The Shadow

Umbra

We all have a shadow side. Find balance in all things. Rest in the positive aspects of your shadow, like you would rest in the void of the dark moon. Some events and people leave a long, dark shadow over future happiness. Shine a light on a dark situation. Is your shadow actually your strength?

The shadow looms dark,

The shadow looms long,

Its siren call beckons,

It sings its seductive song.

You may not see it within you.

It hides away ion the blind spot,

Behind you, within you,

Squeezing your will in a knot.

People may run from just the idea of working with their shadow! But our shadow is not always negative. In fact, it can be the very aspect of ourselves that makes us unique and wonderful-even if others do not always appreciate this part of us.

Seen from the perspective of the dominant-and dominating-culture in which Aradia lived, one could say that, as a witch, her shadow was implicit-and big. However, this was entirely subjective. What the larger society of the time perceived as her dark shadow was both part of Aradia’s own power and an aspect of herself she used to empower other women.

We can take a lesson from this and examine our own shadow from different perspectives. Doing so can help us to be more objective about our shadow side, and allow us to distinguish between its positive and negative aspects. The dark of the moon is the lunar aspect under which to delve gently and safely into work with your shadow side.