Shadow work is one of the most transformative practices in witchcraft and self-discovery. It’s about uncovering the hidden, often uncomfortable parts of ourselves — our fears, traumas, and suppressed desires. Tarot is a powerful tool to guide us through this journey, offering insights into our shadow selves and helping us integrate these aspects into our whole being. This process is deeply personal and requires compassion, patience, and courage. In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences with shadow work, how tarot has guided me through it, and a tarot spread to help you begin your own journey.

What Is Shadow Work?

Shadow work involves exploring the hidden or suppressed parts of your psyche — the aspects of yourself that you’ve rejected or ignored because they feel uncomfortable or painful. These shadow aspects can include emotions like anger, jealousy, shame, fear, or grief. While society often teaches us to hide these feelings, shadow work invites us to confront them head-on and embrace them as part of who we are.

The term “shadow self” was popularised by psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that acknowledging and integrating these hidden aspects of ourselves leads to personal growth and wholeness. In spiritual practices, shadow work is seen as a way to heal emotional wounds, break negative patterns, and step into our full power.

For me, shadow work has been a life-changing practice. It’s helped me uncover deep-seated fears and insecurities, some of which I wasn’t even consciously aware of. I’ve had to confront painful memories, acknowledge the ways I’ve hurt myself and others, and learn to accept parts of myself that I previously rejected. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly healing.

Why Is Shadow Work Important?

We all have parts of ourselves that we hide from the world — and sometimes even from ourselves. These shadow aspects often manifest as triggers, self-sabotaging behaviours, or limiting beliefs. Shadow work helps us bring these hidden aspects into the light, allowing us to understand them, heal them, and integrate them into our whole selves.

Ignoring your shadow self can lead to:

• Emotional suppression
• Negative thought patterns
• Self-sabotaging behaviours
• Difficulty in relationships
• A sense of disconnection from your true self

On the other hand, embracing your shadow self can:

• Promote self-awareness and self-acceptance
• Break negative cycles
• Improve emotional resilience
• Deepen your spiritual practice
• Lead to personal growth and empowerment

Through shadow work, I’ve learned to stop judging myself so harshly. I’ve realised that my insecurities, fears, and even my anger have valuable lessons to teach me. By facing my shadow, I’ve become more compassionate toward myself and others.

How Tarot Can Help with Shadow Work

Tarot is an incredible tool for shadow work because it allows us to access our subconscious mind and uncover hidden truths. The cards act as a mirror, reflecting back aspects of ourselves that we might not see clearly on our own. They offer guidance, clarity, and sometimes tough love.

Certain tarot cards are particularly powerful for shadow work. Here are some examples:

• The Devil: Represents unhealthy attachments, addictions, and self-imposed limitations. When this card appears, it’s a sign to examine where you might be holding yourself back or engaging in harmful behaviours.
• The Moon: Symbolises illusions, secrets, and the subconscious mind. This card invites you to explore what’s hidden beneath the surface and confront any fears or anxieties that may be lingering.
• The Tower: Points to sudden change, upheaval, and the breaking down of old structures. While this card can feel unsettling, it’s a reminder that destruction often leads to transformation and growth.
• Death: Represents transformation, endings, and rebirth. It encourages you to let go of old patterns and embrace new beginnings.

When I first started using tarot for shadow work, I remember pulling The Devil card multiple times. At first, it made me uncomfortable, but I eventually realised that it was highlighting my tendency to hold onto toxic patterns. That awareness allowed me to begin breaking free from those patterns.

A Shadow Work Tarot Spread

If you’re ready to begin your shadow work journey, try this tarot spread. It’s designed to help you explore your shadow self, understand its impact on your life, and find ways to integrate it with compassion.

1. What aspect of my shadow self needs my attention?
2. How does this shadow aspect affect my life?
3. What emotions or memories are tied to this shadow?
4. What steps can I take to integrate this shadow?
5. What lesson can I learn from embracing this part of myself?
6. How can I practice self-compassion during this process?

Practical Tips for Shadow Work

Shadow work can be intense, so it’s important to approach it with care. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this journey:

1. Create a Safe Space: Before you begin, ensure you’re in a comfortable, private space where you won’t be disturbed. Light candles, burn incense, or use crystals to create a calming atmosphere.
2. Journal Your Insights: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process your shadow work experiences. It also allows you to track your progress over time.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Shadow work can bring up difficult emotions. Be gentle with yourself and remember that it’s okay to feel vulnerable.
4. Take Breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Shadow work is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no rush to confront everything at once.
5. Seek Support: If you’re dealing with deep trauma or intense emotions, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor. Shadow work can be challenging, and it’s okay to ask for help.

My Personal Experience with Shadow Work

I’ll be honest — shadow work is not easy. There have been times when I’ve cried during readings or felt completely drained afterward. But it’s also one of the most rewarding practices I’ve ever done. Through shadow work, I’ve learned to embrace my imperfections, forgive myself for past mistakes, and see my challenges as opportunities for growth.

One of the most powerful moments in my shadow work journey came when the cards kept telling me that a major transformation needed to happen and that I was stuck. At first, I thought it was about my career or my living situation, but deep down, I knew it was about my marriage. I had been in a relationship with someone who constantly made me feel like I wasn’t enough, someone who manipulated and controlled me. The cards — particularly The Tower and The Devil — made it clear that I needed to confront this reality.

Shadow work helped me realise that I wasn’t the problem. I wasn’t stuck because of my own shortcomings; I was stuck because I was tied to someone who thrived on making me feel small. The cards showed me that I had the strength to take a leap of faith and leave. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary for my growth and well-being. Through shadow work, I learned that I could survive the leap, that I didn’t need to be tied down to a narcissist, and that I deserved freedom and happiness.

Leaving that relationship was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the most liberating. Shadow work taught me that true transformation comes from within. It’s not about changing others or fixing external circumstances; it’s about recognising your own power and reclaiming your autonomy.

Final Thoughts

Shadow work is a journey of self-discovery and healing. It’s about embracing all parts of yourself — the light and the dark — and finding wholeness in that integration. Tarot can be a powerful guide on this journey, offering insights and clarity when you need it most.

If you’re ready to explore your shadow self, remember to approach it with kindness and curiosity. Your shadow holds valuable lessons that can lead to profound transformation.

With love and magick,