dream symbol

Anima / Animus Dream Meaning

Dream interpretation from 2 unique sources about Anima / Animus

See also: Introduction

1- When we dream of a figure of the opposite sex we are attempting to give meaning and validity to the attributes and qualities of that particular sex. Thus a man may be trying to access his more sensitive side, while a woman may be attempting to become more logical.

2- We are attempting to balance our psychological being through an ability to be objective about ourselves. Only through understanding that we hold within us elements of the opposite sex, can we become whole and properly integrated.

3- The polarity of the way we express our own gender is an equally valid part of our personality. [1]

What Do You Think About This Dream?

Sources and Authors

  1. Ten Thousand Dream Dictionary by Pamela Ball [Back to dream]
  2. Dream Meanings of Versatile by Versatile - Anonymous [Back to dream]

What does ANIMA / ANIMUS mean in a dream?


(1) Bearing in mind that the T in dreams is almost invariably your conscious ego, you may be fairly sure that leading others (people or animals) in a dream means...

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(1) A dream of hunting may be recollecting something recendy seen or read about. However, a dream whose contents are taken from recent experience may still have symbolic meaning.(2) Try...

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Prince and princess are respectively animus and anima figures. (For anima / animus, see Brother / Sister, sections (4)-(6))

Learn more about the meaning of Prince / Princess

(1) If in your dream you have a friend or companion of the same sex as vourself, he or she may svmbolize your alter ego or shadow, which consists of...

Learn more about the meaning of Friend / Companion

(1) A much younger person than yourself, but of die same sex, may represent your original and innocent self, uncontaminated with artificial and misleading aims and ambitions.If so, you should...

Learn more about the meaning of Young Person / Youth

A part of our persona is the role of male or female we must play. For most people, that gender role is determined by their physical sex. But Jung, like...

Learn more about the meaning of The Anima And The Animus

(and Queen)(1) A king may symbolize your father - or your subjective image of your father.(2) King may be a symbol of the self. So may king and queen together,...

Learn more about the meaning of King

(1) If in your dream someone is guiding you, it probably means your unconscious is offering assistance to your conscious mind in its quest for self-knowledge.(2) If the guide is...

Learn more about the meaning of Guide

(see also Sacrifice)(1) Murder in a dream may express your hatred or envy towards the person. There is often enmity or rivalry between siblings, or (unconscious) hostility towards a parent...

Learn more about the meaning of Killing

Are you looking at your own animal side? This image refers to the animus anima (and your masculine and feminine sides).

Learn more about the meaning of Zoo

(1) The feelings associated in the dream with the clothes you are wearing may indicate what your feelings are towards yourself, especially in relation to the image you present to...

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(see also Marriage)This may be an anima figure, in a man’s dream, representing the feminine side of his psyche.It is vitally important for a man to make contact w’ith and...

Learn more about the meaning of Bride

Consult the information on the animus / anima in the introduction and also the entries for celebrity and fame for more information.

Learn more about the meaning of Famous People

Jung identified the archetypal male and female aspects of the psyche and called them the ’anima’ and ’animus’. These form a part of what he termed the ’collective unconscious’ and...

Learn more about the meaning of Courtship

(1) Dancing may be a sexual symbol, representing sexual intercourse.(2) By virtue of its sexual associations, dancing may represent a coming together - courtship - of the masculine (animus) and...

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God(dess)(1) A god or goddess figure may represent a source of meaning / wisdom / energy. Look for that source in yourself, where it is usually covered by layers of...

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(see also Father, Mother)In dreams parents may represent animus / anima; or the union of the masculine and feminine components of the psyche; or Wise Old Man and Great Mother;...

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Gives gender-specific: When the other person is known in dreams or of the opposite gender both men and women will need to monitor their own integrity. This is an aspect...

Learn more about the meaning of Confess / Confession

Psychological / emotional perspective: When we are looking for guidance, the animus / anima can present itself in dreams as a teacher. Often the figure will be that of a...

Learn more about the meaning of Teacher

The act of incest in the dream may of course be a real-life one that you witnessed or were involved in.If so, have you talked about it to a good...

