Persephone's Journey
by Karri Ann Allrich
 

Mid-November has been cold and windy here on the New England shore. The heartache of autumn’s bitter harvest lingers on in our collective memory, flooding the early dark with an undertow of loss. Emotions feel intensified, fed by energies dark and unknown. This is Shadow territory. And we are in the thick of it.

As the year’s Wheel once again turns our harvest into winter, our spiritual focus shifts inward. With Persephone as our archetypal guide we descend into the underworld, to confront our deepest needs, recognize our fears and hollow out our wisdom. This is the perennial dark night journey of the soul.

The New Moon in Scorpio provides a perfect escort. 

In its inherent watery depths, Scorpio energy stirs our intuition and intensifies our hidden desires. This is familiar territory to our descending Goddess, whose annual surrender to the underworld burnishes her insight with hard-won discernment. To enter Shadow territory with grace and clarity, we may call upon Persephone. Her steady healing hand coolly guides us through Scorpio’s secretive undercurrents.

“That which remains unconscious comes to us as fate” Carl Jung wrote.

As we collectively struggle to understand current events and incorporate the abrupt alteration on our view of the world, may we ponder his wise words. May we take the opportunity offered by this Scorpio New Moon and meditate upon our own Shadow. 

Scorpio New Moon Meditation:

On the eve of the dark moon, draw a warm (not too hot) bath and immerse yourself in water magick. After smudging (cleansing) your space with smoking sage, light candles of blue, violet and black. Scent the bath with essential oils (or an herbal infusion hung under running water). After you slip into the tub, add two drops each of basil, thyme and rosemary. Add a toss of sea salt for protection and purification. As you sink into the bath, close your eyes and relax your body into the gentle rhythm of your breathing. Quietly invite Persephone to guide you into the depths of your own underworld. Visualize her holding your hand as you wind your way down through darkened ancient passageways. Ask her to protect you as enter this unknown territory. 

Summon your courage and trust as you ask, “What are my true desires? What are my fears? What do I need to let go off?” As images arise, keep breathing gently, paying close attention to what appears before you. Try not to turn away from frightening imagery. Realize these energies exist within your own Shadow self; aspects of your rejected or disowned identity, projected fears, attachments or addictions. Ask, “What do you want to tell me?”

Allow your emotions to surface. As you witness images from your Shadow self, feelings may intensify and reveal powerful truths. Ask Persephone to help you heal that which needs healing, or discard that which needs to be discarded. Be proactive in your meditation and do what needs to be done; visualize it happening. When you are ready to leave your journey, thank Persephone for her guidance, and slowly bring yourself back to conscious awareness.

Pay attention to your dreams during this moon cycle, and keep a journal and pen by the bed. This lunar month is a an ideal opportunity to develop your instinctive nature. Give in to your true passions and explore the mysteries that call to you. Honor your complexity and value the gifts of insight your inner Shadow holds.

Our Shadow has much to teach us if we embrace it. A New Moon in Scorpio supports the soul’s journey toward integration and authenticity.