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Large shapes — like wings — float up to her, opening and…

“Large shapes — like wings — float up to her, opening and closing — gently at first — until they slowly fill the room and she has the impression that she is in the presence of apparitions which are not at all related to this world. None of her acquaintances has ever mentioned similar apparitions to…” quote by Unica Zürn
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““Large shapes — like wings — float up to her, opening and closing — gently at first — until they slowly fill the room and she has the impression that she is in the presence of apparitions which are not at all related to this world. None of her acquaintances has ever mentioned similar apparitions to her. These beings — she can not describe them in any other way, reveal that they have the clear and frightening intention of encircling her. They exude a feeling of dissipation, of annihilation, and her forgotten childhood fear of the horrible and inexplicable returns to her. Whenever these birdless, greyish-black wings fly up too close to her, she raises her hand in a sudden anxiety and fends them off. They retreat for a moment into the background of the dark room, then approach once again, and slowly she gets used to this strange presence until she notices that the wings are insubstantial and can fly straight through her upright body, as if she herself had become bodiless. This both entrances and appalls her. Looking at them carefully, these creatures have in fact nothing terrifying about them — they lack eyes and faces, and they radiate an enormous dignity, an uncanny seriousness, something very noble.””

Unica Zürn

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She perceives ethereal winged beings that evoke fear and awe, reflecting inner childhood terror and a sense of loss of bodily boundaries.

In simple terms: She sees ghostly wings that scare and fascinate, reminding her of forgotten fears.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and explore unsettling inner visions.

Themes

fear transcendence identity the supernatural psychology

Mood

uneasy curious reflective

Type

literary psychological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • psychotherapy
  • nightmare analysis
  • spiritual exploration
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

existential dread embodiment perception the uncanny psychic imagery

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal fears might these winged figures represent?
  • How does confronting them change your sense of self?
A Different Perspective

The visions may be symbolic projections of unresolved trauma rather than literal apparitions.

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