ARCHIVE: Why "The Shadow?"

By Dreamsend Sep 22 2007 -

In English, the word "shadow" is full of meaning and imagery. It's applied often to things that are evil. It's applied often to those that naturally dwell or are born of the dark. Sometimes it's a word used to evoke feelings of dishonesty, "shady behavior," or hidden (often malicious) intentions.

It seems that The Shadow, as you call that people, are kind of what western society refer to as angels, or as the angelic/heavenly race. In every fable, story or legend I've ever heard about heavenly beings I've never once seen a term that represents darkness used to refer to them. Darkness represents the "natural enemy." "Evil" is born of darkness; "good" is born of light.

The word doesn't seem wholly inappropriate, but it has no precedent as far as I can see. So, the question is, Why is that the term you've applied to the ancient race that you speak of?


-- A


By Azaz'el Sep 22 2007 -

You are right in saying that the word 'Shadow' is one that is full of different meanings and perhaps hidden context. It can be seen as something dark and sinister, something shady or even evil. However, that is the modern context of the word, when it is far too easy to polarise life into good and bad, light and dark, day and night. There was a time when things had no colour or polarity, they just were. That is the time when this use of the word comes from.

It's important to remember that the word Shadow is the English representation of the true name that was used. The ancient race were called the Shadow as they stood between the light of truth and creation, and the created. They were the tools for maintaining order and bringing about chaos in a universe that was without limit or boundary. There was need for direction and purpose, so the Shadow became that tool, those beings, the Guardians.

The old name for the Shadow was Malakh, which almost literally translates into English as the 'shadow side of the Creator'.

It can be difficult in todays world to see the darkness as being good, pure or even healthy. But without the darkness the light of truth would burn us. The Shadow are the Guardians who are there to help, to guide and nurture. The name Shadow also perhaps gives a truer representation of that race than the word 'angel' ever could, as it is usually associated with Christianity and fluffy cherubs firing cute little arrows. The Shadow are older than any religion or philosophy, they are primal and came directly from the Source.

As is the message of this site, it is time that the Shadow were recognised and were accepted into society once more. For too long have they hidden in the background. By being open about their name, about who we are, we hope that all sides, pure and Fallen, can unite.

Azaz'el


By Zurine Feb 18 2008 -

That's so interesting!

In all honesty, sometimes I'm afraid to use the word angel to describe myself because of the connotation that comes with it.

I like: Lightworker or Messanger. But I knew a lightworker who disliked the fluffyness of lightworker and preferred to be called an Illuminator.


By Keziah Feb 18 2008 -

QUOTE
"But I knew a lightworker who disliked the fluffyness of lightworker and preferred to be called an Illuminator."


Interesting! I don't like using Lightworker because it's such a broad term applied to so many different kinds of people. Any human into the healing arts, indigos, starseeds, crystals, the list goes on. There's nothing wrong with that of course, it just doesn't feel specific enough for my personal tastes.

At first hearing the term "The Shadow" turned me off a little bit, but once I read why that term was used I liked it. I really like how it's light/dark neutral, that's not something you see a lot in these communities. There are people I've run into that hate me because of what I am; they hear 'angel' and think I'm a self-righteous light freak out to convert them. Still Shadow is not something I'd say to another person when I introduced what I am to them, though, because the last thing I need is yet ANOTHER person thinking I'm possessed by a demon...But I do like the term.

Overall, I don't mind the term 'angel'. It does have a lot of connotations, but I like some of them. The problem is trying to find a term that carries as little weight with it as possible, while still getting across the general gist of who and what you are, y'know?


By Azaz'el Feb 18 2008 -

Finding the right name to give yourself can be very difficult. BY our very nature, as being surrounded by Humans we often have the need to compartmentalise who and what and how and why we are. However, as Shadow or Kin, we know that the use of such language and concepts can be so limiting that in the end we can do more harm than good by using such titles. Yet we need a title in order to relate to those around us... yet that title controls our concepts and removes the ability to see beyond....

Yes, it's a tough one. I am pleased the old term of Shadow hasn't put anyone off from coming here. It is a name that is well known in many of the older traditions and the human clans or tribes or societies who still have memories of the older days. And as you have said, it is a name that tends not to be associated with any polarised side.... shadow can be light or dark, the bringer of life of death, depending on what the task was we were guided to by the Source. In time, I hope, the name Shadow will become more widely used and widely understood.

Az


By Zurine Feb 19 2008 -

It wasn't so much of the term, as the feeling that went along with it that makes me understand.

