Evoking the Darkness

Immersing ourselves in Nature, with its “harsh and exciting” landscapes and forces, moves us beyond the polarities of good and evil, the polarities of daily life. Heavens, whether they be on puffy clouds with everyone dressed in white or filled with two hundred virgins, and hells – usually below the earth and fiery – are irrelevant. Everything is right here, and the urge to make some parts of it good – babies and bunny rabbits, for example – and other parts evil – crocodiles, spiders, and ticks – is contrived, and a distinctly human overlay.

We humans – one species among ten million – are also neither good nor evil. History is filled with extraordinary achievements – from the pyramids of Egypt to the Sistine Chapel – as well as cannibalism and mass sacrifice. The species that produced Buddha and St. Francis also created Hitler and Vlad the Impaler. The forces that have produced saints and monsters, crusades and jihads, totalitarianism, slavery, and the Bill of Rights swirl within every human psyche, and every culture and era has labeled some of these expressions “good” or “normal,” and others “dark” or “deviant.”

In modern life, we’re taught to be a “good boy” or “good girl,” and in this process, we deny or repress those parts of ourselves that don’t fit the preferred self-image. We may grow up to be quiet — approval seekers, or people-pleasers; repress certain unattractive emotions – like fear, anger, or sadness; – or downplay core parts of our identity, like sexuality. Whatever the specifics, dismissed or suppressed impulses become part of our Shadow, all the pieces of ourselves that fade from view and become lost in darkness as we “turn toward the Light.”

But this Shadow never goes away. It doesn’t disappear because we refuse to look at or acknowledge it. The limbic system and reptile brain do not need the conscious brain’s approval to function. Their relegation to the Land of Darkness merely means they function underground, their expressions now unconscious, surprising, and irrational. Self-sabotaging behaviors, depression, psychosomatic illnesses, eating disorders, addictions, explosive emotions — the “nice kid” who guns down his classmates at school… If we refuse to acknowledge and invite this unruly guest to dinner, “he” may come anyway, and we’ll be sipping tea while he burns down the house.

Calling in the Dark is a ritual – often performed as part of a vision quest — for calling forth the Shadow. The intention is to have a conversation, to see and integrate what has been exiled and denied. It’s essential, of course, that it takes place in the dark, after the glow of twilight has faded. It begins by creating a circle of allies – often using stones to represent those who “have your back” — to give support and courage as you make ready to face what you least want to look at, what you’ve invested much of your life avoiding. When this circle of support has been created and all ambient light is gone, open the circle – either simply, or with smudging, prayer, etc. – and step into the center. Face the dark and announce, “I’m ready, come show yourself.” Then wait.

Wait until you “sense something.” Some people are visual, and they may see shapes or apparitions in the darkness. Others may – noticing a particularly black area, perhaps under a tree – have the feeling there’s something there. Those less visually oriented might perceive a chill moving up the spine, notice an unexpected wind entering the area, perceive an abrupt silence or realize the air feels clammy and oppressive. When – in whatever way – you sense this presence, state out loud, “Who are you? And what do you want from me?” You’ve now invited the darkness to speak.What you “hear” may appear to be outside or seem like an inner knowing or words forming themselves in your head. Perhaps the voice answers, “I am your depression. I want you to die!” If so, one would answer, “I’m sorry, I won’t give you that. What else would you like from me?” You have denied its request. The price is too high, but you are still open to negotiating. Perhaps this energy responds, “Then, I want you to live your life in fear.” The price is still too high, and again, you deny its request — “What else do you want from me?” This process may go on for a bit. “I want you to avoid risks; to play it safe; to always focus on security…” But eventually, the darkness – your depression – may ask for something you are willing to give – “I want you to acknowledge all the power I have held in your life.”

You pause, think… “Can I do that, comply with this request?” If so, you should agree and make a commitment that lets the dark energy know what you will do to fulfill your end of the bargain. You might say, out loud, “Yes, I will acknowledge you and honor your power. During the coming year, I will – once a month on the full moon – light a candle in your honor and recite a litany, a list that speaks of all the ways you have affected my life from the moment you first appeared to now. I will give you your due.”

Something has changed. You are speaking to and negotiating with this dark entity that has existed beyond your control, that has operated independently and sabotaged your plans. You have listened and agreed to its request. (And you must follow through!) Now it’s your turn. Having granted its wish, it must grant you yours. Again, speaking aloud, articulate your desire. “Having agreed to acknowledge you and honor your power one night a month for the coming year, I want you to stay away from me for the rest of the month.” You have struck a great deal. Now close the circle and say, “Good night.”