Mundane Magic: Witchcraft for the Chronically Ill

Mx. Jorquera is a queer artisan and witch based in AB, Canada. Their practice is heavily influenced by their love of nature, creative expression and navigating liminal spaces. Get in touch with Eli by following their Instagram.

Living with a chronic illness or disability doesn’t mean you can’t be that witch in the woods casting spells under the full moon, but it does typically mean overcoming the obstacle of chronic pain and fatigue. What about the times you just don’t have the energy or spoons to commit to complex rituals?

Spoon Theory, Spoons and Spoonies

Spoon Theory, originally coined by Christine Miserandino, is a way to quantify the limited amount of energy (or spoons) a chronically ill person has available to them. People with physical disabilities, neurodivergence and other chronic illnesses may refer to themselves as spoonies. Spoonie witches do exist, and are no less valid than our able-bodied neurotypical peers.

Accommodate Your Spiritual Practice

You do not have to prove that you are capable of doing what everyone else can to anyone. Your practice should be tailored to your needs and be accessible to you, which can look however you need it to. If you find sitting cross legged to meditate bothersome, you don’t have to – really, I promise.

Contemplate what kinds of accommodations you believe you would benefit from and make it easier for you! Make modifications or substitutions, take shortcuts and eliminate the things that are beyond your limits.

Simplify with the Right Tools

Tools can make a big difference in feeling more connected to your craft by making it easier to actually engage with it. Something simple, like a decorative tray in your style to keep your divination tools nearby, or having a portable altar for working with a pagan deity simplifies and streamlines tasks we might otherwise opt out of.

Technology is also one of the greatest tools at our disposal. Accessibility options aside, you can create a digital grimoire if writing by hand is too difficult, eBooks and audiobooks broaden our personal libraries, and apps of all varieties whether you want a card reading, guided meditations, or up-to-date information on astrological transits.

Enchant Your Environment

Color magic, sigils, aromatherapy, crystals, amulets and talismans, herbal sachets, low maintenance plants, and other sensory comforts work by the energy that is either infused into or already within the object. These utilize passive magic and you can always cleanse and recharge your space when you’re having a good energy day. Focus on designing a space that works for you rather than you, working within a space.

Shift Your Mindset

Being a spoonie and a witch means working within your limitations, extending yourself compassion, some improvisation and creativity, and finding magic in the mundane. Incorporate the areas of witchcraft that interest you in to your daily routines and self-care. I suggest starting small, as it will be more motivating to continue; you can always introduce new activities or make adjustments as you go.

Making magic does not have to be extravagant; ritualistic or about pagan deities, it can be as simple as taking a moment to be mindful and speak positive intentions, practicing astral travel before falling asleep, or adding a touch of honey to a cup of tea to sweeten your day.