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source: cottagecore magazine

Rugs by Alexandra Kehayoglou

soon it will be autumn, and i'll have a cup of warm tea, an old, unread book with crinkled pages, and the leaves would be a beautiful shade. everything would be alright again.

Carol Duvall

Shadow Work

Origins, Meaning and Utility

The Structure of the Mind

Carl Jung theorized the existence of three levels/spheres in the human psyche: the Ego, representing the conscious mind, the Personal Unconscious where memories are contained and the Collective Unconscious, where all knowledge and experiences of the species are shared.

Each Sphere has in it a certain number of Archetypes, used to better describe the components of those structures, and the Shadow is one of them.

What is the Shadow

The shadow can be seen as a instinctual or primitive part of ourselves, it exists as part of the unconscious mind and is composed of repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings.

It is this archetype that contains all of the things that are unacceptable not only to society, but also to one's own personal morals and values, normally going against social norms and rules as well as what we personally consider right.

The Shadow is often described as the darker side of the psyche, representing wildness, chaos, and the unknown, and it is common for people to deny this element of their own psyche and instead project it on to others.

The Shadow in Witchcraft and Benefits of Shadow Work

Art: Unknown

The Shadow, in witchcraft, can represent The Unknown, hidden depth of ourselves. Speaking in terms of energy, this is an area that can be a deep source of energetic issues, because it’s locked up in the dark and always striving to reach the light.

To not work with one’s Shadow is to make it greedy and aggressive, as well as denying a big part of oneself, making everything a half of a whole.

Through that brief explanation, we can already establish the importance and role of the Shadow in witchcraft, and with that in mind, comes the concept of Shadow Work.

Shadow Work can be seen in a number of practices, meditation, trances, inner journey’s, lucid dreaming, astral travels, spells and divination.

The method can change, but the principle is simple: Centering your intent to self discovery, self knowledge and self acceptance.

Working with one’s Shadow is not only beneficial to one’s craft, as it allows one to get in touch with their intuition as well as allows for easier connection with one’s guide/guides, but it also allows for healing and acceptance of one’s feelings and needs.

Think of all aspects of life as a wheel. If there is one part bent, the wheel can turn, but with more effort. If the owner spends time fixing that bent part, the wheel will turn in a much more smooth manner.

That is what happens when you take the time to do Shadow Work, you have to put in effort, and most of the time it’s not easy, but once done, all other components on the wheel of your life will be relieved to move on without that obstacle that makes their job harder.

The Shadow is not evil, as evil is just a moral compass invented by humans. It is a part of one’s nature, and to deny it is to supress a connection with yourself.

Take the time to know and accept your shadow, and you’ll see that life will be a little easier.

References:

A Natureza da psique (Structure & Dynamics of the Psyche) by C.G. Jung

The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious by C.G. Jung

Death Witchcraft Masterpost

-Beginner Death Witchcraft

-Unusual Death Witchcraft

-Spring Death Witchcraft

-Lost Cost Death Witchcraft

-Safe Crossings for Someone Who’s Passed (pet-friendly as well)

-Massaging the Bones (attuning tools and bones to your space)

-Web of Protection (symbiotic/deathwork based ward)

-A semi-theistic Prayer for Passing/Grief

-My Humorous Retelling of “Koschei the Deathless”

Graveyards:

-Ways to Bond with a Graveyard

-Graveyard Dirt Uses

-Graveyard Alternatives

-Graveyard Dirt Alternatives

-Subtle Graveyard Offerings

-Bereavement Traditions

Spirit Work/Ghosts:

-Spirit Work 101

-Autumn Spirit Work

-Communication with Ghosts

-Non-verbal Spirit Communication

-Using a Spirit/Ouija Board

-Spirit Work Techniques: Keys

-Spirit Work Techniques: Energy Directives

-Spirit Banishing Tip

Recipes/Spells:

