Autumn Equinox: A Shadow Work

Yesterday was a very symbolic day that brings us different insights to be addressed. The Autumn Equinox marks the end of summer and announces the arrival of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere. We switched positions with the Southern Hemisphere, and now we are the farthest from light, from the sun. In Brazil, the moment is the opposite. Opposite sides, opposite seasons.

One of the most important changes - practically and symbolically speaking - is the change in the amount of daylight in our days. The shadow becomes predominant. But yesterday, daylight and darkness had the same duration. Is a special moment in the year when there balance in the heavens. The perfect harmony between light and dark. Between lighting and shadow. A day when we need to be aware of the opposites. A day that invites us to look and welcome our dark traits, instead of trying to drown them out.

The concept of shadow in analytical psychology is fundamental to understanding the human psyche and our role in society and universal energies. In theory, ideal and desirable would be the possible internal equilibrium just as the equinox brings us: The balance between self and shadow. The exact division of energy invested in the two parts of our mind/soul. But this is just theory.

Part of the meaning of being human is in the constant struggle between these opposing forces that govern us. It’s from this battle that we gain energy and potential to actually live. I have been interested more and more in the concept of Shadow Work. Most psychotherapeutic processes and theories give more space for the narrative of the Self, of what is known. We talk about what we would like to become, we praise our qualities, and somehow drown out defects and desires that may often not be worthy, pure.

Everyone has within them a darkened portion full of truths that cannot be spoken aloud. The Shadow Work gives voice to this other part within us, gives a narrative, creates space, and facilitates understanding. The shadow itself is already a misunderstood concept because it carries a huge negative connotation as if everything there were evil and perverse.

No! The shadow carries everything that we could be, but for some reason we were not, we are not. It carries several potentials that have not yet been touched. It carries desires that for different reasons were suppressed - a profession that could have been exercised, but it wasn’t. A relationship that we were too ashamed to assume. A hidden skill that we couldn’t develop. A very human feeling of envy, jealousy, a rage that we don’t allow ourselves to feel – without realising that only really feeling it would allow that feeling to be depurated.

Light and Shadow, Good and Evil are concepts, words. There is no way to qualify, to measure. What is evil for one person could be basic self-defence to the other one. What makes someone proud to be can be something horrific to another. Don’t judge your self by other eyes metrics.

Don’t label your internal content by social statements. Don’t deny any part of you. Embrace it, this is the first step towards your Higher Self. And that’s what the Equinox is about. Find balance, find love for your hate and proud for your rage.

Tarot Cards related to the theme: The Chariot, The Devil, The Lovers, The World.