The Circumambulation of Images in Jungian Art Therapy

“Circumambulation” refers to the practice of circling around an altar, symbolizing a journey through different levels of consciousness towards the center. The term comes from Latin: "circum" meaning "around" and "ambulation" meaning "to walk."

From a Jungian framework, circumambulation is a devotional practice focused on exploring images from the unconscious, rather than worshiping a particular deity. Dreams and spontaneous artworks present us with images that spark curiosity and invite various perspectives. We circle around these images, engaging with them through different artistic elements like lines, shapes, colors, and materials.

This process is deeply personal and depends on our attitude towards the unconscious. Relaxing our linear and rational thinking can often be challenging, especially when dealing with everyday life. Jung believed that a creative and contemplative attitude towards the unconscious using imagination and play is essential but this happens gradually. 

Engaging with these images helps us piece together the myth or fairy tale of our lives. Initially, these insights may seem chaotic and unclear, but over time, patterns emerge, showing our progress. This journey is not linear but spiral, slowly drawing closer to a central understanding. 

Accepting that we will revisit these themes throughout our lives, and even across generations, frees us from the need to "resolve" everything immediately. Jung emphasized that discovering and understanding our inner work takes time, much like building a temple. It involves a lifelong, serpentine path towards consciousness, addressing one aspect at a time.

The circumambulation of images can beautifully be seen in the group setting, in which quite literally standing or sitting in a circle we take turns reflecting on a painting which is placed in the center. Another very concrete method I use to circumambulate an image is rooted in expressive arts therapy. The multimodal techniques of expressive arts therapy allow the process to move in a layered way : for example, we often first start with a movement exercise. We let the movement bring forth an image. Then in the end we write about the image, still staying in the imaginal sphere of the artwork. Moving in these different modalities help us to see the essence or center of what the art process is pointing us to.