hellsbeth.com

The Shadowed Mind

Natal Placement: Applied Astrology, Depth Psychology 

Life Patterns and Shadow Work 

During a recent Mercury retrograde phase, my focus also seemed to move backwards. Turning inward, I started a psychological deconstruction of my own shadows. With my natal Mercury being in the 8th house, it was a natural process. So natural in fact, I didn’t even notice the correlated timeframes until later. As soon as I finished writing out my life patterns, organizing, and then analyzing my natal chart connections, Mercury started stationing direct. It’s kind of perfect how it worked out. 

I ended up creating a personal shadow memoir in correlation with three natal placements. During the process, I realized the astrological exploration and findings could be helpful for others. I may create separate, independent writings for each of my focus placements with their corresponding symbolism and patterns. Mercury’s movement correlated strongly with my process, and it feels like the best fit to be first. 

My plan is to first give a general breakdown of this placement by house and planet, and as a bonus, my personal Mercury sign of Leo. The Leo-related areas in the sections will be specified. Then, I’ll summarize some general potential life patterns. Finally, I’ll suggest various healing methods I’ve personally felt to be helpful in connection with the placement. 

Table of Contents 

Section 1. General Placement Breakdown 

• The Symbolism of the 8th House 
• The Symbolism of Mercury 
• The Symbolism of Leo, the Lion

Section 2. General Placement Patterns 

• 8th House Mercury Patterns  
• Expanded Points 

Section 3. Personal Healing Methods 

• Dream Work 
• Exploring Therapeutic Methods 
• Creative Self Expression 

Section 4. Closing Thoughts 

• Prompts for Personal Reflection 
• Conclusion 

Section 1. General Placement Breakdown 

The Symbolism of the 8th House  

The 8th house is nicknamed “the house of death,” and is associated with what we inherit as well as other peoples income. The idea of inheritance can run pretty deep, it’s interpreted as both physical inheritance as well as family cycles. 

It’s also considered a house of loss, connected to grief, depths, shadows, and transformation. Themes of the 8th house often revolve around power dynamics and psychology. Modernly, intimacy is also associated. It’s a dark and mysterious house, related to taboos, the occult, and hidden truths. The planets within the 8th house of a chart are viewed as areas that have difficulty or are hidden from us.

The Symbolism of Mercury 

Mercury has to do with our mind, communication, intellect, and intelligence. Mercury relates to how we express ourselves & ideas, as well as our understanding of others. Some additional Mercurial areas on a global scale include transportation and technology. 

There’s a collective thought that issues with technology and communications correlate with Mercury in retrograde (the time when Mercury appears to be moving backward from the perspective of earth). Since connections with others might have difficulty during retrograde, it’s said to be an ideal time for inward communication and thought. It’s a time of slowing down and focusing attention internally. Similarly, shadow work is an outlet I find useful for growing my own introspective intelligence. Natal Mercury within the 8th house reflects this idea, as it’s like Mercury within the shadows. 

The Symbolism of Leo, the Lion 

Leo is ruled by the sun and has a lot of the sun’s bright and bold nature associated with it. 

Leo is an energetic and active astrological sign, known for its dramatic flair and ability to shine in the spotlight. Some associated qualities include courage, extroversion, leadership, charisma, passion, fame, and creativity. Negative associations include selfishness, possessiveness, drama, and attention seeking behaviors. 

As an archetype, Leo is like a big-hearted lion who protects the ones they love. 

Section 2. General Placement Patterns 

8th House Mercury Life Patterns 

This is one of the three shadow placements that I’ve noticed correlates with strong themes and patterns throughout my life. It wasn’t fully clear to me until I started diving into it, but once I opened up the door the evidence was almost undeniable. When diving into my personal connections, I also realized the more general ways this placement might manifest for others. 

The main general points will be summarized first, then expanded upon with examples of how they might manifest in life. 

Most attributes are correlated with the general placement of Mercury in the 8th house, with specific Leo-related traits noted.

• Drive to speak out about uncomfortable, complex and dark topics. 
• Tendency to be misunderstood. 
• Resistance to mental control and power dynamics. 
• Creativity as an expressive outlet and psychological tool. (Leo) 
• Courage and boldness of self expression. (Leo) 
• Intuitive recognition of shadow, manipulation, or deception. 
• Mental adaptability and foresight. 
• Strong desire to understand the shadow aspects of self and others. 
• Transformations of voice and self expression. 
• Generational trauma patterns. 

