ABSTRACT
This chapter presents conversation between Woodman Marion and Sieff Daniela F. Emotional trauma results from being unseen and unvalued as children. It compromises ability to live a creative and authentic life, and forces to construct a false persona and to develop inauthentic goals. It makes to control emotions and bodies, and leaves striving for perfection. The energy manifest by such a parent is symbolised by the archetype of the Death Mother. It is a deadening energy which permeates both psyche and body, turning them to stone. The Death Mother energy is vividly depicted in the myth of Medusa. Having internalised the Death Mother energy, reclaiming life requires a series of descents into the underworld of the unconscious mind and body. During each descent meet the fierce and uncompromising energy symbolised by the archetype of the Apocalyptic Mother. This energy challenges to face truth and to surrender old ways so that something new and more authentic can be born.
