What Shadow Work Means to Me

[@gayavicedubuisson7413]

Well done on a good explanation. I studied Jung Psychology with a private tutor for 19 years. So yes the Shadow has a specific meaning. Being young and involved in the New Age community in the 60s, we were confronted with facing our fears (also Shadow Work by breaking away from conventional behaviour). Then came the time of facing disappointment when those we had revered as religious and spiritual teachers fell off the pedestals we had placed them on - more Shadow Work. I have done a lot of research on Archetypes more recently so in that way that is also Shadow Work. Now today we are facing our finest Shadow Work. During world-wide Lock Down we have again confronted out fears and undesirable habits and perhaps changed or improved ourselves, recognising recurring patterns. This is where Tarot, Oracles and all the divinatory arts have supported us. The good news is that after dealing with all that Shadow Work, or whatever name one gives it, now we are finding our strengths, our talents, our ability to support and heal, not to mention waking up to realise that even a small effort on our part, helps everyone else. Thank you and blessings to all who are making a difference.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much for sharing! I agree, we are certainly being confronted with big undesirable aspects of humanity right now. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Merlins.Daughter]

Deep personal wisdom conveyed through your beautiful enlightened personality. It is always a joy to listen to you. Thank you.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Aw thank you so much, I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@MeadowlarkMystic]

Appreciate how you discussed the contextual impact of words like shadow work and God. I believe language is fluid and that is why it is important to be clear about what we are talking about when we speak to others. But we can endeavor to be respectful when we try and do this. I always find you very respectful of others. This was interesting because I forgot to mention in my video I also don't set out to do shadow work! It kind of just happens organically. Or sometimes sneaks up on me! Great points here.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I totally agree, language is really important, my kid has certainly taught me that! 🙂 I think the variety of our practices is part of what makes our community so wonderful. I feel like shadow issues sneak up on me in my readings some times! They illuminate the work that I need to do, which is awesome. Every time I lay cards, I learn something about myself. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@DeeVination]

This is quite the hot topic. For me shadow work is mirror work. Like you said we see it. What we choose to do about it is the work part.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I could totally see that! I think I've heard some other people describe it in a similar manner. I think that's an excellent way to look at it too. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@muriellambert2750]

Great topic & great video ! I do Shadow Work with dedicated time & decks ... It's for me a psychological exploration of my past/present traumas, and a healing process using writing, drawing, playing with dark & bright colors ... It's my personal journey ... Not the usual definition of Shadow Work ;-)) Just to share ...

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much for sharing! I think it helps us all to broaden our understanding by learning from each other. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@skylaindigoink2013]

Indeed! For me, the quality-of-Shadow truly comes in all sorts of varying 'brands/styles/cultures' all with their own multi-purposes. Just as complex as the individual (hue)(wo)man.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Beautifully stated!! That's exactly what I was trying to articulate, it's as varied as we are. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@journeywjules]

Spot on!!!! I truly resonated with your views on Shadow Work. Also, I don't believe it should be forced... I believe it is revealed when we are ready for it to be revealed.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think that's how I approach it too, it comes up when it needs to for me. I am so glad you enjoyed the video. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@TaleRavenTarot]

Wonderful video! I completely agree. I don't know whether or not you saw my video on this topic, but I also talked a lot about the fluidity and context of language. Such great points about the personal nature of this and tarot in general. I love what you say about how any reading has the potential to be a shadow work reading. Thanks for this video.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I haven't had a chance to watch yet, but it's on my list! Lisa recommend it to me so I'm excited to check it out. I wanted to jump in with my thoughts while they were fresh in my brain. 🙂 I really love that we can have these conversations and share our unique thoughts! Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@CandySoulAndSoil]

I really really appreciate this kind and clear response to this discussion. Thank you so much. I couldn’t agree more with what you say. 🖤🖤

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it. It was a bit of a personal one, but I think it's a really interesting and important discussion. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@AnnieDusk]

As a language teacher, I totally agree with your reflections about words. Context is powerful! Btw I love that you had a mug in your hand in this video. It totally felt like I was at the other end of your table lol

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Hehe I was intending to drink my coffee but it got cold as I rambled. I thought we'd just sit down and have a chat. 🙂 I am so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Rosenliebe]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this topic, Dawn Michelle. You made some great points! If we look at our „real“ shadow, the one that light casts, we all have different ones - even if we stand at the exact same place, in the exact same angle, they will always look as individual as we are. For me the same goes for „shadow work“ and a lot of other topics (probably life itself) too. And I think it’s beautiful that we all are different and see things differently. Nonetheless we can share common ground. And even if we disagree, we can try to accept and respect each others differences. At least that is my preferred way of living. x

