What Is the Dark Night of the Soul and How to Go Through It
The dark night of the soul is a profoundly transformative experience that many people go through at some point in their spiritual journey. It is an intense process of inner crisis, where everything known seems to lose meaning and a genuine search for truth and purpose begins. In this article we explore what it means to go through this stage, how to identify it and what practices can help you to go through it with greater awareness and clarity.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Dark Night of the Soul?
- Signs That You Are Going Through a Dark Night of the Soul
- Differences Between the Dark Night of the Soul and Depression
- Stages of the Dark Night of the Soul
- Spiritual Practices to Pass Through the Dark Night of the Soul
- Spiritual Awakening After the Dark Night of the Soul
- The Dark Night of the Soul in the Teachings of Carl Jung
What Is the Dark Night of the Soul?
The dark night of the soul is a critical stage of spiritual awakening characterized by deep inner turmoil, loss of meaning and confrontation with the most hidden aspects of the self. It often arises after painful events or moments of crisis that shake internal structures and force a rethinking of the direction of life. It is not a psychological disorder, but a spiritual crisis that pushes the individual to detach from previous identities and explore his or her true purpose.
During this phase, there is an apparent disconnection from the outside world and a confrontation with repressed emotions, unhealed wounds and limiting patterns. This experience can be overwhelming, but it is precisely this crumbling that allows for a more authentic reconstruction. Far from being a sign of failure, it is an invitation to let go of what no longer serves to make way for a more integrated version of oneself.
In the series Sacred Power, available on Gaia, Caroline Myss explores this process in depth in the episode “The Dark Night of the Soul”. Through her guidance, you will learn to identify this stage as an essential part of spiritual development, differentiating it from a common emotional crisis, and discover how to transform it into an opportunity for inner growth.
Signs That You Are Going Through a Dark Night of the Soul
Going through a dark night of the soul can seem confusing at first, especially because its symptoms are often mistaken for common emotional or psychological states. However, there are clear signs that indicate a deep spiritual transformation. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Loss of purpose: You feel that nothing that used to motivate you makes sense and you struggle to find direction. The goals that used to drive you no longer represent you.
- Spiritual disconnection: You are overcome with the feeling that you are disconnected from the divine, the universe or any form of spirituality that used to sustain you.
- Constant introspection: You spend a lot of time questioning your beliefs, your personal history and the pillars on which you built your identity.
- Intense and contradictory emotions: You experience deep sadness, anxiety, anger or despair without a clear cause. These emotions seem to arise from a very internal place.
- Voluntary isolation: You prefer to be alone and avoid social contact. Solitude becomes necessary to process what you are experiencing.
- Desire to free yourself from old versions of yourself: There is an urge to let go of roles, masks or expectations that no longer align with who you really are.
- Attraction to the spiritual or mystical: Despite suffering, you feel a growing need to find answers in spiritual teachings, books, therapies or introspective practices.
Differences Between the Dark Night of the Soul and Depression
Although they share certain emotional symptoms, such as deep sadness or inner emptiness, dark night of the soul and depression are not the same. Depression is a clinical condition that may require medical or therapeutic treatment, while the dark night of the soul is a spiritual crisis that acts as a catalyst for deep inner transformation. In depression, there is a sense of stagnation; in the dark night, the pain has an evolutionary meaning, although it may not be evident at first.
During a depression, vital energy tends to decrease drastically, and it is common to feel apathy, total disconnection from the environment and lack of motivation even for basic tasks. On the other hand, those going through a dark night of the soul are often immersed in an existential quest: suffering is accompanied by deep questions about purpose, truth and the meaning of life. Emotional turmoil coexists with a longing for spiritual awakening.
Another key aspect is that depression is usually a closed state, where the person feels trapped, with no way out and no clear direction. The dark night of the soul, on the other hand, although painful, is a dynamic process that pushes toward transformation. As one goes through it, glimmers of clarity, inner realizations and a new connection to the essential begin to emerge.