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Gives gender-specific: If the dreamer is a man and the tenant a woman then the tenant is likely to represent his anima.If the situation is reversed then the tenant will...

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(1) A Wise Old Man. figure mav appear in a man’s dream, a Wise Old Woman in a woman’s dream. The Wise Old Man may take various forms: for example,...

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Often unfulfilled desires. Generally, a symbol of meaningful contact and development of Self.The male animus and the female anima are what the dreamer needs or wants to be connected with....

Learn more about the meaning of Sexuality

(1) The motorbike is something of a macho symbol and as such may represent male sexuality, or aggressiveness.(2) In a woman’s dream it may symbolize her animus, the masculine side...

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Gives gender-specific: In both men’s and women’s dreams, dreaming of a partner, particularly in a mixed gender relationship, will probably highlight the animus or anima. In many cases, a partner...

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Gives gender-specific: In a man’s dream, if he is receiving advice from a woman he may find it helpful to identify with which aspect of his anima he is working....

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Gives gender-specific: In both men’s and women’s dreams the opposite gender can pose a threat. Thus a man might feel threatened by the image of a vengeful goddess (an aspect...

Learn more about the meaning of Threat / Threaten

(see also Bride, Marriage)This may symbolize the animus (in a woman’s dream), representing the masculine side of her personality (for animus, see Brother / Sister, sections (4)-(6)

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Material aspects: Most of us are capable of creating an ideal person on whom to project our fantasies and wishes. We are not at this stage particularly in touch with...

Learn more about the meaning of Celebrity

In Jungian psychology, dream images of a bride or bridegroom may embody the anima (in males) or the animus (in females). Traditionally, brides symbolize purity and innocence. Beyond the obvious...

Learn more about the meaning of Bride / Bridegroom

(a partly male, partly female figure)(1) A hermaphrodite may denote the ‘marriage’ of conscious and unconscious components of the psyche. The ‘marriage’ may be total or partial, depending on how...

Learn more about the meaning of Hermaphrodite

Gives gender-specific: In a man’s dream an actor can represent the public figure while an actress will suggest one of the feminine archetypes and his anima. In a woman’s dream...

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Gives gender-specific: In a woman’s dream a hero will largely appear as a protector and as an aspect of her animus. As she herself moves towards autonomy she will develop...

Learn more about the meaning of Hero / Heroine

A he-man figure in a woman’s dream may be an animus figure, representing the masculine side of her (probably strongly artistic or intuitive) nature. (For animus, see Brother / Sister,...

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A piper may be an animus figure in a woman’s dream (for animus, see Brother / Sister, sections (4)-(6)).

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Psychological / emotional perspective: In order to disentangle the various types of ‘information’ that each character brings to the dreamer, it is often necessary to decide what or who each...

Learn more about the meaning of People

For a male dreamer this will usually signify sexual desire. If, however, the vagina seems to be about to gobble you up, it probably symbolizes either a dominating mother or...

Learn more about the meaning of Vagina

(1) A lion may symbolize your ‘animal’ nature; or aggressiveness; or power.(2) In a woman’s dream it may symbolize the animus (for animus, see Brother / Sister, sections (4)-(6), and...

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1- Inherent in the figure of the outlaw is someone who has gone against the laws of society. In dreams therefore, that part of ourselves which feels that it is...

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(1) A man’s dream of a woman may simply express sexual desire (but see (4) below). Recurring pornographic dream-encounters may mean the dreamer’s feelings - including his moral feelings -...

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A flute may symbolize sexuality, or seduction. A flute-player (like the Pied Piper) in a woman’s dream may symbolize a benevolent animus, ready to assist her in putting her psychic...

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In dreams, old people can represent either our ancestors or grandparents, hence wisdom accrued from experience.If the old person is male – depending on the gender of the dreamer –...

Learn more about the meaning of Old People

Gives gender-specific: Modern ballet is a powerful medium with which to signify emotion, so in a man’s dream a male ballet dancer will represent his more powerful emotions, whereas a...

Learn more about the meaning of Ballerina / Ballet Dancer

(1) Blue may sometimes symbolize the universal or collective unconscious (as distinct from the individual unconscious).. Perhaps the dream is asking you to base your life on intuitions that come...

