The shadow has fascinated astrologers, psychologists, and spiritual seekers for decades.
The term originally originated from Carl Jung’s understanding of the psyche, but has since become entangled with the following ideas: secret, traumaand, in the astrology community, there are signs like this Scorpio Or a planet like this Pluto.
But that’s not what shadow is about – at least not in the way defined by its father and original architect, Carl Jung.
secretAlthough mysterious and invisible, they are not shadows.
… traumaAlthough unconscious for protection, it is not at the heart of the shadow process.
…and in Pluto’s Underworldthere are no shadows at all – this is impossible because in the absence of light, there is nothing to cast a shadow.
Unlike secrets, which are deliberately hidden, trauma is often a sensitive but grounded part of our inner world— The shadow is completely unknown to us.
We don’t know our own shadow.
When we say “shadow” or “I met my shadow,” we are usually referring to repressed spiritual matter, taboos, compulsions, or wounds—all areas in which we are quasi-consciousness of or can be accessed with effort – but we are not in the shadow realm.
The nature of the shadow is that it is invisible to our conscious mind. Once a shadow enters our consciousness, it ceases to be a shadow.
so what yes What about shadows?
From a psychological perspective, shadows are parts of ourselves that we project outward when we are not yet consciously able to grasp them.
The key word here – almost synonymous with shadow – is projection.
Projection can cause us to feel irritated, have knee-jerk reactions, be critical, or even be repelled. this is us Can’t stand it among others.
Shadows are also what we find fascinating in others. We can’t help but be irresistibly attracted to people who exude qualities we don’t yet possess ourselves.
Our feelings of attraction and repulsion all stem from the same source: A part of us that is part of ourselves, but lies outside of our conscious identity.
Shadow in natal chart
If we want to understand the shadow astrologically, we first have to focus on the chart dynamics that create the shadow: the Descendant and 7th house, the polarities, the opposition points, and the only opposition point in our charts: the Lunar Nodes.
Although seventh house is the portal to the shadow, the whole The third quadrant of the chart Participate in the shadow development process. Shadowing is a process that unfolds through others—a process of feedback, mirroring, and course correction.
this social planet Jupiter and Saturn play a special role in shadow work because They shape our ability to interact with the world and receive feedbackand transform our ego and underlying personality traits and skills (symbolized by personal planets) into effective, integrated capabilities.
All planets have shadow complexes – from the Sun and Moon all the way to Pluto – but if we want to understand the mechanisms of shadow formation and shadow integration, the social planets are the bridge that makes this possible.
opposition and polarity is the core of shadow work. Opposites are a sign of projection, often manifested through relationships, where we see in others qualities that we deny in ourselves.
Each sign and house axis represents a balance of opposites. For example, Aries-Libra explores the tension between independence and partnership, Taurus-Scorpio explores the tension between personal resources and shared resources, and so on.
this lunar nodes Another opposite in our chart; the shadow point itself, the Nodes describe how our identity evolves over time, by integrating the natural resources of the South Node that are inherited or instinctively developed, with the opportunities and extended experiences represented by the North Node.
Shadow – 3 week live course
We will be at Astro Butterfly School’s “shadow”Courses start on December 2, 2025.
“shadow” is part of Use astrology to change your lifewhich is the psychological and archetypal learning route of Astro Butterfly School.
Unlike our other study courses (such as Mastering Your Natal Chart), Transform Your Life with Astrology – and the shadowing courses – are less about technical astrology and more about using astrological archetypes for our own personal growth.
Shadow brings a unique framework rooted in psychological insights that will change the way you understand Shadow and help you recognize a part of yourself, perhaps for the first time.
This is what makes “Shadow” unique:
1. “Shadow” is a comprehensive, psychologically rooted exploration
In the course you will learn Shadows from a framework based on psychological insights – rather than conventional diagram-based shortcuts or symbolic assumptions.
This is a unique approach that makes “shadow” and”Use astrology to change your life” From a pure astrology education.
Comprehensive content, but not extravagant Layer in a way that gradually builds insights.
Each week (3 weeks total) consists of a 90-minute webinar (offered at 2 different times), as well as recorded material, case studies and Saturday practice workshops.
we are talking about 15+ hours of study time We are not only Study the ins and outs of Shadowbut also Apply it and receive real-time feedback.
2. All-round teaching: two teachers + one Jungian analyst
“Shadow” provides a rich, multi-dimensional experience through specialized presentations by Jungian analysts and 2 different teachers throughout the program.
You’ll learn about shadows from:
- Carlo Martina consulting astrologer with over 30 years of experience, uses shadow materials daily in client meetings
- Rebecca EgganLeading expert on the shadow in astrology, rooted in Jungian psychology, and author of several books on the shadow
3. Shadow prototype and diagram structure
In the course we will introduce the concepts and shadow dynamics in charts:
- Descendants and the Seventh House as the root of the projection/shadowing process
- Social planet (Jupiter + Saturn) and their role in self-formation and shadow integration.
- The entire third quadrant Shadow’s development stage in the chart
- lunar nodesthe one we collectively oppose in the diagram
- All 10 planets explored through the Shadow Lens
- Case studies, conceptual frameworks, and psychological concepts you won’t find anywhere else
If this topic interests you, this is your opportunity to join in and get to know your Shadow through a unique, psychologically based exploration of your natal chart.
We won’t be running live shadowing sessions again anytime soon – at least not for the next two years.
Here is the course description page where you will find the syllabus, logistics, and registration links:
>>Shadow 3-week live course<
