By Christine MacIntyre
Danielle Blackwood meets readers at life’s crossroads–a space of “betwixt and between”–where she guides and inspires through story, ritual, and sacred astrology. Infused with myth, folklore, and the hidden wisdom in stories, A Lantern in the Dark, provides insights to readers of varying ages and stages of life while they stand at a juncture often riddled with confusion, dilemma, and restlessness. Throughout the text, readers learn about the underlying developmental purpose of their journey and begin to achieve clarity, comfort, and meaning. According to Blackwood, knowledge and understanding of the transpersonal realm at any crossroads are a welcoming lantern in the dark.
The space of betwixt and between provides the setting and is where Blackwood builds a toolkit for readers to utilize as their journey unfolds. She defines this space as a crossroads where an individual is no longer who they used to be and not yet who they’re becoming. Often, individuals realize they’ve lost their way and recognize that they’re no longer confident in their beliefs or identity. Betwixt and between is, however, “a place inhabited by the strange and uncanny, as well as unexpected enchantment and possibility.” While every path is different and every individual arrives at a distinct crossroads with the specifics of their own lives, Blackwood believes every threshold to be a transitional space full of possibility, soul crafting, and magic making.
The text opens with a heartfelt introduction to the crossroads and a warm welcome to readers who find themselves at a challenging point where they’re unsure how to proceed. Readers might exist on the edge of the awareness that there’s more to their story than what they see but are still determining how the junctures along their path align with the unfolding of their heroic journey. The book’s premise reveals itself within the first pages. “In this book, you will discover when to expect the crossroads times throughout your life so you can make peace with the past, navigate the present, and create a more purposeful future.” Blackwood shares her personal story with readers to exemplify how an archetypal lens can reframe a story.
The tender encouragement woven into the first few pages gives way to an introduction to sacred astrology and how the concepts serve a purpose to propel the soul’s journey forward. Blackwood focuses on the most pivotal of life’s crossroads during the phase of life between the first and second Saturn returns. Therefore, the book begins with the first, which occurs in the late 20s/early 30s, moves onto midlife, transits between ages 36 and 48, and ends with the second Saturn return, which occurs during one’s late 50s. The book is a workbook of sorts, and depending on where readers fall within the age range, readers might choose to move directly to the chapter which highlights where they’re at. Reading the entire book lends clarity to the transits already completed. Additionally, Blackwood proposes that understanding future emerging motifs and archetypal themes will help readers prepare and gain control.
Therapeutic rituals appear throughout the book as a source to help readers work through complex issues at various crossroads. For ritual use, Blackwood intersperses recipes for various teas, such as Baba Yaga’s tea. Guided pathworking and journal reflections facilitate more profound healing and create new insights. What, where, when, how, and why are beautifully sewn in to ensure every question is answered regardless of readers’ knowledge of these practices. Additionally, powerful folktales such as the Russian folktale “Vasilisa the Beautiful” epitomize the path through the dark wood and are included as an additional source of wisdom applicable to any crossroads.
From ages 27 to 30, when life breeds authenticity, Blackwood reveals steps to navigating the Saturn Return. For example, people often experience feelings of isolation and disconnect during this time, as old goals no longer hold relevance and long-standing relationships may phase out. Blackwood recommends reassessing priorities, natural consequences, radical self-compassion, reflection, creating healthy boundaries, and reinvention of self. She concludes the section with a magickal toolkit for the Saturn Return, which includes recommendations on pathworking and ritual. These allow readers to “call on Saturn to assist in practical matters, such as finding the perfect home or job, as well as consciously structuring your life in a way that makes sense.”
Chapters six through 18 summarize the midlife transits, including the Pluto Square, the Neptune Square, the Uranus Opposition, and the Saturn Opposition. Each includes an introduction of the phase, including a brief astrological history and explanation of its archetypal resonance, expected ages when the transit will occur, themes likely to arise, and the phase’s purpose for the overall picture. Since Blackwood identifies shadow work as conductive to the midlife transits, she incorporates relevant information on shadow work throughout these chapters, including why it’s crucial. “Until we get acquainted with our shadow, it can be an unconscious driving force beneath many of our behaviors, perspectives, and cognitions, which can result in self-sabotage.”
Blackwood includes a list of allies and correspondences for each transit. For example, after the final phase, the Second Saturn Return, she includes a list of stones and minerals, essential oils, deities, colors, herbs, plant allies, Bach flower remedies, astrological signs, house, element, and tarot cards which readers may find helpful.
A Lantern in the Dark is much more than a pleasure-reading book; instead, it is a comprehensive guide to life’s inevitable troublesome points. Where some books might provide information, Blackwood’s book is an informative and immersive journey on which she takes readers through the ins and outs of navigating life. She does a remarkable job putting life into perspective through an astrological lens. From beginner to advanced, anyone who reads this book can learn how to utilize astrology, seasons, magic, and myth to uncover hidden truths and shed light on dark times. The tone and clarity make the reading enjoyable, and the call-to-action provided through the brilliant inclusion of pathworking, ritual, and journal reflections spark enthusiasm and an eagerness to participate.
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