Rayne’sRitualWay

Shadow Ritual

What is your shadow? To answer this question we simply need to look within nature. Where there is good there is bad. Where there is light there is darkness. Where there is nurturing and growth there is cruelty and destruction. Your shadow is the embodiment of your negative energy. It is the whisper in your mind that says “Take it, no one is watching.” It is the voice that tells you you’re not good enough, it is your insecurities, your darkest secrets, every time you did the right thing but wondered just what it would feel like if you hadn’t. This is your shadow. And for this reason it’s dire to be in balance with your shadow as all of nature is symmetry, your own energy must reflect this same energy in order to find true peace, and balance.

Purpose:

After Litha the year begins to wane, and the nights grow shorter. It’s integral for the spirit to maintain balance. This calls you to look within and face your darker self, your shadow. To locate what part of your self is holding you back from your true potential and excel past it; to look your biggest fear for yourself in the eye and be at peace with it.

Colors: White, black, gray.

Herbs: Sage for cleansing, Myrrh for inner peace. (Myrrh also increases the power of any herbs its burned in conjunction with.)

Tools:

8 White tea lights (four will represent your quarter points North, South, East, and West, and the other four will be for the intermediary points), a mirror or reflective object (black scrying mirror, regular hand mirror, a bowl of water) 2 white taper candles. Charcoal disks, and a burning plate.

*It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, with this seemingly simple ritual you’ll be doing just that, seeing into the eyes of your shadow. Don’t be afraid of what you see there, if you feel like crying; cry, laughing; laugh, Whatever your emotion release it naturally, do NOT hold anything inside, or be ashamed of what you see in any way. This ritual is intended to make you at peace with your shadow, it’s time to let go, and embrace all of who you are.*

Ritual:

Set up the altar to face the north, as this is the direction of silence, darkness, and reflection. Your altar should consist of an altar cloth in a neutral color preferably white, your reflective object in between your two white taper candles. Cast your circle as preferred and invoke the elements if desired. (I recommend doing this as working with your Shadow creates psychic vulnerability, and I always find the extra protection comforting when I’m doing a working.) Once your circle has been cast, and the elements have been invoked, lay your scrying apparatus (mirror, etc) face up on your altar. If you are using incense now would be the time to light it. I really recommend if possible burning on a charcoal disk, and wafting the smoke in your circle; as well as over your mirror. After you have cleansed the area It’s time to begin focusing on your intention: to connect/understand your shadow.

Close your eyes. While working your hands over your mirror say:

“A spirit as black as the night skies.

I see into the depths of your eyes.

From the deepest chasm of my soul.

I bring your fourth to make me whole.

So mote it be.”

You can repeat this chant as much as you like as you visualize your physical device becoming a spiritual window.

This ritual works best for me when I see my shadow as a replica of myself. After you’ve charged your mirror so close your eyes, while holding your mirror in your hands imagine a wall, a veil being shown to you. As the window gets thinner you see your shadow on the other side, as you move it moves, as you breath it breathes. The veil becomes thin enough to talk through. State your name to your shadow, and your purpose. After you have stated your purpose open your eyes, and begin to communicate with your shadow, as you stare into its eyes know that it’s only a piece of what makes up you. Ask your shadow a question. Understand why your darker self thinks the way it does. Talk about your insecurities, talk about your deepest secrets. But always remember no matter what happens let your emotions run freely. If you feel like crying cry, whatever it is that you’ve been holding inside release it, acknowledge that no one is perfect and we all have shadows. It’s time to be at peace with yours.

When you are done communicating and wish to return your shadow back into your spirit. Close your eyes and see the veil growing thicker. The portal you’ve created now closing. Say to your shadow:

“I release you back through time and space.

Back into the depths of my gaze.

Within my spirit you shall reside,

With peace in my heart you won’t hide.

As it is willed so shall it be.”

With your shadow released you can now ground and center. I suggest eating something natural and small, bread and juice works wonder after ritual! Thank the elements and close your circle.

Closing Thoughts: Though this ritual may seem very easy, you may be surprised as to what you find out about yourself. So much of our life we spend half awake never fully aware of who we truly are. It’s time to shed off the darkness, the unknown, and face even the unthinkable pieces of yourself to truly find peace, within your spirit.

Blessed Be.