Depression is the fourth stage of healing the shadow.

At this stage your egoic mental defenses are really beginning to break down. The shadow is just another name for the ego or conditioned mind. Your ego, or false identity, is the personality or projected self image or idea you've been conditioned to believe about yourself. 

This breakdown of the ego defenses, the shadow or false self, is actually great news and a sign of healing!

Many people on the planet are at this stage or experiencing some version of this stage of death and healing of the shadow, or dissolution of the ego structure. 

You may feel like you don't know who you are anymore, or that you don't fit into your life, or with your usual group of friends, or even family members. 

This fourth stage of depression can set in around puberty, or at any time in your life when your 'conditioned identity' is undergoing significant changes.  

At this fourth stage the pain and suffering can become so intense and overwhelming that you are forced to finally surrender.

This stage is characterized by a deepening need for self-forgiveness and opening your heart.

At this stage you have an opportunity to breakthrough and experience a new level of acceptance and compassion for yourself and others.

Your challenge at this fourth stage is to drop judgment of yourself and others.

When you drop judgement your ability to discern the truth begins to increase and you start feeling peaceful, no matter what is going on in your life.

Feeling peaceful is your natural state of being.

Affirmation: “It is safe to live my life without judgment or blame.” 

Best essential oils I recommend for this Fourth stage of Depression and Healing the Shadow are the citrus oils, especially:

Bergamot - Psycho-emotionally bergamot oil acts as a spiritual and emotional healer. Its anti-depressant, antispasmodic and regulating action can uplift and brighten the mood and balance even the most extreme emotional states like anxiety, depression, despair, and worry.

Grapefruit - Research shows it stimulates digestion and helps curb the sweet tooth. A natural body cleanser and toner it enlivens the entire body and mind and stimulates feelings of euphoria.

Sweet Orange - Psycho-emotionally sweet orange oil is excellent for relieving congested conditions like depression. It supports positive feelings of self-worth. Its anti-inflammatory action helps ease physical and emotional tension often associated with depression.

Lemon - Research shows that lemon oil is one of the most potent anti-depressant oils in aromatherapy. Lemon oil activates the center of the hippocampus to effectively short circuit emotional triggers for eating. It’s helpful for preventing cravings for sweets and second helpings. Research shows lemon’s tonic action enlivens your brain, relieves fatigue and brain fog, and increases your physical energy and stamina.

Read the Next Blog in this Series - Acceptance Final Stage Healing the Shadow Essential Oils to Use.

Read First Blog in this Series - Healing the Shadow Essential Oils to Use.

You may wish to re-visit Healing the Shadow Cypress Oil Pluto Love & Forgiveness for 3 Love and Forgiveness Exercises that take less than a minute to perform.