Expanded Point Examples 

Drive to speak out about uncomfortable, complex and dark topics. 

Communication is a primary way of connecting with others. This placement can show itself in how we communicate and the topics we speak about. Since we naturally gravitate toward the very things that make others uncomfortable, this can make us seem very intense. It can also be perceived as a psychological depth around the darker parts of life. 

We’re often the confidant for others facing particularly dark, complex or uncomfortable circumstances. There’s a recognition that we understand shadow dynamics and are a primary choice when seeking guidance or comfort in those situations. 

Tendency to be misunderstood. 

Unfortunately, this placement lies in the dark and is often not “seen” in its intended expression. There’s no denying that there’s a deep mercurial intelligence of thought and ideas. But with being complex and in-depth thinkers, our minds dig a bit too deep. 

In turn, our thoughts might come out in a scattered, overly detailed way. This dynamic requires us to work on effective communication. We have to learn to streamline and simplify our communication of ideas into a clear and concise whole.

Due to the unseen nature of the placement, there’s also a tendency for expression to be projected upon – as humans we sometimes fill in the gaps we cannot see. This can be especially amplified when either the self or others are particularly avoidant of shadow. 

Resistance to mental control. 

This placement is naturally part of our mentality, but may not always outwardly act. Our minds recognize attempts to control and step on the toes of our mental autonomy. We defy the attempts, though the resistance is often in a “quiet” form. 

In situations where another has a position of power over us, initial defiance is mainly within the mind. Kept undetectable to those trying to control us, it’s like a secret known only to ourselves. While seeming outwardly oblivious, inwardly we preserve our mental autonomy and truths. Quietly observing and analyzing, we strategize the removal of those people from our lives (or their dynamic of power over us).

As we grow, heal, and mature, this defiance may take a more proactive outward form. When healthy, attempts at mental control are often confronted relatively early on. 

However, if it’s brought into an outward state due to limits being hit, the defiance can be wrathful. Whether to those trying to control us or to others, we might speak with intention to hurt them or their psyche. We might voice our observations, with brutal exposure of their shadowy parts and actions.

Creativity as an expressive outlet and psychological tool. (8th House Mercury in Leo) 

In times where our ability to express ourselves through direct means is stifled, we can find not only comfort but release in artistic forms of expression. Many of us with this placement may be drawn to creativity as an outlet that allows the darker, difficult parts of ourselves to be set free. 

In this, we find not only comfort, but a means of seeing and understanding our pains. This may show up within our communication as well. Our expression may be poetic, metaphorical, sometimes seen as bold or even dramatic. 

Courage of self expression. (8th House Mercury in Leo) 

Similarly to other points, we might attempt to express ourselves and face setbacks. Leo’s influence adds a fiery dimension to this. Though we may struggle, we continue to speak out despite the lack of reception to us. There’s a bold courage in this, and an inner voice that knows it deserves to be heard. 

Sometimes this pattern might come about when we feel stuck in an abusive environment, acting in hidden ways outside of the oppression. Even though the fire of Leo is in a dark space, it’s still bold and courageous in creatively seeking alternative routes. After all, a lion’s roar demands to be heard.  

Intuitive recognition of shadow, manipulation, or deception.

This placement is connected to hidden power dynamics and of course, psychology. With our intellect concentrated here, it’s usually easier to recognize “dark” psychological techniques. 

Our fascination with internal mental functions leads us to deeply analyze and understand the patterns associated with them. 

This attention and focused thought leads to self-awareness. It can also help us understand the processes of others as we observe communications and underlying motivations. 

At first, this ability is more internal or intuitive. We may be manipulated and simply have a deep feeling that we haven’t been told the truth. With time and deeper understanding, it can be better articulated and logically grounded. This makes it even more difficult to accept the tall tales we’re told, as we sense when stories lack transparency. 

Mental adaptability and foresight. 

One powerful trait for this placement is the ability to adapt. Most of us have been through externally-triggered transformations and had to adjust quickly with foresight. We think introspectively, able to internally plan despite external havoc. Just because we can think on our toes doesn’t mean it’s easy – it’s often painful. 

On the other hand, many of us have also gone through major transformations by our own hand. These chosen changes are deeply meaningful, with our transformations aligning us closer with our authentic expression.  

Strong desire to understand the shadow aspects of self and others.

