The Shadow's Gift: Find Out Who You Really Are

by Robin Robertson

There is no change that doesn't begin in the darkness of the human soul. The necessity for the confrontation with the Shadow has been known by all cultures in all times and recorded in their myths and legends. When the obligation to become whole is laid upon an individual, the first task he must undertake is to confront his Shadow. "The Shadow's Gift: Find who You really Are is about the Shadow" contained in each of us, and why we must each join with our shadow, the archetype of darkness and evil in order to become whole. This heroic process is crucial as the projection or denial of the Shadow twists its true meaning into a destructive, counter-evolutionary force. Owning and integrating our shadow allows its transformation in both the world and us.
The Shadow is a paradox. While it initially appears to us as loathsome and despicable, it actually contains all our future potentialities for development. Perhaps more than any other, Robin Robertson discusses it from a the perspective of a belief in the inherent potential good of the Shadow and its ability to assist us in our quest for self-actualization.
Robin Robertson draws from stories of real people's lives, the Bible, fairy tales and legends, modern fiction and the work of famed depth-psychologist C. G. Jung as well as his own experiences. His writing is intimate and accessible, and his insights and wisdom are conveyed in anecdotal and easy-to-understand language with clarity and depth.

Genres: Psychology

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Robin Robertson has spent a life-time bridging the worlds of psychology, science, business and the arts. He's a clinical psychologist and writer who has published seventeen books and more than two hundred articles in either psychology or his hobby field of magic.

He's lectured widely and has taught graduate level courses on Jungian psychology for both the California Institute of Integral Studies, and for the Jungian Studies program at Saybrook University.

Before becoming a psychologist, he was a vice-president of software development for a large insurance company, and for nearly thirty years, he's been a consultant responsible for all computer decisions to a multi-employer pension plan.

Robin has separate undergraduate degrees in mathematics and English literature, as well as an M.A. in counseling psychology, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Robin's books, often on Jungian psychology or the relationship between psychology and science, have gone through multiple printings, new revised editions, and foreign translations. Since 1986, he's been a writer, editor, columnist and editorial board member of the Jungian journal "Psychological Perspectives" (a beautiful journal that speaks not merely to specialists, but to everyone who loves Jung.)

He has also been heavily involved with the applications of chaos and complexity theory, and, has been a contributing editor for "Cybernetics & Human Knowing" (a journal that looks at deep issues about the nature of reality).

He is a life-time amateur magician, and a member of the Order of Merlin of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, who has created or co-created original effects that have appeared in six books and many magic magazines.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books and articles about the shadow, yet nothing helped me understand it as this book did. Robertson’s theme is that the shadow, although negatively labeled has many positive aspects and blessings to bestow upon us. We confront the shadow within our dreams, and sometimes through active imagination. However, the most excruciating way we face our shadow is through projection. Robertson argues that this projection forces us into self consciousness, which can lead to personal growth and wholeness. Our shadow helps us acknowledge that we are all interconnected, all involved in a spiritual process. I highly recommend this book for its details, clarity and wealth of information. Also for anyone willing to take a closer look at their shadow and understand that the shadow is not an ‘evil’ we need to hide from, but a truth we need to confront, dialogue with, reflect on, and maybe even dine with!

[Jay Cresva · Rating 3 out of 5]

What's the shadow's gift? The book suggests it's the gift of honesty and tough love..things we do not want to acknowledge with our conscious self, but once acknowledged and taken into account during our individuation process, it could be transformational.
The only thing I didn't like was that this book doesn't go beyond reassuring the readers to listen to shadow tendencies without being afraid. How does one use the knowledge gained to bring about transformation? This book is not a 'how to' guide..if you are looking for one.

[Dearwassily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many books about the shadow claim to help you understand the unconscious side of yourself so you can fully integrate yourself and become the best you you can be. How? Remember your dreams! If you get angry at other people, you're projecting! Pay attention! Okay, then what? Then you're on your own. These books skirt around the fact that this--meeting your shadow--can be done, but they never walk you through it.

[Neena Verma · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a simply written, empowering work for all those desirous of deep personal growth.
To quote from the book .. "We first have to discover an entrance into the darkness, then we have to light a tiny candle in the dark so that we can search for our future self".
And the book makes an evocative attempt at helping us enter our darkness with compassion, and find the courage to light a lamp within.

[Yesbelt · Rating 2 out of 5]

"There is no change that doesn't begin in the darkness of the human soul. We first have to discover an entrance into the darkness, then we have to light a tiny candle in the dark so that we can search for our future self." - Robin Robertson, PhD