Shadow Work - Tumblr Posts
After working on shadow work for 3-4 years. I have done most of the shadow side of me that has to deal with family and trauma that is surrounding that. Now, it has gotten to the point where I'm having to start the shadow work surrounding love and relationships because that is a big thing for me to avoid now.
It's one of those topics that has been a taboo for me, especially since I haven't really seen a healthy relationship. And so I am worried about what will come up for me and the things that will be found.
Astro profiles for Movies
--(500) Days of Summer-- debuted on the 7th month which is CANCER season. I interpret this as the ASCENDANT, setting the placements of the characters which are interpreted as PLANETS. The characters move through the story like Planets move through a chart. The lessons portrayed in the story are rooted in an overall theme, which reflects to me a natal placement rooted in a chart. For example:
The theme of (500) Days of Summer revolves around; unrequited love, dealing with romanticism and unclear boundaries. This reflects to me themes of the MOON. So while each character experiences the lessons of this theme, they express it in different ways... The characters revolve around the theme/natal MOON, while they express/transit in the story/chart. So the lesson they learn, expresses to me as the natal SUN placement.
TOM believes that he will be happy if he finds his soulmate = MOON in the 7th house. He is learning to define what love feels like = SUN in the 2nd house. SUMMER believes in undefined/casual intimacy = MOON in the 5th house. She is learning to be aware of her desires = SUN in the 6th house.
This is something of a soft launch of my own original concept...
who wants a tarot reading?
10 Prompts for Shadow Work
🌒 🌕 🌘
Keep track of your feelings from day to day. Record how you felt and try to pin point why you felt certain ways in different situations. How could you habe handled it better? Why did you react the way you did?
Write a letter to your past self, or your future self. Then break down your thoughts on why you said the things you did. Address any emotions that pop up during this process and record them. Why did you feel that way? What events in your life made you right what you did?
Are you living true to yourself? Are you changing who you are based on who you're around? What are those changes? Why do you make those changes?
Are you holding on to something or someone that you should let go of? Why do you hold on to it? What are steps you can take to let go of it?
What are your fears? Your REAL fears not just spiders or heights. Why are you afraid of those things? Are there any steps you can take to lessen that fear?
How do you treat the people in your life? Is there anything you could do for them to better your relationships? Are you being a positive, healthy influence on their life or are you being a toxic one? If toxic, what changes are you going to make to your behavior to stop being toxic?
What do you wish other people knew about you? Why do you keep it hidden?
Are you healing from past traumas and or incidents or have you just distracted yourself? What healthy ways could you address unhealed trauma in order to move to a healthier place?
Make a list of people you don't like. Why don't you like them? Are they actually bad or do you see bad parts of yourself reflecting in them and that's why you don't like them? Be honest.
Write down everything that happens to you in a week that makes you feel bad in any way. Examine this list and ask why certain events make you feel bad.
BONUS: Write down what you believe about a variety of things (from religion and karma all the way down to relationships and your career path). Why do you believe those things? Are these feelings set in stone or are you willing to accept alternate views? Why or why not?
Remember Shadow work is all about unlocking your subconscious. This helps you understand yourself better which is important for many different aspects in witchcraft, and your star seed will thank you for it.
🌟 🔮 🌟
Shadow Work Prompts
With my last post being about shadow work, I thought I’d give y’all some prompts to use.
How does the feeling of envy show up in your life?
What do you need more of in your life?
What do you love most about yourself?
If you could get rid of one bad memory, what would it be and why?
In what ways are you inauthentic?
What irrational fears do you have and how do they hold you back?
Do you hold grudges against others that could be let go? What’s your motive for holding onto them?
What do you hate about others? Why? What might that say about yourself?
What do you need to stop running away from?
What do you need to let go of?
What should you attract into your life?
How do you feel about “love”?
Why do you think you don’t deserve love?
What do you minimize about yourself? What do you flaunt?
How do you deal with criticism?
How do you perceive pain?
Why haven’t you dealt with your past before?
What don’t you like about your life? Why? How can you change it?
How often do you lie to yourself and what about?
What emotion(s) do you try to avoid? Why don’t you want to feel those ways?
Write a letter to someone who hurt you and then burn it.
