Imagine discovering that deep within each of us exists an immensely powerful, foundational source of energy for embodying our soul’s essence and for living a holistic life. Opening to this potential, influential energy for enriched development is awakening to Lady Underground, one image of the archetypal Dark Feminine, the “other side” of the Great Mother Goddess.
This is as true for men as for women; we all possess universal imprints which are woven in the relational web of all life. Moreover, dark night overshadows the inner and outer worlds that we inhabit at this chaotic time of evolving consciousness within the 14-billion-year-old Universe Story. The disorders operative in the external milieu are challenging us to turn inward to unearth a more grounded awareness. Integrating the dark and light aspects of the feminine is vital to furthering personal and global consciousness.
The Dark Goddess arises anew to summon us in this transformational process. This book presents keys to unlocking the gift of conscious ensoulment. The author provides the reader with engaging exercises for navigating this soul-directed, liberating journey, and empowers us as a culture and world community to discern a collaborative way forward in birthing the dawn of heartfelt, compassionate consciousness.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO LADY UNDERGROUND’S GIFT
CHAPTER ONE
LADY UNDERGROUND
Introduction to Our Lady of the Underground
Dark Feminine
Black Madonna of Chartres
Historical Perspective
Relationship to Isis
Symbolic Meaning of Lady Underground
Analytical Meaning of Lady Underground
Conclusion
INNER WORK
~Reflection, Discussion, and Journaling Questions
~Process Exercises
~Body-Energy Work
CHAPTER TWO
NEW PARADIGM
Introduction to the New Paradigm
When Gods/Goddesses Die
Attending Mystery
Quantum Physics and Analytical Psychology
Conclusion
INNER WORK
~Reflection, Discussion, and Journaling Questions
~Process Exercises
~Body-Energy Work
CHAPTER THREE
DARK NIGHT OF INITIATION
Introduction to Dark Night
Journey into Consciousness: Day of Development
Dimming the Light of Consciousness
Dark Night
Twilight of Dark Night of Initiation: Symbolic Significance
Twilight of Dark Night of Initiation: Psychologic Significance
Midnight of Dark Night of Initiation: Symbolic Significance
Midnight of Dark Night of Initiation: Psychological Significance
Importance of the Body in Lady Underground’s Dark-Night Initiation
Ancient Path Makers Inspiring Today’s Soul Seekers
Maturing Through Dark-Night Initiation in the Journey of Interiority
Formed Anew in Solitude of Dark Nothingness: Inexhaustible Wellspring
Conclusion
INNER WORK
~Reflection, Discussion, and Journaling Questions
~Process Exercises
~Body-Energy Exercises
CHAPTER FOUR
BIRTHING AND EMBODYING THE PROGRESSIVE DANCE OF DAWN
Dawn
Encounter With The Holy
Value of Intentional Solitude
Ongoing Process In Dawn
Befriending Deeper Depths In Ongoing Dawn
Value of Witnessing Religious Experience
The Return
The Return: Tale of the Black Nubian Woman
Encountering the Dark Feminine—the Old One and the Black Nubian Woman
Healing Path To Wholeness: Opening to the Inner Wellspring
Love Experienced As Ancient Recognition—Already/Always Present
Vast Potential—Birthing New Frontiers in Human Consciousness
Specific Directives from the Dark Feminine in the Return
Directive: Call to Nurture Soul-Divine Relationship and Embody Wisdom
Personal Reflections—“Drinking Deeply”
Dawn: Living the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Conclusion
INNER WORK
~Reflection, Discussion, and Journaling Questions
~Process Exercises
~Body-Energy Work
CHAPTER FIVE
JOURNEYING WITH AWAKENED-PASSIONATE HEART AND COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE
Implications for Analytical Psychology
Theory
Practice: Somatic Awareness and Body-Energy Techniques
Furthering Jung’s Insight on the Interconnectedness of the Psyche and Soma
Exploring Psyche-Soma In the Analytical Relationship
Implications for Spirituality
Implications for Culture and World Soul
Conclusion
INNER WORK
~Reflection, Discussion, and Journaling Questions
~Process Exercises
~Body-Energy Work
Notes
References
