What is your Shadow Side

What is your Shadow Side

Carl Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist who studied anthropology, psychology, literature and religion.  He was noticed by Freud for his work with the subconscious.  He also coined the terms extraversion and introversion as part of the four facets of the human personality.


What is the “Shadow Side”?


For our purposes here, we will look at the Shadow archetype.  The shadow archetype is everything that we are unwilling to acknowledge in ourselves.  It is what we don’t want to admit to ourselves or show to others.  Beyond letting your hair down, this is what is found in our deepest corners of our mind.  These facets can actually anger us when we see it in others.  Why?  Because it’s just too close to home.  The shadow, the “unknown dark side of personality” is instinctual and irrational.  This makes the shadow somewhat dangerous because we may act without thinking and find ourselves in situations that need to be cleaned up.  This is where shadow work needs to begin.  


Acknowledging your shadow side is the first step to self-analysis and self healing.  It is what you may not realize that you need to heal from, what you may not have any clue about BUT could be holding you back. 


You may meet your shadow side in dreams or visions.  Through your actions that have been called out by others that you can’t give a good explanation for what has occurred.  You may find yourself calling out traits in others when in fact that trait is your own.  This is called projection or “the pot calling the kettle black.” 


How can you find out what your Shadow Side is?


One way is through psycho-therapy.  A trained psycho -therapist can help your to identify those things that you do that are uncharacteristic.  What things stand out as a problem in your life.  They can help you to determine what parts need to be addressed and worked on.


Another way is through journaling your triggers.  Journaling is a very important part of self-analysis.  Through this method of self therapy you can record and reflect on events and your emotions in your life.  This can be a time consuming process, especially if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for.  


You can book a Shadow Side reading from me.  In this reading we will take a look at what comes through as dark parts of your personality.  To the point and direct.  I would strongly suggest that you take notes of the reading and then add them to your journal.  Take note of when you are triggered.  When that shadow side comes to the surface.  Only when you acknowledge your shadow side can you address it and more forward.


Blessings

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