Eastwood, Pratibha
THE IMAGE OF THE RED ROSE
Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 4, Number 2, 1995
KEY WORDS: rose, red rose, sandplay therapy, symbol, clinical example, ADD, boy, woman, attachment, sexual abuse, end of process.
ABSTRACT: This article explores the red rose symbol and its use in a variety of Sandplay cases. The article is divided into two sections. First, a theoretical presentation of literature research on the archetypal significance of the rose is presented in its historical evolution. The second section is of the use of the red rose in four cases of both genders spanning ages 10 to 40 years old. The article’s theoretical section emphasizes the relationship of this image to feminine fruition and blossoming. Interestingly, the changes in the attitude to the rose parallel the evolution of the attitude towards women in general. In reviewing the Sandplay examples, it becomes clear that not only doe the symbol represent a relationship one’s femininity, and love, but is also often signifies a reconnecting or reattachment to a love object (i.e.. parent), soul, some sort of completion and arrival at a spiritual center.