are ashamed to believe we may exhibit similar traits. As the projection begins to slip or rattle, we are quick to curb our concerns.
The wheels finally begin to fall off. At stage three, we can no longer excuse or support Hilary’s confrontational ego. We no begin to see the big picture and the dark side of the psyche is exposed. We internalize anger, blame, judgement, and disappointment. It is time to move onto stage four but, we must acknowledge the stage 1,2, & 3 are triggers to conceal parts of ourselves we are unwilling to accept. “One must keep the balance intact, though this often requires a very great expenditure of energy.” (Johnson 1991,11)
Stages four is a chance to examine grief and a sense of recognition.
We finally realize many of our own insecurities have been mirrored by our projection of the need for a strong, powerful woman in the White House. However, we cannot longer accept the scheming, conniving, and cut throat desire for Hilary to win at all costs. We honor the fact that inadvertent harm has entered at stage three. “We don’t live wholly at any moment in the fourth stage or the fifth stage or any stage; we are in all five stages simultaneously, as we send out or receive back various rejected qualities, projected substance, abandoned powers, each absent in different degrees, or retrievable with different schedules. (Bly 1988, 38)
Finally, we begin to see the light at stage five. We are empathetic and compassionate on this journey of exploration. We establish a new set of standards, to heal and regain confidence in ourselves. We move into a state of impartiality and give rid of the baggage we have carried. We are independent woman who can govern our day to day with an air of confidence and
authority.