Rock: Symbol of Self in the Process of Individualization - Alchemy Transformation in Sandplay Therapy -

Abstract

This study investigated the process leading to individuation by examining the symbolism of rocks that emerged from sandplay therapy for a middle-aged woman from the perspective of analytical psychology and alchemy. The rock symbolizes an unchangeable life force, nurturing, recovery, source of living water, grave, and place in contact with spiritual energy. The alchemical process of creating new substances using existing substances proceeds in the order of calcification, dissolution, solidification, sublimation, decay, separation, and unity. In this study, the client expressed her unconscious through the rocks in the sand tray, which corresponded to the calcification of alchemy. Afterwards, the client expressed feelings such as despair and sadness that existed deeply within her, which were linked to the process of dissolution and coagulation of alchemy. Finally, the client could proceed with the process of individuation through self-integration with her shadow by accepting the suppression and wounds of her heart that were suppressed for a long time in consciousness, which is connected with the process of sublimation, corruption, separation, and unity in alchemy. The process of individuation involves completing the true Self by integrating the Self that exists inside the individual. We can integrate these processes through a confrontational dialogue between consciousness and the unconscious through symbols.