Shadow Work is a concept rooted in psychology and the “shadow” was a phrase coined by Carl Jung. Often explored in spiritual and personal development practices, the Full Moon is an ideal time to undertake Shadow Work.
What is Shadow Work?
The “shadow” represents the parts of ourselves that we might hide, repress or deny – such as unresolved fears, insecurities or traits we deem undesirable. These “shadows” often remain buried in our subconscious. However, they can influence our behaviours and emotions without us being fully aware.
Shadow Work involves:
- Acknowledging and exploring these hidden aspects of ourselves
- Understanding how these hidden aspects impact our lives, relationships, and decisions
- Integrating them into our sense of self with compassion and acceptance.
Engaging in Shadow Work during a Full Moon – in particular the Cold Moon or Wolf Moon—can be very effective. The Full Moon’s energy is associated with enlightenment, which brings hidden truths to light and fosters self-awareness.
Shadow Work is About Letting Go of Past Pain
Letting go of past pain means releasing emotional burdens that may be weighing us down. This can include:
Shadow Work is about freeing ourselves from the negative emotions or attachments that no longer serve us. This then creates the space to allow healing, renewal and growth.
Why the Full Moon Is Ideal for This Work
The Full Moon is a time of culmination release and heightened emotions. It shines a light on areas of our lives that need attention. The Full Moon’s energy can help:
- Bring buried emotions or patterns to the surface that require acknowledgment
- Provide clarity allowing us to identify what to release
- Enable closure and resolution
Practical Ways to Use Shadow Work and Let Go
- Journaling: Write honestly about recurring emotional triggers or patterns in your life. Reflect on their origins and how they might influence you
- Meditation: Sit in quiet reflection and ask yourself what you’re holding onto, which no longer serves you
- Rituals of Release: Write down something you want to let go of, e.g. past pain or negative self-beliefs. Then symbolically release them by either burning the paper, burying it or throwing it into Water
- Seek Support: Whether through therapy, spiritual guidance, or trusted friends, discussing your feelings can help you process and rationalise them
“Shadow Work Journal & Workbook”
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By undertaking Shadow Work and letting go of past pain, you can embrace a sense of renewal, self-acceptance and emotional liberation. All of this aligns perfectly with the energy of the Full Moon.