# Shadow Work Concerns? **URL:** \ **Category:** Q&A\ **Tags:** shadow-work\ **Created:** [February 18, 2025, 10:18am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/shadow-work-concerns/59102 "2025-02-18T10:18:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![Nikki-Phoenix](https://spells8.b-cdn.net/user_avatar/forum.spells8.com/nikki-phoenix/32/58945_2.png) [@Nikki-Phoenix](https://forum.spells8.com/u/Nikki-Phoenix)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2025, 10:57am UTC](https://forum.spells8.com/t/shadow-work-concerns/59102/2 "2025-02-18T10:57:41Z")
Hi @Lunar_Witch, I know exactly how you feel… I heard “Shadow Work” and thought I’m steering clear of that! I also have severe generalized anxiety, ridiculously low self-esteem, and first I was told MDD, then they said I was Bipolar II, in addition to other stuff I won’t go into. So yes, I was scared of Shadow work! Then, my curiosity got the better of me and I did the SW course here… > **[Shadow Work: Embracing Your Inner Darkness](https://spells8.com/courses/shadow-work-embracing-your-inner-darkness/)** > > Do you feel like there's a part of yourself that you keep hidden from the world? Do you struggle with negative emotions or patterns that you just can't seem to shake? If so, you're not alone. Many of us have a shadow side that we try to ignore or... …and it turns out, I’ve been doing Shadow Work my whole life! Questioning my motives, beliefs and understanding of myself is something I’ve always done, and I believe I’m a better person for it. Personally, I don’t think anyone should do SW or Craft of any kind if they’re not in the right headspace, but that’s me. For some people, it can be uncomfortable to process things which have been buried, but that’s why people do it. It’s different for everyone, but by embracing and understanding those parts of us which have been buried, neglected, and rejected, we can fully embrace ourselves. Essentially, I think SW is about exploration of the self, in a safe and non-judgemental way. There are many ways to do it, and I’m sure one of the lovelies will give a deeper insight and further guidance. I will try and link the posts I’ve made, maybe they’ll help to get you started too. Also, it’s worth mentioning that SW isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay - it’s not a requirement, like everything else in the Craft, you should do it because you want to do it, not because you think you should. > [@Exploring the Luggage of Life](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exploring-the-luggage-of-life/58880): > > This is a counselling exercise I’ve used with clients (and myself) for about 20 years, which I’ve adapted into a tarot spread. Feel free to adjust any instructions to your personal preferences; for example, I place the cards face down horizontally at the top of my cloth, so that I can deal with each question/column one at a time, adding further cards underneath for clarification if needed. If you want to place the cards vertically and face up, dealing supplemental cards next to them in a line, p… > [@Exercise for Emotional Work](https://forum.spells8.com/t/exercise-for-emotional-work/57994): > > This is a very simple yet effective exercise I’ve used and taught over the years to work on negative/challenging emotions; I adapted it for a ritual for a deeper understanding, I hope it will be useful for someone else too. Please note: I strongly advise against doing this unless you are prepared to be honest with yourself and sit with the feelings which arise. Without honesty, it will not work - so be prepared to go where it takes you. Items required: 3 White candles Optional: Pen and paper … x Blessed Be x --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.spells8.com/t/shadow-work-concerns/59102)._