Cosmic Game : Explorations of the Frontiers of Human Consciousness (9781438405094) by Grof Stanislav

Author:Grof, Stanislav [Grof, Stanislav]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781438405094
Publisher: LightningSource
Published: 1998-09-15T05:00:00+00:00

First Basic Perinatal Matrix (BPM I)

The first perinatal matrix (BPM I) is related to the intrauterine experience immediately preceding birth and the remaining three matrices (BPM II–BPM IV) to the three clinical stages of delivery described above. Besides containing elements that represent a replay of the original situation of the fetus at a particular stage of birth, the basic perinatal matrices also include various natural, historical, and mythological scenes with similar experiential qualities drawn from the transpersonal realms. In what follows, I will briefly outline the specific connections between the perinatal dynamics and the transpersonal domain.

I would like to emphasize that the connections between the experiences of the consecutive stages of biological birth and various symbolic images associated with them are very specific and consistent. The reason they emerge together is not understandable in terms of conventional logic. However, that does not mean that these associations are arbitrary and random. They have their own deep order that can best be described as “experiential logic.” What this means is that the connection between the experiences characteristic for various stages of birth and the concomitant symbolic themes are not based on some formal external similarity, but on the fact that they share the same emotional feelings and physical sensations.

While experiencing the episodes of undisturbed embryonal existence (BPM I), we often encounter images of vast regions with no boundaries or limits. Sometimes we identify with galaxies, interstellar space, or the entire cosmos other times we have the experience of floating in the ocean or of becoming various aquatic animals, such as fish, dolphins, or whales. The undisturbed intrauterine experience can also open into visions of nature—safe, beautiful, and unconditionally nourishing, like a good womb (Mother Nature). We can see luscious orchards, fields of ripe corn, agricultural terraces in the Andes, or unspoiled Polynesian islands. The experience of the good womb can also provide selective access to the archetypal domain of the collective unconscious and open into images of paradises or heavens as they are described in the mythologies of different cultures.

When we are reliving episodes of intrauterine disturbances, or “bad womb” experiences, we have a sense of dark and ominous threat and we often feel that we are being poisoned. We might see images that portray polluted waters and toxic dumps. This reflects the fact that many prenatal disturbances are caused by toxic changes in the body of the pregnant mother. The experience of the toxic womb can be associated with visions of frightening demonic figures from the archetypal realms of the collective unconscious. Reliving of more violent interferences during prenatal existence, such as an imminent miscarriage or attempted abortion, is usually connected with a sense of universal threat or with bloody apocalyptic visions of the end of the world.

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