Shepherd, Sherry Thorn
THE BIRTH OF THE DARK CHILD

Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 1, Number 2, 1991

KEY WORDS: via creativa, birth of self, rebirth, divine child, Jung, mythology, twins, darkness, light, child, mother, compassion, integration, sandplay therapy.

ABSTRACT: This author describes her experience as a therapist in holding the containment of the birth of the dark child, a dark-skinned mother or a dark woman acting as protector. She clarifies that this is the work of North Americans in her practice, and could be “culturally variable”. The work of Meister Eckhart is quoted, with The Via Creativa as the Breakthrough stage, the birth of the self, or a part of the personality that one is not acquainted with, prompting a powerful experience between therapist and sandplayer. Jung is quoted to say that the child is “the product of the conjunction of the unconscious and consciousness”, prompting some spiritual change. These transformational symbols unify spirit and psyche, prompting creativity.