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Oh I'm so glad my weird literal shadow comparison made some sense. Sometimes things make perfect sense in my head but when they come out of my mouth, not so much lol. I agree, I think that same thought can be applied to many aspects, as well as life itself! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@AmethystAscension]

I completely agree with your thoughts on this. Thank you for sharing sweet lady.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it. It was something that I just really felt called to chat about. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@srahsunshine6708]

You gave me a great idea 💡 I'm going try a new shadow/aura spread

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That's so cool, I'm so glad you found the video helpful! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@srahsunshine6708]

I'm still a beginner with shadow work so this is all new to me

[@straycat4427]

Absolutely.....as most things in tarot, "shadow work" ( which I call self work because I understand the term "shadow work" differently) is subjective. Everyone is a different place in their journey and their self work will be very individual. There is no playbook on how to go about self work. Self work is in every aspect of my life at every minute. Tarot is simply a tool that MAY reveal an area of my life that needs attention, but the answers can come from anywhere and anything. The Universe speaks to me through whatever source it needs to. Honestly I didn't know "shadow work" was a big issue in the tarot community. I always enjoy your thoughts and insights, and appreciate your attention to fairness and openness to all ideas and opinions. Thank you! Have a great Saturday!

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I love the term "self work" that is fantastic. That is how I think of the work that I do too. I think the topic of shadow work comes up around this time every year, something about coming into the darker months must bring it to the forefront of our minds. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@colinreid325]

Yes, I see what you mean, my bogey word has been the term God, but yet I am happy with higher power, divine or what I heard the late Russell Means use the Great Mystery or maybe the Taoist the Way.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Same for me, I usually use the term Divine or Source myself. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@thetarotdreamwalker8117]

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and what shadow work means to you. I've come to see that some believe shadow work must involve creepy images in order to be true shadow work. What I've observed in my own practice, it that an archetype, an animal for instance, can give me a visceral reaction while not being creepy at all. This is comforting to those who might be thinking that if they don't have monsters or disturbing images on their decks they are not doing shadow work. Even an angelic archetype can be a means for shadow work. If a particular angel is drawn to work with you, it could mean that you have a weakness in that area, and that alone draws your attention to it. To me, it's about the quality of your practice, not so much how you practice. For example, how willing are you to set aside your ego for personal growth? How much time have you spent building a trust relationship with your higher self as Dawn Michelle mentioned? Again, this is much appreciated as well as an important topic for consideration no matter where you are on your path.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I agree, I think there are people out there who probably shy away from it because as a society, we often associate things of "shadow" or darkness with all the bad stuff (that's a whole other topic for another video!) It''s so helpful to be able to share and learn from each and expand our understanding. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@tarotfortheheathens9556]

Great discussion topic! It's simply a matter of what works for each individual and how deep one is willing to go. Spreads aimed at underlying guilt, shame, anger, fear, self-loathing, desire, doubt, etc. can shed light on the roots of these 'negative' core emotions that might otherwise inform our behavior if we don't find a way to understand them. But, the messages are still just fodder for questioning ourselves. It's in the building of awareness in the moment within our day to day lives that the actual work of transforming them is done. Tarot is an amazing tool that is so versatile and can be honed specifically for each individual which is a drawback to most organized religions which offers a one size fits all approach to spiritual awakening. It is in the honoring of our internal compass that draws us to tarot and in the enrichment of our lives for having it. 🥰❤️ Thank you for getting my mental gears turning today! I think I'll go do a reading. 😊

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

You articulated what I was trying to say so beautifully!! The cards bring the shadow to light, but the work for me lies in the day to day not necessarily in the cards. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@DerekJohnThomas]

That was very well done. I agree with your perspective and your practice is the same as mine. I don't choose decks or times to do specific kinds of work. I do the work when it's ready to show itself with the decks I'm using at the times I'm using them. I also think your explanation of shadow is in alignment with the traditional idea of shadow described by Carl Jung. In Jungian terms there are also deeper levels of shadow that we resist looking at so strongly that we cannot see them, but there are also more visible aspects. It depends on the level of each person's integration.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much! It's a topic I really wanted to chat about but did worry if what's in my head is coming out correctly. 🙂 I need to research it more, my knowledge of Jung's work is limited to just how I've heard other people explain it. I need to explore that more for myself. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@DerekJohnThomas]

@@DawnMichelleTarot Thank you for sharing.

