Archetype Of Virgin Mary

The Virgin Mary; to some she could be identified as the mother of all beings, she could be described as divine, uplifting, powerful, pure, humble, compassionate, selfless, and she holds many other attributes that make her a great mother. However, Mary was not classified by just her attributes and characteristics, the reason she is described as such is because of her experiences with the world and how they perceived her through these acts.
In my eyes my mother is not a “mother Teresa” or a “virgin Mary” but in terms of archetypes she is classified in the same area. While creating my archetype of “Mother”, I formed a shape of a women through wire, enhancing her breast, carving and shaping her hips, adding thighs and a back end that looked full.
After completion, I pondered as to how this piece resonated. Was this actually my mother? What made her significantly different from any other woman? From the moment we were asked to allow the piece to “tell us what it wanted from us” I had to take in to consideration why this piece was my mother.
I thought through multiple examples of my mother and I, and all the experiences and situations we had together. From moments to memories and flashes of our relationship I needed to allow my conscious to recollect those experiences. Unconsciously, the moments that were positive and pure came rushing in first and I began to add balls of color wire to the area where her imaginary heart would be placed. She was a provider, she would do anything she could to make sure I was safe, healthy, cared for and heading in the right direction. I could recall countless hours of driving to basketball games and school ceremonies, college visits and shopping for the unnecessary dorm necessities. My mother’s handwork and determination to never give up and push to provide gave me that desire of selflessness. I love her and all that she is. Then soon after adding those color balls and feeling as if the piece was completed. I noticed my demeanor shift. Unconsciously, I started digging for black wire, I knew I needed to place it inside of her. I could not figure out where exactly, but I felt as if it had to be included to fully grasp who my mother was, this moment caught me off guard. From a young age I resented my mother for divorcing my father and complaining to me about
how difficult it was to be a single mother. I blamed her for my struggle with depression in middle school and high school because she never expressed to me she actually loved me until I planned on committing suicide. I hated her for not accepting my sexuality and denying any thought of lesbian interaction or thought that I may uncover about myself. I was sad when she would push religion on me and did not educate me on the pure idea of love. I was fearful of her when she pushed my older siblings away and did not allow me to interact with them through my teenage years. I started to question these thoughts; how could I associate this woman I call mother with Mother Teresa and The Virgin Mary, two archetypal figures that epitomize the definition of unconditional and selfless love. There is no comparison, she does not deserve to be classified in an area such as them. Since I could remember, I would try to stray away from her as much as possible, consciously I was aware of my desire to have a relationship with her, I wanted that bond, I noticed it in my peers and their mothers and especially on television. I yearned for a mother who I could talk to about everything and not feel judgement or arbitrated.
This piece I created brought many feelings and emotions, it startled me, I had moved past this area in my life it seemed like, however, creating this caused a lot of unresolved tension.
I realized, my mother is broken into two pieces, now that I have come to realization of this I wish I had gotten the chance to cut the figure in half. My loving mother is loving due to the fact she has nurtured to me thus far, and continues to encourage me to push and become the best possible person I can be. She has always been in my corner to guide me in succeeding, I am aware of her love for me in terms of providing. My unloving mother I believe has caused a wedge in my heart in terms of understanding what unconditional love is. I have also been pushing for independence so strongly that I have lost sight of other people’s guidance. I expressed earlier in this response, my disconnect with her and the abandonment she resonated within me due to her actions. I do believe my mother’s overall being has impacted me tremendously. Some traits I have inherited I wish I had more options to pick from, but then again there are many traits that make me very similar to her and I cannot help but to express my
gratitude.
My mother may not be a saint, however, in my interpretation of Christ and understanding of his love, my mother was blessed by God to create a woman like me, the archetypal interpretation of a mother connects me to the love God has for me. This process of archetypal practice is vast in terms of the places these archetype images can expand your unconscious mind. If you are not ready to come to terms with certain images I can say it is a lot to accept and process. However, the journey of self-discovery is rewarding.