Session 002: The Shadow & The Work

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious." — Carl Jung

In our first session, we tuned our "Antennas". In Session 002, we turn that antenna inward to the parts of ourselves we’ve silenced, hidden, or ignored: The Shadow.

The Topic: We are exploring the intersection of Jungian psychology and the creative process. When we suppress our "negative" traits, we inadvertently block our creative vitality. This session is about the "Alchemy" of integration—turning leaden shame into golden expression.

The Assignment (To be completed before we meet):
* Listen: Creative Codex Podcast – Episode: "Carl Jung & The Red Book, Part 1".
* Read (Optional): Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson.

The Flow:

1. The Hearth: Arrival and high-quality coffee/tea.
2. The Deep Dive: Discussion based on the "Session 002 Handout" (provided at the door).
3. The Work Ahead: Introduction to our March experiment.

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The Homework (Two Paths):
I heard from a few of you that the homework 'Paths' for our February 12th session was hard to find. To ensure everyone has a clear 'map' for our descent into the Shadow, here are the full details for your prep work.

The Prep Work: Choose One Path

• Path A: The Reflection (Internal Inquiry)

The Task: Identify one 'negative' or 'socially unacceptable' trait that you typically hide, repress, or deny in your daily life (e.g., anger, envy, or arrogance).

The Inquiry: If this trait had its own voice, what would it say it actually wants? Is there a hidden 'gold' or vital energy (like a boundary or confidence) inside that trait?

• Path B: The Experiment (Active Imagination)

The Task: For those feeling bold, attempt an 'Active Imagination' exercise—a method Jung used to write The Red Book.

The Method: Write a literal script. Ask the trait why it is there, and then allow it to 'respond' on the page without filtering or judging the answer.
The Goal: To see what surprises you when you stop fighting the 'static' and start listening to it.

We will dive into these experiences—safely and without judgment—on February 12th.