Disabled Witchcraft: 90 Rituals for Limited-Spoon Practitioners

by Kandi Zeller

Magick is all around us and should be for everyone. But the practices in many witchcraft books can be difficult for many of us to perform due to chronic illnesses, sensory issues, allergies, or other disabilities—and the financial limitations that often go hand in hand with them. In this guide, disabled witch Kandi Zeller sets out to change that. Through 90 inclusive (and sometimes spicy) magickal rituals designed for witches with disabilities of all kinds—especially the invisible ones—Disabled Witchcraft lays out a truly accessible magickal practice with a solid dose of humor and heart. If your spoons (aka available energy and executive function) are limited on any given day, that doesn't need to be a hindrance to following your spiritual path. From guidance on using crystals for nervous-system regulation to tarot readings for spoonies to laying a curse upon unjust health systems, you'll find practical tools to harness the magick of your disabilities, fight both ableism and capitalism, and embrace a more expansive version of the path.

Genres: Witchcraft, Disability, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Adult

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Tangie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't for me I think. As a disabled witch, I didn't really need an explanation of disability and it's challenges on every single page. Like, I've got it. It felt very condescending to me. I also wasn't expecting nearly every ritual to be just an incantation? My personal definition of ritual involves more than that. I don't think the author did anything wrong, it just didn't vibe with me.

[Fernanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me. It's mainly comprised of incantations and journal/reflection prompts. I really wish there were more tangible spells, although there are some good ideas sprinkled throughout the book.

For a book focused on disability, I truly wish there was a wider diversity in rituals/spells. For me personally, it's hard to connect to just words unless they are my own. In my craft I like to take inspiration and ideas, but to ultimately form my own ritual. Most of the book is comprised of incantations solely, which for me wasn't super helpful because when I do use them I will always use my own. I wish there were more ideas of things like spells for when you're tired, can't focus or work, etc. In this way, the final section of the book was the one I found most helpful, but still short.

Another issue I had with this book is that most sections start off with something like this: “You may have been told you don’t belong here or that you’re such an aberration that you don’t deserve…” (p.46) Damn, I get it. This is aimed at disabled people: we know what ableism looks like without needing to be constantly reminded of the trauma we constantly go through. You can just say that many of us may struggle to connect to nature and we'll get it. You don't need to go into detail about all the ways society tells us that we can't do it. Once or twice is fine, but I felt most of the book was this constant repetition.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5/5 rounded up to 2.

Disabled Witchcraft 90 rituals for Limited Spoon practitioners was unfortunately a letdown. I was so excited when I heard about this book, finally a witchy read that got the spoon theory! In reality that wasn’t the take away.

The book is mainly a constant reiteration of how the world is extremely ablest, how capitalist society sucks, the assumption that all disabled people are poor, and how we’re all “stardust”. I expected the book to have 90 rituals for different areas of life, but it didn’t. A large section of the book is a breakdown of each Tarot suit (and some strange way it relates to disability?) If I wanted to read and dive deeper into my Tarot I would read the books that come with them.

I also feel like there are many assumptions made, mainly that if you’re disabled/ a spoonie you’re broke. This isn’t always the case. Many people suffer from various illnesses, invisible illnesses or health problems that may limit their spoons but they still get up and get the damn thing done. They don’t wish to be limited by their illness so they’ve found a way to work alongside it. The book gave off the “why me” “I’m special because I’m ill” vibe and I couldn’t relate. I was hoping to take some incantations, ideas for spell work that minimize energy usage but I just couldn’t pull any.

I didn’t enjoy the curse section. Maybe it’s just me but I feel using curses (even against the “unjust health systems/ capitalism”) can bring negative energy. Change through education or incantations for understanding would have left me with better vibes.

The constant use of quotes from random people and random websites made me feel like I was in college peer reviewing a term paper again.

[sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very much for me. The art is gorgeous and the book layout is also lovely. A lot of thought, love and intention clearly went into this book.

I think maybe it’s a bit too “obvious” for me but beginners and those who need an intro to disability justice could find it helpful. It had some interesting concepts, a lot of incantations, etc. but nothing I really didn’t know or already think of.

I guess I expected more somehow, but I do hope the author continues their craft and has the opportunity to expand. All good wishes going forward.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following in the newfound wisdom that we should all be listening to people with disabilities, I came across this book. 

I think a lot of practitioners have felt guilty for not going all out for the sabbats of for feeling like they are not productive enough in this capitalist hellscape, but here are compassionate rituals for people who are tired, nervous, disabled. Who else would think a ritual for taking new medication and the scariness of the unknown! I just came down with strep throat and felt anxiety about taking an antibiotic I wasn't familiar with.