I quite like it now.


By Araqiel Feb 20 2008 -

Shadow fits the nature best as angels/malakh orignally were neither light nor darkness but inbetween. Angels have always been more a kind of upholders of order, hierarchy and law.
In so far only if becoming to chaotic or not following through with a mission a shadow could fall. Later meant too much free will and in a way both free will and love are pure chaos. Being in Hell or in Heaven was never a reason to be fallen as long as a shadow followed through with a mission being given. The ultimate display of chaos was uprising against the universal order/cosmos or rebellion against heaven.

In so far guardians of light from modern fantasy tales and modern spirituality should never be seen as the true angels/celestials of the universe which are more akin to laws upholding an order and thus can be anything else then light if there is a need to protect this order. In a way gravitation saves us from falling of the earth, but also gravitation kills us by not hindering a persons fall.


Free will and love for humans is also the reason I am fallen in a way.

Although it doesn't easen the pain of the past I hope it provides at least some meaning.
sleep.gif

Playing the preacher am I?

damn need to relax

*looks around*

uhm searching for female, singel, doesn't mind dealing with spiritual nerd, best somewhere near central europe uhm yeah about it.

wink.gif


ya'rly, as srsly as this is a place for singel exchange o'rly? rolleyes.gif


By Lael Feb 20 2008 -

QUOTE (Araqiel @ Feb 20 2008, 03:32 AM)

"*looks around*

uhm searching for female, singel, doesn't mind dealing with spiritual nerd, best somewhere near central europe uhm yeah about it.

wink.gif


ya'rly, as srsly as this is a place for singel exchange o'rly? rolleyes.gif"

Hey, that's me!

Except, wait, I'm not searching. ::is shot::

I apologize. tongue.gif A substantial post will follow. But thanks for lifting my mood. ;-)


By Araqiel Feb 21 2008 -

QUOTE (Lael @ Feb 20 2008, 05:52 AM)
"QUOTE (Araqiel @ Feb 20 2008, 03:32 AM)

"*looks around*

uhm searching for female, singel, doesn't mind dealing with spiritual nerd, best somewhere near central europe uhm yeah about it.

wink.gif


ya'rly, as srsly as this is a place for singel exchange o'rly? rolleyes.gif"

Hey, that's me!

Except, wait, I'm not searching. ::is shot::

I apologize. tongue.gif A substantial post will follow. But thanks for lifting my mood. ;-)"

*his hopes again shattered taking confines within the thoughts on blackjack and whore*

wink.gif


By Ishtahar Mar 4 2008 -

Isnt it interesting how angels have come to be considered beings of pure good and as bringers of law and justice?

At the risk of appearing..yet again....to be bitter and twisted...they did not appear to be pure good or very just and lawful to me when they were murdering my lover and my child.....and cursing me to experience that loss over and over and over again.

Matter of perspective I suppose.

Ish


By Universal Traveler Apr 11 2008 -

Hello Ishtahar!
I was quite taken by what you said about your lover and child! Deeply touched!
It's just that reading your story on the SOTF website.... I was like upset for days... all I could think of and these words just arose from deep inside, 'no, this can't be, HE would never do that, HE just would never do that'.
Like I said before I am not religious or anything so it is not coming from there.
Where is it coming from? I don't know.
To me it was like...kept on shaking my head and tears running down my face...
You see there is this memory that I have that I need to revisit and I just can't make it there.
In this life I deal with a lot of anger and rage that is not from this life, rage and anger of me being treated unjust, others treated unjust ...I don't know (yet).
The thing is reading your story brought me back to this memory almost immediately so ....what's up with that? I don't know.
The only thing I am sure of is that I am not a Fallen one but somehow left out of free will, wanting to find out about human ways, human emotions, human behaviour. I am and always have been very curious by nature, curious as in the urge to learn and gather knowledge.
My connection to the Source is still there, not cut off in any way but I just don't wish to return and yet again miss home terribly.
I like what I read here somewhere that angels are between good and evil for I believe to that that is balance.
Azazel referred to times of oneness and you know ...those days are returning, this dimension or reality of duality is a human one, necessary to live here somehow but it is not ours by nature...going back to our essence will show us how to overcome this duality and be again who we really are....no need for emotions for emotions are part of the ego and will stop us from feeling whole, no need for words for in oneness there is communication through thoughts, ....

love and light
Universal Traveler


By Ishtahar Apr 16 2008 -

I am sorry that you were so upset by what I have written. I did not intend for anyone to be upset by it.

