Hi, nhrob. So funny, I was just thinking about this very thing lately.

"Who will love the Raven?" In my spiritual traditions, Raven indeed knows about both the light and the dark - she is very much at home in both spheres and deeply appreciates the importance of both sides. Raven is adept at navigating both the light and the darkness. As I am Raven Clan, I've been studying this concept for awhile now.

This is just me, but I think darkness exists only in this physical realm. I believe that the negativity in this universe is tied to this physical plane only. When our spirits are finished here and travel back "home", that place is pure light and love.

The darkness of grief and sorrow, anger and jealousy, fear and anxiety. They all have things to teach us about ourselves as humans and as spirits, and about growing toward the light - not in avoidance of the darkness but to learn and grow from our time spent there.

I feel an imbalance in mainstream society where we are nagged to focus only on the positive energies and emotions and always be upbeat and cheery. This is because many people are afraid of the dark side of life and believe it is to be avoided at all costs. But when some people do slip into the darkness, it makes them feel like even more of a "failure" or a "loser" ... and then tragic things like suicide happen. This is why I am glad I see more news stories about people opening up to talk about mental health concerns ... to break down the stigma of having dark emotions and to build up (hopefully) a stronger network of support for those suffering with mental conditions like depression (which I have in my physical system and manage fairly well with a holistic approach of care).

I think it's important to balance our time spent on both sides. But it's also important to know how to move out of the darkness. There have been times I've felt trapped in the gooey quagmire of darkness and had a really difficult time dragging myself out. Fortunately I had caring friends and family who were there to help me get out of it. So while I recognize the importance of the dark side, I am also very respectful of how powerful it can be and not wade in too deep, given my own weaknesses. I won't fool myself into thinking I can get myself out of a deep darkness easily and all on my own!