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Summary: In this episode, Kristal and Kate discuss shadow work, which is integrating those parts of ourselves we’d rather not acknowledge. Facing our shadow parts can be a powerful way to tap into a more integrated

Show Notes

Kate lays down some technical definitions around shadow work and its origins. Shadow work is uncovering hidden parts of the psyche and healing from old wounds. Kristal shares her process recovering her anger, for which she’d be taught to feel a lot of shame. They touch on shame and Kate’s particular shadow work journey has been around body shame. (3:11-9:04)

Shadow work is also essential for processing trauma and unraveling the socialization we have around money, relationships and sexuality. These unprocessed messages become limiting beliefs and when you’re trying to do magic, limiting beliefs can get in the way. If you’re trying to attract money but you think money is the root of all evil, you won’t succeed. (9:05-10:25)

They list ways to recognize when you’re experiencing a shadow part. Doing shadow work helps you realize your triggers so you can pause before you react. Shadow work benefits witches by removing barriers that hold us back from manifesting our magical work. We need to match our vibration to the thing we want to have in our life. You can raise your vibration and also recognize the energy of what you’re working with. (10:26-15:09)

Doing energy work builds compassion for others and if you will serve others as a witch, compassion is essential so you can meet people where they are. Becoming fluent in shadow work helps you move through the triggered state faster. Lean into that state, be curious about it and ask when it needs to tell you. (15:10-18:25)

Practices for shadow work include inner child work and soul retrieval. Kristal and Kate share their experiences with these. A therapist is a good idea for inner child work and a shaman or energy healer is a good idea for soul retrieval. Integrating with these parts of ourselves makes us more complete and gives us a better chance at self-actualization. This healing echoes forward and backward in time, across generations. (18:26-22:48)

Journaling, guided meditations, journey work, deity work are also strong practices for shadow work. Deity work is using archetypes who have specialized aspects and skills that can lead us. The two discuss Baba Yaga, Persephone and Demeter’s influence in their lives and their femininity. (22:49-30:53)

Final thoughts and call-to-action: Align shadow work with the lunar cycle and the inward seasons of the year. Start incrementally and reach out if you’d like support.

Preview of next week's episode: Meditation

Outro (33:15-34:19)

Resources mentioned during the episode

Romancing the Shadow: A Guide to Soul Work for a Vital, Authentic Life by Connie Zweig and Steve Wolf

Internal Family Systems for inner child work

Washington State Therapist Recommendations:
Amber Lenore at New Moon Therapy - thenewmoontherapist@gmail.com
Patricia Milligan at Authentic Thoughts Therapy - authenticthoughts@protonmail.com

Journal Prompts

• How are these shifting cycles benefitting me and what challenges do they bring?
• What direction or directions do I feel drawn toward in my life right now?
• What relationships (plant, human, and otherwise) do I most need to prioritize in the year ahead?
• What kind of change or transformation do I want to facilitate in my life, relationships, and work in the coming year?
• What do I need to let go of right now in order to be most healthy and whole?
• Where do I want to place my commitments and devotion?
• What have I been most grateful for in the past year but need to let go of?
• What have I been most grateful for