How does your inner child see you?
How are you deceiving yourself?
What does success mean to you? How are you standing in your own way?
What is going on in your life that you are actively ignoring?
What keeps you motivated?
What inspires you?
Who or what is making your life difficult? How can you deal with it constructively?
How have you been betrayed in your life? What did it teach you?
How has your voice been stifled in the past?
What areas of your life do you excel in?
What are the most important/integral things you have learned over the past few years?
In what ways are you too defensive? Why?
How are you pessimistic in your own life?
Why do you not trust others?
What hardships have you overcome? How has it changed you?
What are you doing to pursue your dreams?
What do you still need to forgive yourself for?
What did that relationship teach you? (you know the one… that one)
How can you maintain your individuality?
In what ways can you be more true to yourself?
In what ways are you lying to yourself? Why?
How can you lead with your heart in your life?
How have your dreams fallen short of reality?
What is your relationship with your mother like?
What is your relationship with your father like?
Write a letter to your inner child. Maybe apologize for what has happened to them and that you couldn’t protect them, tell them how far you have come and how much you have done. Say whatever comes to mind.
How have you been a martyr/victim in your own life?
I’ll keep this post updated with more prompts when I find them
Tarot Inspired Journal Prompts
Fool: what is something new you are doing or want to do?
Magician: what is a magical way to enhance my day? Or, how can I be more like the magician?
High Priestess: what are my thoughts on divination? What about intuition?
Empress: what part of myself do I want to grow/nurture?
Emperor: what part of my life needs me to take authority? How can I?
High Priest: what are my personal traditions? How is my spirituality unique to me?
Lovers: what relationships mean the most to me?
Chariot: what part of my life needs me to be more combative/ warrior-like?
Strength: what part of my life should I face with courage?
Hermit: what do I need to do alone more often? What do I need to do with others more often?
Wheel of Fortune: what do I think about luck, fate, and/or fortune?
Justice: when do I need to focus on legality vs fairness? Or, What may cause me to seek justice/retribution?
Hanged Man: what have/will I sacrifice for -x-? What am I never willing to sacrifice? What will I easily give up?
Death: what is something personal I want to end or change? What is something that will end or change no matter how I feel? How can I accept it?
Temperence: what part of my life needs more patience? What part needs more balance? How can I achieve both?
Devil: what is a primal desire I have? Should I grant it to myself? Why or why not? How can I get what I want?
Tower: what can I learn from the current or recent chaos/disaster in my life?
Star: what do I hope for? How can I get it?
Moon: what part of my life is best kept private? Why?
Sun: what makes me happy?
Jusgement: what part of me needs reflection? What is a fair assessment of that part?
World: what parts of my life have been fulfilled? What parts are still lacking?
𝕬 𝕲𝖚𝖎𝖉𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝕾𝖍𝖆𝖉𝖔𝖜 𝖂𝖔𝖗𝖐
Shadow Work is a psychological and spiritual practice that involves exploring the unconscious or hidden parts of oneself, often referred to as the “shadow.” This concept, popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, refers to the aspects of our personality that we reject, deny, or are unaware of. These can include repressed emotions, desires, and impulses that we consider unacceptable or undesirable.
The Purpose of Shadow Work
The goal of shadow work is to bring these hidden aspects into the light of consciousness. By acknowledging and integrating these parts, individuals can achieve greater self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. This process can lead to improved relationships, reduced emotional reactivity, and a more balanced, authentic self.
Steps to Begin Shadow Work
Self-Reflection: Start by setting aside time for introspection. Journaling is a powerful tool for this. Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, especially those that trigger strong emotional reactions.
Identify Triggers: Pay attention to situations and people that provoke intense emotions or reactions. These triggers often point to unresolved issues or aspects of your shadow self.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and meditation to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your inner landscape and the patterns that arise.
Inner Dialogue: Engage in a dialogue with your shadow self. This can be done through journaling or visualization techniques. Ask questions and listen to what your shadow has to say. This helps in understanding its origins and messages.
Seek Guidance: Working with a therapist, counselor, or spiritual guide can provide support and insight. They can help you navigate the deeper aspects of shadow work and offer techniques tailored to your needs.
