ABSTRACT

In this book Shirley See Yan Ma provides a Jungian perspective on the Chinese tradition of footbinding and considers how it can be used as a metaphor for the suffering of women and the repression of the feminine, as well as a symbol for hope, creativity and spiritual transformation.

Drawing on personal history, popular myths, literature, and work with clients, Footbinding discusses how modern women still symbolically find their feet bound through this ancient practice. Detailed case studies from Western and Asian women demonstrate how Jungian analysis can loosen these psychological bindings allowing the client to reconnect with the feminine archetype, discover their own identity and take control of their own destiny.

This original book will be of great interest to Jungian analysts looking for a new perspective. It will also be of interest to anyone studying Chinese culture and psychology.

chapter 1|15 pages

First glimpse of the Golden Lotus

chapter 2|11 pages

The Shang empress-fox and her feet

chapter 3|14 pages

The Confucian Way

chapter 4|17 pages

A Pearl of great price

chapter 5|17 pages

Xi Wang Mu: the Queen Mother of the West

chapter 6|17 pages

Yexian: the Chinese Cinderella

chapter 7|14 pages

Chiu Chin: the beheaded martyr

chapter 9|14 pages

Ruby and her new vision

chapter 10|19 pages

Jade: unbinding and restoring her feet