But I wanted to make my memories as full and faithfull and I could. You may imagine that the experience of all of that has been difficult for me. I have awoken to what I was and what I am in a series of awakenings over many years. It has had to be that way because if I had not taken it in chunks as it were I think it would have driven me insane...maybe it did.

I wanted lay myself bare so that people could see the truth in what I said. So I laid out my soul for dissection and debate.

I am sorry that it hurt you but I am glad that it touched you and that it brought you here to us.

I hope that you will find a place here that makes you feel safe and cared for, this is all that any of us can ask for in this place and this time.

And yes HE did that and more. HE is not God he is just a man albeit an immensely powerful and non human man. biggrin.gif


By Universal Traveler Apr 16 2008 -

Dear Ishtahar,

Do not appologize for it is not necessary.
I just believe your story awoke things in me that is all.
The thing is I think I really KNOW that man you talk about.
And I also know that when I left it was because I wanted to leave, not that I could so easily, I had to put up quite a fight to leave, others left too.
Not as fallen ones but because ...well when I read your story I was trembling, I felt so much anger and I hate it when people are being treated unjust and I think that this comes from right there that pain... I can't stand things like that.
I know somehow I came here to learn, to explore what it is like to be human, to feel human emotions and often so often I regret it all because it was all never meant to be this way, never.
I always felt close to angels and have been recognized by someone who teaches angel meditations that I am one.
She said she saw it in my ways and things I said, during that class they (my fellow student and my teacher) said I have wings, large white wings, I can feel where they are attached but I can not use them, they are of etheric nature I guess.
Not that this all really matters to me for I feel also a very strong connection to the Ascended Masters, the White Brotherhood and alien life.
So I don't know what I really am and I don't think it matters all that much in this life.
But what did upset me was that during that same class I was told that even connecting to my own kind (angels) would not make me feel at home.
That upset me terribly for I felt very adressed to as I know (instinctively) she is of angel kind too!
It was in the way she spoke to me, her eyes... mind you she was a very soft and gentle person.
She said I would find others like me if I asked for them to come on my path, but I shouldn't expect a bunch! Not that I ever do, I have always been much of a loner.
I may have said something about this in an other post, I don't recall but I have this connection to death not that I am dark by nature, not at all but it has always been part of my life.
I see death as transformation, as life, birth and rebirth...it is part of mother earth's cycle. We all grow and let things that are no longer of any use to use anymore die and transform it into something higher.
But I felt like being on trial right there and then and that reminded me of your story, although different in nature but in essence being judged about what you stand for, what your beliefs are... as if I didn't fit a certain profile if you know what I mean.
Anyways, ending my rambling here, I feel very peacefull writing this lot down...


By Ishtahar Apr 16 2008 -

I am glad that you feel peaceful., t is a hard place to get to.

Thank you for sharing that with us


By Dreamsend Jul 1 2009 -

Revisiting this question, I guess I'm trying to figure out the role of the Shadow today. What are encounters with them on the astral/out of incarnate like? What do they look like, how do they feel (energy-wise)?

I guess I'm curious because while there are perceptions of what "angels" are like, much like Araqiel said

QUOTE
"In so far guardians of light from modern fantasy tales and modern spirituality should never be seen as the true angels/celestials of the universe which are more akin to laws upholding an order and thus can be anything else then light if there is a need to protect this order"


which is consistent with the experiences I have with what I have in the past termed "angels" (i.e. guardians/guides of light, appearing to be directly connected to Source, at a "higher" level than spirit guides and full of feelings like the "love and light" New Age touts), I guess they're not one and the same? Or maybe they are? I'm not really sure.


By Scratch Jul 2 2009 -

Reading your questions gave me a lot to think about, but also made two faces float up. Human faces, of people I've met, who always gave me this feeling they could see this weird crazy thing in me, like I saw in them. There's an energy to them that's somehow more concentrated, thicker and deeper. They had wings, but I've seen wings on people who are not angels, the same way I know these are. Also, there's been some grievous hurt, or hang-up, or something like that which doesn't exactly make sense from what I know about them and their lives. Everyone has flaws, and we never know what all happens to another, but it's one of those repeating patterns again. They kept me wondering what they were so afraid of, the way I wonder about myself.

That description could fit a lot more I've met, and riding this train of thought, I realized I've made some false IDs over the years (including one who flat-out told me he was an angel, and roughly described what he thought his mission was). I can't explain the difference yet, other than it was pure instinct, and a relieved, almost life-raft-grasping, that brought us together for the time we were. Conversations always seemed to happen on multiple levels and planes as well; stuff would happen in my head that seemed perfectly natural and correct as it happened, but I'd kind of panic at the memory when back home alone.

