ABSTRACT
Stage 4, “The mentor,” may be family, friends or relatives. Some villages sponsor an “anchor migrant” to leave, who sends home remittances to finance others to follow in “chain migrations.” Today, cell-phones and websites act as mentors, guiding and advising migrants about passage, detours and dangers. Stage 5, “The crossing” classically is the descent into the chaos of the unknown. This can be the situation for migrants, as anything can happen when crossing waters and borders. Stage 6, “Tests, allies and enemies” are situations and people that require “thinking on one’s feet.” In myths, birds and animals are often allies, which psychically, can be interpreted as acting on instinct. Classically, enemies include shape-shifters and tricksters who may test, cheat and entrap. But enemies may also be inner psychological complexes that frustrate and impede the journey. Stage 7, “The approach” is the final step before arrival which, for immigrants may represent a limbo of laws, physical barriers such as rivers and walls, transit camps and statelessness.
