MIT Shadow Magicians

Discover Your Truth. Overcome Your Obstacles.

What is Shadow Magicians?

Shadow Magicians is a resource designed to foster emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and new levels of self-actualization. Our vision is to bolster the overall emotional health of MIT by equipping both individuals and groups with a simple and powerful toolkit that empowers vulnerability, authenticity, and self-awareness.

In Shadow Magicians, we intentionally construct an especially strong “container.” The container is the shared group psychological space and its strength is determined by the level of trust and safety experienced by the group at any given moment. The container is our “operating system” and within it we use structured processes (think “apps”) to help people explore their “shadows”—their self-sabotaging behaviors and the deep-seated emotions, beliefs and memories driving them.

Participants experience connection, support, greater self awareness and self love which leads to healing, growth and empowerment. From this place, they are able to remove internal blockages and move in productive life directions. The work of Shadow Magicians is targeted directly at alleviating the depression, anxiety, isolation, and sense of unworthiness experienced by many in the MIT community.

Where does the name "Shadow Magicians" come from?

The name derives from the Jungian concept of "shadow"--the parts of myself that I hide, repress and deny--and the "magician" as one of the core human archetypes who embodies perspective, wisdom and guidance.

What kinds of issues can I explore at Shadow Magicians?

Many issues can be explored, including (but not limited to):

What’s the hope in offering Shadow Magicians at MIT?

Our hope for MIT is that we can all thrive not only as scientists and engineers, but also as human beings. We’d like to see the overall baseline of the MIT Community’s emotional well-being increased. Sometimes our drive for excellence and accomplishment creates a dehumanizing environment where our emotions and our capacity for connection with self and others are devalued. In Shadow Magicians, we seek to create a space where people can take off the armor and truly be themselves. So far, the level of vulnerability, connection and growth experienced in our meetings has been truly profound.

What do meetings look like?

There is a support-group-esque feel to our meetings. We sit in a circle as peers. There are different rounds designed for setting our container, facilitating exploration and transformation of our shadows and offering affirmation to the group and fellow participants. EVERY person ALWAYS has the right to pass on any activity for any reason and we support people in making that choice. We also intentionally structure our processes and language to be non-shaming.

What if I need to arrive late / leave early?

Due to the intimate nature of Shadow Magicians' conversations, the safety of our container is a top priority. When people enter or exit the room during a session, it diminishes the safety of the container. We seek to minimize such disruptions. If you'd like to attend, but know that you would need to arrive late or leave early, please email us at shadow-magicians-staff@mit.edu so we can see if it's possible to accommodate your situation.

Can Shadow Magicians help improve the emotional and relational environment where I work/live at MIT?

YES! Or at least we would be excited to try. Your group—whether it’s a team, club, lab, office or living group—already has it’s own container. We can provide the tools for an OS upgrade that will empower your group to be more cohesive, more productive and more enjoyable. Then, we can help equip your group with the specific apps most relevant to your objectives and your relational dynamics. Contact us at shadow-magicians-staff@mit.edu to explore possibilities for seminars and workshops we could offer in your setting.

Visiting Instructions

We are open to all members of the MIT community and their guests with advance notice. Please send us an email to request attendance.

Note: Sessions begin promptly at 11:10am. Participants will not be admitted after this time without prior staff approval.

Spring 2016 Schedule

Thursdays 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Maps: Building 13Building 5Building 1

Reading Materials

For a more in-depth exploration of what we do and how, please browse the following documents:

Questions?

Email shadow-magicians-staff@mit.edu or contact Ben Littauer (617-633-3881, litt@mit.edu)

Disclaimers

Shadow Magicians is a peer-facilitated educational group. It is not psychotherapy or a substitute for it. Please consult a licensed mental health professional before making any major life decisions or changes to your current psychotherapy or medication regimens.

If you are experiencing homicidal, suicidal, or other dangerous urges please seek help from the appropriate MIT mental health resources. For emergencies, please contact the MIT police by dialing 100 from a campus phone, or 617-253-1212 from any phone.