Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power

Elliott, founder of online magazine Witch, encourages the exploration of taboo desires hidden within the unconscious mind in her evocative debut. Elliott uses the Jungian concept of the shadow to posit that repressed and denied aspects of oneself manifest in negative ways, and she moves on to argue that individuals, on an unconscious level, can enjoy these feelings, and “get off” on the “forbidden enjoyment” they bring to one’s shadow. Her meditation method (“existential kink”) is presented as a “radical, somatic, hot, immediately practical and quick method” to bring these patterns to light, therefore dismantling them by tapping into one’s unconscious mind and “soul-spirit” realms through meditative and spell-casting practices. Elliott cracks many jokes throughout and warns about the correct mind-set for EK practice, emphasizing that those who are depressed or experiencing the first stages of loss or grief should proceed with caution. Elliott also shares stories of clients who have found success with her EK method, and there’s a question-and-answer section to clarify EK’s purpose and goals. Elliott’s novel methods could help spiritual readers looking to bring more positivity into their lives. (Mar.)