Four Laws of the Shadow

 

The Four Laws of the Shadow

Law 1: Every person and every society has a Shadow

Everyone has a shadow.  This Shadow manifests itself in two ways: Personally, and Collectively in society.

Law 2: This shadow is hidden

This Shadow is Unconscious and hidden.  It is an Archetype and therefore unknowable.  We can only know its manifestations.

Law 3: Simply realizing that this shadow exists helps us to manage the shadow

Realizing that we have a Shadow is a significant step forward toward managing the shadow.

Law 4: The Personal and Collective Shadow are managed through Conscious Reason

Once we realize we have a Shadow we can manage it through the Light of Conscious Reason and Intellect.  

According to Jung, the Shadow actually has some positive aspects (spontaneity, vigor, instinct, conquering, healthy competition, creativity).  Our challenge is to utilize and integrate these positive aspects.

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