Shadow Work & Tarot: What Your Pain is Really Trying to Teach You

Shadow work isn’t a trend—it’s a transformative spiritual practice that invites you to confront your hidden fears, suppressed emotions, and unresolved trauma. In astrology, psychology, and spiritual healing alike, the “shadow” represents the parts of yourself you’ve disowned—because they were too painful, too shameful, or simply too inconvenient to face.

In June 2025, with Mercury recently turning direct and the introspective energy of the Gemini new moon behind us, now is a powerful time to dive into shadow work with brutal honesty. And when paired with tarot, this work becomes not only more accessible but also deeply guided.

Here’s the brutally truth your shadow work reveals—and how tarot can support your healing journey.

What Is Shadow Work Really About?

Shadow work is not about fixing what’s broken. It’s about embracing what’s hidden. Created by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, the concept of the “shadow self” refers to unconscious parts of your personality that are repressed, denied, or ignored. These can include jealousy, fear, insecurity, guilt, or anger—traits we’re taught to suppress to be accepted.

But these shadows don’t disappear. Instead, they manifest through patterns: toxic relationships, self-sabotage, chronic anxiety, or fear of success. Shadow work invites you to bring these patterns into the light, so you can understand and integrate them, not judge or eliminate them.

June’s astrology supports this process with clarity, communication, and healing themes all rising to the surface. It’s the perfect time to sit with yourself and ask: What have I been running from?

The Brutally Honest Truth Your Shadow Reveals

You can’t heal what you won’t admit. Shadow work brings the truth to the surface—unfiltered, uncomfortable, and liberating. Here’s what your shadow might be trying to tell you:

You fear being seen for who you are. Many of us wear emotional armor. Your shadow may be protecting you from rejection or abandonment by hiding your true feelings or desires. But this armor also keeps you disconnected from genuine connection and joy.

You use perfectionism to mask unworthiness. If you constantly feel like you’re not doing enough, your shadow may be clinging to the belief that love and success must be earned. Shadow work helps you understand that you are worthy even when you’re imperfect.

You sabotage opportunities out of fear of change. Sometimes we fear success as much as failure. Your shadow might be holding onto a limiting belief that growth will cost you love, stability, or identity.

You’re angry, but you’ve never been allowed to express it. Many people suppress anger because it feels dangerous or shameful. But unexpressed anger festers. Shadow work invites you to explore this anger, give it space, and transmute it into boundaries and empowerment.

You seek external validation to avoid your self-worth wounds. Social media, achievements, and relationship status can’t fill an internal void. The shadow forces you to ask: Who am I when no one is watching?

Using Tarot for Shadow Work and Healing

Tarot is a powerful ally in shadow work because it bypasses your conscious mind and speaks directly to your intuition. Each card is a mirror, helping you uncover hidden truths, emotional wounds, and the soul lessons behind your pain.

Here are a few tarot cards commonly linked to shadow work, and what their message might be for you:

The Moon: You’re being called to face illusions and subconscious fears. What truth are you avoiding?

The Devil: Examine attachments, addictions, or patterns that keep you stuck. What false sense of security are you clinging to?

Death: Transformation is happening, but you must first release. What are you afraid to let go of?

The Tower: A breakdown is making space for a breakthrough. What belief system is no longer serving you?

The Hermit: Solitude is your sacred space for healing. What can stillness teach you about yourself?

Shadow work spreads might include questions like:

• What part of myself have I been avoiding?

• What belief or pattern am I ready to release?

• What does my inner child need from me right now?

• What’s the deeper truth behind my current emotional trigger?

Pulling even one card with a shadow-focused intention can unlock insights that prompt deep reflection and healing.

How to Begin Shadow Work Safely

Shadow work is not about reliving trauma—it’s about integrating your truth with compassion. That said, it can stir intense emotions. Approach it with care, self-love, and the understanding that healing is a spiral, not a straight line.

Create a sacred space. Whether it’s a quiet room, nature spot, or journal corner, having a consistent space can ground your process.

Set intentions, not expectations. Ask your shadow what it wants to reveal today—not everything needs to be healed at once.

Use tarot as a tool, not a shortcut. Let it guide your awareness, but don’t become dependent on it for all the answers. Your inner wisdom is the true source.

Seek support if needed. Therapy, spiritual coaching, or trauma-informed guidance can provide the structure and safety needed for deep work.

Celebrate the breakthroughs. Every time you meet a shadow with honesty, you reclaim part of your power.

The Astrological Support of June 2025

With Mercury direct in Cancer by mid-June, deep emotional communication becomes easier. This supports journaling, therapy, and honest dialogue with yourself. The new moon in Gemini earlier in the month offered mental clarity and reset energy—perfect for beginning new spiritual practices like shadow journaling or tarot reflection.

The full moon in Capricorn on June 22 invites release and completion. Use this lunar energy to let go of old emotional weight and step into a more authentic version of yourself.