Into the Shadows
Into the Shadows: Finding Power Beyond the Light
Welcome to The Dark Divines, where shadows are not something to fear, but a call to come home to yourself. We’ve been told to crave light, to stay polished and neat, but here, we know the truth: our power lies in the places we hide, in the parts we were taught to ignore. The shadows hold the truths we need, the beauty and wisdom waiting for our return.
As Mama Morrison said, "You are your best thing." To embrace the darkness within us is to reclaim what’s been ours all along. When you step into your own mystery, you find the parts of yourself that hold fire, that hold the raw beauty of your truth. This isn’t about fixing or changing anything—it’s about seeing yourself completely and knowing that, even in your mess, you are whole, complete, and worthy of reverence.
Why Embrace the Darkness?
Think of the women who came before us, the ones who knew that power isn’t always loud and that beauty doesn’t always ask for permission. When we embrace the shadows, we honor them, too. The quiet rage, the desire, the grief—all of it is sacred, all of it is power. And as Black women, we’ve carried this knowledge in our bones.
To love the shadows, as bell hooks said, “is an act of resistance.” In a world that asks us to be smaller, to play it safe, choosing to love our whole selves is radical. Our darkness isn’t a flaw; it’s a gift, a doorway back to the divine feminine that lives in each of us.
Reflect on Your Own Shadows
I invite you to pause and reflect: When was the last time you felt the pull of something hidden within, a part of you that’s been waiting to be seen? What would happen if, instead of holding it back, you invited it forward and let it show you what it holds?
Here’s a ritual to begin that journey, to help you connect with the shadowed parts of yourself and listen to the wisdom they carry.
Ritual for Embracing the Shadows
Create Your Sacred Space: Find a place where you feel safe to let go. Dim the lights, light a candle, burn some sage or incense. This is your invitation to meet yourself without any pretense.
Set Your Intention: Place a hand on your heart. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply, grounding into your body, your space. Set the intention to honor the parts of yourself that hold your truth, to listen without judgment.
Meet the Shadows: Open your eyes and gaze softly at the candle or into a mirror, if you have one nearby. Let your mind call up a part of you that you’ve been avoiding—a memory, a desire, a piece of yourself that feels raw. As it rises, ask, What do you hold for me? What truth do you carry?
Listen with Reverence: Let whatever surfaces come forward fully. This is your own wisdom speaking, your own mystery showing itself to you. You don’t have to analyze or judge—simply listen.
Give Thanks: When you’re ready, place your hand over your heart and thank yourself, your shadows, for this moment. Know that by honoring them, you’ve reclaimed a piece of yourself that’s been waiting for you.
Ready to Go Deeper?
Embracing your shadows is only the beginning. In The Dark Divines paid membership, we move beyond the surface, diving into powerful rituals, guided stories, and deep explorations that help you reclaim your whole self. Each practice is crafted to amplify your beauty, your wisdom, and your power. If you’re ready for more, I invite you to join us in this sacred space, where transformation is both inevitable and profound.