“I have always said to my pupils: Learn as much as you can about symbolism;
then forget it when you are analyzing a dream.”
Carl Jung
Inherent in cultivating symbolic literacy is the paradox of needing to research and study as
much as possible, but without attachment, needing at the same time to meet each client and
view each sandtray with a fresh, open, ‘beginners mind’. Part 2 continues exploration of the
many aspects to take into consideration in order to understand what is being communicated
symbolically through Sandplay imagery and accompanying fantasies. This session will address
the selection, placement, and juxtaposition of figures within a sandtray and the need to
appreciate levels of meaning; personal, cultural, collective. The challenge of holding polarities
of meaning after considering client associations, narrative, cultural context, and archetypal
symbolism will be emphasized. Also addressed will be the task of identifying and tracking
evolving themes as the clients work progresses, of recognizing an unfolding unconscious story
told through sequential images. Concepts will be illustrated with Sandplay case material.