[186] The very general identification of the Earth with the mother has probably played an important part in the history of human culture inasmuch as it has afforded a ready means of rendering psychic energy available for the practice of agriculture; the cultivation of the Earth's surface being from the psychological point of view a displacement of the original incestuous desires directed to the mother. On the other hand the very closeness of the association between mother and Earth has in some places led to a reluctance to till the soil, such an act being looked upon as impious (See Frazer, "Adonis, Attis, Osiris," I. 80 ff.).
[187] Ultimately of course a sexual symbol. Cp. Abraham, "Traum und Mythus," 26 ff.
[188] For a full treatment of the Scapegoat motive. See Frazer, "The Scapegoat."
[189] The "original sin" which it is intended to remove being again not unconnected with the family complexes.
[190] Cp. throughout, with regard to this subject, Freud, "Totem and Taboo," 220 ff.
[191] "Religion of the Semites."
[192] Op. cit. 289.
[193] Op. cit. 294.
[194] Op. cit. 294.
[195] Frazer, "The Dying God," 14.