Do you have any advice on how to get over the past, and forgiving yourself? Even after being forgiven by another for what you've done?
Hi! I certainly do. This is something that would fall more into the realm of Shadow Work- I’ll reblog a couple helpful posts for you after this. I would suggest exploring some different shadow work exercises and see what works well for you!
This is something I have struggled with myself, and this spell was particularly helpful for me.
🖤Smoke and Mirrors🖤
A Shadow Work Spell for Self Forgiveness
Note: Shadow Work is highly personalized! Feel free to modify this spell for what feels best for you.
You will need: 🖤a mirror (any size) 🖤herbs or incense or your choice 🖤a quiet room 🖤a small candle
Optional:🖤a moonless (new moon) night 🖤a small, smooth stone🖤a marker
1. On the night of the new moon, sit in a quiet place and gather your thoughts.
2. Light your single candle, and place it between yourself and your mirror. Make sure that you can see yourself in the mirror, and that your candle is the only light around you.
3. Light your incense or herbs of choice, being sure to practice proper fire safety techniques.
4. Stare at the smoke rising. Be sure you can see your reflection behind the smoke, but keep your attention on the swirls and shapes the smoke makes.
5. Relax and unfocus your eyes until everything seems a bit blurry. It may help to focus on your breathing during this time- try and feel your heart beat all throughout your body.
6. Think about what it is you’re trying to forgive yourself for. Think about how the situation came to be, and the choices you made. Do not think about how your choices affected other people! Think about how your choices affected yourself, and if they have shaped who you are today.
**It is important to note here that this is not an exercise to beat yourself up over your past choices. Take this opportunity to think objectively about what you did, and the reasons why you did it.**
7. Focus on your reflection now. Meet your eyes and speak aloud what you were thinking about. Do not look away, do not flinch. Recount the whole story to your reflection! Afterwards- hold your gaze and say:
”The choices I have made, bad and good, have shaped me into who I am. I am not the same person today that I was before, and I will not be the same person tomorrow that I am today. I forgive myself for (the subject of the spell), and I will learn from my mistakes and grow as a person.”
8. Say the words as many times as you need to, all while looking yourself in the eyes. When you feel you have said it enough, and you can feel yourself starting to forgive, extinguish your candle. Repeat this spell as often as needed until you have truly forgiven yourself.
🖤Optional step: each time you complete the spell, write “I am forgiven” on a small stone. Bury each stone outside, or in a flower pot.
An original spell from the grimoire of Amanda Wren
