I started writing this post about Shadow “Work” before I took the “Work” part out of it. We Witches talk a lot about Shadow Work. But by calling it Shadow Work, are we implying that Shadow Work is something that must be fixed?
In nature, shadows aren’t a problem. They’re a bi-product of existing in a world with light. In the ecosystems, all kinds of beautiful things exist in Shadows: insects, fungi, shade-loving plants. And just like in Nature, there are many beautiful things in our own spiritual shadows.
Maybe Shadow doesn’t need to be connected with “Work.” Maybe Shadow is an opportunity for exploration.
But first, an apology.
I knew Sacred Tears would be important to many people. I underestimated the immediacy of it.
Folx have messaged me asking if I can speed up the delivery times on their book orders. They may have chosen expedited shipping, but their grief is so strong that they want the resource sooner. Months ago, someone even offered to pay me to look at the unedited manuscript. They needed a Witch-centered grief resource so badly that they were willing to pay to read through typos.
I remember those days. I remember being in such grief that I would have given a great deal for even the promise of reducing its pain.
Sadly, I am not in charge of order fulfillment. I cannot make your copies of Sacred Tears arrive any faster.
But if you’re struggling while waiting for the book, here are some resources you can access, now:
- Purchase the replay of my conversation with Mat Auryn about Magick and Grief. It’s available to download immediately.
- Read through my earlier posts. I posted number of advance excerpts for you to explore!
- Try a free trial of Audible, and get the audiobook for free starting tomorrow (June 25).
If money is a hardship, be sure to request it at your local library.
And thank you. <3
At the last live gathering of The Cauldron Calling (my virtual platform for the Magickally-Minded), we explored what exists in our own Shadow and how healing, embracing, and/or understanding those elements can help us reach our personal goals.
But like everything in Magick, defining intention is key.
And as we define intention, it’s help to explore these questions:
What does “Shadow” mean to you?
“The Shadow” is subjective. What does it mean to you? For some, it might mean healing an old injury. For others, it might mean addressing a fear, mending a division, or a new thought process. Before beginning your Shadow work, define what it means to you.
What does an achievement through exploring Shadow look like to you?
Maybe it’s finally submitting your novel to potential agents. Maybe it’s drawing a long-needed boundary. Perhaps it’s making peace with a personal or physical limitation (e.g., “it’s possible I’ll never be able to benchpress 250lbs…but I’m okay with lifting these 5 pound free-weights!!!”).
Imagine your life by Winter Solstice. What might it look like?
Dream big, but be reasonable. Maybe your dream is to hike across Europe. Unfortunately, you have too much debt to book a plane ticket and you get tired after walking only three blocks! But maybe by Winter Solstice you’ve cut your debt in half and have increased your endurance to walk six blocks without getting winded. It’s a start!
How would exploring your Shadow help make that a reality?
Let’s keep with the European hiking trip for now. No matter how much you want to do that trip someday, you struggle with your spending habits and making enough time for supportive movement. Shadow work might include exploring why you spend what you spend, and explore resistance to changing a budget. Shadow work might also mean looking at how your time is being used: what do you prioritize over your supportive movement?
Exploring the Shadow is NOT criticizing yourself for any of these things, but exploring them.
Maybe you’ll make them your ally. Or heal them. Or release them. Maybe it’s even bringing them to the surface and letting them lead for a while.
If you’re interested in doing more of this kind of work in a live, supportive setting, join The Cauldron Calling at any paid level to learn Magickal methods that will blow your mind. Higher tiers even get monthly personal Tarot readings!
