The Dark Archetype: Exploring the Shadow Side of the Divine

by Denise Dumars, Lori Nyx

This book deals with those things that many of us do not have to face on a regular basis, including issues such as death, anger, pain, fear, illness-and yes, even sex. It explores these concerns by focusing on the magick and mystery of goddesses such as Kali, Hekate, Sekhmet, and Lilith; and gods such as Set, Loki, Dionysos, and Shiva-deities who have not been given their just due because of their less than desirable sides. The authors guide you through the world of darkness, unleashing the history and myth associated with each archetype. Also, they share field-tested rituals and spellwork that allow you to further work with the shadow side and understand the benefit of the energies you find there. It is important to acknowledge what happens in the darkness and the power it unleashes for what it is-a reaffirmation of life and, yes, the light.

Genres: Occult, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief but a good intro, and written in an entertaining manner.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book as it explored the darker aspects of Divinity...which is also a reflection of ourselves. I've read many books on deities, many of them that mention Lilith do not speak of how she was Adam's first wife, only that she was a demon etc. In university, I took a religious studies class, and there discovered female deities of the ancient Judeo belief, but also was surprised to find out, that Lilith was Adam's first wife. Lilith was made of the same earth as Adam and was his complete equal in every sense of the world. She was the original feminist and refused to be subservient to him - thus was cast out of the garden and later demonized once she 'corrupted' the submissive and subservient Eve. Modern day Christianity never speaks about Lilith, she's pretty much written off as an ancient Babylonian Goddess/Demon who eats babies etc. Nothing like patriarchal propaganda to help with the spread of one's religion. Anyways, I think this book is a great start with working with the shadow-self and the darker aspects of the Divine (however you choose to envision it to be). Only by embracing both our shadow and light, can we become truly whole.