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Sleeping Beaut)’ may, in a man’s dream, symbolize the anima, the dormant feminine characteristics of a male psyche. As in the fairy-tale, the dream is probablv urging vou to wake...

Learn more about the meaning of Sleeping Beauty

(1) A ship may be a feminine symbol, representing mother, or some other woman, or women in general.See also Woman.(2) In a man’s dream, a ship may symbolize the anima,...

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Marriage. Important and frequent dreams during times of marital and relationship conflicts.It is important how the wedding is celebrated. Also, gains, in a spiritual as well as economic sense.Longing for...

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(see also Anxiety, Escape, Flight (= Fleeing))Fear is a common theme in dreams and is the essence of what are called nightmares. Its significance may pardy depend on what, in...

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Gives gender-specific: Depending on whether the dreamer is masculine or feminine, a wild woman will represent the anima or the shadow. Also consult the entries for animals, flowers, tame and...

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(1) The wife in a man’s dream may be his own wife, with no symbolism at all.(2) Even so, bear in mind that the way you relate to your wife...

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The animal, compulsive nature of human beings. Instincts, according to Freud and most other dream interpreters, removed from awareness (animus); or awareness removed from instinct (anima) in human beings.The image...

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(1) In a man’s dream the fairy may symbolizx his anima - the feminine side of his personality - as something capable of bringing good fortune through the achievement of...

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(1) Floating may be a symbol of liberation; the letting go of burdens, problems, restrictions, or ambitions; just being.(2) Water may be a symbol of the feminine in its positive...

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(1) Having sex in a dream is usually a straightforward expression of sexual desire. Sex with someone other than vour partner may express desire for that person and / or...

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(1) Do you feci that you are in eclipse, in decline? Look within for the never-ending source of life.(2) The sun may symbolize self / light / consciousness. Its eclipse...

Learn more about the meaning of Edipse

1- Most of us are capable of creating an ideal person on whom to project our fantasies and wishes. We are not at this stage particularly in touch with reality....

Learn more about the meaning of Famous People / Film Star

You may need to throw some protection your own way for upcoming events. Hold your own and do not give your power away. Summons your own inner strength to pull...

Learn more about the meaning of Animus

(1) If in a dream you are seduced, it may be a reliving of an actual seduction, perhaps in childhood. Otherwise, it might express a desire for sex. In a...

Learn more about the meaning of Seduction

Freud believed that the king and queen represent the dreamer’s parents, whilst a prince or princess represents the dreamer. The queen is a symbol of power and authority in all...

Learn more about the meaning of Queen / Empress

For Jungians, an aunt may represent the anima (feminine aspect) of a male dreamer and the uncle the animus (masculine aspect) of a female dreamer. Uncles and aunts in dreams...

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Nurturing of Self is suggested now. Have you been taking care of everyone and everyone else and forgotten to take care of you? Feminine aspect of the individual. Guide to...

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(1) For a woman, a male heroic figure may represent her animus (see Brother / Sister, section (4)); or it may be a (romantic) sexual symbol.(2) The hero may symbolize...

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(1) If your brother or sister appears in a dream you have to decide whether the dream is saying something about your actual brother or sister and your relationship with...

Learn more about the meaning of Brother / Sister

(see also Sea) (1) The sea may represent your mother.If you need to assert your independence from your mother, therefore, the dream may mean that rescue is at hand -...

Learn more about the meaning of Air-sea Rescue

The horse in a dream represents the energy at our disposal.A white horse depicts our spiritual awareness, a brown one the more pragmatic and down-to-earth side, while a black horse...

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(1) ‘Gypsy5 may conjure up ideas of occult psychic powers such as clairvoyance, but perhaps the gypsy in your dream is only asking you to look to the future and...

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Lover. Archetypal symbol for father / mother, dependency on father / mother. Also always the dreamer himself.See Dictator / Ruler. May also represent the Great Father and Great Mother.The Great...

Learn more about the meaning of King / Queen

(1) This may be a sexual symbol, representing male genitals. As such it would appear in a woman’s dreams and might express fear of sex, or an ambivalent fear-fascination feeling...