I'm kind of wondering what all those other people I saw wings on were, now, and what made them different. Some of them were quite powerful, but not the same at all.


By Eshtar Aug 29 2009 -

QUOTE (Azaz'el @ Sep 22 2007, 04:41 PM)
"You are right in saying that the word 'Shadow' is one that is full of different meanings and perhaps hidden context. It can be seen as something dark and sinister, something shady or even evil. However, that is the modern context of the word, when it is far too easy to polarise life into good and bad, light and dark, day and night. There was a time when things had no colour or polarity, they just were. That is the time when this use of the word comes from.

It's important to remember that the word Shadow is the English representation of the true name that was used. The ancient race were called the Shadow as they stood between the light of truth and creation, and the created. They were the tools for maintaining order and bringing about chaos in a universe that was without limit or boundary. There was need for direction and purpose, so the Shadow became that tool, those beings, the Guardians.

The old name for the Shadow was Malakh, which almost literally translates into English as the 'shadow side of the Creator'.

It can be difficult in todays world to see the darkness as being good, pure or even healthy. But without the darkness the light of truth would burn us. The Shadow are the Guardians who are there to help, to guide and nurture. The name Shadow also perhaps gives a truer representation of that race than the word 'angel' ever could, as it is usually associated with Christianity and fluffy cherubs firing cute little arrows. The Shadow are older than any religion or philosophy, they are primal and came directly from the Source.

As is the message of this site, it is time that the Shadow were recognised and were accepted into society once more. For too long have they hidden in the background. By being open about their name, about who we are, we hope that all sides, pure and Fallen, can unite.

Azaz'el"

I know I am brining and old post back but since I was searching for so long it seems right.. Today We are called Angels usualy of different Hierarchies such as Seraphim, Cherabum, Thrones ect. In the Old language we were called malek yes but also ben el Elohim I beleive or just Elohim. In summerica they called us Annunaki. But we were not Annunaki At least i don't think.. BUT we are often confused with the star beings a great deal. if you look at the conspiraciy theories today ooo BOY are we confused as them! major ones say WE are the evil Nephilum reptilians returning to take over the world and enslave all humanity in our New World Order. Who and what started this? IF I am of Grigori Heritage then i am not called a WATCHER for nothing. Here goes. It reasonates with a classic movie and series V when aliens came to earth claiming they and their planet needed help. It reality they were reptilian ET's lying and taking controll of the Gov and stealing the planets water. And using humans as food. Years later David Icke writes a book called the biggest Secret and in it ALL the High powerrfull families even the Queen are an ancient Hybrid race dating to the Annunaki and ALL are inbred and related. Then they put it right in with US. Blaming US for the worng in the world claiming We are the reptilian aliens instating the New World Order and said the Nephilum are returning to enslave and depopulate the world. (depopulate in order to lesson the humans to better enslave and controll) They go to the Bible for evidence. Then even blame later the Seraphum because of what the world Seraph and Seraphim means. Grigori AND Nephilum and ALL reptilians of earth and stars are blamed and divded hiding in the shadows. Now I wonder who the REAL culprits are who divided humans in the first place. I do NOT want to blame Angels (us aka Shadow) butr like every race there is good and bad just like humans. I am not a Christian Fundie but like most of us we have our own veiw of God/ess and thats who I trust most. (and that connection to Azazel I still cannot figure out) thats all I'll put for now but I have so much more to say here things I could not say anywhere else.


(sorry just in a real expressive mood today)


By Scratch Aug 29 2009 -

Heh... One of my big current questions for myself is what exactly happened with the tower of Babel(-ing). ::rimshot:: I always figured that was at least a symbolic recollection of what divided humanity, and find that most of those very old stories are told much more literally than most people want to believe. I have a hunch the untold parts, of those who made the tribes unable to communicate with each other, would help explain a lot, especially about historical stereotyping and guilt.

I think Elohim is one person, but I could be wrong. If I remember correctly, the "ben el" prefix means something like "of" or "belonging to," so that makes more sense to me.


By Eshtar Aug 29 2009 -

Now adays humans feel Elohim is God. While other humans think Elohim is a class or Hierarchy of Angels sometimes the same as the Grigori Angels. I am not sure.


By Scratch Aug 29 2009 -

I don't think he is God, but there's a connection that could make people think that. Like Jesus. I got an impression of a group of angels around that central figure, when you brought it up.

