Narcissism Through Depth Psychology and Esoteric Lens
In depth psychology, narcissism is seen as a state of ego inflation – a moment when the ego loses connection with the deeper, transpersonal layers of the psyche and begins to perceive itself as the center of the universe. The ego then attempts to occupy the place of the inner divine principle within the person. This leads to the illusion of omnipotence and an obsessive need to control others, because any boundary or resistance reminds the narcissist that they are not what they pretend to be – they are not God.
From an esoteric perspective, this pattern is Luciferian. Lucifer is the archetype of a being who refused to acknowledge a higher order and sought to take the place of the Creator. The narcissist behaves in the same way: they cannot tolerate others having their own freedom, and therefore must imprison them, control them, and become the source of their reality.
We can see the manifestation of Lucifer in contemporary New Age spirituality and the broader cultural epidemic of narcissism. This is a form of “false light” that elevates the ego, promotes quick self-glorification, and encourages illusions of spiritual attainment. It seduces people into believing in power and enlightenment without grounding, separating them from authentic inner truth and integration.
Rudolf Steiner also describes Ahrimanic forces, which pull humans in the opposite direction – into materialism, isolation, and disconnection from spirituality. Ahrimanic influence manifests today through technology, social isolation, overreliance on virtual realities, and an obsessive focus on material gain. These forces reinforce narcissistic tendencies and deepen disconnection from the inner Self.
Luciferian forces lift the ego and provide the illusion of greatness; Ahrimanic forces anchor humans in fragmentation, separation, and material fixation. Together, they create an environment where narcissism thrives both individually and culturally.
For the narcissist, there are no moral rules.
Truth and lies hold no intrinsic value; they are merely tools used to achieve control. They lie, cheat, manipulate, and change masks without any guilt. The moral law, an expression of a higher order, is an obstacle for them, not a guide. Thus, narcissism is both a psychological pattern and a spiritual disease – an attempt to place oneself in God’s position and shape the world according to one’s own illusion of power.
Children of narcissists in such an environment do not have space to develop their authentic identity. They are forced to wear masks to satisfy the narcissist – masks of obedience, perfection, or the “savior” role. They learn to suppress their true emotions, because any expression of their own needs might provoke anger or rejection. Over time, these children begin to feel unseen for who they really are. They live in constant tension between their inner self and the outer façade.
Psychologically, this creates a deep sense of emptiness, insecurity, and continuous self-doubt. Spiritually, children of narcissists are separated from their own inner light, as they are trained to perform in someone else’s theater of power.
If they do not break this pattern, they risk either becoming like the one who shaped them or remaining trapped forever in external projections.
Working with the Animus and Anima: The Path to Healing
One of the key tools in recovering from a relationship with a narcissist is working with your own animus and anima. Jung teaches that the animus (the masculine aspect in a woman) and the anima (the feminine aspect in a man) are bridges to the inner center of the psyche, to the Self.
Narcissists unconsciously constantly play psychological games and are highly sensitive to the parts of your psyche that you have not integrated. They can see your inner animus or anima and exploit these aspects through manipulation.
Projections of these parts lead to dependency, loss of boundaries, and emotional conflicts.
By healing your wounded animus and anima and integrating the animus/anima:
We distinguish our own thoughts and feelings from the narcissist’s manipulations.
We restore inner authority and personal power.
We gradually exit patterns of dependence and illusions of control.
Narcissism is both a psychological and spiritual challenge – separating from a narcissist involves working on the ego, integrating the animus/anima, and reconnecting with the inner Self. Healing is not just liberation from the narcissist, but restoring one’s own light, boundaries, and authentic power. Every step toward integration and self-awareness moves one from the illusion of power to true freedom – liberation from the Luciferian illusion, resistance to Ahrimanic materialism and isolation, and a return to one’s own center.