Shadow Work for Beginners

Shadow work, spooky sounding, isn’t it? But what is shadow work really? On the surface, as we go about the world, we try to get along, to be “good” and acceptable. It doesn’t always mesh with who we are inwardly though, does it?

One way to help you understand shadow work, equate it with your moon-sign vs your sun-sign astrologically speaking. Your sun-sign is what you wear outwardly while your moon sign is who you are inwardly. I can tell you as an Aries, I embody both the creative and destructive aspects of fire. All the more important to “know thyself”.

We all have anger, anxiety, fear, loneliness, angst, appetites and passions. This is in addition to joy, hope, love, peace etc.

We can easily slip into the habit of dismissing, disregarding, ignoring or even denying those parts of us exist. This can cause all kinds of issues for us.

Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok and connect with more like-minded people.

What is Shadow Work For?

When you ask, “what is shadow work?”, it is facing, overcoming and learning from these other bits of our psyche, emotional and spiritual being. When we overcome and better yet, learn from it, we are more of a whole being.

Consequently, I also find we are more healing and helpful towards others, not just ourselves. We gain deeper insight, for ourselves with others. We garner wisdom.

I have told a thousand souls or more in my life, you must be your authentic, true self. Because, when you don’t your spirit will not rest comfortably in your body. This manifests as all kinds of unhealthy things; behavioral health issues, nervous disorders, pain and sickness. Shadow work helps us live authentically and powerfully.

This is also part of loving yourself correctly, an absolute necessity for those who are witch especially. Also, for those who are mentors, teachers, healers and anyone wanting a healthy, more joyful life.

We explore the things we’re not so proud of, acknowledging and forgiving ourselves. What a wonderful release of burden that is. Again, part of loving yourself correctly. We bring the subconscious to the conscious and correct what is incorrect. This practice brings forth what we subconsciously disown, are ashamed of and what we are unaware of.

This practice also helps us see where we need stronger, healthier boundaries and to know better our own limits.

What is Your Inner Shadow?

Your inner shadow consists of the hidden aspects of yourself that you unknowingly push aside.

We see this practice and notion all throughout history. We see it in religious works of many cultures. It was, however, renowned psychologist Carl Jung introduced and coined the term “shadow work” and “shadow self”. The concept of the shadow self, a part of his theory on the collective unconscious. He identified eight key Jungian archetypes:

• Self: The core of your personality and conscious awareness.
• Shadow: The deep, emotional side of your psyche.
• Anima: An idealized feminine image that connects you to feminine traits.
• Animus: The reflective and self-aware aspect of your being.
• Persona: The outward mask you present while safeguarding your true self.
• Hero: The inner strength that triumphs over adversity.
• Wise Old Man: A representation of wisdom and guidance within you.
• Trickster: The playful and impulsive side that seeks gratification.

Do any of these seem familiar? You are likely to have more than one of these aspects. These patterns also appear in The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. Jung described the shadow archetype as the darker, more emotional part of the psyche. He also viewed it as inferior or even immoral, though this isn’t always the case. It’s simply natural.

How to Do Shadow Work: What Can I Expect

Let’s start with what you can expect, then we’ll get on to how to perform shadow work.

Realizations, sometimes very uncomfortable ones happen, and revisiting trauma. In shadow work we face these things, these fears. We dredge up our resentments, our pain, our sorrows and traumas. But this is necessary for the healing process, and for great personal evolution. Shadow work also helps us develop our own code of ethics.

We often discover hidden parts and aspects of ourselves we did not realize before. And not just pain, we discover our anger and the driving forces behind it. We realize the depth of our own loneliness despite having people in our lives. As self-discovery practice, shadow work shows on a purer level why we are depressed.

I often notice in my own shadow work how I have not been loving toward myself, someone else, or suffering a lack of love in a relationship of some kind.

This practice can also scare you for the simple fact when you get honest with yourself, you see what you are capable of. Not that you want to act on impulses born of pain, anger or fear. But don’t deny those aspects – learn from them.

In many cases, shadow work helps release a lot of pain. Yes, you get to feel it, but this is to process it and heal from it. Tears are cleansing and it feels so good to get it up and out.

We also discover power. Yes, power. Performing the shadow work empowers us to better and more effective ways forward in life. It also sharpens up your magic. Before seeking magical justice, I like to do shadow work and square things, so I am at peace with what I’m going to do.

Shadow Work Techniques

The first thing I recommend is having a shadow work journal. Many people come to our shop for a leather-bound journal or hard-bound journal specifically for that purpose.

You want to record your findings for reflection. What did you discover? What did you learn? How can it be different or what steps to take now? Over time, it’s gratifying to see change and personal spiritual evolution.

Also, meditate. Yes, meditate and don’t think that you can’t, of course you can. There’s passive and active meditation. Carve out about 10 minutes a couple of times, maybe three times a week and that is all that is necessary. I have a starting point for you, an alpha state meditation. This brings you to an alpha state of brainwave. We retain more, see more etc. Once you go through the basic part, you are then free to meditate on whatever you wish and more effectively. Have your journal handy for recording.

I also recommend getting a professional tarot reading, this helps uncover a lot of forces in play. I realize a lot of people don’t like to read for themselves, if only because it’s difficult to be objective. If you book an online live video tarot reading with us, you get the same professionals you would get with a reading from in our metaphysical shop. And we’re not expensive at all.

There are many approaches to shadow work. Some people prefer journaling or meditating on their shadows, while others engage in active exercises or visualizations. If past trauma is involved, seeking professional guidance may be necessary.

Shadow Work for Beginners

Before meditating, choose one of the following to focus on and be ready to journal.

1. List Your Fears – Write down things that scare you, whether it’s public speaking, spiders, or being alone in the dark. Choose one fear and visualize facing it. For example, if public speaking makes you anxious, imagine yourself confidently delivering a speech to a large audience. Tip: Consider incorporating a magical practice to banish or repel your fear. This can be done entirely through visualization.
2. Explore Your Desires – Reflect on what you secretly want but hesitate to admit. What do you long for that causes unnecessary guilt or shame? Writing or drawing these desires can help you acknowledge and integrate them in a healthy way. Tip: Follow this with a gratitude ritual—thank your fear for trying to protect you, then release it as it is no longer needed.
3. Face What You’ve Been Avoiding – Identify an issue you’ve been putting off because it feels too difficult or painful. Shadow work involves confronting fears directly, so create a plan to tackle that issue. Tip: Turn task planning into a ritual by setting aside time, lighting a candle or incense, and then writing everything down.
4. Challenge Limiting Beliefs – Write down any thoughts or patterns that hold you back. For instance, do you feel unworthy of knowledge or financial stability? Once you’ve identified negative beliefs, replace them with positive affirmations. Tip: Transform your fear into a mantra. Shift “I’m afraid I’ll never have enough money” into “I am capable of supporting myself financially.”

Conclusion

Remember that words have power, try affirmations. When we do the shadow work it changes us and works beautifully with the Law of Attraction.

Shadow work isn’t about eliminating darkness; it’s about harmonizing light and shadow. The more you embrace your shadows; the less control they will have over you. With time, you’ll navigate both life and your witchcraft practice with greater ease and confidence.

Witchcraft – A Metaphysical Blog