Sleeping Beauty

The story of Sleeping Beauty has been told by many people and there is a link to three different versions below.  Archetypally, it is important to note that the story, regardless of version, deals with a "sleeping" (unconscious, unaware, immature) princess that is waiting for the "prince" (her own internal instinct, guardian, protector) to kiss her to wakefulness at the right time for her.

Click here for different versions of Sleeping Beauty

Sleep ~ While the metaphor of sleep can denote a psychic unconsciousness, [it also] symbolizes creation and renewal.  Sleep is the symbol of rebirth.  In creation myths, souls go to sleep while a transformation of some duration takes place, for in sleep, we are re-created, renewed.  The above excerpt is from "Women Who Run With the Wolves" by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.  - a fabulous and highly recommended book!

  Songs referenced: 

Winter