Pursuit of Individual and Tribal Identity

Process of Individuation: Process of becoming a separate person who can act both independently and accept responsibility for choices

Stages of Individuation Process: Quest of Confidence and Optimism

Stage One (Separation from Childhood)

ü Hero often comes from noble birth (Sometimes the hero is born of mysterious parents or in a remarkable fashion)

ü A Wound is often present (circumcision, tattoo)

ü There is a symbolic death (The hero is occasionally orphaned or kept from or unaware of his natural inheritance)

ü There may be a preoccupation with death

ü Isolation (The hero is often protected, nurtured, and educated in obscurity by foster parents)

Stage Two( Margin) Transition from childhood to adulthood

ü There is seclusion

ü The tribe or the family may be perceived as a constraint—the father is often hostile to the hero’s ambitions, and impervious to his new ideas

ü Movement from safety to risk

ü Direct experiences: perilous journey, obstacles to test courage and strength, sexual initiation, soul searching

ü There is instruction in the myths of the tribe (The hero may receive special weapons –sword, club—or special strength or supernatural powers.)

ü The taboos are clearly delineated

ü A Mentor may be present

ü Symbolic period of gestation which is followed by a crucial battle

Stage Three (Aggregation) Re-incorporation into the society as an adult

ü There is a symbolic rebirth

ü There is a ritualistic ceremony

ü Symbols of acceptance are present: name change, icons, talismans

ü Return to the community (The hero occasionally rescues the tribe and assumes his position as chief.)

ü There is an establishment of identity