Working with archetypes has added such richness and depth to my work – and that includes my own evolution. And it is not all sovereign power, warrior energy and casting magic.

There is that part of us we would rather hide away but follows us around – THE SHADOW.

Recently I named that part of me that rears his head from time to time, when I’m not at my best.

I name him:

Black Viper.

When threatened he will hiss, be aggressive and defend himself. And if you are not careful, you will get a nasty bite.

So be warned, back off!

But where did Black Viper come from?

He comes from my old story, that narrative formed in childhood that the world is not safe and I must protect myself at all costs.

But what do we do as adults? We try to repress that shadow side, those parts of us that are unacceptable.

But guess what, they can rear their ugly heads and we end up shaming ourselves – which keeps this shadow self very much alive.

And so, by naming this shadow trait, giving it form, we create:

Awareness
Distance
Ownership.

Yes, when we claim those parts of us from a state of sovereign responsibility, we take control. We are back in full power. And from this place we can understand where this shadow energy is coming from and shine the light of honesty and compassion on it.

That’s liberating. I see you Black Viper. 👑