Covid and The Witch

Covid and the Witch

It feels like yet another new era.

We all, globally, went from our local cultural 'norms', in and out of various stages of the pandemic.

Now, as many here in the United States are vaccinated, and many areas reopening in modified yet much more 'normal' ways, other parts of the world are still - or again - under siege of this virus - there is an aspect to Covid that has not, and may never go away for some of us.

It was November 2019, and I couldn't think, or breathe, or move, or sleep. Certain that it was the worst flu in history, I was relieved when after two of the longest weeks of my life, I finally started to feel better. I was still exhausted, every limb feeling like dead weight, my breathing still labored, but I could function. A simple drive to the grocery store, wore me out so fully, that I was dragging myself up the stairs, and could not carry the groceries up with me. By January, my heart was exhibiting distress, and it just seemed like one thing after another. Fast forward several months to when it became clear that I had had Covid-19 and was experiencing several of the residual effects. Some folks were quick to correct me that I must be mistaken because Covid started in the States, as of January 2020 - that is until the official reports came out that the CDC had confirmed that cases did indeed begin in November but were misdiagnosed at the time, since no one knew to test for Coronavirus at that point. Given that Covid can easily be fatal, I was of course, beyond fortunate. By now, numerous articles swarm the internet about an array of post-Covid experiences. The symptoms vary from mildly irritating, to fully debilitating. Medical tests and scans show instances of damage to vital organs such as the lungs  and heart, and in other folks the residuals are more neuro focused, with senses being affected as well as memory and cognitive skills.

Personally, I  still have days where I can barely move or even stand, muscles heavy, joints locked. Some days my mental fog is so dense that it is impossible to think, remember, or comprehend  through it. There are varying other challenges that I have now that I did not prior to. As with everyone post-Covid, there is no way to know if these issues are correctable, simply lingering, or permanent as my new 'normal'. They come and go and even when they go, there is no way to know if they will stay away.

I share all this because in recent reflection on my craft, I realized how much impact Covid had on my magic over this past year plus. Knowing that other practioners have gone through (and may still be going through) similar, it is my hope that by sharing my experiences, and the tips I have developed to work around these challenges, it can be of help to others. These tips can hopefully be helpful to those having the same or similar experiences, no matter the cause.

• Fatigue - sometimes it may be physical lethargy and sometimes it can be full on exhaustion, where you can barely keep your eyes open even though you slept. Either way, it feels nearly impossible to raise energy in a ritual. Honestly, it can feel too exhausting to stand up, walk across the room and just strike a match to light a daily devotional candle even on autopilot. I encourage you to do your routine even if your mind and/or heart aren't in it. Even if you know as a ritual it has little to no merit. Then WHY? Habit and Dedication. Habit - things can be done in a time efficient manner when they are integrated in our inner clock system as part of our daily routine - our habits. When we break those it is much harder to regain our footing and get back in the groove. Think of waking up on  time for work following a week or more vacation. Dedication - When we do not let anything get in the way of what we have promised to do; when we give all we've got even if all that is, is dragging ourselves to stand and light a candle. Dedication is never ignored by Divinity.
• Mental Fog - When we cannot find the words to express ourselves, or cannot access the knowledge that we know we already possess, or have trouble tracking what we read or hear, it can feel thoroughly defeating. How can we meditate, or remember incantations, or advance in our learning, if our brain is lost in a fog? The worst part for me, has been not knowing if I was momentarily forgetting or if I had lost hard earned knowledge to the virus. I have found that making more lists, writing more details in my planner and/or Google calendar, leaving post it note reminders for myself, and setting more alarms on my phone, is very helpful. For example, New Moon is approaching and you want to do an honorary ritual (as opposed to a spell using those energies) - making a list of what supplies you need to bring to your altar will at a minimum alleviate anxiety that you will forget something that is needed. Remind yourself with external prompts when/if you are concerned that you cannot automatically from internally as you usually would. Re-read books as many times as necessary. Try audio books and podcasts to see if comprehension and retention are now easier for you through a different modality.
• Cut yourself some slack - be understanding of your new reality - be it short term or ends  up  lasting longer.  Do not assume that your current status and functionality levels will be forever. No need to create a feeling of doom. Create as many shortcuts and work arounds as possible and for sure prioritize instead of taking on everything. These new methods and systems will serve you well even when  things improve and if they don't revert back to how you feel you used to function, well then you at least have ways of functioning now.
• Do what you can, when you can. Some months maybe you can do a complete Full Moon ritual, and some maybe you just light a tealight and barely muster the thought 'yay moon'. Listen to your body as to what it can do and when.
• Get Support - If you need a spell cast and you cannot, find someone whose skills and confidentiality you trust, to cast for you. Cannot focus to read your own cards as you usually do? Get a reading from a trusted reader. (Yes readers should be paid and yes money is tight for many right now - ask your reader if they have smaller readings or altered fees. Do not take advantage of a generous caster or reader or healer - you short change not just them but your own soul and ethics BUT if they have an offer or hardship rates - it is fine to respectfully and honestly ask if those are available.) Maybe you usually blend your own oils and incense and dress your own candles but now that is overwhelming - so now may be the time to purchase  your magical wares prepared by a trusted practitioner. It is not 'settling' - it is adapting and acclimating so that your magic still has a clear path through which to flow.
  
  

Even for those who were blessed to not fall ill at all and also not lose anyone, the pandemic still wore on us all in different ways and to varying degrees. Be kind with yourself. It sounds trite but it is true. It is not a luxury nor an excuse - it is the kindness you would show to someone else who was feeling battered and worn. Respect yourself just as much.

Masks are still mandated in many areas, at least in certain circumstances which will continue (ie medical offices will require them in most areas even once they are not mandated in stores or outside). They have proven to not just help amidst Covid, but also cut down on cold and flus this past year as well as limiting allergies.
The mask shown at the top of the blog is made by artist Mickie Mueller and can be purchased in her Etsy shop (click here). She also offers other beautifully magical designs as well. Image used with gracious permission from the artist.

With blessings of healing and rejuvenation to us all, 

Nadia