Anima and Animus
Anima and Animus: According to Jung, the feminine archetype within men (Anima) and the masculine archetype within women (Animus). They appear in dreams as mysterious figures of the opposite sex, symbolizing the quest for inner balance.
Related Terms
Archetype
Universal symbols and images shared in humanity's collective unconscious, as defined by Carl Jung. Archetypal figures such as the Mother, Hero, and Shadow frequently appear in dreams carrying deep psychological significance.
Shadow
In Jungian psychology, the rejected, repressed dark side of personality. Appears in dreams as enemies, monsters, or unknown dark figures. Confronting the shadow is the beginning of the path to wholeness.
Collective Unconscious
According to Jung's theory, a shared unconscious realm common to all humanity, independent of individual experience. It is the source of archetypal images and universal symbols.
Repression
A defense mechanism that pushes painful, unacceptable thoughts and memories into the unconscious. According to Freud, repressed content returns in dreams in symbolic disguises.
Superego
The moral and ideal dimension of personality. Represents societal norms, conscience, and the ideal self. In dreams, authority figures, judgmental voices, or scenes of shame are manifestations of the superego.
Projection
Attributing one's own feelings and thoughts to others. In dreams, others being angry at us, loving us, or judging us is often projective content.