Creative Expression: Use art, music, or other creative outlets to express and explore your shadow. Creativity can be a safe way to bring unconscious material to the surface.
Incorporating Shadow Work into Spirituality and Witchcraft
1. Rituals and Ceremonies:
Moon Phases: The waning moon is an excellent time for shadow work, as it symbolizes release and letting go. Create a ritual where you write down aspects of your shadow you wish to address and burn the paper as an act of transformation.
Samhain: This Sabbat festival, marks a time when the veil between worlds is thin. It’s an ideal period for introspection and shadow work. Set up an altar with symbols representing your shadow aspects and meditate on them.
2. Divination:
Tarot and Oracle Cards: Use these tools to gain insights into your shadow self. Draw cards with the intention of uncovering hidden aspects or issues that need attention.
Scrying: Practice scrying with a mirror or a bowl of water to tap into your subconscious mind. This can reveal images or messages related to your shadow.
3. Spellwork:
Protection and Grounding: Perform spells for protection and grounding before engaging in deep shadow work. This ensures you are energetically protected and stable.
Shadow Integration Spells: Create spells designed to help you integrate your shadow aspects. This can involve using herbs, crystals, and symbols associated with healing and balance.
4. Journaling and Grimoire:
Keep a dedicated shadow work journal or section in your grimoire. Document your experiences, insights, and progress. This not only tracks your journey but also provides a reference for future work.
5. Working with Deities and Spirits:
Dark Goddesses: Invoke goddesses such as Hecate, Lilith, or the Morrigan, who are associated with the shadow and transformation. Ask for their guidance and support in your shadow work.
Spirit Guides and Ancestors: Call upon your spirit guides or ancestors for assistance. They can offer wisdom and protection as you navigate your shadow.
Benefits of Shadow Work in Spiritual Practice
Enhanced Self-Awareness: Understanding your shadow leads to a deeper awareness of your true self, fostering spiritual growth.
Emotional Healing: By addressing repressed emotions and traumas, shadow work promotes healing and emotional well-being.
Greater Empathy and Compassion: Integrating your shadow helps you become more empathetic and compassionate towards others, as you recognize similar struggles in them.
Empowerment and Authenticity: Embracing all parts of yourself, including the shadow, empowers you to live more authentically and confidently.
Shadow work is a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. By courageously facing and integrating the hidden aspects of yourself, you can achieve greater harmony and balance in your life. Incorporating shadow work into your spiritual and witchcraft practices can deepen your connection to yourself and the spiritual realm, fostering a richer, more authentic experience.
Shadow Work Skills to Develop
Shadow work can feel very…vague to talk about. There’s a bad habit of just kind of handwaving things and hoping people figure it out on their own. Part of that is that it’s so intensely personal. It’s so hard to come up with things that will work for everyone. The other part is that I want people to experiment and add to what we know about shadow work so I don’t want to be too prescriptive in how I teach others to do it.
So, for this post I wanted to dig into some of the most basic skills I use in shadow work in the hopes it’ll help people no matter which methods or paths they take.
Describing Events Neutrally
I put this one first because I think it’s the most important and the more difficult. Our emotions cloud how describe events to ourselves and others. For us to look critically at actions or words, we really need to be able to describe them without intent or emotion. Now, I’m not saying to leave that out entirely, I’ll get to that next. But you have to be able to get a clear view of what was done. This is so important when working with anything that might be triggering. We are too used to describing events with the goal of justifying thoughts, feelings, and actions and in shadow work it helps to break that instinct where you can.
When you can describe events neutrally to start with, it’s easier to see whether the feelings where in line or out of line with what happened. Were you way over reactive? Maybe under reactive? It’s easier to judge that when you have a neutral account to work with.
To practice, try listing out some events as they happen neutrally. An example might be after a tense interaction with someone, listing out what was said and done. If you can, get someone who was there to look at it and someone who wasn’t there to look at it and see what they say as far as how factual and neutral the account is.
Naming Feelings
Many many people cannot tell you what they’re feeling. There’s a myriad of reasons for this but no matter where it comes from it hurts shadow work. Your mood is like an internal weather system, you need to be able to do shadow work that’s appropriate for the weather. How you dig into things if gonna be different if your reaction to feeling trapped is to give up and binge movies or to lash out in anger. Gotta know what you’re working with.
