“Anima” was coined by famed psychoanalyst Carl Jung, adopted from the feminine form of the Latin “animus,” meaning “the rational soul; life; the mental powers, intelligence.” Jung also came up with a counterpart for this word: “animus,” which describes the masculine part of a woman’s personality. He claimed these concepts represent a person’s “true self” rather than the persona we often present to others. The combined anima and animus are known as “syzygy,” which represents unification and wholeness. Jung also suggested that discouraging men from exploring their feminine aspects, and vice versa, ultimately undermines healthy psychological development.