-Spirited Jack O’Lantern

-Safe Crossings Jar

-Baked Apple Offerings

-Pumpkin Seed Offerings -Underworld Powder Series- Styx

-Underworld Powder Series- Lethe

-Underworld Powder Series- Cocytus

-Underworld Powder Series- Phlegethon

-Underworld Powder Series- Acheron

-Contacting a Loved One

-Death Witch Tip

-Death Witch Tip 2

Meaning of the witches' runes pt.1

Sun ruled by the element of fire

when used on a spell: for positivity, new beginnings, optimism, to call upon sun gods

when seen on a reading: going on the right direction, good health (other runes closest to the sun shows how you see yourself and how you appear to others)

represents: ego, self image, self esteem, growth, happiness

keywords: beginnings, good news, health, joy, ego, warmth, nourishment, self esteem, public image

Moon ruled by the element of water

when used on a spell: intuition, subconscious mind, to enhance the power of the spell, to call upon moon goddesses, spirituality

when seen on a reading: it's important to listen to your inner voice and follow your intuition

represents: clairvoyance, psychic abilities, mysticism

keywords: lunar, illusion, subconscious, intuition, introspection

Flight ruled by the element of air

when used on a spell: for communication, networking, information, word-to-mouth, social media

when seen on a reading: look at the surrounding runes to learn about the change that is going to happen, it could also mean that you might need to flee the situation, you might be moving houses or places

represents: movement, travels, quick changes, high knowledge

keywords: movement, travel, info, news, media, freedom

Rings ruled by the element of spirit

when used on a spell: to connect, for binding

when seen on a reading: it reminds us is everything in the world is connected; the dance of the seasons; the never-ending cycle of birth, death and rebirth; alliances and connections between people

represents: binding, cycle of life, alliances, connections

keywords: collectivity, sharing, teamwork, partnership, Alchemy, life cycle, the universe

Trinity or Romance or Flower ruled by the element of fire

when used on a spell: to heal broken hearts and relationships

when seen on a reading: you have a healthy lasting relationship or you will have one soon, but beware that something is off, be aware of abuse and codependency, set boundaries and protect yourself

represents: emotions, relationships, harmony, love of all kinds, balance

keywords: love, relationships, sexuality, emotions, harmony, friendship, balance, boundaries, protection

Woman ruled by the element of earth

when used on a spell: to call upon the goddesses, being instead of doing

when seen on a reading: passive state that allows us to heal and grow

represents: feminine polaritpolarity of the world

keywords: healing, creativity, hearth, fertility, compassion, channeling

Man ruled by the element of fire

when used on a spell: to call upon gods, to take action

when seen on a reading: it is time to take action, stand up for yourself and protect what matters to you the most

represents: fatherhood, courage, willpower, strength

keywords: courage, warrior, self-reliance, protection, willpower, leadership

Harvest ruled by the element of earth

when used on a spell: to reap the fruits of your labor, prosperity, good luck

when seen on a reading: you'll finally receive what you seek, you might need to sacrifice something to achieve what you want

represents: abundance, end of a cycle, getting rid of the old, the entire learning process

keywords: rewards, end of a cycle, success, abundance, sacrifices, manifesting, fulfillment, achievement, gratitude

Crossroads ruled by the element of air

when used on a spell: for big change, transition

when seen on a reading: you're about to make a big decision, there are many ways to reach the same destination and the shortest path isn't always the best option, don't be afraid to move forward, trust your heart and you will make the right choice

represents: free will, big change

keywords: gateways, choices, transitions, faith, wheel of fortune, free will

Star (the wishing rune) ruled by the element of air

when used on a spell: for confirmation, grain light

when seen on a reading: to learn more about your life purpose check its closest runes, if you're going through a hard time stay strong and you'll reach the end of the tunnel

represents: hope, joy, fulfillment of your greatest wishes, luck, fortune

keywords: life purpose, fulfillment, aspirations, hopes, joy, wishes granted, a place of rest and blessings

moon magic

different moon phases and how magick correlates to them

full moon: love magic, healing, banishing, cleansing

waning gibbous: undoing binding, cleansing, anti-hex

last quarter: breaking bad habits, relinquishing, banishing 

waning crescent: balance, illness, gaining wisdom

dark moon: curses, banishing, divination

waxing crescent: constructive magic, attraction, wealth/success, luck

first quarter: calming, divination, creativity

waxing gibbous: good health, attraction, motivation