There’s a lot of internal depth within us. Though we may sometimes fear what lies in the dark, overall we want to truly know what’s there. We dive deeply into our interests, and this includes our darker sides. 

Uncovering our layers, we begin to intellectually grasp the origin stories of our shadows. We see our hidden motivations and understand why we have them.

We also notice the shadows of others around us. It might first begin as an instinctual recognition of the shadows within others. But it can also bloom into something deeper: a desire to understand what lies further beneath. From exploring our own darkness, we seek to understand others just as we’ve understood ourselves. 

Transformations of voice and self expression. 

Whether due to outside or internal forces, we transform often. We often find that as one mode of expression “dies,” another surfaces in its place. Self expression is a difficult area for us, but we grow from the moments we’re unheard or misunderstood. 

We can see this within the shifts in how we communicate with others and speak to ourselves. These changes over time in our self expression can be insightful. There are several ways this can manifest, but below are some areas to think about: 

Expressive disposition: assertion, confidence, openness, privacy, etc. 

Styles of expression: intellectual, emotional, creative, etc. 

Routes of expression: written, spoken, body language, artistic, etc. 

The ideas listed above aren’t strictly black and white, but a jumping point for contemplation. At points in life we may express ourselves more intellectually, at others more emotionally. We may have a preference for written communication in one phase, and spoken expression in another. The idea is to recognize your personal shifts and what might’ve been behind your expressive transformations. 

Generational trauma patterns. 

With the placement’s connection to that which is inherited and the emphasis on the unseen mental realm, we are prone to deal with generational traumas. These are often the hidden patterns and family secrets we’re born into. The shadow in this sense is more collective, spanning generations. 

We may feel frustrated that our families seemingly don’t see or acknowledge these patterns. They’re heavy and painful, and many of us struggle to hold their collective weight. 

This might show up in specific repeating pains in our family history. Sometimes the patterns are even present on both sides of a family. Generational trauma patterns could relate to repressed familial abuse, oppression, and many other things.

A major lesson and growing pain is in overcoming and breaking the cycles. By delving into the darkness of our origins, we can see the fullness of our family history. This collective pattern recognition is an important step. Then as we lean into our authenticity and integrate our darker parts (both personal and inherited), we can change the patterns. 

Section 3. Personal Healing Methods

This section will cover some healing methods I’ve found to be effective with my 8th House Mercury patterns. Each method itself will be explained alongside personal experience. After each method, general points of connection to the placement will be noted.

As a note, these come from my personal experience, but can be used by anyone who wants to try them out. If you choose to explore the healing methods for yourself, feel free to change and tailor them to better suit you. There are no harsh rules to this. The best path is the one that works for you personally. 

Dream Work 

I’ve found a major source of creativity within dreams. The dream realm is like a pool of inspiration that’s always with us, but is easily forgotten. My dreams have inspired me to fill my notes with countless personal stories, once even inspiring me to start writing a book. The dream mind has fascinating symbolism and plot lines. These personal dream worlds can feel highly meaningful to explore and develop into art and stories. 

The process of dream journaling has also been very valuable for me. Paying active attention to the dream mind is like recognizing and giving a voice to the subconscious. As we listen and metaphorically hand over the microphone, we become their student. Further, at times my dream mind has been outright spooky. When taking time to interpret my dreams, deep inner truths start to surface that had been previously locked away.

Other times it’s less spooky, being more of a lighthearted guide or synchronicity. As an example, I once had a dream that showed me a step by step visual for a jewelry pendant design. Upon waking up, I listened to my subconscious. Following the steps from the dream, I created the pendant by hand. I loved the finished version and excitedly sent my best friend a picture. 

In response, she told me that she recognized the design. Long story short, she brought it to my attention that the design was a sigil I had created and shared with her years ago. My dream mind had resurfaced a forgotten, personal symbol of my own creation. Another layer that makes it even more fascinating is the symbolic meaning of the sigil. In my old notebook, there was a single word written for the sigil’s intention: Love. It was something very needed at that time.  

Correlation to 8th House Mercury: 

• Creativity as an outlet and a means of processing. (Leo) 
• Connection and fascination with the hidden subconscious mind. 
• Acknowledgement and communication with the hidden parts of the self. 
• Exploration of the shadow or subconscious. 

Exploring Therapeutic Methods 

I also explored other styles by researching various psychological methods and exercises, then applying what I learned. Some approaches I connected with were inner child healing, IFS (Internal Family Systems) / parts work therapy, and of course shadow work in general. The concepts made sense, resonated, and deeply interested me. The things I learned and blended from those areas helped me to understand parts of myself within shadow. 

I learned that generally, even seemingly destructive aspects of ourselves aren’t operating out of a core desire to destroy or make us miserable. Another factor of shadow comes with the things within us that we reject out of shame, guilt, or disappointment among other reasons. The key is that we have to take the time to explore the parts we aren’t seeing. We have to understand the motivations, purposes, positive desires and traits behind the shadow behaviors. 

Framing my thoughts from that view has helped me understand and empathize with my own conflicting sides. It helped me to nurture my own rejected parts of self and find wholeness. 

Correlation to 8th House Mercury: 

• Gravitation to the unseen, psychological elements of life 
• Deep desire to understand hidden mechanisms 
• Reaching into that which has been “lost” or rejected. 
• The transformation and rebirth of “dead” aspects of self. 

Creative Self Expression 

The creative process is said to begin with the subconscious during the flow of inspiration, then when refining it’s linked the conscious mind. During the process, several parts of our brain activate and work in harmony. We can find depth and meaning within our creative expression that hadn’t been conscious previously. 

Firstly, I’ll delve into writing as a form of self expression. This method is similar to the inspiration I receive from my dreams. Where it differs within writing is that it’s not based on the dreams I have. Often, it’s about framing the parts of myself as fictional characters, with my lived experiences as the plot lines. I’ll admit, I’m a complex person with a myriad of complex experiences and relationships. Delving into those pieces of myself through a creative outlet like story writing has been both fun and meaningful. In a way, it helps me to remove myself from my experiences and see the role I played within them with clarity. 

Poetry and personal writings have been prevalent, just as stories are. Recently when writing an astrological shadow memoir, I went deep. I detailed my life experiences, stories, and themes as they relate to the shadows in my stars. As I wrote those things out, I could see the pieces of meaning and their connections within my life. It was like viewing myself within the faces and personalities of the stars, seeing reflections of mythological characters and stories. Psychologically, my process of understanding my life’s patterns would be called meaning-making. I like the idea of calling it personal myth-making, in the sense of gaining clarity and meaning from life’s mythological themes and archetypes. 

Additionally, visual art has been a great help in expressing my emotions and experiences. I’ve created art representing prominent symbols that have repeated in my life. I’ve also immortalized my memory by recreating pieces of the scenes of my life. Visual art has been a therapeutic process, I can see both the base of reality and the deeper personal meaning within what I create. 

Lastly, a mode of expression that’s been prominent all throughout my life has been music. From my earliest years, the emotion of song has been an intuitive and natural expression of myself. I’ve found outlets in using my voice to sing and my ears to take in the beauty of music. I’ve used my hands to play music and write my own lyrics. Through all of it, I’ve explored meaning, emotion, and myself. 

Correlation to 8th House Mercury: 

• Creativity as an outlet and a means of processing (Leo) 
• The importance of outward voice. 
• Self expression as a means of healing psychological wounds. 
• The deep appreciation of genuine emotional expression and vulnerability. 

Section 4. Closing Thoughts 

We’ve now gone into the depths of our minds and patterns of communication. We’ve examined our shadows, life patterns, and explored ways of healing. As we make our way back into the light of day, I’ll be adding some prompts for personal reflection. 

Prompts for Reflection 

These prompts are focused on Mercury in the 8th house, but can be used for general shadow work as it relates to the mind. As always, feel free to use these prompts as they are or alter them to suit your lived experiences. 

• Describe what authentic self expression looks like to you. 
• When have you felt deeply misunderstood? What circumstances surrounded it? 
• When do you resist outside influence concerning your mentality? 
• What power dynamics have had effects on your self expression? How do you handle it? 
• Describe the ways you express yourself when facing opposition. 
• What outlets have been helpful for you? 
• When have you recognized shadow in others? Is there any relation to your own shadows? 
• Describe a time you had to mentally adapt and how it changed you. 
• What generational patterns have manifested in your life? How have you navigated them? 
• Describe the ways you’ve changed over time in your outward communication. 

Conclusion 

It’s been a long travel through the underworld of the 8th house. I hope that the information, associations, and experiences have been meaningful for all who have explored them with me. As we continue our evolutions and allow ourselves to be reborn, I hope we all learn a bit more about ourselves during each one. 

Update: links to other placements

8th House Sun

12th House Pluto Conjunct Ascendant