'Animus' is considered to be that natural and primitive part of the mind's activity and processes remaining after dispensing with
persona, which is the "
mask" displayed in interactions with others and which has been shaped by
socialization.
Etymology
The
Latin root of animus is cognate with
Greek anemos (wind), breath and
Sanskrit aniti (he breathes)
[1]. The root of these and a related cluster of concepts affirms the declaration of
Thales: "Everything is full of gods." See
psyche,
zodiac.
See also
★
Anima (Jung)
★
Analytical psychology