[@CandySoulAndSoil]

“We can’t define practices for each other” this! 🙌

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think that applies to so many things! 🙂

[@ThePracticalIntuitive]

To me, shadow work is healing things that are negative aspects (negative energies) of yourself. For example, the moment I meet someone, I can instantly sense their shadow: bad intentions, negative thought patterns, if they are trying to hid the truth, pessimism, lies, etc. When I see my own shadows, (like when someone give me a compliment and I don't accept it cause I feel insecure), I know it's something I need to work on and I find ways to heal those about myself.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I love the idea of looking at it from a healing aspect as well. Do you use cards to explore that more or as a tool in your process? Just curious as I like to hear how other people go about their work. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@ThePracticalIntuitive]

@@DawnMichelleTarot yes. If I'm doing a personal reading with cards and they bring up current situation is a shadow (like the 8 of swords or the devil card), I use Journaling, self care oracle cards or chakra oracle cards to get a list of actions I can take to heal that part of me. 🙂 When I sense another person shadow, I intuitively know what they need, and I offer encouragement and some actions steps to to heal that part of their shadow. 🙂

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

That's so awesome, thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@ThePracticalIntuitive]

@@DawnMichelleTarot thanks for engaging with me. Have a great day.

[@CommonHawthorn]

I've noted that people are having conversations about shadow work, but yours is the first I've watched. I liked the literal shadow example, in part because it reminds me of a parallel when Quakers talk about the Light and how we don't all perceive it the same even if it's the same Light. But also because as an editor, for several years I have been wrestling with the need to deemphasize metaphors of darkness and light. Turning away from a metaphoric label like shadow work, which as you say can be used to mean all sorts of things, and instead toward more explicit descriptions of what we each mean in a specific context, is a really great step away from the light/dark duality. We all have different relationships to language, but I have been convinced by beloved colleagues who are Black that light/dark metaphors can have lasting negative effects on people.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Very interesting about the idea of deemphasizes those terms! I've actually been reading a book lately that speaks to that same idea in terms of spiritual work as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Thatcrazyteaparty]

I’m working on making a few shadow work videos! 😍 The average person does not know what this is I am going to link this video! It’s really interesting to see how everyone practices this. I do have 2 decks I like using for this which is the Nicoletta Ceccoli tarot and the Faerytale oracle. Thanks for sharing 🙌

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am glad you found it helpful! I think the thing is that "shadow" means something different to each of us and how we approach it is as unique as we are. I look forward to watching your videos. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@tarotyourtruth6851]

I agree with all of this. Thank you! ❤️ 🌹

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@annseidl208]

Very interesting topic of discussion. I guess I’m wondering what other folks are discussing this on their channels right now? I think yours is the first I’ve seen. It’s actually a very timely and important reminder (to me) to respect each other and respect each other’s beliefs. Maybe I’m taking the topic a bit out of context, but this is my reaction right now with all the chaos and heartbreak rippling through our lives. Thanks Dawn Michelle.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

There have been a few videos here and there, but I think this topic tends to resurface around this time of year in general. I would totally agree, I think it's something we need to keep in mind in all areas of life. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@TiinkerBells]

Although I do agree people tend to get hung up on semantics, I'm not sure Jungian shadow work is /completely/ different than shadow work in occult practices. They're the same thing, same objective. They may be applied to different aspects and specific practices and one may go about it different ways but at the end of the say working on your shadow, whether it is to benefit your magical craft or mental health is still a Jungian concept at its core. Kind of like how pizzas can come in infinite sizes, shapes and toppings but at the end of the day they're all pizzas. Interestingly, shadow work is fundamentally so personal that it makes sense what it actually entails looks different for everyone. I find the issue of semantics come up more often with things like what's a grimoire vs a book of shadows vs a book of mirrors. Technically any compilation of information pertinent to withcraft is both a grimoire and a book of shadows, the details that difference them can be and often are blurry and dependant on context.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Very good points and I love the pizza comparison, that makes so much sense! I'm not an expert on Jungian psychology so they might have more similarities than I am aware of. I agree that the personal nature of the work itself is probably what makes it so varied. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@M155ABYSS]

Agree.

[@Lisa_Papez]

YASSSS! All. of. this. 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Whew, I'm glad it made some sense! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@MsLaBajo]

