A Symbolic Exploration of the Spatial Structure of Dangsan Trees and the Sandtray

This study expands upon Kwak (2014) research on the symbolic structure of Dangsan trees by examining their spatial and symbolic dimensions, and by comparing these with the spatial symbolism of sandplay therapy to explore their shared features of therapeutic spatiality. In Korean shamanic tradition, the Dangsan tree functions as a sacred center that connects heaven and earth, human and divine, life and death, while its location reflects the social and psychological order of the village community. In contrast, sandplay therapy, grounded in analytical psychology, facilitates psychological healing by enabling the expression and integration of unconscious images within the bounded space of the sandtray. The comparative analysis revealed that both systems share three fundamental features—center, boundary, and hierarchical spatial structure—through which integration and healing occur. Furthermore, the symbolic and spatial configurations of Dangsan rituals and sandplay therapy each sustain the psychological order and spiritual balance at collective and individual levels, functioning as a psychological–symbolic axis that connects nature and humanity, consciousness and the unconscious, and the individual and the community. Based on this symbolic correspondence, this study proposes the Tree–Tray Axis Model, which explains how therapeutic space mediates psychological integration through a hierarchical transition from boundary to center to transcendence. The findings highlight the interpretive relationship between traditional ritual space and modern psychotherapeutic space, providing a cultural–psychological framework for understanding the integrative function of healing space.