“The Shadow Dance, as conceived and presented by Rebeca Eigen is on the cutting edge of the shifting paradigms of the new millenium where they meet the wisdom of the ages. This workshop skillfully blends expertise in Jungian psychology, astrology and metaphysical spirituality. At a time when we are all invited to go more deeply into our sacredly held belief systems, this knowledge is an important blend to assist us in our journey. We recommend it highly.”

—Reverends Gene and Barbara Smith,
former ministers of Unity Church of North Houston, TX

An Acknowledgment and example of Shadow work from my best friend of 20+ years, Terri Barnes.

Knowing Rebeca for as long as I have and being as close as we are, I have heard countless discourses on the shadow. Over the years I can honestly say I look at things differently now whenever someone appears to cause an upset within me, or the opposite as well, when someone has my awe. It has brought home an idea A Course In Miracles puts out but is also sometimes hard to follow: There's just one of us here, and we are all reflections of some aspect of ourselves waiting to be owned and made whole. It's a beautiful way to live your life really, for there is no space for victimhood, only in declaring our wholeness as a child of God through the courage to look at all parts of ourselves that seem out there, but are really within us.

Like the Course, what Rebeca teaches is unpopular and often uncomfortable. Who wants to tell the truth about the nasty thoughts and feelings we harbor but deny? And by the same token, who of us are willing to proclaim our divine heritage without a shread of guilt that we're worthy? I've often remarked to Rebeca that I think she has a very difficult path in teaching this, and what courage she must have to face her own demons and encourage others to do the same. The beautiful thing is, if we are couageous in doing this, the demons are revealed to be the illusions they always were, and the love that was always there becomes apparent. That's the miracle of the Course and the healing that comes from doing shadow work.

I have so many examples from my life where I have applied this work, and I will site just one for now. Last month I had my 50th birthday. It was a marker birthday, being the start of another decade, and it was my first birthday after my husband's death. John had died at 50, giving this birthday even more significance to me. I decided to be with my family in NY and my son Andrew in Boston. I woke up missing John a lot that morning, but was also mindful of my many blessings, particularly, my son. Andrew drove us back from NY to Boston that afternoon, and I noticed how I was feeling some disappointment, sadness, and maybe anger toward him. He had not given me any present, not even a card. All I had received thus far was a "Happy Birthday, Mem" and that did not leave my heart fulfilled. I had helped him out considerably financially the last couple of months when it had been hard for me to do so, because he requested from his Dad and me to just allow him this time for composing and completing his master's. In my mind. with the amount I had given him, surely he could have set alittle aside for a birthday present for me when he knew it would be a tough birthday. I depended on him! I saw him as selfish, uncaring and not as conscious as I expected him to be. As I was having these thoughts, I was feeling increasingly guilty for having them, after all, he was still struggling alot financially with what I gave him. I should be grateful just for him being here with me and not be so selfish myself in epecting so much. I was getting more upset within myself, but determined not to start this new decade out without healing it. I owned that yes, I WAS being selfish and ungrateful and projecting that unto my son. At the same time, I value my relationship with Andrew a great deal. We've been through a lot together and I owe our relationship the honesty it deserves. I told him I felt disappointed that I received no gift, no card. and that I did not like having these angry upset feelings toward him. He apologized for not giving me a card sooner, but waited until we were back in Boston. The card included a letter that proclaimed how much our relationship meant to him, how much it made him grow. In the letter he said he had been composing songs , pretty songs that I would love, but did not have them on a cd yet for me and to be patient. The love I felt through his words were immense. No gift from a store would have the value of his music for me, and he knew that. He was giving me the greatest gift he had, the gift of his love, through his music. I felt all anger, sadness, feelings of selfishness either blamed or owned, being replaced by a gratitude that fillled my heart so completely. By being willing to tell the truth to Andrew and risking more upset, I received a healing of something hurt within me, and allowed him to be the instrument of that healing. I was also a teacher for him that it's alright to express your feelings, especially to those that matter to you so much. He has always been pretty good at that, but I think as we get older we get more conditioned to respond in ways that are not authentic. I went to bed that night with a heart full of gratitude on a difficult day, and even more mindful of my blessings, and even closer to Andrew.

There is a quote from the Course, "In my vulnerability my safety lies." This is what Rebeca's life work is all about. Having the courage to be vulnerable, to tell the truth, to own our part of what we're perceiving. And in so doing, healing happens, and the presence of love is what we know. I love you dearly, Rebeca, for the awesome role you have played for me and for the countless others you share with. It is holy work, indeed.

