This new book entitled Masculine Shame: From Succubus to the Eternal Feminine explores the idea that the image of the succubus has been created out of the masculine projection of shame.
The succubus is a demonic female creature said to emasculate men and to murder mothers and infants.
The demon sometimes appears in dreams or fictional representations today, taking the form of a human woman intent on seducing men, usually through sexual intercourse. She is a seductress or enchantress and is sometimes associated with vampires.
Author Mary Ayers explores how the image has been transformed through Western history, mythology and Judeo-Christian literature.
The book is in 3 parts:
1. The birth of civilisation and the evolution of the succubus. (The evil eye and shame)
2. The image of the Succubus in the writings of Freud and Jung (including Freud’s Medusa; Siegfried to Salome; Jung’s Heroic Journey; and the blinded eternal feminine).
3. The restoration of the Eternal Feminine. (The succubus of early infancy, the evil female dragon)
The book will be of interest to those interested in analytical psychotherapy and Jungian psychology but also to anyone interested in archetypes.
Those suffering from sleep paralysis may be interested to know that links have been made between manifestations of this archetype and sleep paralysis.
The book is available from Routledge.
Shame is a very deep rooted and difficult feeling, which often lies behind lack of self esteem. In acute forms it can cripple our relationships with others and our ability to fulfil our potential. It can manifest in depression, anxiety and physical illness. Psychotherapy can help to bring healing. Click here for further information.
