Chapter 03

The Syzygy

Anima and Animus

"The anima and animus are the contrasexual archetypes that form a syzygy, a divine couple whose conjunction represents psychological wholeness." — C.G. Jung

The Divine Couple

The syzygy represents the archetypal pairing of masculine and feminine principles within the psyche. For men, the anima serves as the soul image and mediator to the unconscious. For women, the animus represents the spiritual principle and logos function.

In Aion, Jung traces these archetypal patterns through Gnostic and alchemical symbolism, showing how the union of opposites is essential for individuation.

The Dance of Opposites

The interaction between anima and animus creates a dynamic tension that drives psychological development. Their union, the coniunctio, represents the integration of opposites within the Self.

Contrasexual Archetypes

Anima

The feminine soul image in men
Mediates between ego and unconscious
Eros principle and relatedness

Animus

The masculine spirit in women
Mediates meaning and understanding
Logos principle and discrimination

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