Love, Terri


Emails, letters and comments received from several students:

Dear Rebeca,
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your Shadow Dance lecture and what an impact it has had on my life. Your point that we can begin Shadow work by recognizing repetitive relationship patterns in our lives really hit home with me. The first time I heard your lecture I was on the verge of leaving a very well paying executive position because I had reached the end of my rope in dealing with my boss. I continued to vilify him in my mind and every day the gulf between us was growing to the point that I knew I would soon have to leave, or explode and get fired.

From your Shadow Dance workshop I realized that what was making me mad about my boss was not just about him, but also about me as it wasn't the first time I'd been faced with this type of situation. This awareness began a path of self-examination that in the end did not change my opinion about my boss's behavior but allowed me to take control of my feelings rather than being controlled by them. Recognizing the true source of my emotions towards my boss allowed me to view his actions with more compassion and understanding.

Doing Shadow work has taught me to recognize that if there is something in my life I'm unhapy with, I have a part in it and therefore they are my Shadow Dance partners. Thanks for this wonderful gift.

Very truly yours,
—Anna M. Sanchez, Houston, TX

“When originally invited to attend the ShadowDance class, I was skeptical, even resistant. However Sheila was unable to attend and I went ahead without her. I was so impressed with what I learned and how I was able to incorporate the premises into our relationship that I encouraged Sheila to attend a second class with me. The Shadow Dance also gave me great insight and alternatives to what internal motives trigger my reactions to the people I interact with on a daily basis.”
—Lyndon Crowson, Houston, TX

“There was noticeable positive change in Lyndon’s attitude toward our relationship after he attended the Shadow Dance workshop. I was anxious to attend the class with him when he wanted to return a second time. The knowledge we acquired has enabled us to effectively navigate the rough roads in our relationship.”
—Sheila Crowson, Houston, TX

“What really grabbed me about shadow work was the quote you gave by C.G. Jung — that what we deny in ourselves must necessarily confront us. Your workshop laid a foundation to better understanding of what I had been learning in metaphysics about creating our own reality. Learning about my Shadow makes that very real and understandable for me.”
—David Riddle, Houston, TX

“We finished the video night before last...Of course you are right....We do need to watch it again. We got so much out of it the first time that it will be interesting to see what we hear the second time around. Rebeca, thank you so much for choosing to learn the Shadow work. To learn to look at my relationships and life in general from the archetypal view feels very right and exciting to me. To be able to embrace and understand the part of me that I have always been told was so very bad is even more exciting.”
—Iris Tompkins, Houston, TX

Dear Rebeca,
It was so nice to talk with you yesterday..... it was so funny. As we were talking about your book..... I kept having this feeling, like I was somewhere else.... In my truck listening to your tape! eeeerie. In my personal life I know many people who are starting their lives over and this information is hard for them to understand, I always tell them to look to themselves for the source of their discomfort..... The shadowdance seems to be the missing information..... well this is just a quick note to you... of thanks. (I'm a fan of yours)
—SueAnne Dunning, Longmont. CO

Hi Rebeca,
I was a diligent student of astrology for many years. In 1986 I got rid of all my astrology books because someone I respected suggested that all my problems were because of that "stuff" I was into. I threw all of my metaphysical books into the trash.

Well, you and I both know that it wasn't the "stuff" that was causing my problems, it was my Shadow begging for recognition. I have reflected upon the Shadow concepts quite a bit. This information appeals to me so much. The astrology chart by Liz Greene hit me right on.

I have a leaning towards being introspective. I see now that I have recognized my Shadow side for quite a long time, but I did not "connect the dots" as to how it diametrically affects my life. This information is terrific. It helps me stay conscious, and in the body, rather than going on flights when things get tough. I want to stay and delve into the dynamics of relationships to "bust" the Shadow's game and see what that energy is up to! Self-discovery is empowerment. I love it.

Many blessings to you!
—Kathleen Schramm, Fremont, CA

I had often wondered how I could begin to unlock the secrets of my subconscious mind, why I had made some of the choices I’d made and why I had chosen some of the relationships I had chosen. At last, Rebeca Eigen's teachings have offered me that key.
—Ruth Ann Panipento, Houston, TX

Curiosity brought me to Rebeca Eigen’s web site, Shadow Dance, however, her extensive study, innate knowledge from personal experience, and warm, compassionate personality bring me back to her for my own personal growth. I now have a greater understanding of the potentials and drawbacks in relationships.

Liz Greene’s Psychological Reports are by far the most insightful and revealing personal reports that I have ever read. They are written in clear, intelligent language without the “Fluff.” I learned how important my Astrological relationship with my parents effects my personality, where my personal struggles are and how to overcome the limitations holding me back from greater life fulfillment.
—Lorraine Lawrence, Salem, New York

In my journey into and through my Shadow, it would have been nice to have someone else to talk to who has also experienced her Shadow. The parts of your Shadow that you shared in the workshop have had a significant impact on my life.
—Nancy Tipton, Houston, Texas