May 24, 2023
“Unfortunately there can be no doubt that man is, on the whole, less good than he imagines himself or wants to be. Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is. If an inferiority is conscious, one always has a chance to correct it. Furthermore, it is constantly in contact with other interests, so that it is continually subjected to modifications. But if it is repressed and isolated from consciousness, it never gets corrected.”
Carl Jung, “Psychology and Religion” (1938). In CW 11: Psychology and Religion: West and East. P.131
What is shadow work?
“Shadow” is a term widely used in the esoteric, metaphysical, and spiritual circles to refer to the parts of us we hide from or suppress. It comes from Carl Jung, the famous psychologist who coined the term. The shadow is a necessary part of the experience of dualism and therefore belongs. Trauma causes resistance to parts of reality to form, which becomes buried in the shadow. Shadow work, therefore, is the unearthing of the suppressed aspects in order to heal buried trauma and start down the path of accepting all reality. Each trauma healed leads to a greater sense of being an integrated whole.
Who should be doing it?
Usually work on the shadow begins because an individual has reached a point where shadow aspects of themselves are interfering in their ability to seek out happiness and fulfillment. Its interjection of negative thoughts, behavior patterns, and emotions is enough to make one miserable. The individual realizes that it is only harming themselves or others, and choose to find a way out.
Shadow work is difficult, therefore it is recommended for those who have progressed enough along a spiritual path to first be willing to face the idea of having dark or unappealing parts of the self. They also need to be willing to look at trauma from the past and hold onto hope that healing is possible. Many times, we repress our darker side because of the idea that we want to be “a good person”, and it might reveal that we are the opposite. We also may repress aspects of ourselves to keep us safe from frightening and hurtful memories. So to work through these difficult aspects, we need to be brave, hopeful, and gentle to ourselves and understand we are worth it.
Shadow work is essential for lightworkers, healers, shamans, medicine people, witches, etc. Anyone who wants to help elevate mankind into the fifth dimension, which is the vibration of love and unity consciousness, needs to elevate themselves first. Low-vibration emotions and energies lie in the shadow, so if they are not addressed, they will weigh us down like a ball and chain. It doesn’t matter if we have wings if we are chained to the ground.
What are the benefits?
With every healed trauma or shadow, a person receives countless blessings, but here are a few of the most significant:
Freedom - behavior and emotional patterns are no longer holding them back, so they begin to expand into new areas they’ve previously only dreamed of
Elevation - their vibration lifts, clearing a path for higher vibrational experiences, like that of unconditional love and unity consciousness
Wisdom - a treasure trove of new understanding emerges from the healing process
Love of Others - a connection to others happens easily because the individual now understands the human condition and has compassion for others
Self-Love - the lies of “I’m not worthy”, “I’m not enough”, and “I’m not lovable” are dissolved; the truth of beauty, worthiness, and innate value is understood
Blessings - many gifts are given to those who elevate in vibration, for their new energy field attracts opportunities, connections, and guides into their lives who bless them
Where do I begin?
Shadow work is one of the bravest undertakings a soul could pursue, but it is also the most rewarding. The Universe has got your back on this one; it will pull all the stops to help you along the way. Keep your eye on the prize: an integrated, whole, high-vibration, fulfilled, and empowered version of yourself.
Begin by asking yourself a series of questions. What area of your life feels blocked? What patterns in your life, behavior, or emotions are you wishing you could shift? What dreams do you desire to fulfill, but find yourself never getting there? What memory or trauma from the past is negatively affecting your present?
Once you have a few ideas of problems to heal, pick the one that is most important to you. Bring that along to whatever method you choose to address it with. Remember that if one method moves too slowly or doesn’t work for you, you have other options.
Three types of approaches are available; you can be the judge of which matches best with your needs. The first is the 3D, comfort-zone approach, the second is the lightweight spiritual approach, and the third is the all-in, deep-dive spiritual approach. Here are examples of each:
“Keep the Veil on Please” - 3D, Comfort-Zone Approaches
Tony Robbins, PSI, or similar “personal development” seminars
Psychology, psychiatry, therapy, or counseling
Psychotherapy or EMDR
Twelve-step, accountability, or therapy groups
Equine, animal, or nature therapies
Stress relief through exercise, dance, massage, artistic expression, etc.
“Dip My Toe In” - Lightweight Spiritual Approaches
Energy healings like reiki, energy work, or healing with crystals
Equine, animal, or nature therapies that include energy work
Yoga, meditation, somatic release, or sound healing
“Just Do It” - the All-In, Deep-Dive Spiritual Approaches
Ayahuasca, magic mushrooms, or other plant medicines in a ceremony context
Working with a shaman, witch, or medicine person
Deep state hypnosis, past or present life regression, or avatar integration
Congratulations and know that my heart is with you on your journey. It is my passion to help others find their way to healing, higher vibrations, and the expression of their unique gifts. Feel free to contact me to learn how I may be able to assist you along the way.
Be blessed in all you do ~ Lunita