In a previous post from this series, I described the basics of shadow work and defined what the shadow and witch wound are. Now, let’s dive deeper into identifying your shadow.
This step is about recognizing what’s hidden in your subconscious and understanding the root causes of your blocks or patterns. Identifying these hidden aspects is essential to healing and integrating them.
Remember to always approach the shadow work with care. If it is too overwhelming, stop. If needed, do not be afraid to seek help from a therapist or spiritual guide.
Signs and patterns indicating shadows
🩶 Repeated patterns - reflect on life patterns that seem to repeat. For example: difficult relationships, self-sabotage in your goals, or recurring feelings of not being enough. These can hint at unaddressed wounds or beliefs in the shadow self. Think about the patterns and ask yourself: What familiar feelings do they bring up, and when did I first feel this way?
🩶Emotional triggers - notice strong, sometimes overwhelming emotions, especially if they don’t align with the current situation. For instance, feeling intense anger at minor criticism could point to hidden feelings of insecurity or past wounds. What emotions seem disproportionate or catch you off guard? By exploring these, you may discover parts of yourself that feel unprotected or unheard
🩶 Projections on others - when you find yourself judging or feeling envious of others, take a closer look at those judgments. Often, they mirror unrecognized traits in yourself. For instance, if you find yourself criticizing someone’s ambition, ask whether it’s reflecting your own unmet goals. Projecting qualities onto others is often a sign that these are parts of our own shadow
🩶Avoidance or denial - think about things you avoid discussing or acknowledging, whether past experiences or personality traits. Areas of avoidance often hide wounds or unmet needs. Consider: Are there truths about myself or my past that I avoid admitting, even to myself?
Steps to identify your shadow
💫 Self-reflection journaling - journaling can be a powerful tool for shadow work. Write how you feel, your observations, you can se prompts to help uncover aspects of your shadow. For example, take some time and write your answer for the questions:
“What beliefs about myself have I carried since childhood?”
“Where do I feel jealous or envious of others, and why?”
“What parts of myself do I try to hide from others?”
Regular reflection on these or similar questions will help you connect patterns, see recurring themes, and bring limiting beliefs to light
💫 Observing reactions in relationships - relationships are often mirrors for our shadow self. Reflect on recurring issues with friends, family, or partners. Are there repeated moments of feeling judged, unappreciated, or defensive? Pay close attention to where you feel most vulnerable or threatened in interactions with others. These feelings may be indicators of your shadow
💫 Meditative visualization - meditation can create a safe space to encounter the shadow. Find a quiet place, play calming music, and visualize walking through a dark, hidden part of your mind. Picture aspects of your shadow - judgment, fears, insecurities - as physical forms, like characters or symbols. Observe without judgment, simply allowing them to appear as they are. Afterward, journal your experience to help process and reflect on what came up. This practice can bring up surprising insights
💫 Mirror work - mirror work involves looking at yourself in a mirror, observing your reflection, and speaking affirmations or asking questions out loud. This practice can be revealing because it often brings subconscious beliefs and feelings to the surface. Start by gazing into your eyes and asking questions like:
“What am I afraid to admit about myself?”
“What part of myself do I most often judge?”
As you look at yourself and speak these questions, you may notice certain emotions arise. For instance, if you feel uncomfortable or resistant, take note. This resistance can reveal hidden self-doubts or fears. Mirror work can be especially powerful for addressing self-criticism and building self-compassion as you become more comfortable accepting all parts of yourself
💫 Oracle/tarot cards - oracle and tarot cards are excellent tools for shadow exploration, as they provide symbolic images and prompts that can help you identify subconscious feelings or thoughts. When doing a shadow work reading, pull cards with specific intentions, like:
“Show me what I’m avoiding in my life.”
“What is holding me back from feeling fulfilled?”
Use the cards as mirrors for inner exploration, journaling about each card’s message and how it may relate to unrecognized aspects of yourself
💫Using astrology - study the shadow-related placements in your natal chart. For example, a challenging aspect between Chiron and Venus may hint at insecurities around love and worth. Use these insights to guide your shadow exploration. Look at the next paragraph to see places in your natal chart to look at.
💫 Exploring ancestral and cultural influences - sometimes our shadows are inherited through cultural beliefs or family values. Reflect on messages from family, culture, or society about success, love, self-worth, or individuality. Sometimes, these collective shadows shape our fears and cause us to stop following our dreams that don’t align with the expectations around us. For instance, a family that values hard work over rest might create a shadow where you feel guilty about relaxing. Recognizing these influences can help separate personal shadows from collective ones
Exploring the shadow through astrology
Your natal chart offers powerful insights into shadow work by highlighting areas of life and personality where your shadow may be hidden. Here’s what you can look at. Please note that these placements do not immediately mean that you have a shadow there. They point to places to consider.
Always look at the sign, house and aspects. My examples are very basic and plain, just to give you idea, especially if you are not very familiar with astrology.
✨ Chiron – the wounded healer
Chiron is the key placement to check when dealing with wounds. Chiron represents where we carry wounds that, when healed, become sources of wisdom and empowerment.
Example: If Chiron is in your 7th house (relationships), your shadow might involve feelings of unworthiness in partnerships or fear of being vulnerable with others
✨ Pluto & the 8th House – transformation and shadow work
Pluto governs death, rebirth, and transformation. Its placement can highlight areas of your life where you are called to reclaim personal power. The 8th house show where transformation and rebirth are most likely, along with hidden fears and suppressed desires.
Example: Pluto in the 3rd house (communication) may suggest a shadow around expressing truth or power struggles in communication
✨ Saturn – karmic lessons and restrictions
Saturn’s placement can show areas where you feel blocked, judged, or where your fears are. It can show where you may feel judged or limited by society or personal expectations.
Example: Saturn in the 5th house (creativity) may bring a shadow around expressing joy or pursuing creative projects due to a fear of judgment
✨ 12th house – unconscious & hidden wounds
The 12th house deals with hidden or unconscious aspects of the self, including things you may not easily recognize.
Example: Mars in the 12th house may indicate repressed anger or hidden assertiveness, making it hard to assert yourself openly
✨ South Node – past life karma & patterns
The South Node points to past-life experiences or patterns that you are comfortable with but need to evolve from.
Example: South Node in Libra could suggest a shadow around people pleasing behaviors
✨ Lilith – repressed feminine power and desires
Lilith represents suppressed feminine energy, desires, and often the rebellious side that refuses to be controlled. It can point to areas where you have been shamed or rejected.
Example: Lilith in the 7th house might reveal a fear of intimacy or a struggle to balance personal freedom within relationships
Identifying your shadow is a courageous journey, requiring honesty and self-compassion. Once you uncover these hidden aspects, you’re one step closer to transforming and integrating them into a more empowered self. Shadow work helps you align with your true potential, putting light on what has been unseen. In the next part of this series, I will focus getting deeper and understanding the roots of the shadow.
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