I love your channel. Here, I think you really missed the mark, though. I’m a Shadow Worker and I totally disagree with you. Tarot reading is tarot reading. People can try to pass oracle cards or the Lenormand as tarot but we both know that’s not a tarot reading. Likewise, Shadow Work is Shadow Work. The definition doesn’t change, it simply is. The method by which people approach it changes. The idea that its definition changes is a huge problem. People taking poetic license with the concept is precisely why it’s so misunderstood. Shadow Work is a process just like Tarot reading is a process. These are not nebulous definitions that’s sort of up to interpretation. A tarot reading is up to the reader and the interpretation of the cards but the process does not mean completely different things to different people. It can’t. If it did then tarot loses meaning. Weather you do a one card draw or a the Celtic cross spread you are still doing a tarot reading. Language changes yes but this is not language evolution, it’s miscommunication. Language isn’t fluid, sexuality is fluid. We can have definition and must as anyone with a penicillin allergy would vouch that it is not the same a doxycycline. Definitions are important. To compare Shadow Work to the word God is either to misunderstand one of the concepts (God or Shadow Work and I’m leaning towards the latter) or to misrepresent one. I’m very confused as to why? Having definitions is important. Having good ones is even more so. It’s not that difficult to define. It’s much more difficult to execute but unless we give people the definition, they can’t figure out how to go about it and then we are doing them a disservice. Shadow Work is the process by which we integrate the subconscious impulses and patterns which we repress and turn away in order to be feel more whole and know ourselves in a deeper way and in many cases heal. The way we go about that process can be varied, I use crystals, tarot, meditation, journaling, dreaming, ritual and therapy sessions. I love using the Haindl Tarot. It came to me during a time where I was in big spiritual trouble and my shadow was very loud and really needed my attention.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and insights on this topic, it was very interesting! The reason I titled it the video "what it means to me" is because it's just my personal perspective on the topic. I'm not an expert by any means so I love hearing from other people who have a different perspective. Helps me learn and grow. 🙂 Thank you for sharing and watching! ❤️

[@MsLaBajo]

@@DawnMichelleTarot I totally understand. Shadow work is very near and dear to my heart and a major part of my spiritual journey and if my magical journey. As a matter fact my Tarot journey too! I feel very passionate about it but I want you to know that while I disagree I still really admire and respect you and you are a huge inspiration to me. Thank you.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much, I am so glad to hear that. I am no expert on shadow work and I have much to learn! Your insight has given me more to think about and look into! ❤️

[@AstralLadyTarot]

Thanks Dawn, for this level-headed video. I’ve made a video about this topic and I feel we share a lot of the same ideas. Do you have any channel recommendations of people who have also participated in the conversation? Would love to watch those vids x

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much, I think your video is saved in my watch list! Hoping to get to more of them this weekend. That's a good idea, I'll see if I can get together a list and post it in the description. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@AstralLadyTarot]

@@DawnMichelleTarot Thank you!

[@carmenb9020]

Hi, just to see If I understand. Let's say I have an act or addiction I keep in repeating ( like spending). Can I find a way with the cards to discover what the base or problem truly is so I can work on it , understand it then resolve it. Cause I know I keep repeating same things over and over. But I can't seem to come out of the circle. If you or anyone else has a or more suggestions to let me know. Thanks.

[@M155ABYSS]

To me, the thing is the thing. A word is a word.It’s nice to be on the same semantic page but for such personal processes like working within ones own consciousness, I don’t trip on labeling what I’m doing, or if I do it’s just for myself. It’s more important to FEEL these things than mentally comprehend for me. Although when I do say “shadow work”, I’m talking about Jung’s definition. I believe he coined the term, but the concept has been around in pretty much every single archetypal mythology since the beginning of humanity. I do feel that Jung was coming from a VERY esoteric/cosmic place and what many people call shadowwork truly is exactly what Jung was talking about. Jung was really more of a cosmologist/metaphysician/mystic than a psychologist, so to me his work was incredibly holistic and integrated many many spheres.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Very interesting information, thank you so much for sharing! I tend to just go with that I feel too but I would be curious to learn more about Jung's approach as well. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@ARIESWOMAN1959]

Thanks for this Dawn. I've been hearing the term a lot lately and initial felt it was maybe something dark I didn't want to delve into. Then started to think of it like you say as the shadow of myself, meaning something to acknowledge and work on or heal. Always appreciate your insights...keep being you and helping so many like me.

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

Thank you so much, I am so glad you found it helpful! I'm not expert, just sharing how I've come to understand the term and the work for myself. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@ESOTERISMOYREALIDADES53]

brillant.. I FEEL THE SAME..THANK YOU..we see the drk side..in a reading,,

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@bethjones3412]

I'm new to your show. Aot of what you say resonates with me, but I don't quite know myself fully, just instinctively. What do you mean shadow work? Do you mean card reading?

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I think the term is pretty subjective and I'm certainly no expert, but my only real experience with is with the cards. I see it as unrealized or unaware parts of myself, but many people have many different interpretations. I'm not sure if that helps any or not. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@eternalcords6366]

I Do agree..i respect everyones view point but i Do not do or even know fully about shadow work.n i am totally fine with it.i believe n go with my intutions n instincts when i read cards.n thats enough for me🤗

[@DawnMichelleTarot]

I'm kinda the same way. I don't really distinguish between the different aspects, I just go with what feels right in the moment. 🙂 Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@eternalcords6366]

@@DawnMichelleTarot true.n your most welcome.🙏🏻. I am working on white sage tarot now days.i just loved it super cute n soft mild indeed...n white base is my all time fav. Not too busy deck indeed but its not really traditional with minor arcanas specifically... so just going with my intuition .its so cute n just couldn't stop buying it.happy to have it in my collection.