Stages of the Dark Night of the Soul
The dark night of the soul does not occur suddenly or evenly; it unfolds in distinct stages that reflect the soul’s inner movement toward a new consciousness. It usually begins with an ego-break, followed by a phase of deep emptiness and loneliness, and culminates in surrender, acceptance and a spiritual rebirth that brings with it greater authenticity, connection and inner clarity.
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Ego Rupture and Loss of Meaning
The first stage is usually marked by a crisis that dismantles the personal structures with which the ego identified: roles, achievements, beliefs or relationships. What once gave meaning no longer holds, and the sense of disorientation can be overwhelming. This destabilization is not accidental: it is the way in which the soul begins to free itself from constructs that are no longer coherent with its deepest truth.
At this point, many people feel that they “hit bottom” because life as they knew it is no longer valuable. Certainties fade away and an internal process is triggered that invites a letting go of control. Although painful, this break is necessary to allow an identity to emerge that is more aligned with the soul’s purpose, rather than with external expectations or previous conditioning.
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Existential Emptiness and Inner Loneliness
After the rupture, a deep inner emptiness is experienced. This emptiness is not simply the absence of something, but a pause that interrupts the usual noise of the external world. Life feels directionless and old desires lose strength, giving way to a forced but fertile introspection. The soul enters silence, and that silence can seem unbearable if its purpose is not understood.
Loneliness becomes a constant companion, even when surrounded by other people. It is a loneliness that has nothing to do with social isolation, but with the disconnection from the superficial identity. Through this emotional retreat, an inner purification begins, where the soul is reunited with its essence and learns to sustain itself without depending on external validations.
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Surrender, Acceptance and Spiritual Rebirth
The final stage of the dark night of the soul begins when the person stops resisting the process and surrenders completely to what he or she is experiencing. This surrender is not resignation, but a sincere openness to transformation. Acceptance allows one to see suffering in a different light: no longer as punishment, but as part of the path to a deeper consciousness.
From this surrender, a spiritual rebirth emerges. A new sensitivity is awakened, a more genuine connection with life, and a clearer understanding of who one really is. This transformation does not eliminate the pain experienced, but integrates it as part of a greater wisdom. What once seemed like a crisis with no way out is revealed as an opportunity to begin again, from a truer place.
Spiritual Practices to Pass Through the Dark Night of the Soul
During the dark night of the soul, spiritual practices not only provide emotional containment, but also act as guides to understand the purpose behind the pain. Through concrete tools, it is possible to access states of greater clarity, sustain introspection and strengthen the connection with the spiritual dimension of the process.
- Meditation and contemplation: These practices help quiet the mind and observe thoughts without identifying with them. Through conscious silence, an inner presence is cultivated that brings stability in the midst of emotional chaos.
- Akashic Records: Allows access to information about the soul’s lessons and the deeper causes behind the current process. The information found in these records provides a clearer understanding of the spiritual purpose behind what is being experienced.
- Writing and silence: Keeping a journal allows for the release of repressed thoughts and clarification of emotions. Combined with spaces of voluntary silence, it enhances the connection with the inner voice and promotes deep self-exploration.
- Connection with nature: Being in contact with natural environments favors energetic and mental balance. Nature acts as a mirror and support during moments of greater inner disconnection.
- Retreats and sacred spaces: Getting away temporarily from the daily environment allows us to observe life with a greater perspective. These spaces foster a reconnection with the essential and with practices that nourish the soul.
Spiritual Awakening After the Dark Night of the Soul
Overcoming the dark night of the soul marks a before and after in the spiritual experience. What emerges after this journey is not an idealized version of the person, but a more authentic identity, free of conditioning. Awakening is not about feeling happy all the time, but about living with greater awareness, coherence and connection with the transcendent.
This inner rebirth is often accompanied by a deep gratitude for life, a heightened sensitivity to the subtle and an expanded compassion for oneself and others. Perceptions of time, relationships and life purposes change: the essential is prioritized and that which no longer makes sense from the soul is released.
