05-23-2013, 01:33 PM
I'm late to this thread so forgive me if I repeat anything.
I think it's important to have a clear understanding of what the true shadow self is. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with dark power or negatively-oriented activity. The shadow is the un-illuminated part of the self- all parts that are denied, unacknowledged or hidden away out of fear or shame.
For some time I pictured my shadow as this powerful dark wizard- a potentiated negative self. I then eventually realized this was just a fantasy used to cover less impressive parts of myself.
My actual shadow self is insecure, clingy, attention-seeking, self-loathing and somewhat lazy. Before I was capable of accepting these qualities in myself I simply sought to cover them up or cut them out, distancing a part of myself instead of accepting it in unconditional love.
When you can truly accept yourself fully, acceptance of "outside" stimuli becomes much easier. Then you can undertake more complex shadow work, such as learning to view negative power without losing your own vibration of love. Complete self honesty and self acceptance are the foundation of all shadow work, and I would recommend starting there. Look in the mirror and be honest about what you see in yourself, and make peace with who you are, as you are, in this moment. This is, in my opinion, far, FAR more difficult than anything to do with rituals or dark esoteric literature, and far more productive as well.
I think it's important to have a clear understanding of what the true shadow self is. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with dark power or negatively-oriented activity. The shadow is the un-illuminated part of the self- all parts that are denied, unacknowledged or hidden away out of fear or shame.
For some time I pictured my shadow as this powerful dark wizard- a potentiated negative self. I then eventually realized this was just a fantasy used to cover less impressive parts of myself.
My actual shadow self is insecure, clingy, attention-seeking, self-loathing and somewhat lazy. Before I was capable of accepting these qualities in myself I simply sought to cover them up or cut them out, distancing a part of myself instead of accepting it in unconditional love.
When you can truly accept yourself fully, acceptance of "outside" stimuli becomes much easier. Then you can undertake more complex shadow work, such as learning to view negative power without losing your own vibration of love. Complete self honesty and self acceptance are the foundation of all shadow work, and I would recommend starting there. Look in the mirror and be honest about what you see in yourself, and make peace with who you are, as you are, in this moment. This is, in my opinion, far, FAR more difficult than anything to do with rituals or dark esoteric literature, and far more productive as well.
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