Icon Creation in Basic Assumption Groups

This paper concerns psychology of attribution by devotees onto a presumed person-an icon. Bion’s theory of the basic assumption group is explored in relation to two icons: Mary the mother of Jesus and King Arthur. In each case there is a small amount of history, which has been amplified by devotional groups, operation in either BaD or BaF mode. Mary has been subject to idealisation and projective identification, particularly in the Marianismo phase after the conquest of the Aztecs. Arthur may be a condensation of five historical figures. He represents the self-image of Anglo Normans and their claim to a legitimate line of kings on the throne of England. There have been recent attempts by feminist groups to create icons from Æthelflæd, Boudicca and Britannia. A general model is offered of the ability of groups to define reality by consensus.