Thread by @witchwalk, SHADOW WORK: SOME POINTERS. In response to my thread on Shadow Work [...]

SHADOW WORK: SOME POINTERS. In response to my thread on Shadow Work a follower asked me HOW TO ACTUALLY DO IT! My answer turned into a thread. Here it is, hopefully without typos! Some pointers on how to get started on what is the work of a lifetime (or lifetimes):

The process of Shadow Work is really about becoming more conscious of yourself, your motivations and acknowledging, owning (responsibility) and transforming your 'darker', wounded and neglected parts - and integrating their 'positive', or beneficial aspects in a healthy way!

The first step is one of perception. You are not just a shiny, spiritually evolved being of Light! Acknowledging that we have a Shadow, flaws, wounds, complexes, ego issues etc. is important - and with it the ability to analyse our conscience, motivations, lack of motivation etc.

There are exercises and visualisations you can do, but first and foremost there needs to be a willingness to acknowledge, love and transform the hidden, wounded or rejected parts of yourself. Simply acknowledging you have a Shadow Self is a good first start!

Now, again, the Shadow is not all 'bad' - but it can be dangerous - as well as liberating. But it is most dangerous when unacknowledged and unrecognised, or when fully indulged! Aspects of the Shadow can be integrated in safe stages - by finding appropriate outlets for them.

So, for example, suppose you recognise part of your Shadow is repressed anger - or perhaps you have anger arising, in damaging or inappropriate ways - then anger management techniques, a martial art discipline, or assertiveness training might all help to relieve that!

But real Shadow work relies on getting to the root of that anger, that Shadow aspect of yourself, acknowledging, expressing and healing it through love or forgiveness: putting it in its place! Group work, or talking things through, are very powerful (in regard to various issues)!

So, to simplify: acknowledge your issues, flaws, wounds and start to work on getting to the root of them - and where fitting, find an appropriate outlet or place for those parts of yourself. However, its important to recognise and resist aspects of yourself that are destructive!

Destructive compulsions and instincts, infantile needs, selfish, damaging desires must be seen for what they are and transformed. The first step is to be honest with ourselves (to become more conscious) and be willing to surrender and work on those aspects.

However, mere repression will not work. We have to bring spiritual, mental and creative Force to bear to channel and reintegrate that aspect or energy, to purge or sublimate it - and thus make it a real transformation. Let me give an example...

A person has an issue in relationships - perhaps constantly finding themselves in dysfunctuonal, abusive relations. The question is.. why? What wounded part of themselves (likely a damaged self-esteem) is behind this, drawing them to relationships that reflect this damaged state?

Some of us have a capacity to analyse ourselves in a way that brings Insight and Wisdom (spiritual qualities) that are an antidote to that negative state. Realisation is powerful. Being able to name a thing helps (eg. 'this is because of my low-self esteem, and daddy issues').

Positive self-talk and affirmation could then help a person heal this Shadow aspect. But most importantly - action. You realise you're in a dysfunctional abusive relationship (or cycle of them) and you either transform it through assertiveness - or get out of it.

Now it may be that a person feels unable to do any of this on their own. Which is why we turn to our Gods, Goddesses and Archetypes for aid. We recognise we need a certain quality (perhaps as antidote to a Shadow issue) and turn to an Archetypal Power that embodies this quality.

We might need wisdom, or compassion, or assertiveness, or self-esteem to deal with a Shadow aspect. We turn to a Goddess or God or Angel that helps with it. Or we simply ask for the quality needed in our meditative space and make ourselves receptive and willing to integrate it!

My questioner asked about a lady on YouTube that suggested sitting naked in a dark room alone in front of a mirror with a black candle, staring into the reflection to reveal the Shadow Self. She asked, 'is this a wise thing to do?'

I answered: Only if you know how to deal with it and can bring the insight, love and light to equal the Shadow. I'd say no (for most of you). Start small. Start by working on some part of yourself that's wounded, neglected, in need of healing - in the way I've indicated.

The Shadow can obssess, even possess, a person - if they meet it unready. Some folk talk of Shadow Work when really they are just offering themselves to their Shadow to be consumed. Great power comes with this - but it is almost always destructive!

Working with our Shadow aspects is part battle and part peace-making! And it is by the measuring rods of Love and Wisdom (developed in meditation, spiritual practice and long life experience) that we will know which approach is appropriate, at any time!

My dearies, I hope these suggestions will be helpful to some of you in starting the Work, in safe, manageable, transformative ways. May the Powers of Light and Darkness be with you!