SHadow Work Protection with Devil's Shoestring & Dragon's Blood
This is where our Shadow-side dwells, amidst these conflicts and tangled webs of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The Shadow is not inherently dark in some evil sense of duality. And, it's not particularly light is some grand scheme of spiritual supremacy. The Shadow is the "between", a blending of two sides of our human being-ness tangled up in the knots of our perceptions and mis-perceptions. Shadow Work is a healing process by which we embrace the side of ourselves who struggles - sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly - day to day with what works in our lives and what doesn't.
So... How do you use them?
I would use the incense in two ways. First, obviously, I would smolder it over charcoal in an incense burner during prayer and meditation. The smoke is purifying and the energy of the herbs quickly lends the space to comfort, safety, and protection. Secondly, I would also put some of the incense blend in a sachet or other cloth bag I might have on hand - just a few tablespoons worth - and I would keep this under my pillow for protection during sleep, or next to my head if I was reclining during a visualization meditation.
The other sachet with just the Devil's Shoestring and Dragon's Blood - whether you put crystals in it or not - is an excellent charm to have with you or on you during stressful times. If you're going through some major changes in your life or circumstances, especially if they seem sudden, challenging, frustrating, or overwhelming these herbs will bring comfort and protection to your vulnerability. Meditations and prayers during this time may be used to rid yourself of false-beliefs or limiting beliefs that prevent you from seeing clearly how truly effective and strong and courageous that you are, how wildly creative with your problem-solving and decisive-action-taking you can be. Carry this little charm bag with you, leave it on your bedside table or under your pillow while you sleep. Hold it and breathe deeply to calm down when you're feeling stressed or dealing with the twists and turns that come with changing yourself or your circumstances.
Peace & blessings to you on your journey as you embrace all parts of yourself always!
Don't hesitate to leave a comment or email me with questions at cynthia@cassadaga.com