Defying Shadows: For Witches and Pagans Battling Cancer and Chronic Illness

by Jessica Settergren, Morgan Daimler (foreword)

Defying Shadows is a self-help book for pagan cancer patients living through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medicated survivorship. This book offers practical support and magical advice from a pagan point of view to help those with cancer and other chronic conditions.
 
Witching through Cancer
 
In October 2019, Jess Settergren received some life-altering she had breast cancer. Despite living in a world where breast-cancer awareness is highly visible and offers a great deal of support, she found herself uniquely alone, as none of the options for patients and survivors featured a pagan perspective. With Defying Shadows, Settergren fills the gap for pagan- and witch-friendly cancer support. Within its pages, you will find gentle, easy ways to perform spells, meditations for wellness, and low-energy rituals for every sabbat. Find your peace and embrace the now with Defying Shadows.

264 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2025

About the author

Jess Settergren was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram and was treated with surgery, chemo, and radiation. She’s been a practicing Pagan since 1996 and discovered there aren’t many cancer support books available from a Pagan perspective. She wrote Defying Shadows hoping her experience would help others.

Jess also writes fantasy and paranormal romance. Jess lives in the woods with her fabulous husband, a horde of busy teenagers, two huge dogs who insist on being lapdogs, and fAngus the bossy tuxedo cat who rules them all.
You can find her at www.jessicasettergren.com

Reviews

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

-the forward states very clearly how imperfect our world is. The Craft gives us control over situations but is not an instant solution or a cure.

-the author is very open about their experiences during their cancer treatment which was interesting as I trained as a nurse before I became sick.

The book is surprisingly heavy and I had to rest it on my lap to read it. However the writing was easier to read which I appreciated

- loved the section about beginning meditation. It explained how there are so many options and ways to meditate people often give up too soon

- lovely rituals are included in the book that are accessible to most people

-enjoyed the section about appropriation of other cultures very important and all too often forgotten

-loved the parts about finding a deity to work with who is known for healing. I often do this with archangel michael

-the cancer journey they allow us to follow is very well written. Not romanticised the science is included which was so interesting to read as an ex nurse.

- loved the included rituals especially to burn her hair it was so powerful and easy to see how and why this was done. Helps to see practically why you would choose each spell or ritual. The spells have lots of alternatives and are easy to personalise

-they speak about the mixed messages and frustration of news, social media and magazines. It's important to talk about we all face it whether it's cancer or chronic illness

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuinely hope that nobody reading this review ever has need for a book like this. But if you do, I’m so glad that something like Defying Shadows exists for you.

You can see my full review at: https://strangersights.com/defying-sh...