Ellie Potts's Blog, page 5

Meeting the Shadow with Compassion

Shadow Work as Creative Alchemy – Part 1

There’s a quiet part of you that’s been waiting.
Not for discipline. Not for critique.
But for kindness. For curiosity. For a soft light in the dark.

This is your shadow.
And this is your invitation to meet it—not with fear, but with compassion.

What Shadow Work Is (and Isn’t)

Shadow work is the practice of gently exploring the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden, rejected, or misunderstood.
It’s not about fixing what’s broken.
It’s not about becoming “better.”
It’s about becoming whole.

Your shadow might hold:

Emotions you were taught to suppress (anger, envy, grief)Stories you’ve never toldCreative impulses you’ve labeled “too weird” or “not good enough”Sensitivities you’ve tried to numb or hide

Shadow work isn’t therapy (though it can complement it beautifully).
It’s not a punishment.
It’s a ritual of reclamation.

Why Creatives Benefit from Shadow Work

As a creative, your shadow is often your most potent muse.
It holds the raw material of your art—the tension, the longing, the truth.

When you work with your shadow, you:

Expand your emotional range and storytelling depthReclaim your sensitivity as a source of magicCreate from authenticity, not performanceBreak through blocks rooted in fear or shame

Shadow work helps you stop asking, “Is this good enough?”
And start asking, “Is this true?”

A Gentle Ritual to Begin

This ritual is designed to be soft, sensory, and intuitive. You can adapt it to your own magical practice, especially if you work with cannabis, tarot, or altar creation.

Ritual: Meeting the Shadow with Compassion

You’ll need:

A candle or soft lightA journal or sketchbookOptional: tarot deck, grounding stone, cannabis (if part of your practice)

Step 1 – Set the Space
Dim the lights. Light your candle. Let the room feel safe, quiet, and sacred.
If you’re using cannabis, choose a strain that supports introspection and ease. Consume slowly, with intention.

Step 2 – Invite the Shadow
Close your eyes and ask:
“What part of me feels unseen right now?”
“What story have I been afraid to tell?”
Let whatever arises come gently. No need to force or analyze.

Step 3 – Express Without Editing
Free-write, sketch, or pull a tarot card. Let the shadow speak.
You might write a letter to it.
You might draw its shape.
You might pull The Moon or The Devil and ask, “What wisdom do you hold?”

Step 4 – Create a Symbol
Make a sigil, choose a stone, or place an object on your altar to honor what came through.
This isn’t about fixing—it’s about witnessing.

Step 5 – Close with Care
Thank your shadow. Thank yourself.
You’ve begun the work. That’s enough.

Final Reflection

Shadow work isn’t a detour from creativity.
It’s the root system.
The place where your deepest truths wait to be turned into art.

When you meet your shadow with compassion, you don’t just heal.
You create.

Tea and rage!

If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?

I would like to open a tea shop. It’s my dream. I want a space where people can host tea parties. I want to do tea themed seasonal parties. But in the back is a rage room. I want people to come in feral. When they are done releasing their rage sit and relax with a cup of tea. I want it to be a little therapeutic and fun.

Shadow Work as Creative Alchemy: A Ritual for Meeting the Hidden Muse

What better time to start shadow work than when we are transitioning from summer to fall? This summer has been hard on me, and I was supposed to have some creative stuff completed by now, but I am blocked. Join me on this journey.

There’s a part of you that doesn’t want to be seen.
Not because it’s bad.
But because it’s tender.
Raw.
Unfinished.

This is your shadow—and it holds the key to your most honest art.

Shadow work isn’t about fixing what’s broken.
It’s about listening to what’s been silenced.
And when you pair it with ritual—especially intuitive tools like cannabis and tarot—it becomes a doorway to creative depth.

What Is Shadow Work?

Shadow work is the practice of gently exploring the parts of yourself you’ve hidden, rejected, or feared.
It’s not therapy (though it can complement it).
It’s not punishment.
It’s a form of creative intimacy.

For artists, writers, and intuitives, shadow work can unlock:

Emotional nuance in your storytellingA deeper connection to your voiceThe courage to create without perfectionism Cannabis as a Companion in Shadow Work

Cannabis, when used intentionally, can soften the edges of self-judgment.
It slows the mind just enough to let the quieter voices speak.
In shadow work, it’s not about escape—it’s about presence.

A Simple Cannabis Ritual for Shadow ExplorationChoose your strain wisely: Look for one that supports introspection (like an indica or hybrid with calming terpenes).Set your space: Light a candle, play ambient music, and have your journal or sketchbook nearby.Inhale with intention: As you consume, ask: “What part of me needs to be seen tonight?”Let the shadow speak: Free-write, draw, or pull tarot cards. Don’t censor. Let it be messy.Close with care: Thank your shadow. Ground yourself with tea, breathwork, or a favorite stone. Tarot as a Mirror for the Shadow

Tarot doesn’t judge.
It reflects.
And when you’re doing shadow work, it can help name what’s been unnamed.

