The Dark Archetype Exploring The Shadow Side Of The Divine author: Denise Dumars & Lori Nyx New Page Books/Career Press 2003 ISBN #1-56414-693-6 Everything has a light and a dark side - this is the duality of life. Some archetypes are darker than others due to their basic nature. What we need to realize is that they are there to help us with specific issues, and, in their own way, are just as caring as any of the lighter archetypes. It is difficult for any of us to deal with shadow issues - and when we call in specific Gods or Goddesses to help us, we need to be prepared to know how to honor them and how to work with them. There is the potential for a real backlash when you either invite a dark archetype into your life, or have one enter on its own (that can happen). My biggest problem with this book is the authors all too breezy attitude towards everything! An example of this would be: "How is the dark archetype accessed?" "Uh, very carefully." And yes, the entire book runs along this line. You have to want to know about these archetypes very badly to read this book through to the end. The Dark Archetype was written by Pagans for Pagans, according to the authors. It is presented in such a fashion that it can be used as a tool of empowerment by anyone, of any background, that wishes to work with the dark archetypes, and can get past the canned laughter. To their credit, they are serious about their work. From the book: "When you access darkness, you access power, and it is up to you what you do with it. It can consume you, like a black hole in space, or it can set you free." "Always use protection. It's important to understand how to do so while attempting any kind of magickal working or trafficking with gods, spirits and other discarnate energies. Bear in mind that instructions in the Rituals section may vary a bit from these basics depending upon the intention of the ritual or the pantheon accessed." The above is followed by very clear instructions on how to set up a circle for magickal work, how to invite the directions and the elements, and how to open the circle at the end of the ritual or ceremony. Something equally important is addressed - how to deal with the excess energy at the end of the ceremony! Very simple - place your hands and feet on the ground so that the energy can be recycled into mother earth. This is something that you truly need to understand when you are accessing this type of energy. I have seen groups doing a simple chant of "Ohm", going around in a daze at the end of the session because the session because the energy was not directed! This book has been divided into four major sections: Working With The Dark Archetypes; Femmes Fatales: The Dark Goddesses; Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gonna Do? The Dark Gods; Rituals, Spells, Talismans and Correspondences. Working With The Archetypes is basically introductory information. Femmes Fatales: The Dark Godesses presents the Godesses Baba Yaga, the Black Virgin, Coatlicue, Hekate, Hel, Kali, Lilith, Medussa and Oya, discussing their backgrounds, associated myths their archetypal nature. Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gonna Do? The Dark Gods presents the Gods Anubis, Dionysos, The Grim Reaper, Loki, Lucifer, Set, Shiva, Tezcatlipoca, and Volos, discussing their backgrounds, associated myths and archetypal natures. Rituals, Spells, Talismans and Correspondences is a really fun "how to" section for working with the Gods and Goddesses. Full rituals, from preparation to take down, are presented. They act as wonderful templates, or stepping off places, for setting up your own ritual or ceremony. The correspondences include symbol, color, direction, element, day/holiday season, incense/oil and associated deities. A few of the goodies included are To Protect And Serve: An Annubis Talisman; Party Like It's 1599: Baba Yaga's Hen Party; The Ritual Of The Reaper: Spend A Day With Death; and Hekate: Went Down To The Crossroads. This book is well researched and covers all basis. My one problem with it - and it is a big one - is that the writing style is way too breezy for me. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to meet the dark archetypes that can deal with this style of writing. © June 2004 Bonnie Cehovet Personal Lifestyle Reading - I offer a Personal Lifestyle Reading using Tarot that looks at past, present and future influences in your life, at the energies that are currently available to help you along your path, and at those energies that are appearing as challanges. My goal is to offer you insight into your decision making process, as well as tools that you can use to both better understand your path and make conscious, choice centered decisions. Home Personal Empowerment links Personal Empowerment articles View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook Graphics by Art for the web