Maureen Wallace

Journal of Sandplay Therapy
Volume 7, Issue 1, 1998

Keywords

Guadalupe, sandplay therapy, symbol, clinical example, Black Madonna, great mother, child, adoption, foster home, attachment

Abstract

Extensive description of the origins of Our Lady of Guadeloupe is included, correlating the historical roots of the Madonna with Kali, Tara, and Tonantzin. A case is described of a 5-year-old girl, ready for adoptive placement who has difficulty forming successful relationships with those families considering adopting her. With the choice of the dark Madonna of the Virgen of Guadalupe and St. Martin de Porres, she integrates the internal archetypal parents with the infant, Jesus, forming attachment, as would be needed in the adoptive family.