Day 7 of 7
CARL JUNG SHADOW WORK SERIES
"Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
— Carl Jung
Begin Your 7-Day Shadow Work Journey
Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, pioneered the concept of shadow work—a process of exploring and integrating the hidden parts of our psyche. This 7-day journey guides you through Jung's profound techniques for self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation.
Each day builds upon the previous, creating a structured path toward greater self-awareness and psychological wholeness. Follow the complete series in order for the most transformative experience.
Start Your Journey
Series Overview
Meditation Instructions
- 1. Returning to Your Sacred SpaceBegin by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes. Take several deep breaths to center yourself. Use your established method to return to your sacred inner space. Notice how this space has evolved over the course of your seven-day journey. What qualities does it now contain?
- 2. The Center PointWithin your sacred space, become aware of a central point—perhaps a circle, altar, flame, crystal, or any other symbol that represents the center of your being. Move toward this center point with reverence, recognizing it as a symbol of your Self, the organizing principle of your psyche.
- 3. Gathering the PartsFrom this center point, send out an invitation to all the aspects of yourself that you've encountered during this journey—your shadow, anima/animus, wise figure, and any other significant inner presences. Invite them to gather around the center in a circle, each taking their rightful place.
- 4. The Council of the SelfAs these aspects gather, acknowledge each one and its unique contribution to your wholeness. Notice how they relate to each other and to the central point. If there is tension or discord between any aspects, allow them to communicate and find their natural balance in relation to the whole.
- 5. The Mandala FormsAs this council assembles, notice that they naturally form a mandala—a circular, symmetrical pattern with the center point as its hub. In Jungian psychology, the mandala is a symbol of wholeness and integration. Allow this mandala to take shape in whatever way feels natural, with each aspect finding its proper place in the whole.
- 6. The Light of IntegrationFrom the center point, notice a light beginning to emanate—a light that connects with each aspect of your being. This light represents the integrating energy of the Self. As it touches each aspect, there is a sense of acknowledgment, acceptance, and harmony. Allow this light to flow freely, creating bridges of understanding between previously separated aspects.
- 7. The Dance of WholenessAs this integration deepens, the entire mandala may begin to move or dance—each part maintaining its unique identity while participating in the greater whole. This dance represents the dynamic nature of psychological integration, which is not static but alive and evolving. Allow yourself to experience the beauty and harmony of this dance.
- 8. Embodying IntegrationNow allow the light from the center to expand, gradually encompassing the entire mandala and then flowing into your physical body. Feel this integrating energy moving through your body—from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet—bringing a sense of wholeness to every cell. Notice how this integration feels in your body, emotions, and consciousness.
- 9. The Symbol of SelfAs this experience of integration deepens, ask for a personal symbol that represents your Self—the wholeness that includes and transcends all aspects of your being. This might be an image, object, pattern, word, or any other form that emerges spontaneously. Receive this symbol with gratitude, knowing it can serve as a touchstone for reconnecting with your wholeness in daily life.
- 10. Completing the JourneyWhen you feel complete with this experience, take a moment to express gratitude for this journey of self-discovery and integration. Know that you can return to this experience of wholeness whenever you choose. Then, gradually bring your awareness back to your physical surroundings, carrying the sense of integration with you as you return to ordinary consciousness.
Reflection Questions
After completing the meditation, consider these questions:
- How did it feel to gather all aspects of yourself around the center point?
- What was the nature of the mandala that formed? What patterns or qualities did it express?
- What symbol of Self emerged for you, and what might it represent?
- How did the experience of integration feel in your body and consciousness?
- What insights have you gained through this seven-day journey that you'd like to carry forward?
- How might you continue to nurture this sense of wholeness in your daily life?
Jungian Context
Jung distinguished between the ego (the center of conscious identity) and the Self (the center of the total personality, including conscious and unconscious elements). The Self, represented often by mandalas and other symbols of wholeness, emerges as the goal and guiding principle of the individuation process.
Jung wrote: "The self is not only the centre but also the whole circumference which embraces both conscious and unconscious; it is the centre of this totality, just as the ego is the centre of consciousness." For Jung, the experience of the Self brings a sense of meaning, purpose, and inner harmony that transcends the ego's limited perspective.
The integration you've experienced in this meditation is not a final destination but a continuing process. As Jung observed, individuation is a lifelong journey of becoming increasingly conscious of and in right relationship with all aspects of your being. The symbol of Self that emerged for you can serve as both a reminder and a beacon, helping you navigate this ongoing journey with greater awareness and intention.
Completing the Series
Congratulations on completing Carl Jung's 7-Day Shadow Work Meditation Series. Over these seven days, you've embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery and integration, exploring the depths of your psyche and connecting with powerful archetypal energies.
As you move forward from this experience, remember that shadow work and individuation are ongoing processes. The insights and practices you've gained can continue to support your growth and transformation. Consider revisiting these meditations periodically, as new layers of understanding may emerge as you evolve.