The Shadow Check-in Spread

You know… February is truly my least favorite month of the year. Now I know I know… We have the lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day and GroundHog’s Day (I still haven’t forgiven Phil for bringing the cold down here to Florida… okay I know that’s not the case but still I need someone to blame!) and we have of course Black History Month. But when it comes to weather and the antsiness for Spring to come… February just feels like an extended Tuesday (for context… Tuesdays are my least favorite day of the week… Like Monday we expect to feel like Monday, Wednesday is the halfpoint, Thursday is Friday Eve, and Friday is well Friday; but Tuesday just kinda sits awkwardly for me.) February also tends to be a dreary month for me despite all the incredible things that are celebrated during this time. With the anticipation of the end of winter and new blooming into spring, it lends itself very well for introspection and doing some Shadow Work.

Shadow Work has been a bit of a buzz term floating about for the past several years and while I’m happy it’s getting attention, I’m afraid sometimes the meaning of doing “Shadow Work” can get diluted or stay on the surface. The term was coined Carl Jung and described the parts of our unconscious that are hidden or repressed because it’s deemed to be unnacceptable, bad or wrong by our social conditioning or upbringing. But the interesting part about the Shadow is how it still manages to manifest itself through other ways, like projection on to others. When I was going through my own growth and facilitation training, we often had other terms we used like rackets or nerds. Through feedback from others on how we show up to them, we are able to confront that part of us, and then make the empowered choice to do something different, especially if it meant stepping outside of the comfort zone (where the growth and good stuff all occur). The reality of it is… that while I’m now on the other side, it was a very uncomfortable process to go through. Being told constantly of how my own Shadow was showing up and holding me back could be well… exhausting. And when you thought you couldn’t do anymore… more feedback came avalanching your way from Trainers, Captains, Coaches, and fellow Team Members. But… it’s what led me to being the person I am today. Another reality is… Shadow Work isn’t pretty work; it’s gritty. Tears shed, emotions being brought to the surface, past wounds opened to heal, and coming face-to-face with the most uncomfortable or shameful parts you thought were hidden down inside for years.

My intention isn’t to turn you off from pursuing Shadow Work and self-improvement I promise. Rather I want to give you a realistic idea of what you are getting yourself into as your undertake the work. It may be unglamorous but it’s noble work, and I’ve yet to meet someone who’s not regretted the undertaking. And to aid your journey, I’ve created this handy little Shadow Check-In Spread… Shadow Check-In SpreadAs you can see in the graphic, this pread is pretty straight forward. Three cards in a simple pattern. But as with doing this work, the stretch into the uncomfortable will require putting the Ego aside and allow yourself to look bad or unpretty or messy or otherwise not put together. This can be done solo or with another card reading partner. Here’s a quick breakdown of the spread: What is the Shadow protecting? This card is asking you to look at what part of you is the Shadow trying to keep from coming into the light. Another way to look at it: what is that deeply shameful part of you that’s buried and is afraid to come out? What does the Shadow need right now? In order for your Shadow to feel safe, it needs something in this moment. Here is a little balm right now for your Shadow. How can I offer that need safely today? As you are diving into the Shadow, give yourself some grace and allow it to be messy. This card of after care will be a vital step to ensuring you become fully aware of the experience.

Please use this spread responsibly and as you are working on yourself it is vital that you rest when it is needed. If it becomes too much to handle then please enlist the help of a professional. The idea of Shadow Work is to let the unconscious become conscious so you are aware of how it drives you; it is not meant to “fix” you. The Shadow is a part of you, which makes you a beautiful and magickal human being.

I’m going to leave it here for now. Stay Magickal you beautiful being. - Stella B.