Hello everyone and welcome or welcome back to “Teen Witch Files.” Here I, a major skeptic in the realm of witchcraft, will do research on different topics related to the practice and relay my findings to you. Some of these topics include reality shifting, hexes, lucid dreaming and crystals, chakra alignment and the topic of today’s research, shadow work. Keep in mind that shadow work is not something for somebody with low self-esteem or those already struggling with mental health problems. 

   The premise of shadow work is unlocking parts of yourself that are subconscious, the dark parts of yourself underneath the surface. It is the parts of ourselves pushed beneath our consciousness. It contains the negative parts of our personality we fail to recognize, our primitive human instincts, and any personal trauma we may have experienced throughout life. The reason it is not for people new to spirituality is because it can be very harmful or emotionally draining, especially if you do not have the protection to carry it out properly.

   Shadow work is a practice created with the purpose of healing spiritually and moving on from past trauma to obtain the highest and most positive versions of ourselves. In ancient Greece, it was thought that any part of ourselves that we disown will eventually turn against us. Because of this, it is important to not only acknowledge these parts of ourselves, but also heal our spirits to be able to live truly happy lives despite the negative parts.

   There are several benefits to participating in shadow work. The main benefit is something I have already briefly mentioned: healing from past trauma. Shadow work allows you to not only face trauma or uncover trauma you may have repressed up to this point, but to heal from it and resolve it. This will allow you to be pulled out of negative patterns in which you are toxic or harmful to yourself and others, which outlines another benefit: improved relationships.

   Now let us get into the how. Firstly, pick your least favorite part of yourself. This part of yourself cannot be physical; it must be emotional or spiritual. Next, face this part of yourself. Acknowledge it, write out everything you feel about this part of yourself and let it take over for a moment. This will help you better understand it, and eventually, control it. Then, imagine this part of yourself is a real person. Engage in a conversation with it, whether in your head or out loud. Finally, allow this disowned part of yourself a place in your consciousness rather than your subconscious. 

   Shadow work may be difficult, especially if you are not fully ready to embrace yourself completely. However, being able to accept yourself, the positive and negative, will help you be so much happier and more successful in your life and with yourself. Once again, please keep in mind to be respectful of other people’s belief systems, even if your personal beliefs do not align.