Priestess Alissandra Moon is a Spiritual Alchemist, Soul Coach & Mentor for Witches. She has co-authored an international best seller and is a regular guest on Radio, TV and Podcasts. Founder of Raven Moon Academy of Magick, she is on a mission to heal the world.
We all have shadows. Those unseen parts of ourselves that we’d rather ignore, suppress, or shove into a box marked “Never Open!” But here’s the thing… the shadows don’t just disappear because we pretend they’re not there. They lurk beneath the surface, like an infection, shaping our thoughts, and reactions, sabotaging our relationships, and whispering doubts when we least expect it. If you’ve ever felt stuck or blocked, like there’s something you can’t quite name holding you back, chances are you’ve been dealing with the echoes of your shadow.
Here’s the good news though; it doesn't have to remain that way. Shadow work is one of the most profound tools for healing, empowerment, and spiritual transformation. It’s not about fighting or destroying your shadows but inviting them to ‘sit at the adult's table”, listening to their stories, acknowledging them and letting them finally rest.
What is shadow work, anyway?
Shadow work is the practice of uncovering and integrating the hidden or disowned parts of yourself. These shadows often form during childhood or through societal conditioning—moments when you learned that certain behaviours, emotions, or parts of your identity are “unacceptable.” Over time, you bury these parts deep in your subconscious. But just like neglected corners of a house, those hidden aspects collect dust and cobwebs, influencing your life in ways you might not even realise.
Carl Jung, the Swiss Psychiatrist who coined the term “Shadow,” said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” In other words, if you don’t face your shadows, they’ll find sneaky ways to run the show.
Why shadow work is an important key to healing
True healing, unlike Psychiatric and medical treatments, is not just putting a Band-Aid on to suppress the symptoms. It's about finding and addressing the roots that are causing the symptoms and problems in the first place. That’s exactly what shadow work does.
Let’s say you struggle with anger. You might push it down, telling yourself it’s “bad” or “unladylike” to feel that way, repressed anger doesn’t vanish, it festers. Maybe it comes out as passive-aggressive behaviours or an unexpected explosion over something trivial. Shadow work asks you to sit with and explore that anger, understand where it comes from, and honour the parts of yourself that need to feel it.
By doing this, you release emotional baggage that weighs down your heart and mind. The healing is deep and it ripples out into every part of your life. Suddenly, you’re no longer ruled by triggers. You can respond with intention instead of reacting from old wounds. That’s liberation.
Shadow work helps "delete the emotional charge" attached to buried experiences, freeing us from the lingering pain and tension they cause. When we suppress emotions like fear, grief, shame, or anger, they remain unresolved in the subconscious, influencing our thoughts and behaviours in ways we don’t consciously realise. These trapped emotions often resurface as anxiety, self-sabotage, or conflict in relationships, creating a cycle of discomfort and angst.
Shadow work allows us to face these emotions, acknowledge their origins, and release the energetic hold they have on us. By addressing the root cause, we neutralise the charge, transforming intense emotions into understanding and peace.
This process is deeply tied to inner child healing, as our shadow often contains the unclaimed parts of ourselves formed in childhood. These early experiences often shape our beliefs, fears, and patterns, many of which reside in the shadow. These parts carry unmet needs, unexpressed feelings, and forgotten desires that yearn to be acknowledged and integrated.
Inner child work brings attention to these suppressed aspects, offering them the presence and validation they were denied. Inner child work is a specialised aspect of shadow work that focuses on nurturing, healing, and integrating these formative parts of ourselves. By listening to and nurturing the inner child, we reclaim lost pieces of ourselves, creating a sense of wholeness. Shadow work bridges this gap, creating space for healing and empowerment by honouring the vulnerable parts of our being that simply want to be heard, loved, and included in our journey toward self-acceptance.
Shadow work and empowerment- reclaiming your magick
One of the most beautiful things about shadow work is that it helps you reclaim the power you’ve given away. Think of all the times you dimmed your light to avoid conflict, abandoned your dreams because of fear, or silenced your voice to please others or avoid conflict. Each of those moments broke away pieces of you and pushed them into the hidden corners of your psyche. Sometimes it even left pieces scattered like breadcrumbs, fragmented.
Shadow work gathers those pieces, bringing them back into the light where they belong. It reminds you that your anger, fear, sadness—even your jealousy or shame—hold wisdom. They’re not enemies; they’re teachers. By embracing them, you learn how to step into your authentic power without apology.
For instance, maybe you’ve been told you’re too sensitive, your sensitivity is a weakness. Through shadow work, you might discover that this very trait makes you an extraordinary empath, someone who can deeply connect with and heal others, when harnessed correctly. What once felt like a burden becomes a gift.
This process isn’t about becoming perfect or “fixing” yourself—it’s about stepping into wholeness. You stop judging parts of yourself and start seeing the full spectrum of who you are: messy, magickal, and magnificent.
Sidenote: Sometimes there may be deep trauma that causes soul fragmentation. In this case, Soul Retrieval may be necessary. This is best left to professionals.
Spiritual transformation through the shadows
Shadow work isn’t just self-reflection or personal development; it’s spiritual alchemy. When you embrace the ‘dark’, you transmute it into ‘light’. This doesn’t mean the shadows vanish—they simply stop ruling you. They become integrated, balanced, and understood.
In the spiritual realm, shadow work is essential because it clears the clutter that blocks your connection to your higher self and Divine guidance. When you carry the weight of unprocessed pain or buried emotions, it’s like radio static distorting and blocking messages from your intuition. The more you release, the clearer the signal becomes. You will find too, that it gets easier to meditate, achieve altered states, channel energy and do successful magick.
