The Dark Goddess

The Dark Goddess I’m referring to here is a concept, an understanding of our internal relationship with ourselves and not exactly a deity per say but for some it can be. In certain online communities and external groups the Dark Goddess is defined in a plethora of ways each as varied and as unique as the people involved, however there’s a strong correlation between her and an individual's self healing journey, it would appear that personal transformation, empowerment and introspection are themes that connect through to most depictions and experiences of the Dark Goddess and for this reason she’s a subject I’d like to flesh out because like tarot and archetypes, she’s a spiritual vehicle into the very depths of our mysterious inner chamber. The Dark Goddess as a concept invites conversation, a steady gaze into our hearts and minds, she speaks directly to our shadows, “working with” the Dark Goddess is working with the shadow self and tending to the wounds, facing the fears and dismantling the stigmas placed by society at large. The topics that we don’t publicly discuss, the taboos including sexuality, mortality, illnesses and unexpressed emotions all fall under her domain of expertise. Shame, guilt and trauma aren't strange material either but fragments and moments of our conscious and unconscious existence that we can safely express in our own work towards a lighter way of being, this is a fundamental cyclic process that happens when we place our attention inwards. The Dark Goddess represents a comfortable space and state of mind where we can discard the weight of fear and all of its accompanying consequences.

The widow, the old wrench and the loveless woman, the witch, are labels that hurt and are used to cast aside members of society because of their unfortunate life events and/or upbringings. They represented alternative, “different” ways of living and being, however historically little effort was brought forward to understand their actual circumstances, to get to know their true nature and intentions yet instead their vulnerable status and possibly because of their appearance most were subject to harsh accusations, locked in a metaphorical and in some instances literal cage of madness and hysteria. The idea of being evil or unvirtuous simply by being tainted by a selfish and fear based world is wrong and unfair, it’s an easy way out, to ignore the truth and the complexities of life. It's an example of how unreasonable and self loathing programs take root inside the mind, going against the grain is like putting yourself at risk, it’s not a part of the programs enlisted from birth, it’s perilous and places you at the hands of judgment, possibly danger and violence. The Dark Goddess being an archetype herself of a woman, the crone or old wise woman is the epitome of inner strength and power during times of crisis, of darkness and ignorance. She symbolizes hope and compassionate understanding of one’s physical and emotional situation, she bears all the secrets and held back words and actions that escaped one’s grasp. Whether or not one prays to an actual Goddess or interacts with her in a more linguistic kind of way through journal or conversation, the act of coming into a space set up by yourself to embrace your emotions and rebuild your experiences is an act of self love and active healing, this is what matters in the end.

Depending on your approach, beliefs and comfort level there are multiple ways of working with the Dark Goddess to address the shadow self and improve feelings of ease within the physical vessel, the body. She can become a metaphor for you that helps you voice your thoughts to get you in the right headspace needed to closely observe and accept, acknowledge and surrender. On the other hand, she can be the literal face of any Goddess from any pantheon/culture that you feel called to work with or are drawn to. In this type of interaction there's a sacred bond that forms and for those who are open to this path or are curious, it’s a soul enriching method and way of being that taps you into the depths of your soul, your hearts innate wisdom and courage to be and express yourself in your most authentic capacity. This work is all about unveiling the obscurity of fear in all of its many forms and learning to take up more space within your own life (not interfering with others). This work helps to bring to the surface fear based responses, limiting beliefs and obstructions that hinder us and through these observations make small changes to adjust our course in ways that mirror our true intentions for ourselves and the life we wish to live.

I prepared a little workshop experience for those of you who wish to participate or are wondering where to start. All you’ll need is a dedicated journal for the following prompts, if you work with tarot or oracle decks absolutely feel free to use them, pull a card for each of the questions (don't worry if you don't own a tarot or oracle deck, this can simply be a journal prompt for you to jot down your thoughts). Write down the question and if you are using a deck pull a card, write down the card and write what comes to mind (even if you don't have a deck) in the context of the question, give yourself permission to mark down your first impressions and don't worry about being wrong or right just trust and follow through the process. Make the appropriate arrangements to settle in a quiet space for yourself where you’ll be undisturbed. You may wish to address your writing to a Goddess of your choosing (this is a wonderful way of bonding and working with one of her faces) or even have an image or item around that represents her. Always do what makes you feel comfortable and feels good, if simply journaling and answering the prompts feels good then it is enough.

The prompts: you can do them all in one go or pace yourself by working on one daily for eight days. This tarot/oracle spread or journal prompts can be done all over again at a different point in time and is specifically created for direction and understanding current or long time fears in order to break from the mold. My inspiration for this spread is one of the more famous stories of the Egyptian Goddess Isis, her husband was killed and his body parts were scattered across Egypt. She then went in search of his body parts and almost had him complete except his phallus was missing so she created one, she was also known as a goddess of magic. Soon after she brought him back to life and made love to him, shortly after she and Osiris had a son, the god Horus. This is a terrible quick retelling, but the themes of renewal, death and new life are central in this spread. I sincerely hope that this serves you well along your path if you decide to partake in this type of shadow work, also you can work with any Goddess you’d like. I call this spread…..

“The Inner Chamber of Light”

1. What area or aspect of my life currently needs renewal?

2. How can I be more present and support this process of renewal?

3. In what way/s do I currently hold myself back from positive changes and influences?

4. What do I need to release and/or surrender to move forward?

5. In what way/s can my actions mirror my true intentions?

6. What new experiences am I ready to give birth to?

7. How can I lovingly take up more space in my life?

8. What spiritual guidance can make me feel more supported along my journey? (if you don't own a tarot or oracle deck, rephrase the question to “what inner guidance..etc.”).