Mandala with Snakes Painting by a woman in analysis

FIGURE 41 Mandala with Snakes. (Painting by a woman in analysis) 

Jung suggested that the triadic aspect of Mercurius, who was often represented as a three-headed snake, is the chthonic counterpart to the Christian Trinity.77 In Aurora Consurgens, the lower Trinity is described as earth, which von Franz interprets as 

Jung also referred to the pre-Christian origins of this symbolism, pointing out that a three-headed Hermes (Mercury) was worshipped in Arcadia. In Plate 1-4, we encountered the basilisk, which in some versions has three heads. 

For comment on the process in the alembic up to this point, we turn to Jung  

The combination of trust and tactfulness are qualities in the therapist that are essential for the process, crucial prerequisites for the development of a working relationship and for carrying the transference. This is particularly important to patients whose capacity for warm and open relationship has been wounded early in development. 

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