reveal the collective unconscious to the hero.
In my writing I find my heros in need of much guidance, lessons are learned
the hard way, and the ‘wise old man’ always shows up when all other
alternatives are lost to the hero.
Here is an example of my ‘hero’. I find again, he shows up in many different
collages.
Archetypes can be a wonderful writing aid. I find I usually create a collage
first and then the writing comes second. The order doesn’t matter and it
can also be accomplished in the reverse.
Exercise:
- create two cards both being the animus or male aspect of yourself
one of the cards could include the wise old man.
- I suggest creating the card first and leaving the card out where you can
see it for a few days. Take some notes as you stroll by, ask questions.
- write about your cards, your animus. Sometimes a poem can develope.
Ideas for Questions
- where did you first meet this person – what did the room look like?
- what color is his ora? Can you step inside it?
- if he wears glasses what is behind them?
- his clothes are – perhaps a suit? perhaps blue jeans?
- is the wind present when you walk with him? Why or Why not?
- he has a walking stick – what does the handle look like?
what does it represent?
- his friends are?
~Making Descansos~
~Exploring Archetypes – Art & Writing~
~Celebrating Advent In European Style~
~Celebrating Advent – A Lemurian Tour~
~Writing Combined With Art~
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