I'm in a psychic development class with a number of remarkable women. One woman in particular is very into working with the shadow,
and this has led to some deep conversations about whether or not we need to face and accept the shadow or stay away from it. Some say that working with the shadow is dangerous, while others say that it's powerful and even more dangerous to ignore or deny it. I don't know what to think, but I told them I would ask you two for your views and get back to them. What do you advise about the idea of working with the shadow? Love and Light!
- Karen
Astrea:
The shadow appears in every religion, from the Roman Catholic Church to beyond the blue snow
in some North American and Nordic cultures.
The Dark Side
is often what it's called now. Personally, I like the blue snow image. It makes sense that the shadow would be in a cold and desolate place because it's the place of Fear and Wrong Choices, especially for Light workers.
It's not something you should fear, however. Shadow is always with us and always part of us. To get to know where and how it works in your life is very necessary and good for you.
You should know your whole person, not just the person you want to be or show to others. Each and every one of us has a Dark Side, and we can't deny it forever. I think it's wise to know about it so you can get clear about what you do NOT want to be most of the time.
The concept of getting to know yourself as a whole person, both Shadow and Light, is so important if you're planning on doing some kind of spiritual work. Shadow is a part of all of us. How can we know the Self if we don't know all its aspects?
Facing our own negativity doesn't have to mean that we become negative influences, or that the negative side of us will control what we do in life. All we see is all we are and all we can be, and meeting one's shadow can be that last necessary step to psychic awareness that many people fear for no reason at all.
Shadow is part of you and part of that woman in your circle who is seeking hers. It's part of everyone, so it's good to face it and get that behind you so you can live the remainder of your life in the Light.
Carl Jung said, To introduce a person to his shadow is to confront him with his own light.
I just love that. It's so simple and to the point.
Late in my teens, I encountered many people who were working with their shadows, and when Love met Fear in my own life, I discovered mine. I have to admit, it was an unpleasant but very enlightening encounter.
To put it another way, the truth hurt! I had lived in my own shadow
for much of my teens and early twenties. Once I saw that part of myself, I moved on with my life as a whole person. One good long look was enough for me to know that I would always chase the Light.
I'm excited that your study circle is considering this, for it will dramatically change your own life whether you choose to encounter Shadow for yourself or not.
By bringing up this question, you've opened up Shadow to all our readers. Thanks so much for that!
*****
Susyn:
It's definitely wise to take instruction to develop your psychic gifts instead of exploring these things on your own. When investigating any realm of metaphysical study or practice, I believe it's essential to have a guide or teacher working with you. When venturing into areas that involve unknown entities, such as the shadow and light energies you speak of, it is very wise indeed.
It's important to note that because psychic development starts with deep internal changes in our own psyches, you must face the shadows in your own life and come to terms with them before you can use your gifts to their fullest potential. If the shadows in our lives remain hidden, they have the ability to influence our decisions, awaken unfounded fears, and keep us from reaching our dreams.
Again, this is not a process people should attempt on their own, as it is safer and far more effective to work with someone who has already processed their own shadows and can help show you the way.
Whether we're working with our own shadow self or calling up shadow spirits for some reason, we are wise to move forward with caution and the guidance of a wise teacher or mentor. The same is true when we learn to divine, channel or clear shadow entities, for it's important to remember that these are very powerful spirits we are dealing with.
Before attempting to work with shadow, it's vital to surround yourself with light and protection, which is something I'm sure you were taught early on in your psychic development class.
By envisioning yourself in a white bubble like the opalescent bubble of Glinda, the good witch of the North, or surrounding yourself with swirls of light, you will prevent these shadows and spirits from attacking you and attaching to your aura.
Some people have a natural knack for this sort of thing, and are drawn to work with shadow. Even these people can run into trouble if they lack a strong psychic and spiritual base, however, for they can easily be taken over or influenced by dark entities. If the shadow work you are doing is within yourself, the guidance of a therapist or spiritual counselor can help you remain aware, centered and safe.
As long as you have a higher purpose and your focus is on how to tame, manage and integrate both the shadow and light within and around you, some wonderful blessings can develop via this type of work, including various opportunities to experience more wholeness, acceptance and awareness in all aspects of your life.
Good luck in your ongoing studies, Karen. I pray they bring amazing insights and gifts your way!
Astrea:
Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.
Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!
While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!
I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!
As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.
I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.
You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!
Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.
A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.
You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.