A 3-Card Spread for Creative Shadow WorkCard 1 – The Hidden Muse: What part of me is influencing my creativity from the shadows?Card 2 – The Invitation: What does this part want me to explore or express?Card 3 – The Integration: How can I honor this part in my art or ritual?

You might pull The Moon, The Devil, or even The Tower—and that’s okay.
These cards aren’t warnings.
They’re maps.

Closing Reflection

Shadow work isn’t a detour from creativity.
It’s the undercurrent.
The place where your deepest truths wait to be turned into art.

When you meet your shadow with ritual, with softness, with curiosity—
you don’t just create.
You transform.

Have you done shadow work? What did you find useful about it?

Lions, Tigers and Bears! Oh My!

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

Not your keys or your phone. Not even your favorite lip balm or moonstone.
I mean the invisible essentials—the ones stitched into your spirit.

And when I asked myself this, I found my answer in a place I hadn’t visited in years:
Oz.

Courage

Courage isn’t loud. It doesn’t always roar.
Sometimes it’s the quiet decision to rest when the world says “hustle.”
Sometimes it’s showing up sensitive in a world that rewards armor.
I carry courage like a lion’s breath—warm, steady, and protective.

Heart

Heart is the pulse behind every ritual, every blog post, every dreamy visual.
It’s the reason I advocate for women’s health and emotional literacy.
It’s the softness I return to when I feel brittle.
I carry heart like a candle flame—flickering, but never gone.

Brain

Not just intellect, but intuition.
The kind of knowing that comes from moon cycles, tarot pulls, and plant whispers.
It’s the part of me that sees patterns, even in chaos.
I carry brain like a compass—subtle, but always pointing me home.

Home

Home isn’t a place—it’s a feeling.
It’s the altar I build with misty visuals and ritual smoke.
It’s the longing I feel for Irish castles, and the sanctuary I create in my own skin.
I carry home like a spell—woven from longing, memory, and magic.

A Ritual for Remembering

If you ever feel lost, here’s a simple ritual to call your companions back:

Light four candles—one for courage, one for heart, one for brain, one for home.Whisper what each means to you.Draw a sigil that holds all four energies.Close your eyes and imagine a misty road. See your companions glowing beside you. The Road That Leads Back

Like Dorothy, we search far and wide for what we already hold.
But when we pause, breathe, and listen, we remember:
We never left home without them.

Courage.
Heart.
Brain.
Home.

They’ve been walking with us all along.

Audiobook Review: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

What a great ending to this duology. The magic system in this was interesting and different. I loved the characters and the journey of love to clean the magical mist from their land. A beautiful gothic read.

Two Twisted Crowns” is the second and final book in Rachel Gillig’s “The Shepherd King” duology, a romantic fantasy series set in a kingdom where magic is feared and those with rogue magic are hunted. The story follows Elspeth, who is now sharing her body with the Shepherd King, as she and Ravyn embark on a quest to find the final Providence Card and save their kingdom from a tyrant king and dark magic.

Not in the world but if I can help a little.

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

Coming up I will be doing some shadow work and writing. So I hope you will like to participate. Grab a journal. We start next week.

Also since this blog is my voice I will continue to share stuff that I think might be fun or important to share. Like my perimenopause journey in hopes it will help someone else. Also more writing tips, and stuff I am learning on my own journey as a writer. And of course book stuffs.

Summer TV

What’s on TV this summer, and have you watched it?

Resident Alien’s new final season is on Peacock. A crash-landed alien takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor and slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth. Alan Tudyk is amazing as Harry.

After Season 1 Morpheus, the King of Sleep, has changed. And with that change is guilt. And to set things right will set him on a journey that could be his end. I understand why they rushed the series. But there was so much in this world that would have added to the story.

“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is a prequel series to “Star Trek: The Original Series,” following Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise as they explore new worlds and civilizations. The show is known for its episodic storytelling, returning to the classic “Star Trek” format, and its optimistic and character-driven narratives. This has been a fun show.

Twisted Metal is a live-action comedy series based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. It follows a motor-mouthed outsider, John Doe, who is tasked with delivering a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Along the way, he encounters various adversaries, including the iconic, murderous clown Sweet Tooth, and must navigate a dangerous tournament. This is sooo fun! Bloody goodness.

We binge watch it’s what we do! This week we took out the new season of King of the Hill! Dale’s new voice threw me, but otherwise it was fun seeing what became of Bobby and the other kids. The MRI scene had me laughing you can tell it was a 12 year old boy? IYKYK episode I don’t know you!  That’s my purse. A fun nostalgic watch. And in one brief scene you got all three Hill brothers kinda together. I hope for another season, because there is more story there. Watch now on Hulu!

