As the seasons shift and the days grow shorter, a natural pull inward begins to take hold. The world outside slows, inviting us to follow its rhythm, to quiet the noise and turn our attention toward what lies within. This internal turning, this gentle retreat into self, often brings us face to face with the less visible parts of who we are—the feelings we avoid, the thoughts we suppress, and the aspects of ourselves we keep tucked away from both the world and our own conscious awareness. This deeply personal process of uncovering and understanding those hidden parts is known as Shadow Work.
What Does “Shadow” Mean?
Coined by psychologist Carl Jung, the term “shadow” refers to the aspects of the self that remain out of the light of consciousness. These parts may carry shame, fear, anger, envy, or insecurity, qualities we’ve learned, often early in life, are unacceptable or unlovable. And so we bury them. We deny them, disguise them, or project them onto others. Over time, they begin to live in the background of our thoughts, influencing our reactions, shaping our beliefs, and guiding our choices in ways we don’t always recognize.
These are the aspects of who we are that we’ve learned, often subtly and from a very young age, aren’t welcome in the world around us. Maybe we were told to stop being “too sensitive,” or we learned that expressing anger led to rejection or disapproval. Perhaps we discovered that success invited jealousy or that our sadness made others uncomfortable. So, we tucked those parts away.
Over time, the shadow becomes a container for anything we’ve decided (or were taught) is unacceptable, unlovable, or “too much.” This might include feelings like jealousy, guilt, rage, or even pride. It can also include things we long for but feel we don’t deserve, like joy, tenderness, or attention.
Triggers, Patterns, and the Path to Healing
Rather than disappearing, these buried parts continue to influence us. We might find ourselves reacting strongly to someone else’s behavior, not realizing it reflects something we’re denying in ourselves. Or we may struggle with shame, people-pleasing, or self-sabotage, without quite understanding why.
The shadow doesn’t hide quietly. It speaks through our triggers, our judgments, our emotional patterns, and the inner conflicts we feel but can’t quite name.
Recognizing the shadow is not about blaming ourselves or digging through the past for pain. It’s about acknowledging that we are layered beings—complex, dynamic, and human. When we gently bring our awareness to what we’ve hidden, we begin the work of healing. We step into greater self-acceptance. And we create space for authenticity to bloom.
What Is Shadow Work?
Shadow work is the deeply personal practice of turning inward and exploring the parts of ourselves that typically remain hidden. These are the aspects we feel uncomfortable acknowledging: thoughts we push away, habits we quietly regret, emotions we have been taught to suppress. First named by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, the “shadow” refers to these unconscious parts of our psyche, the ones we don’t readily show the world and often struggle to admit to ourselves.
Shadow work is the conscious effort to see and understand these hidden layers of the self. It requires curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to explore uncomfortable terrain without judgment. Rather than rejecting the shadow, the aim is to gently bring it into the light, to understand its origins, and to build a relationship with it. Not an easy task, but it is a profoundly healing one.
Engaging in shadow work means shining a light into those inner corners. It invites us to face what we have ignored, repressed, or misunderstood. This is a journey of becoming whole again, by embracing everything we are, even the pieces we once thought unworthy.
Why the Shadow Exists
The shadow doesn’t form randomly. It takes shape throughout our lives as we learn which traits, behaviors, and feelings are acceptable and which are not. As children, when we sensed that certain emotions like anger or fear made others uncomfortable, we learned to hide them. If we were shamed for being too loud, too sensitive, or too curious, we tucked those parts of ourselves away.
Over time, we create a version of ourselves that fits into the expectations of family, society, and culture. But in doing so, we leave behind the fullness of who we are. The shadow grows in this space between who we really are and who we believe we need to be in order to be loved or safe.
Why Meet the Shadow?
Meeting your shadow allows you to reclaim your energy, creativity, and power. When we bury parts of ourselves, we don’t make them disappear—they continue to influence us in quiet ways. They show up in our relationships, our reactions, our self-doubt, and even in patterns we can’t seem to break.
By facing the shadow, we gain insight into these patterns. We begin to understand our triggers, soften our judgments, and find greater compassion for ourselves. It’s about seeing the full picture, no longer operating from fragments, but from a place of integrated wholeness.
How to Begin Shadow Work
Starting this process does not require special tools or training, only a willingness to be honest and gentle with yourself. Begin by noticing. When do you feel most reactive, ashamed, or afraid? What traits in others bother you the most? Often, these are clues pointing toward something unresolved within.