It’s absolutely vital that you practice naming your emotions in day to day life. I did a week where I had an alarm go off five times a day and I wrote down what I was feeling in a note on my phone. A lot of my entries were “I’m not sure”. The practice showed me how often I have no connection to my feelings at all and prompted me to get to know them better.
Try using a feelings wheel or a feelings chart at least once a day to get used to checking in with yourself and putting a name on it.
Defining What You Want
We live in a society that has a very complicated relationship with wants. People often say we live in a consumerist society but we don’t often talk about what that’s done to us psychologically, to be so consumptive. There’s a lot of morality around them too that we internalize. We identify strongly with what we want. We define ourselves through our ambitions and our goals. But it means what we really want gets lost in the pursuit of shaping our desires to be acceptable or admirable. We ignore our desires that don’t fit with our narratives which is such a block to shadow work. How can you work on what you won’t let yourself be conscious of?
You have to understand that you and your desires are not one in the same. Just because you really want to enact violence on someone for what they’ve done doesn’t make you a bad person or a mean person or what have you. It’s a natural human desire. That doesn’t mean that’s it’s justified just that you are not bad for having those thought or desires. This extends to other things people don’t like admitting they want – finding other people more appealing than their partner, wanting someone who’s wronged them to suffer, wanting more for yourself even if it means someone else goes without – they’re all desires we have from time to time.
Practice writing what you want out on paper. Remind yourself you don’t have to act on it and that it’s better to be aware of it so doesn’t sneak into the driver’s seat. It’s important to break the idea that we’re owed what we want or that we have to act on what we want. Desires, much like feelings, come and go. But they’re important to be aware of while they’re here.
Taking Responsibility
I still am unsure of how to describe how to do this. It’s really distress tolerance at it’s core; learning to be okay with not being okay. Because where I see people going wrong with responsibility in shadow work is that they either explain everything away with context or they go it’s all my fault and it’s so terrible I can’t do anything about it.
Part of taking responsibility is being able to answer the question “What do I owe in this situation?” If your answer is always nothing, you’re wrong. We are social creatures, we’re only here because we evolved the intelligence to work closely and creatively with other members of our species. We do owe each other things in any interaction. It’s important to practice thinking about what those things are. Equally important is thinking through what you don’t owe as well.
Practice sitting with your mistakes when they happen and trying to think what’s owed in this situation. Shadow work depends on our ability to take responsibility for the roles we play in what keeps us stuck.
Pattern Recognition
I don’t know that I have much explicit advice for this category other than it’s incredibly helpful. Seeing your patterns is really key to zeroing in on automatic behaviors or thoughts. Pattern recognition is kind of like playing Minesweeper. It gets you a little closer to what you’re trying to uncover without having to step right in it and maintain yourself to be reflective.
Journaling can be really great for this. If you see yourself writing about the same actions or feelings or thoughts again and again and again. Going back through old conversations where you’re venting might give you some clues.
Whenever you find yourself frustrated you keep doing something, take note. When are you doing these things? What does it offer you? What does it protect you from?
We don’t do things repeatedly if they don’t serve us in some way which can be hard for us to admit.
Compassionate Problem Solving
So you’ve dug up these unpleasant truths about yourself, what’s a shadow worker to do? The only way forward is compassionate problem solving. Which is best summed of for me as working with yourself, not against yourself. I’m reminded of permaculture – the problem is the solution.
An example of this in my own life was ADHD. Once I finally realized what I was dealing with was ADHD, I spent several months ignoring it completely and being shocked when I couldn’t will myself to be “normal”. I felt a lot of shame. It was only when I started accepting where I was at and then going okay what can I do that things started to shift. “Okay, if I know I’m gonna forget my keys what can I do?” I put spare house keys and car keys in my car so when I inevitably forgot them somewhere I could call AAA and I’d be able to drive home. “Okay if I’m gonna forget my papers what can I do?” I made digital backup galore so I could access them and print them off at the last minute on campus. My life got so much better with the approach.
