Guest Author - Paula Petrie

“Darkness and light are both of one nature,
different only in seeming,
for each arose from the source of all.
Darkness is disorder.
Light is Order.
Darkness transmuted is light of the Light.
This, my children, your purpose in being;
transmutation (transformation) of darkness to light.”

-The Emerald Tablets of Thoth

Under her ancient symbol the crescent moon, Artemis, the Greek Goddess of light, illuminated dark terrifying places and gave strength to those struggling through fear.

In the 21st century it is customary to look within us to overcome our challenges. For, it is fundamental to living that we do battle with the dark side of ourselves.

The key difference between any one of us and Darth Vader is that people generally aren’t one side good; and one side evil. We are better described as one side projecting what we value in ourselves; and, the other side ignoring, avoiding, or burying in the shadows, the thoughts that make us uncomfortable.

But, as reality calls it, everyone must learn to deal with the dark stuff. It is important and necessary to face fearful emotions head on, and tame them. By dealing with dark and shadowed emotions like shame, or blame, for example, we develop the ability to stand up for ourselves and for what is right. We learn how we truly feel; and, gain an understanding of our own and others' actions.

Accepting the dark side of emotion still brings pain, but ignoring difficult feelings will rob us of ability. Avoiding tough situations steals our shine. We can become lost to the darkness as it feeds on our confusion and allows negativity to mount a destructive force upon us. Fear has the power to lock doors. Opportunities to say what should be said, or do what needs to be done, are lost to the fear of another’s opinion. The chance to improve a current situation can become lost to the fear of failure.

When we don’t pay attention to emotional needs within us, like bouncing back from a shameful encounter, these needs can grow into monsters, such as: depression which sucks away our life force, and, out of control reactions which throw us into battles we didn‘t mean to go into.

We can’t snap our fingers or shrug off dark feelings. Emotions stick to us and they always filter through; they appear on our faces, in our actions, and invade our thoughts.

How do we overcome dark spirits that lurk within us, cutting at our abilities to shine and blocking our opportunities to get where we want to go? The darkness of negativity will always be dissipated by benevolent light. The light of comprehension and empathy. Understanding. For, light is really a deeper truth.

Sharing experiences, or dealing appropriately with our own feelings, loosens the grip of negativity. Examining our thoughts and feelings, and dealing with issues we’d rather avoid allows us to heal and grow. Being afraid gives dark emotions like fear control over us, deciding our fates with self-destructive behaviors in our health, finances, or relationships.

“my children, your purpose in being; transmutation (clarifying) of (the emotional) darkness (in) to light.”

“All that is contrary to light and truth does not understand light.” King James Bible.

Oscar Wilde said, “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

Truth is a living thing, a property of light. You know how it feels to be in the presence of understanding. An ‘I get it’ moment. To feel the power of truth and sense the light surround you, adds to the humbleness of understanding.

“God is light and in him is no darkness at all.” King James Bible.


Looking out or looking in our world is full of shadows. There is but one place where you can find clarity unfettered by uncertainty.