Mikyung, Jang. IMPLICATIONS OF THE SACRED ROPE IN ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND SANDPLAY THERAPY

Mikyung, Jang
IMPLICATIONS OF THE SACRED ROPE IN ANALYTICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND SANDPLAY THERAPY

Journal of Sandplay Therapy, Volume 18, Number 2, 2009

KEY WORDS: analytical psychology, sacred rope, rope symbolism, sacred barrier, protective boundary, entrance, symbol, sandplay, clinical example, woman, rope, depression, anxiety, relationship problems.

ABSTRACT: The author reflects on the many ways a sacred rope is used in ritual activities and communal and domestic occasions. The sacred rope is used as a barrier between the sacred and the profane. Dr. Jang reports that the sacred rope motif frequently appears in sandtrays. She concludes that it often appears when the creator of the sandtray is willing to surrender to the process and engage at a deeper level. The work of a young woman struggling with depression, anxiety, and peer problems is presented to illustrate how her symbolic use of the rope facilitated the emergence of material held outside of consciousness. Initially the patient had little awareness of her responsibility for her difficulties.