The psychological interpretation of fairy tales, a less familiar opening to the archetypal dimension in this country, is nevertheless, a rich source of vital, earthy and instinctual wisdom that comes to us in a playful, but serious way. Von Franz would remind us that fairy tales "mirror the basic patterns of the psyche more clearly."

At heart, our fairy tale today, The Rose, is about spiritual reawakening within the feminine. Von Franz has written, "...the real woman is uncertain as to her own essence, her own being, of what she is, or could be." In describing women of the Western world today, she observes that women seem to be seeking images which could define their identity. She states that women are motivated by disorientation and deep uncertainty, and notes that Jung sees this due to the fact "that women have no metaphysical representation in the Christian God-image."

While modern-day women are searching for feminine archetypal models of behavior, Birkhauser-Oeri points out that "nature itself has a spiritual aim," citing Jung's statement, "'that nature seeks to transcend itself'." In this fairy tale, we may learn one way that transformation of the feminine might come about. It is noteworthy, that the feminine resides in men, as well, and is an area of greatest significance to them.

Susan K. Faron, Ph.D. is a Diplomate Jungian Analyst from The Research and Training Centre For Depth Psychology according to C.G. Jung and Marie-Louise von Franz, Zurich, Switzerland. She holds a deep passion for Jungian psychology and feels that her own development serves as the best foundation for doing psychotherapy with others. She attended classes twice a year in Switzerland until she graduated and does research and writing alongside her private practice here in California. Susan loves nature, the sea, shells, rocks, walking, rain, California, and flowers, especially roses and tulips. She also enjoys painting and drumming. She lives and practices "among the trees" in Walnut Creek, and is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her web address is www.drsusankfaron.com or www.walnutcreekpsychologist.org.