Unveiling the Black Madonna. A Pilgrimage into the Sacred Feminine: How the Black Madonna Archetype Manifests in Sandplay Therapy

This workshop explores the Black Madonna as an expression of the dark sacred feminine and examines her historical, mythological, and symbolic roots across cultures. Drawing from pilgrimage experiences with Black Madonnas in Spain, participants will consider selected images, legends, healing traditions, and symbolic themes. Connections with ancient dark goddesses and the Great Mother’s nurturing and fearsome aspects will be explored in detail. These archetypal themes emerge through symbolic imagery, relational dynamics, and processes of transformation in sandplay therapy and play therapy. Clinical material will illustrate ways counselors and psychotherapists can identify and analyze manifestations of the Black Madonna archetype and consider their relevance for use in treatment with clients of varied ages and abilities. Integrating an awareness of the dark sacred feminine enhances our work as clinicians by deepening our capacity to hold symbolic material, attend to transference and countertransference, and support effective healing in treatment.

Brochure – 2027 February Workshop Brochure