Many people, after going through this transformation, experience a renewal of their faith, an openness to new forms of spirituality and a need to share their experience in order to accompany others. The awakening that follows the dark night is not a final destination, but the beginning of a life more aligned with the inner truth.
The Dark Night of the Soul in the Teachings of Carl Jung
Carl Jung, a pioneer of depth psychology, recognized the dark night of the soul as an inevitable stage on the path to individuation. For Jung, the human soul must confront and reconcile with its “shadow“-the repressed or denied aspects of the self-in order to achieve true spiritual and psychological maturity. This confrontation can generate great suffering, but it is also the gateway to a more integral consciousness.
Jung understood that inner darkness should not be avoided, but integrated. He affirmed that “there is no awakening of consciousness without pain”, and considered that existential crises were opportunities for the unconscious to bring transforming messages. In this sense, the dark night of the soul is not a collapse, but an archetypal process of disintegration and reconstruction of the self.
The Jungian legacy offers valuable tools to go through this period, such as dream work, active imagination and the observation of personal archetypes. Together, these practices allow us to dialogue with the unconscious, recognize repressed contents and move towards a more complete and authentic version of ourselves.
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The 7 Chakras: Their Characteristics and How to Balance Them
Chakras are energy centers in the human body that regulate various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These energy centers play an important role in maintaining overall balance and well-being. In this article, we explore what chakras are, how many there are in the body, and how to keep them balanced.
Table of Contents
- What Are Chakras?
- How Many Chakras Are There in the Body?
- The 7 Main Chakras and Their Meanings
- How to Recognize When My Chakras Are Blocked?
- 7 Practices to Align the Chakras
What Are Chakras?
Chakras are energetic vortices located at different points of the human body. The word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “circle.” These energy centers regulate the flow of vital energy, known as prana, throughout the body, influencing physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Each chakra is associated with different aspects of life, such as emotions, sexuality, and creativity, spirituality, and physical health. The classical texts of Yoga describe the chakras as spinning wheels of energy, each with a specific element, color, and sound. These characteristics work together to maintain energetic balance in the body, fostering overall well-being.
Chakras act as bridges between the physical, astral, and causal bodies. They transform energy and distribute it through the body via the nadis, or energy channels. Keeping the chakras open and balanced is essential for our health and overall well-being, allowing vital energy to flow freely.
How Many Chakras Are There in the Body?
In the human body, there are seven main chakras located along the spine and up to the crown of the head. Each of these chakras plays a specific role in our overall well-being:
- First chakra: Root chakra (Muladhara)
- Second chakra: Sacral chakra (Swadhisthana)
- Third chakra: Solar plexus chakra (Manipura)
- Fourth chakra: Heart chakra (Anahata)
- Fifth chakra: Throat chakra (Vishuddha)
- Sixth chakra: Third eye chakra (Ajna)
- Seventh chakra: Crown chakra (Sahasrara)
The 7 Main Chakras and Their Meanings
The seven main chakras are connected to different areas of our body and affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Each chakra plays a specific role in maintaining energetic balance within us. Understanding these chakras and their meanings helps us improve our overall well-being.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The root chakra, known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine. This chakra is associated with survival, safety, and basic needs such as food and shelter. When the root chakra is balanced, we feel safe and connected to the earth, able to face daily challenges with confidence and stability.
Muladhara is the foundation upon which the balance of the other chakras is built. This chakra is very important for our physical and emotional stability. Practices such as meditation and connecting with nature can help keep the root chakra in harmony.
To activate and balance Muladhara, various tools and practices are used, such as specific crystals and essential oils. These tools help channel energy to the chakra, promoting its harmonization and opening. Knowing and using these elements can be a great help in our journey toward overall well-being.
- Location: in the perineum, between the anus and the genitals.
- Sound: lam.
- Element: earth.
- Colors: red activates it, green calms it.
- Crystals: all red stones (garnet, red jasper, obsidian, smoky quartz).
- Essential oils: patchouli, cedar, clove.
Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)
The sacral chakra, known as Swadhisthana in Sanskrit, is located in the tailbone region, just below the navel. This chakra is related to emotions, sexuality, and creativity. Swadhisthana influences our ability to experience pleasure and our emotional interactions with others.
This chakra is also linked to passion and our ability to adapt to change. A balanced Swadhisthana allows us to express our emotions freely and enjoy a healthy sex life. When it is in harmony, it fosters creativity and the ability to fully enjoy life.
To balance the sacral chakra, various practices can be used, such as dancing, art, and meditation focused on emotions. These activities help to unlock and channel creative and emotional energy, allowing it to flow freely.
- Location: just below the navel.
- Sound: vam.
- Element: water.
- Colors: orange activates it, blue calms it.
- Crystals: carnelian, moonstone, amber.
- Essential oils: sandalwood, ylang-ylang, orange.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The solar plexus chakra, known as Manipura, is located in the navel area and governs the solar plexus. This chakra is related to vital energy, personal power, and will. Manipura is the center of our self-esteem and self-confidence.
When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, we feel confident in our abilities and are able to make decisions with determination. The energy of Manipura helps us set clear goals and pursue our dreams with vigor and enthusiasm. It also promotes healthy digestion and metabolism.
The balance of Manipura can be achieved through practices such as breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and physical activities that strengthen the core. These practices help activate the inner fire and maintain strong self-esteem.
- Location: navel area.
- Sound: ram.
- Element: fire.
- Colors: yellow activates it, blue calms it.
- Crystals: citrine, topaz, tiger’s eye.
- Essential oils: lemon, rosemary, ginger.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The heart chakra, known as Anahata in Sanskrit, is located at the level of the heart, in the cardiac plexus. This chakra is related to love, compassion, and empathy. Anahata is the center of our highest emotions, such as unconditional love and the ability to forgive.
A balanced heart chakra allows us to love and accept others and ourselves unconditionally. It also facilitates emotional healing and the ability to maintain healthy and harmonious relationships. The energy of Anahata promotes inner peace and emotional balance.
To activate and balance Anahata, it is recommended to practice forgiveness, heart meditation, and the use of specific crystals and essential oils. These practices help to open the heart and foster a greater connection with others.
- Location: at the level of the heart.
- Sound: yam.
- Element: air.
- Colors: green activates it, pink calms it.
- Crystals: rose quartz, jade, emerald.
- Essential oils: rose, lavender, bergamot.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The throat chakra, known as Vishuddha in Sanskrit, is located behind the throat. This chakra is related to communication, expression, and authenticity. Vishuddha is the center of our ability to express our ideas and feelings clearly and effectively.
When the throat chakra is balanced, we are able to communicate with confidence and clarity. This chakra also influences our ability to listen and understand others. A harmonious Vishuddha promotes sincerity and authenticity in our relationships and self-expression.
To balance Vishuddha, practices such as singing, writing, and throat-focused meditation can be used. These activities help to unblock and channel energy toward open and sincere communication.
- Location: behind the throat.
- Sound: ham.
- Element: ether.
- Colors: blue activates it, white calms it.
- Crystals: aquamarine, lapis lazuli, turquoise.
- Essential oils: eucalyptus, mint, sage.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The third eye chakra, known as Ajna in Sanskrit, is located in the area between the eyebrows. This chakra is related to intuition, perception, and inner wisdom. Ajna is the center of our ability to see beyond the obvious and connect with our inner wisdom.
When the third eye chakra is balanced, we trust our intuition and are able to see life from a broader perspective. This chakra also facilitates concentration and mental clarity. A harmonious Ajna promotes the ability to visualize and manifest our goals and dreams.
To balance Ajna, it is recommended to practice meditation, visualization, and the use of specific crystals and essential oils. These practices help activate intuition and foster a deeper connection with our inner mind.
- Location: between the eyebrows.
- Sound: om.
- Colors: indigo activates it, yellow calms it.
- Crystals: amethyst, lapis lazuli, sodalite.
