ABSTRACT
This is the starting-point for each of us as adults. We have developed a personal shadow as we have grown through childhood and at this point we have little conscious grasp of what it contains. I have called this stage ‘denying the shadow’ because that is probably the most accurate psychological description. It would perhaps be more evocative to call it ‘fear of the shadow’ as this is the predominant emotional response for most. However, there are two other strong affective responses common at this stage: hostility and fascination. The hostility is generally expressed outwards onto others who are perceived to be the incarnation of the internal shadow that is unconsciously feared. The prudish person who has never had a satisfying sexual relationship who is scathing of the sexual indiscretions of others or the aggressive rebel who attacks anyone in power as being corrupt are stereotypical examples of this mechanism at work. In each case that which is denied within the individual is projected outward and then attacked in others.
