Shadow work- an introduction

There comes a point in every soul's spiritual development when we must face the less pleasant parts of our soul.  Shadow work is a good description of this process.  Shadows are merely places where light i not seen due to being blocked. Once we understand this, we can rearrange or remove the block so that we can see the light again.

Each of us has a very different experience with the dark places inside.  Some people ignore them, others embrace them, and most of us fall somewhere between.  Even once we acknowledge these places, we all react differently. There is nothing wrong with that, it's simply part of being individuals.

Examining our shadows takes several things: courage, a willingness to understand, compassion towards ourselves, and honesty. These are not always the easiest things to summon up, so i would recommend holding off on shadow work when you are in crisis, ill or in need of serious spiritual and/or psychological help.  When you undertake this part of your Otherworld journeys, I recommend you write down your experiences, reactions and any illuminations your receive. They have a way of making repeat performances when we least expect.

Shadow work is not comfortable.  It's not meant to be; it is about honoring all that is within us, accepting past actions and experiences and incorporating the lessons learned from darker experiences into ourselves to be whole.  By accepting those parts of ourselves that cause shame, despair and pain, we can let go of their influence and heal.

Happy Spring Equinox!

~Magickal Graphics~

The burnt forest

High in the mountians is a place of disaster and recovery. It is the burnt forest. Not long ago, a fire raged through a once vibrant pine forest. The animals fled and the trees burned. The blackened skeletons of the trees stand sadly on scorched earth.

At first glance, the only colors of this landscape are black and brown, but look again, carefully, and you will find the cycle of life is beginning again. Tiny trees have sprouted among the dead elders. They are pushing through the soil that is now enriched with all the
nutrients from the remains of their fore bearers.

Reach down and scoop a handful of this black earth.  It stains your hands with carbon, but it is heavy, full of organic material.  Here is a place where magnificent beginnings are possible, all it will take is time.  All things are possible, given enough time and fertile ground.