8:31 PM PST • 9:31 PM MST • 10:31 PM CST • 11:31 PM EST
We've just moved into Taurus season and with it comes our first Super Full Moon of 2021, occurring in the sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is a fixed water sign ruled by both Mars and Pluto and embodies themes surrounding death, rebirth, and transformation. Super moons amplify the moon's energy and since Scorpio is already known for its intensity, this full moon is likely to be very emotionally turbulent for many.
For this full moon, I wanted to focus on shadow work and the potential for transformation. Scorpio is deeply tied to both of these themes, so there's no better time than this super full moon to dive in and explore new ways to grow.
SHADOWS
Everyone has their shadows and if you don't think you do, then that means your shadows are running the show. Shadows are the limiting assumptions, beliefs, negative thoughts, harmful behaviors and patterns that we carry in our subconscious. Our shadows can stand in the way of our own happiness and success, which is why learning to accept certain shadows and releasing the others is such a powerful practice for self-development.
Shadow work is by no means easy and it shouldn't be taken lightly. Looking at the uncomfortable parts of ourselves is something that we often put off or outright ignore out of fear of what we might uncover. Old wounds may be reopened, triggering thoughts may make us spiral, and ultimately, it might just be too painful. Fear of the unknown is one of the greatest fears we have as humans. However, there is no growth without discomfort. Facing your fears is a huge part into stepping into your truest self.
If you feel called to dive into your shadows, start by thinking about the words shame, guilt, and fear. Notice how you feel. What comes up for you? This is where your shadow work begins.
TRANSFORM
Who do you really want to be? Like who do you really want to be? There's a good chance that the person you wish to be has traits that you desire, but don't currently embody. Considering the ways in which you'd like to change your thoughts of behaviors is another great way to identify your own shadows.
Start by writing down every characteristic, trait, or behavior that you wish to embody. Look at your list and identify any items that you have blockages or resistance around.
For example, if you wish to be a confident person but feel emotions like "I could never be confident" coming up for you, that means it's time to go deeper into that thought. Analyze why you believe you could never be confident. Maybe it stems from a lack of confidence that began at a young age from bullying. Maybe it's because your body has changed recently in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Maybe you experienced some kind of rejection that you just haven't been able to shake.
No matter what it is, giving it a name is the first step to finding the root and healing the wound.
RELEASE
When you make the deep dive into your shadows, I can guarantee that what you'll find will surprise you. You'll probably find that a lot of what you uncover is actually less scary and more manageable than you had expected. While some of the shadows you'll confront may take some time to process and accept, the others are likely things that you don't need. This leads to one of the best parts of shadow work: releasing.
Releasing thoughts or ideas that are not serving you is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself. You've identified a resistance and after looking at it closely, you've realized that it's not benefiting you in any way. By releasing, you are quite literally freeing yourself.
Find a practice to release in a way that works for you. It could be saying "I release... (blank)" out loud to yourself in a mirror or writing it down on a piece of paper and burning it to release the energy. Positive affirmations also work wonders here.
Learning to accept the shadows that we can and release the ones that don't serve us is powerful practice for self-development. Working through your shadows can help you to boost your intuition, self-esteem, and become more of your authentic self.
I've put together a super full moon tarot spread that is meant to help you identify and navigate through your shadows. Feel free to use this spread as many times as you feel called to.
Happy Full Moon lovelies
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