Learn more about the meaning of Frog

Symbolizes nature and femininity (anima), desire to cuddle.See Furs.

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(1) In mythology and folklore a hero rescues an imprisoned beautiful young w oman, slaying a dragon or other monster that is keeping her a prisoner.If this scenario appears in...

Learn more about the meaning of Damsel In Distress

(1) A riger mav be an anima figure (see Brother / Sister, sections (4)~(6)).(2) It may symbolize someone or something that has frightened you - perhaps some instinctive drive or...

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(see also Travel)(1) A journey may express a need or desire to escape from your present situation: external constraints or inner conflict. But dream journeys usually have a destination (see...

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(1) If the body is your own and clothed, it almost certainly represents your ego, your conscious self.(2) If it is yours and unclothed, the meaning will usually be determined...

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As the bringer of calm after the storm, in dreams the dove depicts the soul and the peaceful side of man’s nature.It is also a representation of the anima.

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If you are a male, then dreams of a princess represent your anima, the best part of your feminine energy.If you are a woman, then you are connecting with your...

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(see also Guru, Wise Old Man / Woman)(1) A male figure may be a symbol of your self; wholeness, completeness; the inner self that represents the ground-plan of your individual...

Learn more about the meaning of Man

Clothes are the protective layer that keeps you warm, but they are also a way to express your personality or hide imperfections. In dreams, what you wear is often a...

Learn more about the meaning of Dressing In Other People’s Clothes

Flying pigs, people walking on water and other impossible or absurd occurrences in your dream suggest that you need to explore your creative impulses. Such dreams may also indicate that...

Learn more about the meaning of Surreal Impossibility

(1) A shepherd may symbolize the power of love within us, the power that can control and unify all the parts of the psyche.(2) It may be an animus figure...

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An aeroplane suggests a swift easy journey with some attention to detail. We may be embarking on a new journey of discovery about ourselves or someone else.An airman or pilot...

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As we move towards maturity, we find that we are freer to explore parts of ourselves that may have been put on hold because of family or work responsibilities. During...

Learn more about the meaning of Old Age And Maturity

Gives gender-specific: In a man’s dream, a bird can represent the anima. In a woman’s dream, it suggests the self, in the sense of the spiritual self.

Learn more about the meaning of Birds

The Virgin Mary, in a man’s dream, may represent the anima as a spiritual guide ready to lead the man to personal wholeness and fulfilment (see Brother / Sister, especially...

Learn more about the meaning of Virgin (mary)

Gives gender-specific: As with any weapon in a man’s dream, the dagger represents his developing assertive behaviour, whereas in a woman’s dream it will be more to do with her...

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A creature of myth, symbolic of excitement and temptation, the anima in her heavenly and at the same time animalistic role threatening and destroying. Also a symbol of the wise...

Learn more about the meaning of Bird Woman

(1) The eagle may be an animus figure (for animus, see Brother / Sister, sections (4)-(6)).(2) Eagles live in high places and have been associated in primitive societies with the...

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Gives gender-specific: In a man’s dream a monk can signify the need or wish for celibacy. In a woman’s dream he may be a representation of the animus.

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Dreaming of a prince is often about a romantic ideal, chivalry, honor, respect and treating people nobly.If you are a woman, then this dream reflects your animus, the best part...

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The appearance of siblings in your dream may be a direct representation of them or it may actually stand for something else in your life. Some dream analysts believe that...

Learn more about the meaning of Sibling Rivalry

The intruder in a woman’s dream is often a personification of her own animus. In a man’s dream it characterizes his shadow. In either case it suggests the need for...

Learn more about the meaning of Intruder

The hearth is considered to be the centre, or heart, of the home. Hestia, goddess of the hearth and the sacred fire, was a virgin goddess so spiritually her domain...

Learn more about the meaning of Hearth

The two aspects of the anima or self may be represented as two opposites; the black bird signifies the dark, neglected or shadowy side; the white the open, clear, free...

Learn more about the meaning of Black / White Birds

Anything that is curved may be a feminine symbol, representing woman; anima (for a man); sexuality (usually for a man); or, at a more fundamental level, life-giving or life-enhancing energy....

Learn more about the meaning of Curves

A to Z Dream Interpretation