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The Cat, the Self, and the Sand: Unravelling Symbols in Sandplay and Jungian Thought

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I found myself staring at a simple black, glass, figurine of a cat during a recent Sandplay session. It had an undeniable presence in the sand. In that unassuming form, the cat was quietly assertive, as if it held secrets I hadn’t yet unlocked. The simplicity of it was hypnotising, and I felt drawn to unpack it. I knew that in Jungian and Sandplay therapy, even the most unassuming symbols can often tell the most profound stories.


The Cat as the Self’s Shadow


Jung saw animals as projections of aspects of the psyche, and in many ways, the cat symbolises the enigmatic shadow self, a side of ourselves that we often keep hidden, consciously or unconsciously. Cats have long been symbolic of independence and mystery, beings who walk alone, maintaining their autonomy from humans while still seeking connection. Unlike dogs, they rarely feel the need to please, instead embodying an unapologetic autonomy and selfhood.


When a child or adult chooses to bring a cat into the sand tray or onto a page in a drawing, they’re presenting something deep and often veiled. In Jungian thought, cats represent not only our instincts but also those parts of us that are ungraspable, capricious, and not entirely within our control—the hidden instincts, sensuality, or even aggression. Cats live between two worlds, sharing our homes but remaining essentially wild. Just as the shadow holds the darker or repressed parts of ourselves, the cat reminds us that we, too, have parts that are inaccessible, lurking in the recesses of the unconscious.


Layers in Sandplay: The Cat as a Bridge


SandPlay as a therapeutic practice was developed by Dora Kalff, a Jungian therapist who believed in the healing power of symbolic expression. Here, the sand tray becomes a world where symbols and stories emerge in tangible form, independent of direct verbal expression. When a figure like a cat enters this space, it bridges worlds—the conscious and unconscious, the real and imagined.


Seeing that cat placed in the sand or sketched on paper, I feel the figure speaks not just to the clients' idea of a cat but also to my own subconscious relationship with mystery and independence. In many ways, I realise that the act of observing a cat becomes a projective act. The client sees one thing; I, another. And in that layered symbolism, a powerful alchemy begins.


Kalff observed that cats in Sandplay often symbolise a character who holds one’s power—often feared, sometimes revered. The cat embodies a complex mix of the archetypal feminine: lunar and mysterious. Cats can be the familiar to a witch, embodying the magical qualities of the psyche, often expressing unspoken knowing or insight.


The Emergence of Anima: The Feminine Within


When Jung spoke of the anima—the feminine counterpart within the male psyche and vice versa—the cat frequently appeared as an anima figure in dream symbolism. Sleek and self-assured, the cat resonates with the qualities of the inner feminine: not only nurturing and reflective but also capable of sudden and sharp decisiveness. I realise that seeing this cat brought a reminder of the anima within myself, a whisper of my own interior feminine aspect that is neither simply nurturer nor caregiver, but complex, with an identity independent of imposed roles.


As I watched the client's cat in the tray, I felt I was seeing my own anima, looking back at me with a questioning gaze, daring me to understand the fullness of my identity. Was I, like the cat, hiding certain parts of myself to protect them? Or was I simply still undiscovered, shrouded within?


Mysticism and Meaning in the Feline Gaze


In cultures throughout history, cats have been revered as symbols of intuition and wisdom, from ancient Egypt to Norse mythology. Jungian thought recognizes these collective symbols as part of a shared unconscious, a well of archetypes connecting us across generations. Perhaps the cat I saw wasn’t just a random image but an ancient reminder of wisdom, cunning, and resilience.


The quiet power of that sketch seems to speak to this collective unconscious. Whether the client knew it or not, they’d captured an essence shared by generations—a reminder of something ancient within each of us. For me, it was an invitation to honour that mysterious part of myself, to trust in the process and the unexpected insights it brings.


Returning to Wholeness Through the Symbol of the Cat


This cat in the tray brings a quiet lesson: wholeness isn’t about smoothing out every contradiction in ourselves but about accepting each part with the respect it demands. Just as a cat requires respect and a gentle approach, so does the self. The image is layered, each gaze into those drawn eyes an opportunity to recognise another facet of the unconscious.


When a client, introduces a cat into a Sandplay session, they bring forth not only an object but a deep and often subconscious self-portrait. And as the therapist, I too participate in the unfolding narrative. I am not just an observer but also a symbol in the story, finding echoes of myself in their sand worlds, recognising that my path to wholeness runs parallel to theirs, intertwined through layers of shared symbols.


In the end, this placement of a cat reminds me that healing is less a straightforward journey than a spiral—layer upon layer, symbol upon symbol. And, just like the cat, it’s a journey that requires patience, respect, and a touch of mystery.



Would you like to experience a gentle yet profound path to healing? In Jungian Sandtray Therapy, you'll have the opportunity to explore your inner world by creating scenes in a tray of sand, using symbolic figures to express emotions, memories, and experiences that words alone can't capture. This process allows the unconscious to come alive, guiding you towards deeper understanding and release of underlying trauma. Together, we'll create a safe and supportive space for healing, where you can reconnect with your true self and move toward greater wholeness. I have 2 spaces available for the process, normally one tray a month.


Or, would you like to deepen your therapeutic skills and discover the power of Jungian Sandplay Therapy? Join one of my workshops, (Next workshop scheduled January 26th 2025: https://www.jonaxtonpsychotherapies.co.uk/event-details-registration/the-art-of-sandplay-therapy-60) where you'll learn how to facilitate this transformative process for others. Through hands-on practice and guided exploration, you'll gain insight into the symbolic language of the unconscious, learning how to create a safe and supportive space for clients to access their inner worlds. Whether you're new to SandPlay or looking to expand your expertise, this training will equip you with tools to help others heal and grow through this unique therapeutic approach.


Contact me for further details: 07802418588



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