Includes: making the practice your own, element/nature work, artistic rituals, moon rituals (really loved this one!), sabbat rituals, thrifting/accessing, relationship/sex, tough days, and a disabled-lens tarot interpretation of the major arcana (some info on the minor)

[Kels · Rating 1 out of 5]

it's very 'woe is me', 'if you repeat these "rituals" everyday you will be magically cured' typa vibe. I find it like I'm being talked down too, not all witchcraft is affirmations. like also I swear if you did this outside people would think you have gone mad. I do believe however it takes courage to bring out a book but classing everyone who's "disabled" into one huge genre is just naive. you can't just say 'oh swap it for works for you ' like that wasn't what we were doing in the first place. I applaud you for making a book and having that achievement but I can't see anything that really is original. I really am deeply sorry if this is a very negative lead.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book mainly offers incantations or affirmations. Useful for those looking for inspiration in that area. I liked the references to other works, too. I did not like and won't use the curses. I don't like the idea of doing anything negative in my practice. Even if it's intended for "the system." I like to focus on positive things I want to see happen. For example, instead of "down with the man," how about "I have a community around me that gives me everything I need."

[Autumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up from curiosity as a disabled person who also practices witchcraft and paganism. For context, I live with range of motion and other severe mobility challenges, I am hearing and visually impaired , and have restricted lung function on top of other issues. Although this book is meant for the disabled community, I did not feel seen or understood in terms of obstacles I (and others) face when exploring alternative spiritual practices. The author does provide some resources at the end of the book I have heard of or am familiar with so experience in practice is not a concern. The tone, however, comes across as very infantilizing and simultaneously offers no advice on alternative solutions when mentioning using a “candle or alternative.” For a brand new witch, this is not a book I would recommend especially because the bulk of the book makes it sound like disabled witchcraft is its own entirely different thing when it is not. The tone is both infantilizing and overly coddling. Thus further alienating disabled individuals when we truly just need to adapt our methods for our intentions. It also feels like the author is making being disabled a political statement and while I have no issues with activism, the frequency of the words capitalism/capitalist, hellscape, resistance, etc. was exhausting. Also the use of the word spoons or spoonie were irritating after awhile. I recognize this is a niche that needs filled. This is not one that has provided me any feelings of connection or inspiration in my practice. A new witch may discover some methods they didn’t think of but at the same time, I feel like a lot of them are common sense or methods found in surplus in other places like YouTube, blogs, online covens, etc.

I do appreciate the list of sources mentioned but I found this book severely lacking

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

- though it's hardback not painful or heavy to hold

This person uses very careful language and it is a shame every word feels over thought through so as not to upset anyone but that's impossible you can never please everyone

They are very open and honest about their own illnesses and that is something nobody owes anyone. However it's good to know this so you can understand their choices of rituals and practice through the book and how to change it for yourself

I loved the different sections of the book so you can easily find things you want to try later

Everything is set out easily and each spell or ritual can easily be achieved by thrifting or using what you have already

It gave me so many ideas for future rituals and art magic

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this!! I’m finding in my practice, it’s difficult for me to think of myself as an actual witch because I either a) don’t have the spoons to do it everyday, b) am teaching myself, or c) don’t have all the right “things” for it. This book really employed language that I appreciated because it almost gave me permission to do these things in a way that works for ME. I want desperately to learn and have someone guide me along the way, but this provided a ton of easily accessible, quick ways to practice without needing a ton of energy. Which I am always dreadfully low on. This was great!! 🖤🖤

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the author's philosophy towards witchcraft and am so glad this book exists. I'm not sure if I'll keep it on my personal shelves but I definitely appreciated reading it. I was really surprised when the author stated she is still a Christian even after mentioning her religious trauma and PTSD what felt like every other page. Having religious PTSD and trauma from growing up Christian myself, this kinda threw me for a loop. I'm glad Christianity is working out for her, but it still made me uneasy. But, that's a me thing, not her problem.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a disabled witch myself, it's hard to give this book this rating. However, it was highly repetitive, with a heavy writing style that felt mechanic at times, with the same few ideas just slightly changed. I am disabled, I know how hard it is to do this and that, and I have interacted with disabled people, and we don't talk over and over again about how hard this and that is. If anything, it was a discouraging reading instead of empowering.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally wasn’t for me. I felt like it was repetitive especially when constantly referring to disabilities. That’s why I picked up the book, I do have some disabilities. Seemed repetitive in that aspect. And it seemed mainly comprised of affirmations rituals. I personally didn’t find anything helpful for me.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe this just isn't a book for me, but I felt more like I was being lectured on disability rights more than I was being given helpful tips and tricks on how to practice when I'm low energy.

Every "spell" was an incantation. No other kinds of spells, there are ways around low energy and disability that still let a witch use other types of spells.

[Cassandra Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up. I did enjoy some of the author's viewpoints and framings for disability and its relation to magic. That said, I agree with other reviewers about this book being repetitive. After a certain amount of time a lot of this book felt like a broken record where I was reading what was essentially the same premise for a ritual over and over.

[Autumn (Triquetra Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss and the Publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

See the full review: https://triquetrareviews.blogspot.com...

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally a witchcraft book without stolen practices, education and ideas on a practical and anticapitalist level.

this book was fantastic! it really is all about intention and this book gives many wonderful ideas for the disabled witch that are practical and accessible.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet read! Lots of great info in here and suggestions for how to maintain a witchcraft practice as your energy allows. MORE OF THIS.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars