• Explains how to determine your shadow planets and zodiac signs through the oppositions of your birth chart

• Details the meaning and challenges of each shadow counterpart for every astrological sign and planet that appears in a traditional astrological chart

• Looks at the alchemical nature of the dark side of the human mind and shadow-work methods for bringing the oppositional self into personal awareness

Recently rediscovered by modern psychology, the shadow self was recognized in ancient teachings as an inseparable part of the human being, a vital portion of who we are. The ancient Egyptians regarded working with the shadow as a necessary part of spiritual growth, and shadow work practices are alluded to in the oldest writings.

In this practical guide to shadow astrology, Maja D’Aoust explains how to determine the shadow polarities of your natal chart and explore the hidden wisdom and challenges of the oppositional identity within. She shows how finding your shadow planets is easy—they are the opposite sign of the planets in your birth chart. For example, someone with the sun in Libra will have their shadow sun in Aries. She explains how, just like the traditional planets of astrology, each shadow planet governs a specific area of human activity: Venus shadows speak of tainted love, while Mercury shadows reveal challenges of the mind. Each of these shadow planets presents a specific type of negative challenge that emerges when opposition arises. Providing vivid examples, the author details the meaning of each shadow counterpart for every astrological sign and planet that appears in a traditional astrological chart and explains how to interpret and work with their challenges.

In addition to chart interpretation, the author also explores the history of this astrological method, including its roots in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and the Western magic tradition. She looks at the alchemical nature and subconscious influences of the dark side of the human mind and the shadow-work methods necessary for bringing the oppositional self into personal awareness.

Revealing how to interpret astrological charts for personal growth and conscious evolution, this guide invites you to explore the darkness within in order to know the totality of your whole self.

Maja D’Aoust is a professional astrologer with more than 20 years’ experience integrating her master’s degree in transformational psychology into the interpretation of thousands of natal charts. A practicing Witch and scholar of alchemy and occult lore, she is the author of Familiars in Witchcraft, The Occult I Ching, and A Witch’s Bestiary, coauthor of The Secret Source, and creator of a Tarot deck, The White Witch Tarot. She lives in Los Angeles.