Basic Perinatal Matrix III
From The Spirit Wiki
Basic Perinatal Matrix III refers to the perinatal experience initiated at the stage of active labor. At this stage the fetus begins its transition through the birth canal and it is at this point that the fetus begins to experience titanic pressures and concentrated electrical discharge arising as a result of the power muscular contractions of the mother. Anxiety, fear, and panic are common emotions of the fetus now and throughout the subsequent labor and delivery process. In addition, there is the very real threat of fetal suffocation. Intense physical pain will be experienced by both the mother and the fetus during this period. Owing to the disruption of oxygen through the umbilical chord, and the powerful pressures on the chest of the fetus, suffocation may in fact be the primary experience of delivery.
Personality Structures: In cases where there is a strong empathic bond between the fetus and the parents, and in labor and delivery situations designed to minimize and mitigate the trauma, healthy personality structures will develop. The individual will be grounded and situated in the realities of this world. The individual will be confident and trusting of people and circumstances, and physically, emotionally, and psychologically resilient. Negative outcomes arising out of a traumatic entry into the world may lead to the development of COEX Systems revolving around the emotions of anxiety, fear, panic, and so on. If COEX Systems are reinforced in subsequent experience, complexes instantiated here may lead to anxiety disorders, lack of confidence, and even physical, emotional, and psychological weakness.
Pathologies: In those cases where there is significant and unresolved birth trauma, and where the COEX Systems are reinforced in the long term reality of the child, pathological behavior patterns may develop. These may include obsessive compulsive disorders revolving around cleanliness or the establishment of strict routines, and over concern with the “dirtiness” of the bodily fluids associated with delivery. In extreme cases, i.e., significant trauma during delivery, pathological parenting, negative experiences with school and society, violent personality structures may result. In this case the physical unit adopts a stance of antagonism and hostility to protect itself from its experience of this world as violent and hostile. The violence may be expressed in multiple ways including non-exploratory sadomasochism (i.e., sadomasochism designed to hurt and not please), non-consensual or pathologically rooted sexual deviance (i.e., deviance which emphasizes power, control, and violence over another).
Mythical and Symbolic Associations: There are many varieties and types of mythical or symbolic imagery which may become associated with the positive or negative COEX Systems instantiated at this stage. As Grof (1975) notes, we find associations with prostitutes, pimps, and famous sex symbols (fictional and non-fictional) are common themes. In addition, we have the development of the archetypal experience of struggle. In addition we have journeys of hunting for violent and large animals, encounters with colossal snakes, diving with sea creatures and grueling combats with warriors. Positive associations include the colorful and dynamic elements of amusement parks (anxiety and fear transformed into anticipation and pleasure).
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References
Grof, Stanislav (1976). Realms of the Unconscious: Observations from LSD Research. New York: Viking Press
Grof, Stanislav (1985). Beyond the brain: Birth, death, and transcendence in psychotherapy. Albany, NY: State University of New York.
See Also
Basic Perinatal Matrix III
