Hello again! I'm back with a quick post. Life: Still busy AF (especially in the mornings), and it appears it's going to be this way until the end of the year. So sparse postings will most likely be the forecast for the next while.

I've been thinking a lot about shadow work these past few weeks. As anyone who follows my Tarot musings knows, I'm all about Tarot as a tool for self-improvement and self-awareness, and shadow work is a big part of that. I always find it amusing that the unwashed masses who think of Tarot as the work of the Devil, always jump to conclusions when they hear the word "shadow work," like it's some form of black magic or witchcraft. (Granted, sometimes it IS fun to rile them up... but I digress.)

Shadow work is based on psychology (not supernatural demon play), particularly the notion of Carl Jung's idea of the "shadow self" which refers to the hidden, unconscious parts of our personality and is made up of our fears, insecurities, traumas, and those fun little repressed emotions. I feel like the shadow self also includes those negative aspects of our personalities that stem from how those unconscious traits manifest, things like anger, pessimism, guilt, and jealousy (to name a few).

I have always been drawn to the concept that we are not "complete" beings. Our purpose on earth (besides finding happiness) is to find that completion through acceptance of not only our masculine and feminine aspects but our light and dark sides as well. It reminds me of Hedwig and the Angry Inch's "Origin of Love" and the journey to put ourselves back together.

Looking at this concept of accepting our light and dark sides is what shadow work is all about. It's not about dividing and rooting out - we're not cosplaying Jekyll & Hyde here. Shadow work is about recognizing the dark aspects of ourselves, admitting their existence, identifying their triggers, and understanding that they are a part of our human condition and a part of who we are at a fundamental level. Once you get that, you can begin working on allowing those "darker" traits to be expressed healthier manner. The key part of this, however, is recognizing and understanding.

Tarot is just one tool to help with this and can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy to help bring about recognition to start the journey of acceptance. Journaling is another helpful tool - but if you take a step back and look at what Tarot and journaling have in common, you'll realize it's actually just spending time with yourself in a mindful state. I used to journal (daily); I have books of them. I tried to look at them a while ago and had to stop. I felt embarrassed, but honestly, that's because what I wrote about was raw (juvenile) feelings where I was trying to work out stuff without any guidance. But I can guarantee you that I am a better person today because I did that then.

As part of my daily practice of mindfulness (whether that be journaling or just taking some time in the shower), I like to start by making a list of gratitude: 10 things for which I'm grateful. Since I do this daily, sometimes it can be difficult not to repeat; but sometimes things are significant enough that they bear repeating. Starting my day with this allows me to focus myself and shift my energy to bring my "better self" to the forefront. It also puts me in a better place to look at some of those darker aspects.

I encourage you to give this a try - whether written or in thought. Take 5 minutes and come up with a list of 10 things for which you are grateful. Share them or keep them private. If you want to up your karma, share your gratitude with someone who is important to you Golden-Girls-style with a "thank you for being a friend!" and send them a slice of cheesecake. As a daily practice, it can be a great start to the day, but can also be a great way to help wind the day down before bed.

Afterall, what we do in the shadows doesn't have to be dark. It can be quiet, calm, and purposeful. Private and personal, yes; but also full of expansion and progress.

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