The “shadow” is an accumulation of: 

• your subconscious

• the hidden conditioning from belief systems and emotional programming linked to your childhood experiences, influences from authority figures and various levels of trauma

• the desires, reactions and behaviors that cause you to feel shame, guilt, confusion or fear

• the judgements you project onto yourself and others

• all your unprocessed and unintegrated pain

To “do shadow work” means:

• turning toward the pain

• examining and exploring where it came from, why it’s there and what it needs

• processing what’s in the shadows with full awareness and non-judgement

This requires being present with thoughts and sensations that are unpleasant, allowing the energy to be seen, heard and understood.

Shadow work is important because it:

• creates balance, harmony and empowerment within

• allows previously impeded energy to flow

• cultivates mental and emotional clarity, control and comfort

• allows for the authentic expression of Self

Imagine the Yin/Yang symbol. We are all a mixture of light and dark, the dualities of nature. Strongly identifying with only one side, one angle, one perspective will only cause disharmony. We must accept the fact that darkness has a healthy place within us all, and recognize how to unify or alchemize these aspects in order to be more fulfilled.

Right now, humanity is going through some collective shadow work, as we fully confront the violence, bigotry and inequality that pervades our systems and lineages.

Choosing to explore shadow work for yourself right now is a radical act that will help us usher in a radically improved future.

You don’t need to do shadow work alone. I create a safe container for you to explore your shadow in my 1:1 Reiki and Tarot sessions.

I’m currently creating a powerful protocol that will utilize energy work, Tarot and Reiki-based counseling to guide you through an exploration of your shadow over a 5 week period, in alignment with one moon cycle, from New Moon to New Moon. Interested? Message me to know more.

Have you experienced shadow work before? Tell me about it in the comments ~