Floating in Darkness
Embracing the Transformative Power of the Dark Feminine
Darkness—many of us are taught to fear it, to avoid it, to turn on the light and chase it away. But what if, instead of resisting darkness, we simply allowed ourselves to float within it? Imagine darkness not as a trap or a void, but as a space of comfort and transformation—a place where you can pause, release, and renew. What if darkness is not something that wants to pull us under, but a womb-like space waiting to hold us, just as it did at the very beginning of our lives?
Think back to the womb, our first home. That space of complete darkness cradled us, nurturing every bone and breath that would one day allow us to walk, run, and embrace life. In that darkness, we were safe, held, and nourished. There, we first heard the soothing hum of our birthing parent’s heartbeat and voice, sounds that told us we were loved before we even had a name. We didn’t fear that darkness—in fact, we were born from it. And when we came into the light, our first instinct was often to cry out, feeling the sudden jolt of exposure. Darkness was never the enemy; it was where we found comfort and growth.
The Black Madonna: Darkness as Divine Mother
In God is a Black Woman, Dr. Christena Cleveland introduces us to the Black Madonna—a profound image of the divine feminine in her most nurturing and resilient form. The Black Madonna is a figure shrouded in mystery and rooted in strength, representing the darkness as a force that holds, rather than harms. She embodies the part of the feminine that thrives in the shadows, protecting, loving, and creating. She teaches us that darkness is fertile ground, a womb where new life and purpose are born.
The Black Madonna invites us to embrace the unknown as a space where healing and growth are possible. When we connect with this energy, we learn to hold ourselves gently through dark times, trusting that, like a mother’s embrace, darkness is there to support, comfort, and guide us.
The Villain Arc: How Darkness Transforms the Hero
In stories, the hero rarely grows solely in the light. Their transformation is often catalyzed by an encounter with the “villain”—a figure embodying the hero’s hidden shadows. This “villain” is symbolic of darkness itself, mirroring the hero’s own fears, limitations, and unrealized power. Without this encounter, the hero might never confront these unacknowledged parts of themselves, might never evolve into someone fully equipped to live out their purpose.
The “villain arc” reflects how darkness works in our lives. Like the hero, each of us encounters our own shadows, facing the parts of ourselves we’d rather not see. But through these encounters, we’re refined, pushed beyond our limitations, and ultimately reshaped. Embracing our own “villain arc” means allowing ourselves to transform—not into something less, but into something more whole.
When we stop condemning darkness, we realize it’s often these very encounters that lead us to our greatest revelations. Darkness is not a threat; it’s a guide, showing us the parts of ourselves that we might have overlooked in the light.
Honoring the Wild Woman: Finding Wisdom in the Shadows
In Women Who Run with the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estés speaks to the raw, untamed aspect of the feminine that society often encourages us to suppress. The “wild woman” lives in the dark spaces, the shadows, and the untamed parts of life. She understands that darkness is not an ending; it’s a part of the cycle, a space where rest, rebirth, and renewal unfold.
For the wild woman, darkness is a place to reconnect with her essence. In this space, she is free from expectations, able to reclaim her instincts, power, and truth. Estés shows us that darkness is a place of profound wisdom, where we shed illusions and reconnect with the deepest aspects of ourselves. Embracing this “wild woman” energy is an act of reclaiming autonomy, honoring our need for solitude, reflection, and connection to our inner world.
The Stigma of Darkness: Unlearning Bias and Reclaiming Power
Our society has conditioned us to see darkness as negative, a concept deeply rooted in racism, colorism, and centuries of bias that equate “dark” with “bad.” This perspective has been used to degrade, oppress, and marginalize, particularly people with darker skin. But this view of darkness as something “evil” is not a truth; it’s a distorted narrative that has been passed down through generations.
Reclaiming our relationship with darkness is both a personal and collective journey. It means unlearning societal biases and recognizing darkness as something sacred, full of beauty, power, and wisdom. By embracing darkness, we’re rejecting harmful narratives and reclaiming a more complete understanding of ourselves and the world. This reclamation allows us to see darkness as a space where we can rest, create, and reconnect with our most authentic selves.
Floating, Not Sinking: Transforming Your Relationship with Darkness
Darkness is not here to pull you down;
it’s here to hold you, like the womb once did. Imagine floating in a deep, calm ocean under a starry sky, feeling supported by the water around you. You’re not sinking or struggling; you’re simply resting, allowing yourself to be held.
Here’s how you can begin to transform your relationship with darkness:
1. Redefine Darkness as Restorative: See darkness as a place of rest and renewal, a sacred space where you can reconnect with yourself. Just as night brings quiet and rest, darkness in your life offers a chance to slow down, heal, and gain perspective.
2. Welcome the Wisdom of the Shadows: The shadow aspects of ourselves hold valuable lessons and hidden strengths. Reflect on what feelings or thoughts you may have pushed into the shadows. By embracing and understanding these parts, you unlock deeper self-awareness and healing.
3. Honor Darkness as a Sacred Part of the Feminine: Darkness is the womb of creation, the space where all things begin. It’s where ideas are born, where inspiration comes alive, and where transformation takes root. When you honor this aspect of the feminine, you’re reclaiming an ancient power that connects you to the cyclical nature of life.
4. Practice Floating in Darkness: In moments when you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, visualize yourself floating in a calm, dark ocean. Let go of the need to push through or find immediate answers. Simply allow yourself to be, trusting that you’re supported. This practice helps you find peace in surrender and teaches you that darkness is a place of safety and support, not something to fear.
Embracing the Dark Feminine: A Path to Wholeness
The dark feminine invites us to inhabit all parts of ourselves, to honor our shadows and the depths of who we are. Figures like the Black Madonna and the wild woman from Women Who Run with the Wolves embody this energy, showing us that our shadows are just as sacred as our light. Embracing the dark feminine means stepping into our full, unapologetic selves and reclaiming the beauty and wisdom that live within.
In darkness, we’re free from the need to perform or prove. We can just be, remembering our strength, our resilience, and our connection to something greater. So the next time you find yourself facing darkness, try not to run from it. Instead, allow yourself to float, to be held, and to know that darkness is not something that seeks to consume you. It’s a space that holds you, a place of quiet power, inviting you to remember who you truly are.
For Deeper Exploration on Darkness and the Divine Feminine
If you’re inspired to dive deeper into these ideas, here are some recommended readings:
• God is a Black Woman by Dr. Christena Cleveland: This book offers insight into the Black Madonna as a symbol of the divine feminine in her most resilient form, encouraging a reframe of darkness as sacred and nurturing.
• Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés: Estés’ work explores the wild woman archetype, helping us understand darkness as a necessary part of the feminine cycle and as a space where our intuition and power are restored.
• Jambalaya: The Natural Woman’s Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals by Luisah Teish: This work connects us to ancestral and African spiritual practices, offering perspectives on the divine feminine and understanding power within the context of shadow work.
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on embracing darkness, reconnecting to ancient wisdom, and redefining the dark feminine in our lives. Consider diving into them as guides to deepen your own journey, tapping into the wisdom of darkness as a source of transformation and strength.