The Sacred Path Beyond Trauma: Reaching the Divine Through Nature’s Healing Symbols

The Sacred Path bridges two theoretical perspectives, abuse-focused therapy and depth psychology, for the purpose of encouraging those who have been traumatized to understand the difference between being victimized and being a victim. Focusing on the healing power of Nature, Macfarland describes how other species of the earth look to humankind as symbols for their healing from trauma, and humans in turn seek healing from Nature’s symbols. The book focuses on finding one’s life path through holding the tension of the opposites between trauma and numinosity (sacredness, transcendence).Three specific elements of Nature are discussed at length as examples: horses, dolphins, and trees. Through the use of mythology, modern film and stories, real life examples, and her personal history, Macfarland explains how one’s most terrifying experiences can lead to a sacred path for life. One such story is that of the life of Monty Roberts, a well-known horse trainer. He reported significant childhood abuse in his own life and describes how he was led not only to his impressive work with horses but also to the commitment he and his wife made to foster some forty children while raising their own biological family. Throughout the book the author reiterates the belief that, even though people are psychologically traumatized in a variety of ways throughout life, they do not need to live as victims. The possibility exists to learn the lessons that the soul wishes to teach in order to live meaningfully for the remaining years of life.