Wherever you’re at there are things you can do to make it better going forward and it’s important to get creative and stay reasonable. Getting triggered frequently? Make sure you have a cool down list of some kind on your phone. Too scared to grab groceries by yourself? Grab a buddy or order them and pick them up. Spending too much time in bed because you’re depressed as shit? Set a 5 minute timer and do one thing to make your life better. Literally all of these are personal examples.
There’s always something you can do. Small wins are still wins. Count them. There’s no need to be cruel to yourself while doing shadow work. Practice coming up with at least three different ways to respond to issues that you face. Even if you know a solution isn’t the one you’re gonna take, get used to putting out more than one “right” answer. In shadow work, there’s always more than one path.
Conclusion
I hope this is helpful. A bit rambling, but I think I could have used a post like this when I was starting out. Shadow work gets very individualized, very quickly, but I’ve yet to talk to anyone who wasn’t using at least a few of these in their personal shadow work journey. Hope these skills and how to practice them help!
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Shadow Work Mega-Masterpost
Behold! A compilation of virtually everything in my shadow work tag to date:
Original Content
Disclaimer
Shadow Work Masterpost
Beginning Shadow Work Masterpost
Shadow Work Exercises Masterpost
Internalizing Shadow Work
The Shadow and the Inner Child: Part I and Part II
14-Day Shadow Work Challenge
Stones for Shadow Work
Core Beliefs
Resolving and Eliminating Core Beliefs
Thoughts on Shadow Work (# 1)
Thoughts on Shadow Work (# 2)
Thoughts on Shadow Work (# 3)
A Warning Regarding Shadow Work
Let’s Talk About “Positive” Shadow Aspects
Dissecting Positive Traits
Let Me Make Something Clear…
Guidelines* for Successful Shadow Work (*)
Cooperative Shadow Work
Overcoming Fear
Shadow Work Related Asks
How do I begin shadow work?
Is a dedication ritual necessary?
Advice on distinguishing between shadow and depression?
When starting shadow work… ?
Could I have stumbled upon my shadow [in a dream]?
I’m going to start shadow work– but I’m scared. Any advice?
Do you know how to deal with embarrassment with shadow work?
Shadow Work Related Videos/Discourses
Facing Your Own Shadow - Alan Watts
Shadow Work Related Videos - Teal Swan
What is Shadow Work?
Shadow Work Related Quotes/Excerpts
From ‘The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft’ by Christopher Penczak
► Facing the Shadow
► The shadow is not evil
► Facing the dark
► Partnering with shadow energy
► Closet analogy
► You might want to pull away
► Energy is neutral
► The shadow is a constant ally
From ‘Tarot Shadow Work’ by Christine Jette
► The Shadow Knows
► To catch a glimpse of your shadow
► The only requirement for shadow work
► Working slowly is essential
Shadow Work Related Content by Other Tumblr Users
Shadow Work I: A Series of Little Deaths by @duskenpath
Shadow Work II: Types and Terms by @duskenpath
Shadow Work III: Timing by @duskenpath
A Shadow Work Technique by @buterfligurl
Mastering Your Inner Shadows by @starlightsilver
Shadow Work Related Divination
Dragon Rune Spread from spiritedenterprise.com
Shadow Self Conversation Tarot Spread by @arcanemysteries
Obscure Sorrows Tarot Challenge by @reinedelair
Journal Prompts for Your Self-Esteem
The other day I was in the shower and I was thinking about things I could write about when I want to motivate myself or give myself a confidence boost. These are some of the ideas I came up with and I think they could be really beneficial and encouraging.
While thinking about these things, you may begin to doubt yourself or compare yourself to other people, but I’m telling you right now: DON’T DO THAT. It does not matter how big or small you think these things are. These prompts are meant to generate big and small reminders of how dope you are :)
1. What are 10 (or more) things you like about yourself?
2. What things do you want to do or try that can help you feel good about yourself? For example, I’ve been considering trying out individual lashes and recently started looking into LHR. Also, going to the gym even if it’s just for a walk on the treadmill. Literally, if you go once a week for fun just do something.
3. Think about some of your accomplishments in recent years. Describe them to your younger self and imagine how they would feel.
