The Dark Night of the Soul is one of the most painful, isolating, and destabilizing experiences in life. Yet it is also a tremendous blessing in disguise.
As a primordial process of death and rebirth, the Dark Night of the Soul is a period in life where we are stripped of everything that is false. The veils of illusion are torn from our eyes. We suddenly see the fragility of ourselves, other people, and existence. And, out of nowhere, we start asking big questions such as “What is the meaning of life?” “What happens after death?” and “Why was I born?”
The more we start to question our lives, the more deception we come across. We see the lies perpetuated by society. We see the ways we have become wounded and behave dysfunctionally. And we may even notice a sense of emptiness inherent in our lives. Something feels missing. But what?
For many people, the Dark Night of the Soul heralds big life shifts. We may quit our jobs, leave our marriage, and seek out something more meaningful and aligned with who we truly are. For some, the Dark Night is a call to begin the spiritual journey toward enlightenment and reconnecting with the Soul.
Dark Night of the Soul Questions
When people first enter this dark period of life, they often have many questions. It can feel scary to lose interest in what you once valued and have your life turned upside down. Due to its destabilizing effect on our lives, the Dark Night is synonymous with what is known as the spiritual emergency.
Here are some commonly asked questions which might help to relax your mind a bit:
Most people who go through the Dark Night feel a sense of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression. It’s common to crave for solitude and quiet/comforting environments. While some describe the experience as a death and rebirth, others describe it as the feeling of disintegrating or falling through a void.
The Dark Night of the Soul is an experience that is unique to everyone (although it does share many common characteristics). For one person it may last a few months, for others, it may last a year or many years. Most importantly, please understand that this is a temporary experience and many people can relate to what you’re experiencing. You’re not alone, although it might feel that way.
There are many ways to answer this question, but it’s crucial to understand first and foremost that the Dark Night is a natural and organic process. Just as trees go through a period of losing their leaves in Autumn/Winter, so too do we as humans (metaphorically speaking). We all go through cycles of death and rebirth; periods where we are full of life and energy and then periods where we need to slow down and go within. The Dark Night helps us to stop and tune into our inner selves. It is a process that goes hand-in-hand with the spiritual awakening process and finding our true life purpose.
Good question! Think of the Dark Night of the Soul as entering a prolonged Winter period. What comes after Winter? Spring! After the Dark Night we emerge refreshed, renewed, and ready to walk our true life paths. We have gained clarity, wisdom, tenderness, and the ability to tune into ourselves during the Dark Night period. These qualities we then bring into our lives. It’s quite common to start big projects, make powerful life changes, and explore our newly found gifts after the Dark Night of the Soul. It’s a blessing in disguise.
Dark Night of the Soul Test
Are you experiencing loneliness, isolation, depression, and soul loss? Do you seem to be developing new perspectives and views regarding life? If so, you may be experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul. Take our free Dark Night of the Soul Test to confirm (or challenge) your suspicions below:
How do you feel after receiving your results? Feel free to share in the comments.
Also, if you need more in-depth guidance, see our Dark Night of the Soul Journal for more help.
What has your experience during the Dark Night been like so far? I’d love to hear below. Your words might inspire or support someone else on this difficult journey.
My Dark Night began just about a month ago and i am a very high energy person so when my family started noticing this they got worried so now i finally know whats going on. Thank you so much Luna & Sol!
I began my awakening journey after my first heart attack in June 2017. My dark night started in April of 2018 and I thought I was truly losing my mind I cried for 5 days and nights and had no clue what was wrong with Me. It was worse than any depression I had ever felt in my life. I kept asking God what was happening to me and out of nowhere somethi g Spirit I’m sure told me to go to my tarot to find out what I was going through. I had NEVER even thought about listening to tarot readings I barely knew what my signwas at the time(Pisces). So I went to YouTube and started looking at all the different readings until one caught my attention. It was called Sometimes You feel like a Scorpio by the reader Eyez wide open 1111. It was 2 and a half hours long and she hit the nail on the head through the whole reading and explained to me exactly what was happening to me. I was going through the Dark night of the Souls and healing emotional trauma I had suppressed since ci was a child. She talked about having to forgive my mother for all the pain she put me through. How I had to let go of all the anger and sadness to release all of it and most of all forgive ppl who had hurt me and most of all I had to forgive myself. I cried through the whole thing. I had so much emotional trauma suppressed in me it was unbelievable. Before all this happened I had aproblem being alone I couldn’t stand it for more than 5 mins. It was like I was comfortable in my own skin. Since then I LOVEy time alone and would choose to be alone rather than be with anyone. I know I go through boughts of dark nights since then but everytime I do I shed something from myself whether it be a bad habit of relationships with ppl that serve no purpose. I don’t know how long it will last but I know that it’s all for the best. Life is nothing but lessons then tests and if fail the test we repeat the lesson over and over and it hurts more n more the more we repeat it until we give in and change by learning what the lesson was meant to teach whether it be to love yourself more set boundaries cut relationships or whatever it maybe. Sometimes I wish I could go back to the way I was before but that only last a few seconds then I realize that it’s not possible and I wouldn’t if I could anyway. Im so thankful for finding your sight it’s like I find these things just like the tarot right at the precise time I need them thank you both for doing what you do and thank you Spirit for loving me so much love and light
I never ever cried so much and I feel broken and just want it to be over . I was asking for help a month ago and I had a vision of a black lonely wolf . I did not understand it at the time and it makes sense now.
Thank you for true guidance.