|
real feelings
which obviously are real constitutes
a
falsification. It is likely that
the dreamer is almost
completely unaware of his real feelings, and engages
in
this Shadow conspiracy by compulsion. The network
of
lies which cover the Shadow appears very real.
The mass of the Shadow grows
and it soon becomes
impossible for the Ego to watch and control
the entire
Shadow network. Watching the Shadow
soon requires
all the energy of the Ego and
more. Having no further
resources by itself, and not being in
cooperation with
other parts of the psyche, the Ego is
overwhelmed or
killed as far as any further useful activity
is concerned.
Subduing
the Shadow
In
the dream the Ego, the dreamer, is not killed,
but
is severely threatened. At first he
doesn't realize what
is happening, he knows only that some terrible struggle
is going on and he continues
in real danger, nearly
losing the battle. But then, providentially,
the Devil is
recognized and from that point on the tide of battle runs
with the dreamer. It says
the dreamer "... becomes
aware of knowing he is the Devil," implying
that he has
always known this and need
only allow himself to
recognize it.
Recognition is so
important in dealing with one's
own Shadow behavior. There is no hope of overcoming,
or transforming, some shady behavior
pattern until it
is recognized and accepted that there
is evil present in
it. And here, if course, is a main
thrust of confession
in any religious faith. Until
a person realizes and
acknowledges that he is doing evil,
that it is an active
force in him, there is no hope of redemption.
But it is not confession
which subdues the Shadow.
Confession only enables the transformation
to begin.
The struggle continues, but in a different
context and
with different possible outcomes.
Notice that the weapons
the Shadow has brought, the
four-tinned fork and the wire mesh shield, are
also the
implements of his own undoing. When
these are used
properly by the dreamer, he can win the battle.
The wire
194
|
|