I find various accounts can inspire, or be good references at times, but are pretty confused about specifics. Everything was written down by someone, and you never know who's holding the pen.


By Eshtar Aug 29 2009 -

umm or who or what is the influance of certain writings. For example I read Azazels whole story. Enoch was mentioned. Enoch is the one who wrote of us and Nephilum. (Grigori mating with human women) like thisd quoat "there were giants on the earth in those days and after when the sons of God saw the daughters of Men and lusted after them and saw them fair" Along other verses where he speaks of the "Fall" and makes the grigori evil and how they are imprisoned OR how they are the Demons and evil spirits of today. After reading the story of Azazel, It is quite obvius who Enoch allied with. The Angels or well Shadow who hated humananity. Just some of my thoughts. Are these Elohim the same?


By Scratch Aug 29 2009 -

QUOTE (Eshtar @ Aug 29 2009, 09:22 PM)
""there were giants on the earth in those days and after when the sons of God saw the daughters of Men and lusted after them and saw them fair"...

It is quite obvius who Enoch allied with. The Angels or well Shadow who hated humananity. Just some of my thoughts. Are these Elohim the same?"

It's funny for very personal reasons that name keeps coming up today. It's part of a train of thought I hadn't had the courage to ride much yet, but things happened last night pertaining to it.

The really funny thing is, E names in general are coming up with mad frequency, and as most important people right now. Before that, it was Js.

I don't know. I have an image in my head of a sphere of wings. There's many different huddled close around a central person, but it also looks like a cluster of wings and eyes, like descriptions of Nephillim in some texts. (A Wind in the Door by Madelein L'Engel, at least)


By Azaz'el Aug 30 2009 -

Generally the term Elohim is understood to me 'of God' or of the Source......... int he same way that may of the Shadow who were Watchers or did specific tasks had 'el' in their names........ usually at the end of their name (see my name for instance). Hence I was 'of the Source' and doing the work of the Source.

Specifically, Elohim can be seen as 'God', the Source or 'Gods', the living manifest power of the Source. But again, this is all down to interpretation and remember that my views here are just one type.

As for the group of wings etc......... maybe this is reference to or a memory of the 7 who also need to reunite. Their .... essence.... has been strong for a little whle now.

Oh, and maybe we should start a thread about Enoch .... he was an interesting man, who became more than he should have been.

Az


By Eshtar Aug 31 2009 -

QUOTE (Azaz'el @ Sep 22 2007, 04:41 PM)
"You are right in saying that the word 'Shadow' is one that is full of different meanings and perhaps hidden context. It can be seen as something dark and sinister, something shady or even evil. However, that is the modern context of the word, when it is far too easy to polarise life into good and bad, light and dark, day and night. There was a time when things had no colour or polarity, they just were. That is the time when this use of the word comes from.

It's important to remember that the word Shadow is the English representation of the true name that was used. The ancient race were called the Shadow as they stood between the light of truth and creation, and the created. They were the tools for maintaining order and bringing about chaos in a universe that was without limit or boundary. There was need for direction and purpose, so the Shadow became that tool, those beings, the Guardians.

The old name for the Shadow was Malakh, which almost literally translates into English as the 'shadow side of the Creator'.

It can be difficult in todays world to see the darkness as being good, pure or even healthy. But without the darkness the light of truth would burn us. The Shadow are the Guardians who are there to help, to guide and nurture. The name Shadow also perhaps gives a truer representation of that race than the word 'angel' ever could, as it is usually associated with Christianity and fluffy cherubs firing cute little arrows. The Shadow are older than any religion or philosophy, they are primal and came directly from the Source.

As is the message of this site, it is time that the Shadow were recognised and were accepted into society once more. For too long have they hidden in the background. By being open about their name, about who we are, we hope that all sides, pure and Fallen, can unite.

Azaz'el"

as I was doing research though most is written by human hands, Malekh was also the old Hebrew word for Angel. BUT it ment Messenger and it was for both human and Angel. Any Idea what this means at all? Because that leaves me confused. Or was it because the human hebrewes had a hard time with the notion of Malekh? (not putting them down I think jews most are a strong people well the non fundie kind)


By Azaz'el Aug 31 2009 -

Generally the term Malakh was used to describe the 'messengers of God', or in other names, the Shadow or Angels. But there were also humans who carried messages and proclamations from the Shadow to their Tribe etc, and if they worked in the Temples, often they could be seen as messengers too. But its only in later translations that the names have been mixed and they too called Malakh.

Az