A Research on the Turtle’s Symbolic Ambivalence and Its Role as a Spiritual Guide for Individuation Entrance

Abstract

Individuation is a process of human maturity into true self, and a process of self-realization, a holistic process centered on spiritual transformation. Individuation incorporates the unconsciousness and consciousness existing as an antipole within the mind. We examine this process through the common symbol of the turtle in sandplay therapy. It serves as a mediator between God and Man, thus having an antipole ambivalence of wisdom and chaos. Our case study to examine the role of this symbol was a middle-aged woman. Through turtles appearing in sand therapy of middle-aged woman, we recognized and integrated what is symbolic of human unconsciousness. Sandplay both illuminated and resolved her anger and internal conflict. This fostered the process of individualization and integrated the anima and animus. The results are relevant for understanding the individuation entrance in sandplay therapy. In particular, it aids struggles with self-integration and individualization because of internal conflicts.