Is cross-dressing part of spiritual development?

[ReineD]

Secondly, I've read quite a bit of Carl Jung and also other esoteric literature (including Qabalah). Carl Jung refers to the 'anima', the normally unconscious feminine side that all men have (women have a corresponding masculine aspect the 'animus'). Part of Jung's development (a process called 'individuation') is to recognise the anima, bring it to consciousness and then reintegrate it into the personality. This is also an idea reflected in the Qabalah and in alchemy.

I believe that cross-dressing is a reflection of the desire to develop ourselves by bringing forth the anima ...

Totally agree with Jung, except there are many men who have integrated all aspects of themselves without needing to CDress. Before I go further, you need to know that I'm 110% supportive of my SO who identifies dualgender.

It is during the teenage years that men tend to swing more over to the macho side, especially in front of their peers. They are establishing their sexual roles and also their places in the male pecking order. It's true that some men do stay stuck there for many years into their adulthoods. :p

But, many (most?) men do mature and if they are self-confident they will allow themselves to feel the full-spectrum of human emotion, especially the softer emotions they might have felt were "gay" when they were teenagers. I know this, because I've observed it in my brother and other men that I know, and I'm observing it in my three adult sons.

... - expressing it (her) physically (the physical aspect makes her more real and brings in the emotions) - and then reintegrating her.

I think it's wonderful that you enjoy the CDing, but I caution against attempts to rationalize your need for cross-gender expression. This may get in the way of full self-acceptance.

... besides, if the reintegration theory as it relates to the CDing is correct, would this mean that CDers eventually no longer need to crossdress after they've become reintegrated? This doesn't seem to be the trend among the members in this forum.


EDIT - However, I've no doubt that the cross-gender expression does feel like a spiritual experience for many CDers, since the crossdressing does cause elevated spirits.