Igniting Your Shadow Alchemy
Welcome to the Quick-Start Introduction, where we light the spark without preamble. These few core pointers will orient you to the world of Shadow Alchemy and set you up for the 22 beginners’ exercises.
The Power in the Prompt
Automatic writing is your magic wand. No right or wrong: just raw honesty. Treat each prompt like a dinner invitation to your hidden self. Show up, scribble frantically, then step back to see what crawled out.
How to Automatic-Write Like a Pro
- Set the Stage: Find a quiet nook, light a candle or burn incense, and open your journal or digital doc.
- Timer Up: Aim for 10–15 minutes per prompt. No overthinking; let the pen (or keyboard) move before your mind catches on. Set your stopwatch and write whatever comes to mind.
- No Censorship: If your inner critic pipes up, shout them down. Write the worst, weirdest, truest words you can.
- Breather: When time’s up, close your eyes, inhale deeply, and name one emotion that surfaced. Treat your session like a ritual and readjust your mind back to regular life.
- Reflection: Allow time for sessions to sink in. Let your feelings inspire artistic exploration, meditation, or divination for further reflection.
Mindset Hacks Recap
- Curiosity Over Judgement: Treat every insight like a weird treasure.
- No Experience Necessary: You don’t need to know Jung or Emerson; just show up.
- Expect to Suck at Writing: Your first drafts will be ugly. That’s the point.
Ready to prime your alchemical furnace? Head to Practice Exercises (-22 to -1) and unleash your mighty pen.
