I first associated this powerful image of "The Birth of Aphrodite" with Jungian therapy when it appeared on the Institute Clinic's web page. It conveys something of the process of Jungian therapeutic work, with its immersion in the turbulent and uncharted sea of the unconscious and the psyche's movement toward deep and profound change.

It captures, as well, the emergence of nurturing and welcoming aspects of the psyche, often first carried by the therapist. Finally, the image, like the process, is rich with wonder and joy.

"The Birth of Aphrodite from the Sea" is part of the front panel of the Ludovisi Throne (actually an altar), c. 460 BC. Newly born Aphrodite, rising from the waves and foam of the sea, is joyously greeted by the Hours (Horae).

The photograph comes from the ARAS Collection (Archive for Research in Archetypal Symbolism) housed at the Jung Institute of San Francisco.

 

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