Wild Mind

Nature-Based Map of the Human Psyche

We use this map of psychological wholeness — a nonarbitrary and comprehensive map unearthed by Bill Plotkin and the guides at the Animas Valley Institute — because it follows the template of nature’s own map of wholeness. It serves as a guide to becoming fully human by cultivating the four facets of the Self and discovering both the limitations and the gifts of the four groups of our wounded, fragmented, and shadowed subpersonalities/Inner Protectors. It maps all of these elements of the psyche onto the qualities of the natural world that we observe in the cardinal directions as well as the characteristics of the four seasons and the four times of day: dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight

This map gives us access to Wholing and Self-healing practices that are embedded in the four directions template. By applying this model to our own selves (and learning in Year Two to assist others in these ways), we have ongoing tools to come into our vitality and wholeness without being ‘hijacked’ or ‘activated’ by our inner protectors.

By coming into Wholeness FIRST, before even trying to work with our wounded or fragmented parts, we are able to be more grounded, more resourced, more ready to do what is needed, so we can fully show up for ourselves and for “our people.”

Key and Compass encourages and supports you in your raw vulnerability, in a place where all emotions are embraced, where self-love is amplified, and perspective and play are celebrated, where you will cross thresholds into the forest and into the depths of your own soul, where inspiration is re-ignited and revered.

first paragraph source: Animas Valley Institute website