Journaling can be an especially helpful practice. Write freely about your feelings, your past, your fears, and the parts of you that feel conflicted. Try not to judge what comes up. Just observe with curiosity. Over time, patterns will emerge, and you’ll begin to understand what your shadow has been trying to protect or communicate.
Meditation, guided prompts, and therapy can also support this process. The key is to approach your inner world with kindness, not blame. This is not a race or a task to be completed, but a relationship to be nurtured with care and patience.
The Gift Within the Shadow
There is a kind of gold hidden within the shadow. As Jung once said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” When we do the work of facing ourselves, we don’t become someone else—we become more of who we truly are.
The anger you once buried may contain your passion for justice. The fear you hid away might hold your sensitivity and depth. The envy you never admitted could point to dreams you didn’t think you deserved. Each piece has something to teach you, and every moment of honesty brings you closer to your full, authentic self.
Using Tarot for Shadow Work
Tarot is a beautiful, intuitive tool for diving into shadow work. Its symbolism speaks directly to the subconscious, offering insight into the deeper layers of our psyche. Unlike goal-oriented readings that focus on external outcomes—like career paths or relationships—tarot for shadow work invites us to turn inward. It becomes less about prediction and more about reflection.
Each card in the tarot deck holds a mirror to a different aspect of the human experience. The Tower may point to upheaval we’re resisting. The Moon can illuminate illusion or confusion. The Five of Cups might reveal hidden grief or disappointment we haven’t processed. Even the more traditionally “positive” cards can carry shadow messages. The Sun, for example, might invite us to explore our discomfort with being fully seen or celebrated.
To begin using tarot for shadow work, set aside a quiet space and time where you won’t be rushed. Light a candle, breathe deeply, and ask yourself a gentle question like:
- What part of myself am I avoiding right now?
- What needs to be acknowledged and healed?
- What belief is holding me back from growth?
- What does my shadow want me to understand today?
Draw one to three cards and allow yourself to sit with their imagery. Instead of rushing to a guidebook, observe your gut reactions. What emotions surface when you look at the card? What memories or stories does it stir in you? Write down your reflections freely—this is where the real magic happens.
Over time, you’ll begin to notice patterns. Certain cards may recur, pointing you toward themes you’re ready to face. Some cards might challenge you, while others will comfort or clarify. The beauty of tarot is that it speaks the language of the soul—it doesn’t demand answers, only curiosity.
Using tarot in this way can feel like having a conversation with a deeper part of yourself. It doesn’t replace therapy or other healing practices, but it can become a powerful companion on the path of self-inquiry. With patience, trust, and a willingness to listen, the cards can help you uncover and embrace what has long been waiting to be seen.
Shadow Work Tarot Spread: “Meeting the Mirror”
This 6-card spread helps uncover hidden aspects of your shadow, where they came from, how they show up, and how you can begin to heal and integrate them.
🌑 Card 1: The Mask — What part of myself am I hiding?
This card reveals something you’ve suppressed or learned to conceal—an emotion, behavior, or truth you’ve kept in the shadows.
🌘 Card 2: The Root — Where did this shadow originate?
This card points to an early experience, belief, or influence that shaped this shadow aspect. It may be tied to childhood, relationships, or social conditioning.
🌗 Card 3: The Trigger — When does this shadow usually show up?
Here, you’ll see how and when this part of you tends to emerge—often in moments of stress, fear, conflict, or vulnerability.
🌖 Card 4: The Lesson — What is this shadow trying to teach me?
This card reveals the deeper message or growth potential within the shadow. Every hidden part has wisdom to offer once we’re ready to listen.
🌕 Card 5: The Light — How can I bring this shadow into healing and wholeness?
This card shows how to integrate what you’ve discovered—whether through compassion, action, boundaries, creativity, or something else entirely.
✨ Card 6: The Gift — What strength or gift lies on the other side of this healing?
Often, what we reject is closely tied to our deepest strengths. This card reveals the power waiting to emerge once the shadow is acknowledged and accepted.
How to Use This Spread
Find a quiet moment where you can sit without distractions. Light a candle, play soft music, or take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
Shuffle your deck slowly, keeping the questions in mind or speaking them aloud.
Lay the cards in a gentle arc or in a line—whatever feels right.
After drawing, journal your impressions card by card. Let your thoughts and emotions guide you more than the textbook meanings.
Give yourself time. Shadow work can be tender. Be patient and kind with whatever surfaces.
