myths symbols sandplay

Welcome

Welcome to Dragonfly ~ an idea brought to reality.

I invite you to join me on a journey of discovery. As I thought about creating Dragonfly and began my research, I became more excited in anticipation of all that would follow. I have worked with knowledgeable and talented people regarding myths, symbols, and sandplay miniatures and hope the information shared here will engage you as well.  Please feel free to comment on posts.
 
In anticipation of things to come…

Sing For Spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty hardy crocus emerging after a season of rest.

For Inquiring Minds

When researching Jung’s Theory of Personality, questions arose regarding current symbols of archetypes and how the anima or animus might be seen in sandplay work with clients. Along with questions about understanding symbols in limiting terms.

I wondered about the many latency aged boys I used to see in my practice and their choice of both anima and hero miniatures. I understand the concept of a collective unconscious which might be revealed through the use of ancient archetypal figures from my sandplay collection. Yet, I am also curious about the current heroes and anima figures chosen by young boys to express their unconscious relationship to and identification with their anima. What about the action figures from films such as Star Wars and animated Disney heroes and heroines? Are the more independent females represented by Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and the female warrior Mulan new anima figures for boys? I have seen these figures used in sandplay scenes of school-aged boys, along with male action figures.

Young girls and adolescent female clients have used archetypal male miniatures, along with independent and assertive female figures. I might see Cinderella, Snow White, or Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, along with a cowgirl, Princess Lea of Star Wars, and other female sci-fi action figures. Do these more action oriented miniatures represent a developing animus in young females?

Another source of pertinent questions comes from an article by Barbara Weller in the Winter 1994 issue of The Journal of Sandplay Therapy. Preparing for a conference “On the Masculine”, Barbara poses additional thought provoking questions. Why is it important to ascribe a gender to elemental symbols such as the earth as feminine and the sun as masculine? Why label and value in terms of hierarchy?

Questions of my own, resulting from seeing several sandplay miniature collections, are based on whether the collection was put together by a female or male therapist. What are the differences in the makeup of the collection based on the gender of the collector/therapist? How can we bring balance to our collections so clients will have a greater variety of choices? Could we discern the gender of the therapist by the items in the miniature collection?

As I ponder these and other related questions, I find comfort in Barbara Weller’s final comment. “I used to think that questions had to have answers. I now find it more interesting to live with the questions.” One fascinating and constantly engaging aspect of sandplay, for me, is the unknown. I do not have definitive answers regarding sandplay scenes and often find myself in an awesome state of quiet respect for the process and all that is revealed…of which I may have little understanding. In viewing trays in my practice, as part of a sandplay consultation group, in presentations, or in articles in The Journal of Sandplay Therapy, I am intrigued by yet more questions.

Heart Symbolism For February

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find heart symbolism posts in the "Categories" section on the right sight of the home page under "Of The Heart".

 

Winter Quote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It seems like everything sleeps in winter, but it's really a time of renewal and reflection.”

- Elizabeth Camden

Declutter Project

Here it is...winter 2022. Happy holidays! All the best in the new year.

My declutter project has been going well with no longer needed items finding new homes and new owners. The end result is more space and less clutter. Now there is more breathing room and freed up energy (formally used up with background stress related to having too much stuff). Still have closets and basement to edit. I have also edited how I use my time and energy. The key factor driving this endeavor has been my need to have a more simplified daily life and more energy for more creative time.

Three garage sales, on-going donations, and sharing items with neighbors and friends have been made easier by the ability to let things go. It has taken a lot of organizing and a lot of work to stay on track to meet my goals. Do I need the bike I no longer ride? Do I want to bake like I used to or entertain with dinners or parties? Should I be climbing a very tall extension ladder?

I have had conversations with friends and family about this autumn stage of our lives. I live where there are distinct seasons. Autumn is typically a time to slow down in the garden as it prepares for winter. Also a time to allow for a balance of rest and activity. Shorter days and cooler weather require a change of pace.

I will be posting vintage items and sandplay miniatures soon. Stay warm, stay healthy.

Summer Declutter Projects

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer time is the perfect time for my whole house, garage, and garden declutter project. I am concentrating on editing everything. Have been busy going through every closet, box, nook, cranny, and square foot of my garden. Getting it all ready to sell, donate, and pass along to others to use. If I haven't used it...it needs to go. Since I have new interests it is time to release perfectly good but no longer needed items. (And, no, that is not a picture of boxes at my house.) Being focused on putting my energy into this monumental task has taken time and energy away from my blog.  Good news...I have found more sandplay items that will be posted here and at my Etsy shop Remember That?

Hope you are having a good summer!

Hero's Journey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know."

  ~ Joseph Campbell  The Hero's Journey

Handmade Clay Figures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD

Unique handmade clay figures. Can be used as sandplay miniatures or as a gift for yourself or someone special.

New Miniatures Coming Soon!

Nazca Lines Stones - SOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD

As I add sandplay miniatures to my Etsy shop, you will see new items in the Etsy photos at the upper right section of the blog home page.

 

Vintage hand carved Nazca Lines stones available in my Etsy Shop RememberThat1. Link to shop at top right of opening blog page.