Jang Mikyung
Journal of Sandplay Therapy
Volume 18, Issue 2, 2009
Keywords
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.
Suggested Citation
Mikyung, J. (2009). Implications of the sacred rope in analytical psychology and sandplay therapy. Journal of Sandplay Therapy, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.61711/jst.2009.18.2.151