4. What are 10 (or more) things that you like about your life?
5. What are your energy givers? The big and small things that you do that make you feel joy? I loveee my yoga mat. I can lay on it, do nothing, and be happy. It’s that simple. Also washing my face in the morning :)
I want to EMPHASIZE that these things can be simple, everyday things. Do it for yourself without comparing yourself to other people. This is for you and you onlyyy.
Shadow Work Journaling
‘How judged do you feel on a daily basis? How much of it real or assumed?’
I feel judged all the time. If I don’t fit the mould then I’m in the wrong and judged. I have this terribly strict view of life, it all needs to be perfect. Nothing less.
I feel judged for doing something and for not doing something. Could be my low self esteem- could be because my depression makes me lazy and I feel like I should just push through anyways.
Judgement for the most part is just assumed. You don’t know what another person is thinking. (It’s usually about themselves since humans are such selfish creatures.) My mom judges me as well as my sisters and aunt. Not as much as I probably think about enough to warrant attention.
I’m pretty sure I got my perfectionist mindset from my mom and my bummed out, hormone imbalanced depression from my dad. A bad mix but it’s mine.
Shadow work Prompt: ‘When you feel unsafe, what is your anchor?’
My anchor is my mom. I feel safest with her there.
Another anchor is the fact that nothing in life matters. We all die and become dust. Not only that but we are all forgotten by time. We are overlooked by 99.9% of the population. If you cry in public, no one cares. Just that .1% that I always strive to be. In reality, other people’s thoughts don’t matter. Only that knowledge and the acts of selfless humanity do.
If we are talking about places, then my anchor is my room. It’s sitting in the darkness, doing nothing, just letting the feelings inside consume me.
If we are talking about actions, then it’s sitting on campus. It’s the feeling on my head on the grass, looking up at the sky and watching the world go by. One realizes that, in the large scope of things, life goes on. Your life can go on. Emotions fluctuate but life is life. It’s as solid as the ground. To be grounded in reality and not one’s emotions.
A spiritual anchor is knowing that God is all powerful, all knowing and he’s already known every outcome of everything. He’s seen the beginning from the end since he is outside the restrain of time. His plans are to prosper and keep me. Not even a sparrow goes unwatched. To feel this (since sometimes the feeling just isn’t there) read the book of Job.
Engaging the Doppel as Shadow Work
The work I am presenting here is not a replacement for therapeutic practices administered or recommended by a professional. If you do not have any previous experience with Shadow Work, I urge you to have a conversation with a professional, such as a therapist, or a trusted and seasoned practitioner and decide whether or not it would be most beneficial to do this work on your own. I would also strongly advise any magical hero to have a strong foundation in grounding and shielding practices before engaging in any Shadow Work.
In the mobile game Puella Magi Madoka Magia Side Story: Magia Record we are introduced to the concept of the Doppel. According to the official Magia Record website, "Magical Girls in Kamihama City can summon a power known as a Doppel. Only awakened Magical Girls have this ability, which allows them to invoke a portion of the Witch power in their Soul Gem when it becomes fully tainted."
In the Puella Magi Madoka Magia universe, a magical girl typically becomes a Witch when their Soul Gem turns completely black from developing too many impurities. When they use their magic, experience strong negative emotions, or sustain physical injuries, the magical girl’s Soul Gem gathers impurities and becomes progressively darker. Generally, the way to rid a Soul Gem of its darkness is to extract it with a Grief Seed or Grief Cube but inside of Kamihama City, however, the ‘Doppel’ power can be invoked instead.
If a Doppel is summoned, a subconscious confrontation occurs between the magical girl and their Witch self, in which the Witch attempts to convince the girl to give in to their inner darkness and relinquish control. Usually, the Doppel user will reject their inner darkness and the Doppel will be semi-autonomous; but by fully accepting their flaws and achieving a catharsis, a fusion referred to as a Doppel Version can be achieved in which the user is fully in control of their Doppel powers.
Doppels are extremely powerful, making them useful in battle, but come at high risk to its user. This transformation is only possible because of the trauma a magical girl is forced to endure, whether as a consequence of their wish to an Incubator or by merely existing. Most of the time, we need to suppress our traumas and anxieties just to get through the day but the Doppel System is a stark reminder that we can become over-encumbered at any moment. (Not to mention that in its semi-autonomous state, the Doppel will thrash about and attack without abandon, potentially causing serious harm to its magical girl and those around them.)