- Essential oils: frankincense, myrrh, juniper.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The crown chakra, known as Sahasrara in Sanskrit, is located above the crown of the head. This chakra is related to spirituality and connection with the divine. Sahasrara is the center of our spiritual connection and our understanding of the universe.
When the crown chakra is balanced, we experience a deep sense of peace and connection with the divine. This chakra also facilitates enlightenment and the expansion of consciousness. A harmonious Sahasrara allows us to transcend worldly concerns and experience a sense of unity with the universe.
To balance Sahasrara, it is recommended to practice meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices that connect us with our divine essence. These activities help to open and activate this chakra, promoting a greater spiritual connection.
- Location: above the crown of the head.
- Sound: silence.
- Colors: violet activates it, gold calms it.
- Crystals: clear quartz, amethyst, diamond.
- Essential oils: lotus, frankincense, sandalwood.
How to Recognize When My Chakras Are Blocked?
Recognizing if your chakras are blocked is essential to maintaining energetic balance and overall well-being. Blockages in the chakras can manifest in various aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Below, we describe common signs that may indicate possible blockages in the chakras:
- Recurring physical problems: Unexplained aches, chronic illnesses, or a constant feeling of fatigue can be indicative of blockages in your chakras. Each chakra is associated with different parts of the body and their functions.
- Lack of concentration: You have difficulty focusing and maintaining attention on everyday tasks. This can reflect an imbalance in the upper chakras, affecting your mental clarity.
- Low self-esteem: You experience persistent feelings of insecurity and doubt about your abilities. Self-confidence and self-acceptance may be compromised, indicating a blockage in the lower chakras.
- Difficulty communicating: You find it hard to express your thoughts and emotions clearly and effectively. This can be a sign of a blockage in the throat chakra, affecting your ability to communicate.
- Spiritual disconnection: You feel a lack of purpose or meaning in life and find it hard to connect with your spirituality. The upper chakras, especially the crown chakra, may be blocked, preventing a deep connection with the divine.
- Problems in relationships: You encounter difficulties maintaining healthy and balanced relationships. Empathy, compassion, and the ability to give and receive love may be compromised, indicating blockages in the heart chakra.
7 Practices to Align the Chakras
Aligning the chakras is essential for maintaining a balanced energy flow in the body and promoting overall well-being. There are various practices that can help you harmonize these energy centers and improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Below, we explore seven effective methods to align the chakras and maintain optimal energetic balance.
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Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice for aligning the chakras, as it helps to center and balance the mind and body. Regular meditation, focusing on each chakra and visualizing its energy flowing freely, can help unblock and harmonize these energy centers. Guided meditation specific to each chakra can also be very beneficial.
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Yoga
Yoga is another effective tool for aligning the chakras, combining physical postures, breathwork, and meditation. Different asanas or yoga postures are designed to open and balance each chakra, promoting a healthy energy flow. Practicing yoga regularly helps maintain physical flexibility and energetic balance.
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Reiki
Reiki is an energetic healing technique that can balance the chakras by channeling universal energy through the practitioner’s hands. During a Reiki session, the practitioner directs energy to the blocked chakras, helping to restore their balance and promote healing. This practice is gentle and non-invasive.
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Nutrition
Consuming foods that correspond to the colors of the chakras can help maintain their energy in harmony. For example, red foods for the root chakra or green foods for the heart chakra can strengthen and balance these energy centers.
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Physical Exercise
Regular physical exercise is essential to keep the chakras balanced. Activities such as walking, swimming, or dancing can stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body. Staying physically active helps release energetic blockages, promoting overall balance in the chakra system.
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Crystals
Crystals are natural tools that can be used to balance the chakras. Each crystal has specific properties that resonate with different chakras. Placing crystals corresponding to each chakra on the body during meditation or carrying them with you can help harmonize and activate these energy centers.
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to balance the chakras through the sense of smell. Inhaling essential oils or applying them to specific points on the body can positively influence the state of the chakras. Each essential oil has properties that can help open and balance the chakras, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
