2- Mermaids and mermen arc feminine and masculine representations of the link between the darker forccs which we do not necessarily understand and the conscious self. Many stories exist of the human’s attempt to mate or link with these creatures of the sea. Most end in hurt and distress for one party or the other. This is an example of how difficult it is to integrate the two sides of our nature.
3- Each individual must bring about integration between the spiritual self and the emotional self before there can be wholeness. [1]
The merman, however, is said to be less ‘intrigued’ by humans so, therefore, represents unification, but in a way that is more isolated. [2]
The unconscious image or idealised sense of womanhood (mermaid) or manhood (merman); love of one’s image of someone rather than the reality of them as a human being. [6]