Anyone can do magic. You don't have to be able to dance to raise energy. You don't need an eagle's eyesight to have psychic visions. People with physical handicaps are fully capable of performing ritual, casting spells, and celebrating the holidays. Many elders and differently-abled folks have wonderful experiences and talents to offer the Pagan community. Yet sometimes we are not fully included in Pagan or Wiccan rituals. Some of us choose to work solitary for that reason. As more and more people discover Nature Spirituality, there is a growing need for covens, groups, and festivals. Many popular books now focus on coven practice—such as Edain McCoy's Spellworking for Covens and The Witch's Coven and Amber K's Coven Craft. Working magic in a group can be a powerful experience. Therefore, ritual leaders must take into account that some of their new celebrants may be differently-abled. Each year, I help to sponsor a large Pagan Pride event and a small regional festival. I'm the secretary for a legal Pagan church, where I facilitate the children's activities and co-teach a "Magic 101" course. I am also visually impaired, a kidney patient, and have other physical challenges. That is why I use the term "differently-abled." My abilities include organizing, cooking, and begging occult stores to sponsor events—and my disabilities include not being able to drive a car or read small print. Others may have different abilities or limitations. We are all differently-abled. At public rituals, I cannot dance in a spiral to raise energy or read the song sheet. At festivals, I don't go for a midnight stroll in the woods. I can accept my own limitations, but there are some barriers to participation that just are not acceptable! Everyone should have access to the potties, which is why there are ramps and wheelchair-sized portable outhouses. Everyone should have access to ritual, as well. A priest or priestess, or other Pagan leader, would never intentionally exclude anyone who was sincere about celebrating a Sabbat or performing a magical ceremony, but unfortunately, people with handicaps are sometimes unintentionally excluded. For many years, I was terrified of walking the candle-lit labyrinth, certain that I would catch myself on fire. Then last summer, my dear husband promised to guide me through the pathways, assuring me that he wouldn't let me run into anyone—or worse, step on one of the lighted candles. (You can just imagine the headlines: "Witch burning at Pagan festival!") I trust my husband with my life, but it still took a lot of encouragement for me to set foot on a narrow path of a thousand flaming candles. Yet I'm so glad I did! Walking the labyrinth was a deeply spiritual experience, a passage of transformation. It also helped me to understand some of the needs that people with disabilities might encounter during a ritual. Here are some suggestions for Priest/esses, facilitators, and ritual leaders: Physical Challenges Please ensure that the location of a ceremony has accessible parking, entryways, and bathrooms. If the ritual is held in a private home, help may be required to carry the handicapped person up stairs or into a dwelling. If it is outdoors, they may need some assistance to get to the site. Please make the individual aware of such limits ahead of time. Some people may feel patronized, so offer to help, but do not insist. Be aware that elders and other differently-abled people may need to sit down during circle. If someone uses an appliance, such as a brace or crutch, they may not be able to stand for long periods of time, kneel, or sit on the ground. They will not be able to participate in dance or other physical techniques of raising energy, especially if the ground is uneven. Wheelchair users will need a place to "park." Some rituals require participants to remove any metal objects before entering, which is impossible for those who use an appliance or a pacemaker. People who do not have upper arm strength may not be able to hold a chalice or drum. To include elders and the differently-abled, provide chairs and a safe place to park wheelchairs or scooters. Waive the no-metal requirement. Ask them to help maintain the circle or other magical wards. They may help to raise energy by playing a musical instrument, singing, chanting, intoning a vibratory sound (such as "Om"), or by using visualization. Once energy is raised, they can help to direct it to the proper source. Elders can act as a summoner, gate-keeper, or guardian of a quarter. Physically challenged people can also help to ground the power or magically protect other celebrants. They may be able to help supervise children. Allow service animals in circle. They are well-trained and will sit quietly during the ceremony. Some service animals are also "familiars," and help to store and channel energy. Raven Grimassi and D. J. Conway have both written good books on animal familiars and their presence in circle. These books may be helpful to those who have service animals such as a guide dog. Ask before offering service animals any food, since they are not supposed to play or eat while "working" or in harness. Mention their presence to other celebrants, so that nobody accidentally steps on Fido's tail. Visual impairment Remember all the blind "seers" in Greek and Norse mythology, and ask the visually impaired person to help with divination work. Visually impaired people are especially adept with clairvoyance, clairaudience, and presaging talents. However, they may not be able to scry or do readings by conventional means, such as tarot cards. They can also feel, raise, channel, and direct magical power just as well as any other participant. Hearing impairment Other physical challenges Some people cannot be in the sun for long periods of time. Others may require warmth to maintain body heat, so allow them to work robed, or wear a shawl or poncho. Here in Michigan, where temperatures can reach 20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, celebrants often take a cue from Native people and wrap themselves in colorful blankets. Some wear long underwear under ceremonial garb. People with allergies may not be able to tolerate smoke, including incense, sage smudging, or wood smoke from a bonfire. Please station them upwind, and ask first before you smudge anyone. Using a feather to invoke Air may be more appropriate. Check with celebrants before anointing them with ritual oils. Individuals with contagious conditions or compromised immune systems may require separate cups, rather than sharing a communal ritual chalice. It always helps to inform people of the overall scope of the ritual, and outline all the steps, especially if they are "newbies." This helps to make the ceremony a positive experience for everyone. Here are some suggestions for people with disabilities:
Lastly, please remember that we are all differently-abled. We all have unique talents and abilities to offer our communities and the Gods. You might not be able to cavort wildly around the bonfire, but you may be able to channel the energy raised by the drummers and dancers. Working magic, participating in ritual, and honoring our own inner deity are valuable ways of contributing to our spirituality. A good book to help you on your path is Spiritual Fitness by Nancy Mramor. As the title suggests, this book can help to enhance your personal well-being and spiritual awareness. |