Chapter 2: Guides and the Self
Often, when clients first begin to explore their inner landscapes, it can be hard to visualize how their inner parts show up inside themselves, as well as the complex way they interact with the landscape and each other. Fairy tales and myths become maps of our inner figures and terrain. Here are some ideas about how guides and Self show up in the fairy tale we discussed in the last section, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Again, there is no “right” way to view any of the characters or events in the story; we all bring our lenses, but this is an idea of a possibility :)
1. The White Bear (and the Prince by extension):
The white bear embodies a dual role as both guide and Self. Initially, he appears as an external guide, leading the girl into a transformative journey. Yet, his cursed nature and ultimate reliance on the girl’s courage suggest that he also represents a latent part of her: the connection to her inner authority, mystery, and potential.
2. The Three Old Women:
These women function as guides and wisdom figures. Their gifts (the apple, carding comb, and spinning wheel) and advice equip the girl with the tools to navigate her journey and break the prince’s curse. They symbolize ancestral wisdom, ingenuity, and the value of resourcefulness, offering guidance without overpowering her decision-making.
3. The Four Winds:
The winds represent external and internal energies assisting her in reaching seemingly impossible goals. Each wind embodies a force of nature—direction, persistence, and overcoming obstacles—that mirrors her inner determination. The North Wind’s journey, in particular, parallels the strength she must summon to complete her quest.
4. The Long-Nosed Princess and the Troll Stepmother:
These figures symbolize distorted inner parts—qualities like greed, vanity, and deception. They act as antagonistic forces but ultimately serve the girl’s growth by pushing her to confront and overcome them.
5. The Girl (Protagonist):
The youngest daughter undergoes a hero’s journey of individuation and integration. Her willingness to embark on a mysterious journey despite fear, and her persistence even when she falters (such as when she disobeys the bear’s advice), showcase her Self evolving from innocence to a mature, sovereign identity. Through her trials, she learns to trust her instincts and gains self-reliance, wisdom, and love.
6. The Golden Objects:
The apple, carding comb, and spinning wheel symbolize creativity, patience, and self-worth. They represent inner resources and gifts that align her with the divine feminine archetype: creation, nurturing, and transformation.
The tale speaks deeply to balancing trust and curiosity while navigating trials and seeking liberation from limiting conditions. The girl’s journey demonstrates the courage needed to reclaim one’s destiny, aided by guides who reflect aspects of her latent power and reclaim the Self.
Questions for Reflection:
What “gifts” from guides—like creativity, patience, or insight—have helped you navigate challenges?
What role do ancestral or collective wisdom play in your journey?
What other symbols of guides or Self stuck out to while you were reading the story?
How does the White Bear’s dual role as guide and cursed prince reflect parts of your own inner world?
What does the girl’s courage and perseverance teach you about aspects of your Self?
How do the Troll figures represent inner obstacles or distortions that you’ve faced?
What resources or qualities (symbolized by the golden objects) have you uncovered within yourself to aid your journey?
How do the interactions between the girl and her guides mirror the way your inner parts support or challenge each other?
What does the concept of reclaiming one’s destiny mean for your journey toward individuation and self-sovereignty?
How can this fairy tale act as a map for understanding the relationships between your inner guides and your evolving Self?
Image: Kay Neilsen