Shadow work also deepens your relationship with the Universe (or Spirit, Source, Goddess—whatever term feels right for you). When you honour all parts of yourself, you honour the wholeness of creation. You realise that light and dark aren’t opposites; they’re partners in the dance of life.
Are you ready for shadow work? take this quick quiz to find out
Shadow work is powerful, but it can also stir up deeply buried emotions and memories. For some, diving into shadow work too soon can feel overwhelming and even re-traumatising. If you're wondering whether you're ready to embrace your shadows or if it might be better to build resilience first, take this short quiz!
For each question, answer Yes or No
Do you feel emotionally safe and grounded on a regular basis?
When difficult emotions (like anger, sadness, or jealousy) arise, are you able to sit with them without feeling overwhelmed?
Have you worked through past traumas with a therapist or support system?
Are you open to exploring uncomfortable truths about yourself without judging or shaming yourself?
When life challenges you, do you have healthy coping mechanisms in place (like exercise, journaling, meditation, or trusted friends to lean on)?
Do you find it easy to set boundaries when you feel uncomfortable or emotionally drained?
Have you already done some personal growth or healing work, such as therapy, mindfulness, or self-reflection practices?
Can you recognise and name your triggers most of the time (situations or people that bring up strong emotional reactions)?
Are you sure that you are not in active Depression or other Mental Illness? (If you suspect Depression or other Illness, please do not attempt Shadow Work. Even if you answered yes to most other questions.)
Scoring
If you answered "Yes" to 6 or more questions: You're likely ready to begin shadow work! You’ve built a foundation of resilience and self-awareness that will support you as you dive deeper into the shadows. Shadow work may feel very intense at times, but with your existing tools and boundaries, you'll be able to move through it with compassion and patience.
If you answered "Yes" to 3-5 questions: You’re on your way to being ready, but it might be wise to strengthen your emotional resilience first. Try working on grounding practices, and emotional regulation techniques. Also, seeking a therapist or mentor to guide you is highly recommended. Shadow work will be most effective and safe if you have a sturdy foundation to support the process.
If you answered "Yes" to fewer than 3 questions: Not yet, but you can definitely try other things. It's best to focus on healing and building resilience before starting shadow work. Begin with practices that help you feel safe and grounded, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or self-care routines. When you feel emotionally stronger and more grounded, shadow work will be there waiting for you.
Remember: Shadow work is a journey, not a race. Take the time you need to build resilience and honour where you are right now. Healing comes in layers, and each step forward strengthens you for the next one.
How to start your shadow work journey when you are ready
Shadow work doesn’t require fancy tools or crazy, elaborate rituals (though if that’s your vibe, go for it. It definitely can help.). It starts with courage, curiosity, and a willingness to look inward with honest “eyes”. Again, I recommend first getting advice or working with a professional Shadow work coach (like those at Raven Moon Academy) but I understand that it is not always possible. So, here are some simple steps to begin:
Work with tools or guides: Tarot, meditation, and working with a therapist or spiritual mentor can help you navigate deeper layers of your psyche.
Create a safe space: Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Light a candle, grab a journal, and settle in.
Ask the hard questions: Write down questions like, What triggers me? What am I afraid to admit about myself? What emotions do I avoid feeling? Then go into meditation and explore one at a time. Be brutally honest. You don't have to write your answers but it can be very helpful and it incorporates all parts of yourself, which is very healing.
Practice self-compassion: Remember, your shadows aren’t there to hurt you. Approach them with love and patience, like you would a scared child. Be curious and ask them questions.
Be aware: Anytime you feel triggered or notice yourself resting in a certain way, explore it. If you can't do it then and there, wait until you are in your safe space and dig in.
Look at patterns: Do you tend to repeat the same mistakes or patterns in relationships, with money, bad habits or addictions? These things usually lead back to shadows. You can start by asking your subconscious mind what it gets from doing ‘x y z’ and then once you get an answer, go deeper by asking ‘For what purpose/what do I get out of that/why?’. Continue digging and tweaking the questions until you get to the root. You know when you are there.
Stay consistent: Shadow work isn’t a one-time deal. It’s an ongoing journey. Celebrate small breakthroughs and keep showing up for yourself.
Kindness and compassion: Be compassionate and kind to yourself but don't allow yourself to slip into victimhood or get lazy. Tough-ish love without judgment.
The transformation awaits
Shadow work isn’t easy, but it’s worth every tear, every journal entry, and every moment of discomfort. Why? Because on the other side is freedom. It’s stepping into a version of yourself you didn’t know was possible—one who is fully alive, unapologetically authentic, and unshakably empowered.
So, next time your shadows knock, don’t slam the door. Invite them in. Listen to what they have to say. They’re not there to hurt you—they’re there to help you heal, grow, and become the most powerful version of yourself.
My book ‘Shadow Alchemy: Shadow Work & Spiritual Alchemy for Witches and Lightworkers’ is now available on Amazon. It contains numerous exercises and recommended practices that you can do alone or with a support person.
Alternatively, you can join me for my 3 day Shadow Alchemy Workshop and receive a free digital copy of the book here.
Just remember, you’ve got this! The shadows aren’t the enemy, they’re the doorway to your best life. Step through it dear one. Transformation is waiting.
Read more from Alissandra Moon
Alissandra Moon, Priestess, Spiritual Alchemist, Soul Coach
Priestess Alissandra Moon is a world-renowned Healer, Coach, and witch who specialises in Shadow Work, Magickal Mentorship, and transformational Coaching. Obsessed with personal and spiritual development, she has more qualifications than any one human needs! Alissandra is extremely passionate about Animal Welfare & Raven Moon Academy is the official Supporter of Animals in Australia. Determined to make Magick & Paganism mainstream, with self-awareness, empowerment, healing, and compassion becoming the new normal. Alissandra calls for the lightworkers to unite for a common cause- To make the world a better place!