Wednesday season 2 came out yesterday. We are taking our time since we only have part one right now. But episode one drew us back into the mystery happening around Nevermore academy.  And Wednesday has a stalker.

I am looking forward to Alien Earth which will be coming out soon.”Alien: Earth” is a new science fiction horror television series set in the Alien universe, created by Noah Hawley for FX and Hulu. The series is a prequel to Ridley Scott’s original 1979 film, “Alien,” and is set in 2120, two years before the events of the movie. It follows a group of tactical soldiers and a young woman who discover a crashed spaceship on Earth, leading them to encounter terrifying extraterrestrial life forms. 

Other shows worth mention out this summer:

South Park and Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

What are you watching?

🌿 Sativa vs. Indica in Magical Practice: A Ritual Guide

Cannabis isn’t just a plant—it’s a portal. In magical work, different strains carry distinct energetic signatures that can support intention, ritual, and creative flow. Understanding the difference between sativa and indica helps you choose the right ally for your spellwork, meditation, or intuitive art.

Sativa: The Spark of Air & Fire

Elemental Energy: Air + FireMagical Mood: Uplifting, expansive, idea-generatingBest For:Creativity ritualsMorning meditationsSigil crafting and brainstormingChanneling messages or divination

Sativa strains tend to awaken the mind and stir curiosity. They’re ideal for rituals that require movement, insight, or visionary thinking.

Indica: The Depth of Earth & Water

Elemental Energy: Earth + WaterMagical Mood: Grounding, dreamy, introspectiveBest For:Moon ritualsShadow workSleep magic and dream journalingCreating altars or sacred space

Indica strains invite stillness and surrender. They’re perfect for rituals that require emotional depth, rest, or connection to the subconscious.

Hybrid Magic

Some strains blend both energies. Use hybrids when your ritual calls for balance—like grounding a creative vision or softening an intense emotion.

Ritual Pairing Guide: Cannabis, Moon Phases & Magic

How to Use This Guide

Choose your moon phase and intention.Select a strain that complements the energy.Create a ritual that blends sensory elements (smoke, scent, sound) with magical tools (tarot, sigils, herbs).Moon PhaseIntentionStrain TypeSuggested Rituals New MoonPlanting seeds, visioningSativaCreative journaling, sigil crafting, breathwork Waxing CrescentBuilding momentum, claritySativa or HybridTarot spreads, altar creation, spell planning First QuarterCourage, decision-makingSativaFire magic, mirror work, movement-based rituals Waxing GibbousRefinement, focusHybridVisualization, candle magic, intention setting Full MoonCelebration, amplificationSativa or HybridGroup rituals, ecstatic dance, manifestation spells Waning GibbousGratitude, integrationIndicaDream journaling, herbal baths, moonlit meditation Last QuarterRelease, reflectionIndicaSmoke cleansing, shadow work, water magic Waning CrescentRest, surrenderIndicaSleep magic, deep meditation, ancestral connection

Tuesday Tarot: Midweek Magic & Momentum

Tuesday carries the energy of movement—of action, courage, and clarity. It’s ruled by Mars, the planet of drive and determination. A tarot pull today can help you align with purposeful momentum while staying grounded in intuition.

The Ritual

Light a candle or incense to awaken your senses.Shuffle your deck slowly, breathing into your belly.Ask: What energy wants to guide me today? What truth am I ready to act on?

Pull one to three cards and let their messages unfold.

Card Reflections

Here’s a sample spread you can try:

Card 1: What energy is present today?Card 2: What action am I being called to take?Card 3: What inner wisdom supports me?

Write down your impressions, even if they feel abstract. Tarot speaks in symbols—trust your interpretation.

Tuesday Themes to Explore

Bold decisions and clear boundariesCreative momentum and inspired actionReleasing hesitation and embracing courage

Let your cards be a compass, not a command. You’re co-creating with the universe.

Optional Add-On: Tarot + Sigil

Turn your card’s message into a sigil you can carry with you—on your phone, in your journal, or on your altar. It becomes a visual anchor for your intention.

My happy 30

List 30 things that make you happy.

In no order.

Getting into clean sheetsTeaMy hubbyA good TV showA funny movieA good bookWritingMy sister and NieceMy dogsThe quiet moments before anyone else is awake.NighttimeNapsFinishing a puzzleAccomplishing a hard taskFallHalloween A good cup of hot chocolate Getting the perfect present for someone Rainbow BrightRainbowsLazy days.Three day weekends Bliss of a clean houseMaking something yummyBreaking in a new notepadColored pensLoungefly backpacksHurkle durklingMusicWhimsy