Numerology and Shadow Work

“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.” -- Michael Landon.

This month we will discuss methods for applying Numerology within Shadow Work. First, what is Shadow Work? "Shadow Work" is based on the theory that we all have a "dark side" within our personality and it develops and becomes more powerful as we repress our inner desires. We may find these desires unflattering, inappropriate, unattainable or embarrassing. Numerology can be utilized in Shadow Work to provide a detailed personality portrait that can help you to see the various layers, aspects, and sides of your personality. We are all very complex, and being able to see a description of your personality can allow you to look deeper into your nature and accept the different parts of your personality.

The shadow is defined as the parts of yourself that are hidden away within your unconscious. They may be "positive" or "negative." The shadow is composed of all of the things about ourselves that we have repressed, forgotten or denied. According to psychologist Carl Jung, you must get in touch with your shadow before you can truly get in touch with your true self. He called the initial step of this journey "The First Act of Courage." And the first thing that is necessary is simply to acknowledge that your shadow exists

Numerologists and Astrologers focus on ways in which you can utilize the readings and charts that they can provide to help you to get to know yourself and develop your true potential. Working with your shadow is a way to develop and discover your power and full potential. In Numerology, many of your personal numbers have a "balanced" side, and an "unbalanced" side. Accepting all aspects of your personality as real is an important first step in living consciously and working with your shadow. Accepting and admitting that you do possess certain qualities or characteristics, rather than dismissing them or sweeping them under the rug, is a healthy, although sometimes difficult, part of the process.

What are the benefits of working with Numerology within the context of Shadow Work? Your Numerology Reading can help to "paint" a portrait of your life. What does your portrait look like? Your portrait is a representation of the "real you". It can capture and portray your essence. Do you think your portrait is beautiful, ugly, odd, or something else? Personally, I like to paint or draw whatever my reading stirs up. The essence of your personality is provided by your portrait and is there for you to interpret in your own way. The benefit of your portrait is that it can help you to better see your essence. Shadow Work helps you to accept, and incorporate, your essence. What is your essence? What does it incorporate? For me, the drawings and paintings help me to more clearly see my own essence. Perhaps there is something you can do that will help you to see your essence.

Is working with your shadow difficult? Working with your shadow can indeed be a very difficult and serious undertaking. However, consider the fact that you may be, unconsciously, living your life through your shadow side. This could lead you to self-sabotaging behaviors. The purpose of Shadow Work is to help you side step any self-destructive patterns. Shadow Work within Numerology can help you to develop a deeper sense for the meaning within your personal numbers. Once you develop this deeper sense, your Numerology Reading can guide you toward developing greater empathy and compassion for yourself and others, and you may be better able to understand other people's plight. Utilizing Shadow Work involves living up to your full potential.

What are the actual tools Numerology provides? One tool that we learned about last month is your Maturity Number. It is critical number in living a healthy and balanced life. This number influences our lives more and more, as we age. The potential of this number is usually clearly seen during childhood, and by others, as we age. Often circumstances may cause us to lose sight of, let go of, or stuff away this potential. This can definitely contribute to the growth and development of your shadow. Your Maturity Number can help to indicate things to watch out for in your life, as well as possible courses of action that may help you live with more awareness. It may also help you to "sit with" the emotions that come up when you read about particular aspects of yourself that you don't wish to accept. One of the most difficult aspects of Shadow Work is trying to be with the tension that your emotions can bring up. This is known as living within the tension of opposites. I find this part challenging at times.

As an example, we will look at John C. He is dating Marie. Suppose that John C, a computer analyst, has a Maturity number of #1. With consideration for his entire chart, we understand that this can mean that John can become flighty, intolerant and bossy at times. Working in a corporate environment may not be totally suitable for him. He may need to find ways to spend time being creative. His independence is very important to him. Several years ago he received his MBA, yet has not found a use for it. He enjoys the technical aspects of his current job, but he is angry with his non-technical team leader, and every night goes home and is so irate he just zones out in front of the television. Marie loves watching television and encourages this activity. Unfortunately, many people just try to forget their problems by doing this or taking drugs, drinking, or eating. Our work within Shadow Work involves dealing with and confronting the problem, rather than ignoring it. It might make sense for John to find ways in which he could use his MBA degree and leadership skills. Perhaps he could apply to become a team leader. His Maturity Number suggests that he find ways to do just that, or he might find working on his own to be more rewarding.

Numerology and Shadow Work provide the tools that can give you awareness about your strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Accepting and acknowledging the "good" and "bad" parts of yourself will allow you to be more tolerant of yourself and others. You will also be able to avoid many of the destructive behaviors, which hold you in unwanted cyclic patterns that you repeat over and over. Hopefully, your learning and growth can help you to break through any inner struggles, especially those associated with guilt, anger and resentment. John, from our example, may be angry with his boss. John lets the anger build up, then he zones out at home and gets even angrier, because he doesn't do anything constructive with his time. This process can feed his angst and bring about more guilt. This means that in order to avoid these struggles in our own lives we have to own up to our shadow and its power. Owning your shadow involves developing an awareness of your self within your life. In our example, it means that John would benefit from breaking out of his television habit and using that time more constructively. With more awareness you will be better able to accept your inner self and also your dreams. Wouldn't it be better to avoid potential physical or mental problems and simply embrace your desires, no matter what?

Good luck in your journey into Soulful Living and Numerology.

Resources:
Carl Jung Page: http://www.cgjungpage.org
Jung Center: http://members.aol.com/jungdetroit

Copyright © 2002 Rob Ragozzine. All Rights Reserved.