I've recently been working on some content about the unique set of challenges faced by people in the Pagan community who are dealing with mobility issues due to disabilities. If you're a Pagan who is has physical disabilities, and you'd like to share your story, I'd love to hear what you have to say. You do not have to use your real name if you don't want to (and I'll probably assign you a pseudonym if I use your quote), but any information sent *may* appear in a future article here at About.com. Here's what I'm looking for:
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- Have you been in a situation where your physical disabilities have made you feel unable to participate in an event or ceremony? Please share an example.
- Do you feel as though other Pagans treat you differently because of your physical limitations? Feel free to share examples.
- What suggestions would you make to Pagan organizers, to make public rituals, workshops and events more welcoming to those who may have physical disabilities?
- What advice can you offer to other Pagans with disabilities, as far as interacting with the Pagan community?
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I am a disabled Pagan, and have difficulty physically with some rituals. I adapt, but when my health is not letting me fully participate in my spiritual/religious activities due to ill health or hospitalization it can be very depressing. I haven’t had any negativity(that I am aware of) regarding my disability from others. I do try to keep involved doing what I can, and I think that is more important than dwelling on what I can no longer do
I do think there should be Pagan spiritual support offered in hospitals across the nation, since spiritual health is an established and recognized factor in healing.
Pagans are people and of all ages and walks of life, some will have disabilities, all should be made welcome and be included as much as possible.
I have MS and I do most of my rituals and spells nad Wiccan works in my wheelchair. It is an adaption I have learned to deal with though sometimes frustrating. There is no jumping the fires or dancing around them for me. I am a Solitary Witch so I don’t believe it effects any one other than me , but I love my craft too much to give it up to a disability.
I have 2nd Lymphedema,arthritis, and gouts, so I have chronic swelling and pain that some days limits my movement to the point that on those bad days I dont even leave my own house. So because of my medical issues, traveling and attendng certain events are things I must avoid.
Now on my good days I am as active as I can be, but if I over do it. I am “down” for a day or two. However even on my good days alot of Pagan events are out of bounds for me due to the event being held outdoors on uneven grounds.(Some State parks are being used but even these areas are hard to handle at times because of My left ankle. It greatly limits my movement on uneven-rocky and/or soft grounds(Bascily 90% of the great outdoors
The Pagans I have meet seem to more understanding of Disabled people than just about any other religion/social group I have come across so far.
There is only so much a Group can do to make an event Handicap ready. But most will do what they can – if they know a head of time. Being Honest with each other and yourself is a strong trait among Pagans.
My advice to anyone with a Disability is to talk to the people planning the event and see if the place isalready handlicap friendly or can be made so. And be ready for some events, no matter how much you really want to go…to be out of bounds to you because of your medical problems.
I used to lead a coven with a member who had mobility problems. I tried to pick ritual locations that had flat, even ground.
If the rituals were at my place I’d rake the circle area smooth so she would not trip easily.
She could walk, usually with a cane, but could not do circle dances. We also put a chair in the circle, in case she needed to sit down.
I did not have many songs of dancing, so she wouldn’t be left out much.
I happen to be a disabled pagan and have had my share of difficulties with public gatherings. I used to participate in an open circle and we sat part of the time. I have had a knee replacement and two back surgeries so getting up was quite the challenge to get up. I also have to take a lot of meds. some of them mind altaring, so before I do a ritual or participate in any group activity, I do not take the meds. so as to keep a clear mind. The problem with that is I have a hard time staying in any one position. I also go to the pagan pride picnic in St. Louis every year and it is getting more difficult to get around!! I am lucky enough to have a great group of friends who are always willing to do what they can to help so I can enjoy the day!!! I do think more needs to be done for the disabled with public gatherings, though, in some cases, it would be hard to do. Body permitting, I will continue to go to any gatherings I am made aware of in my area.
I am not able to participate in calling the for corners because it is never sent to me a week or two in advance. That is the only way for me to transcribe it into braille. Whereever this I do not help or assist attitude toward blind individuals needs to return back to its original origin. I am really grateful that the Goddess has created such wonderful people like you who really care about human life expecially physically disabled.