Transforming Sexuality: The Archetypal World of Anima and Animus

by Ann Belford Ulanov, Barry Ulanov

For your most intimate and significant relationship with the opposite sex, look within yourself-to anima and animus, the archetypal symbols that define and celebrate the presence of the Feminine in men and the Masculine in women. These compelling figures express inner realities of psyche and spirit with which we all must grapple in putting together the pieces of our individual identities-whether we are married or single, sexually active or celibate, heterosexual or homosexual. They ultimately provide a bridge between the ego and the deepest Self, opening the way to profound self-knowledge and spiritual transformation. The authors use their broad backgrounds in psychology, theology, philosophy, and the arts to follow the archetypes from clinical practice into a fascinating range of cultural manifestations, particularly in the world's great literature-from Dante to Pasternak-making this book the most wide-ranging study to date of these central concepts in Jungian psychology.

Genres: Psychology, Sexuality

464 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 1994

Reviews

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

a compassionate and extremely comprehensive overview of anima/animus dynamics, damages, and paths to healing. Dense but lively. Nice balance of the clinical, the cultural, and the sublime.

Obviously (at nearly 500 pages) not for novices to Jungian models, but I'd recommend it as an essential text for those a little further along the path, and for anyone who seeks liberation, awareness, purpose, and transformation in the love relationship - "the bridge" - between the other, the other within, and the self.

Worth its weight in gold just for the absolute trove references and notes, which span psychology, literature, poetry, theology, philosophy, art, and history.