So, as magicians and magical heroes, how can we utilize the Doppel System in a healthy and constructive way? How can we harness the power of meeting our inner darkness and bringing it out for good? The most obvious, and arguably most difficult, method I can think of is engaging in Shadow Work.
The goal of Shadow Work is to bring suppressed personality parts back into our consciousness and learn to accept and even love them. This is easier said than done, as Shadow Work forces us to confront parts of ourselves that we rather not know about and then actually take responsibility for that which we judge in ourselves and others. Like the Doppel System, Shadow Work asserts that the solution lies not in the permanent avoidance of our darkened soul parts, but in their full acceptance and approval.
Shadow Work a process of acknowledging the ‘ugly’ parts of ourselves and learning to love them despite our judgements or fear of them. Our shadow parts can look like many things in our conscious lives including:
Jealousy
Addiction
Depression
Anxiety
Codependency
Self-sabotage
Excuses
Lies
Procrastination
Resentment
Passive-aggressiveness
Bitterness
Aggression or Anger
Violence
Victimization
Guilt and shame
Lack of confidence
Issues establishing or maintaining boundaries
Shadow Work is also trauma work; many shadows are created as a result of developmental or attachment trauma when we were children and didn’t have the resources to deal with our emotions fully and so are stored in our bodies and in the stories we tell ourselves. Your shadow can control your life and will keep presenting you with uncomfortable opportunities to integrate it, as Witches and the Doppel System threaten to do.
As our shadows form and present themselves in different ways, there is no set approach for dealing with them. Shadow Work can be practiced by:
Self-observation and mindfulness Practice being present and conscious of your reactions. Identify your triggers; when your reaction to an event or someone’s behavior is out of proportion it is usually rooted in your past and in your shadow.
Practicing emotional inquiry Develop a sense of curiosity for your inner emotional world and view your emotions as information.
Journalling Start with a prompt that forces you to identify parts of your shadow or go with a stream of consciousness.
Analyzing your favorite stories Make a list of your favorite media and jot down their rough storyline. Think about the characteristics of your heroes and how they might relate to you, your unfulfilled potential, or secret desires. This is an intuitive way to explore your shadows by looking for symbols and archetypes in the stories you resonate with most.
Sitting with your shadow in meditation Learn to sit with yourself in silence. Just being able to be with yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings is a powerful way to get in touch with your shadow parts and sit with your emotions.
Inner-child work Since most of our shadows are created during childhood development, there is a lot of potential here for healing and integration. There are many guided meditations out there that can help get you started on this particular journey.
Seeking therapy and/or coaching
By working in these ways, we can essentially tap into the Doppel System and achieve untapped magical potential by integrating and purifying our shadows.
This post is part of my Magi Praxis series. If you have any suggestions for future topics, or you have attempted anything I have shared and want you share your experiences, please send me a message! I am always happy to go back and provide further explanation as well. ☆
When you want to strenghten Your psych power and intuition but the tarot, friend, guide all of them say “ Girl if you dont break uo definitely , you are stuck sms blocked! So let past go and find a true yourself”
Quando vuoi potenziare i tuoi poteri maggici ma tutti ti dicono prima di chiudere col passato e le relazioni tossiche 😭
Only 5$ for the entire month of october , salessss👻💀
Past life spread .
Your shadow and how to embodies for heal
Inner child/teen message
Whats your patron god/ goddess
Message from your spirit guide
A message from your ancestor
How to spicy up your love life zodiac based
Spice up Your love life
Is it love between us?
Disclaimer: you can Ask something different ,no legal or health .
I will send you the pdf of the readings in 24/48 Hours , payment before on kofi
Connecting with your Inner Child 👣
Artwork by @CraftingWitch on Instagram! 🎨📷
This is a very turbulent time for us all!
Don’t forget to check in on your inner child, or your inner voice. Let your intuition guide & prosper!
The best crystals for… Part 4 🤍
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
@lovebyluna on instagram
