Psychoanalytical Interpretation of the Demoniacal Possession and the mystical Development of Sister Jeanne des Anges From Loudun (1605-1665)

Abstract

On the basis of autobiographical material, a psychoanalytic interpretation is provided of the demoniacal possession and subsequent mystically tinted devel- opment of the Loudun Sister, Jeanne des Anges (1605-1665). This Sister's hysterical personality is shown to be the basis of her possession and subsequent development and was characterized by a passion for the absolute, the emer- gence of Oedipal wish-phantasms (seduction, being chosen, and being re- jected), and by the imaginary and hence narcissistic and labile nature of her relationships with others. The undeniably favorable but inauthentic nature of her mystical development is also stressed.