The shadow self is that part of us we keep hidden from the rest of the world and frequently ourselves. It encompasses our deepest fears, desires, loves and hates. If we keep this part hidden from ourselves, it may eventually control us on a conscious and/or subconscious level.
Dark Pagans aren't the first spiritual explorers in this territory. Occultists such as Kenneth Grant, Aleister Crowley, and Austin Osman Spare also delved into the darker aspects of the mind and universe. Spare is known as developing techniques used in chaos magic. Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, brought forth many of the ideas we think of with shadow work.
A good resource to learn more about some of the theories behind this path and why one would choose it is John J. Coughlin's book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick. It's not a tutorial or spell book but a frank, adult discussion on the many aspects of dark Paganism including alternate lifestyles and subcultures. He presents the beauty of this path as well as the pitfalls for those who are not suited to it.
Books You Might Enjoy:
Frater Achad - Liber 31
Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells
Sasha Fierce - The Book Of Shadows
