The Shadow Seekers’ Dispatch, Ed. 3
In This Edition
Index
Stoke Your Fire
As we ignite the spark of a New Year, our theme of New Beginnings and Self-Awareness beckons us to reflect, reset, and embrace our raw, authentic selves. Each January holds the promise of renewal, a chance to shed the weight of yesterday’s shadows and fan the flames of the light that guides us forward.
Remember, your art is the flame that illuminates your soul—let’s stoke that fire and create something beautifully revealing this month.
Carl Jung and the New Year:
A Journey into Individuation
Ready to set your soul ablaze this New Year? Let’s ditch the superficial resolutions and jump into the real work of transformation with Carl Jung as our guide.
Individuation, Jung’s powerful concept, isn’t about slapping a Band-Aid on your wounds—it’s about peeling back the layers, staring into the depths of your psyche, and emerging whole on the other side. It’s the process of integrating all facets of our personality—including the shadow, those parts we tend to hide or ignore—into a harmonious whole.
Yes, facing your shadow can be intimidating as hell. But here’s the truth: those dark corners of your psyche hold the keys to your personal power. Embracing them isn’t just liberating—it’s revolutionary.
This year, ask yourself: What parts of you are crying out for attention, understanding, or acceptance? Start by observing your emotional triggers or recurring patterns—they’re often breadcrumbs leading to your shadow self. Allowing these parts to exist without judgment creates space for profound growth and healing.
I’ve been there, knee-deep in the muck of my own shadows. But let me tell you, the view from the other side is worth every uncomfortable moment. By embracing individuation, we’re not striving for perfection—we’re striving for wholeness. Each step toward self-awareness illuminates the path ahead, turning challenges into opportunities and hidden fears into sources of strength.
Action Step: Grab your art supplies and create a visual representation of a part of yourself you’ve been hiding. Don’t overthink it—let your subconscious guide your hand.
What emerges might surprise you, challenge you, or even unnerve you a little. Good. That’s where the magic happens.
This isn’t just another New Year’s resolution—it’s a rebellion against everything that’s been holding you back. Let’s make this journey into self-awareness the most transformative experience of your life. Your art is the flame that illuminates your soul—let’s stoke that fire and create something beautifully revealing this month.
Sources
Schaffner, Anna Katharina. “Jungian Psychology: Unraveling the Unconscious Mind.” PositivePsychology.com, 12 Sept. 2024, learn more here.
From the Shadow Seekers’ Journal
Creating a Vision Doll for a Magical Year
Discover how your subconscious speaks through art. Learn to decode the hidden messages in your creations for self-discovery and healing.
Why Is the Woman of Willendorf So Fascinating?
Uncover the enduring mystery of the Woman of Willendorf, a 25,000-year-old Paleolithic statuette that fascinates historians and inspires endless interpretations.
Elemental Allies:
Igniting Your Creative Revolution with Garnet and Spearmint
Hey, creative rebels! As we dive into this year of self-discovery and new beginnings, I’m throwing a couple of allies your way: garnet and spearmint. Why? Because sometimes, we need a little extra firepower in our arsenal.
These powerful tools can help because our journey into self-awareness isn’t always a cakewalk. Sometimes we need something more as we face our shadows and step into our light. So let’s get ready to harness their energy this month. It’s time to shake things up and see what beautiful, revealing bits of you emerge!
Garnet
Think of garnet as a fiery catalyst for your journey into self. This beauty:
- Ignites your inner fire, sparking regeneration and vitality
- Balances your passionate nature, from creativity to sexuality
- Cuts through emotional bullsh!t, restoring harmony
- Fuels your courage to face the shadows and embrace your authentic self
Spearmint
Your badass ally for kicking off a year of radical self-discovery. Spearmint:
- Jolts your spirit awake, clearing mental fog
- Amplifies your voice, helping you articulate hidden truths
- Ignites your confidence, fueling fearless self-expression
Inhale deeply and let this minty rebellion spark your journey into the shadows and light of your authentic self.
A Tireless Protector of Your Emotional Health
A Sentinel You-Do-You Voodoo™ art doll (10 – 13 inches tall) is your silent protector, standing watch over your most open spaces like entryways, living rooms, and kitchens. The Sentinel monitors energy flows, calmly maintaining stability and redirecting negativity when it senses disturbances. It works quietly so you can relax fully, knowing its presence safeguards your home.
Each Sentinel is crafted with powerful stones to cleanse and protect your space, including moonstone for intuition and selenite for constant energy purification. Choose a gemstone—clear quartz, amethyst, or rose quartz—to align with your unique needs. Add your personal touch by selecting the doll’s complexion and hair color. Contact me if you want to customize more fully.
Bring this peacekeeper into your space today. Order your Sentinel You-Do-You Voodoo™ art doll and let it help you reach your goal of self-awareness.
Question for You
What does self-awareness mean to you? How has being self-aware helped you in the past?
Reply to this email and share your thoughts—I can’t wait to hear from you!
‘Til Next Time!
Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Shadow Seekers’ Dispatch. I’m moving the date of the newsletter to the last Saturday of the month, so your next email will come sooner than usual. Don’t worry though – after this I’ll be back to knocking on your inbox door only once a month.
Remember to follow @kelliejoart on social media for updates throughout the month. The buttons to click are right below my signature. And please visit my shop or blog where your comments are always wanted. I’ll see you next time.
Warmly,
Kellie Jo Close
Artist & Author
Transforms Shadows into Light