These are difficult times we’re living in right now. The world is changing in unprecedented ways, leaving many of us feeling helpless and lost.

Whether you or anyone you know may have, or has the novel COVID-19 virus or not, pretty much all of us have been affected by this pandemic in one way or another.

Everywhere events are being canceled, businesses closed, social gatherings banned. Schools have shut down for the coming months, and in many places it’s recommended that we stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out. 

On top of all of this, it seems virtually impossible to turn on the TV or open a social media app without being overwhelmed by discussions surrounding the coronavirus. 

I’m lucky that where I live in Ontario, Canada, the number of confirmed cases and deaths pertaining to the virus remains relatively low, as does the risk for catching it. However, as we know very well from situations in other countries, this could change very quickly, and it’s been unsettling to watch the amount of cases rise each day.

I’m also exceptionally fortunate that I am a healthy young adult without any underlying health issues, meaning that if I were to catch the virus, the risk of serious complications also remains quite low. 

I know, rationally, that if I continue to do things like following social distancing guidelines and washing my hands twenty times a day, I’ll be fine. Of course, I know this.

Yet, this knowledge has not been able to stop my mental health from taking a turn for the worst, falling into a pretty bad downward spiral over the past week or so. My old friends anxiety and depression have been roused by this pandemic, threatening to take over my life once again.

It’s not so much that I’m afraid of getting the virus myself—as I said, I’d more than likely be fine if this were to happen. It’s more that I’m concerned about things like my family potentially being exposed to this, particularly older relatives. Additionally, and maybe even more so, I can’t help myself from being worried about the state of the world in general. The sense of panic that this pandemic has instilled in the world has kicked my own anxiety into overdrive, to the point where I’ve almost become paralyzed by it.

I’ve been suffering from things like heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea, insomnia, and constant fatigue—not because of any physical illness, but because of the mental and emotional stress that this world crisis has caused. It’s been a challenge getting out of bed these past few days, let alone continuing with my graduate studies and academic projects like nothing has changed. It feels as though there’s been a giant weight crushing down on me, and I’ve been struggling to get out from underneath it.

To some, this may seem silly, particularly as no one I actually know has been affected by the virus yet. But I also have a sense that I’m not alone in feeling this way. 

This is not an easy time for any of us. The next few days, weeks, and months are fraught with uncertainty, and many of us are feeling alone, scared, and helpless. And while my heart goes out to this who are the most immediately affected by this pandemic—such as those who have suffered losses, are particularly at risk, and the doctors, nurses, and other service workers who are working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of their communities– I also definitely don’t think that anyone’s feelings should be discounted at this time.

If you are feeling scared, lonely, anxious, or hopeless, know that these emotions are valid, and you’re not alone in experiencing them.

That said, however, after a few days spent in bed wrapped up in the embrace of anxiety and depression, I came to the conclusion that I really did not want to feel this way anymore, or to allow these mental states to consume me so entirely.  

In this time, I’ve come to understand that though its essential to take care of our physical wellbeing during a pandemic like this, it’s also crucial that we take care of our mental wellbeing as well. Particularly now, as many of us are going into isolation for the next couple of weeks, caring for ourselves spiritually and emotionally is of utmost importance.

Using Witchcraft to Take Back Control

This is where I believe spiritual practice and witchcraft can be especially useful. As I’ve written elsewhere, for me, witchcraft is largely about transformation, meaning it can be used to change inner states and shift perspectives. It’s also very much about personal agency for me, and fostering a sense of control within my own life.

One theory for why so many people have been panic-buying and hoarding things like hand sanitizer, canned goods, and toilet paper is because it creates a sense of security and in a time when everything is so uncertain—it’s about feeling as though we are able to take back control in a world where this seems to be lacking.

Rather than panic-buying, then, witchcraft can be another means of gaining that sense of control—one that’s a lot less harmful (and a lot more fun) than buying those 27 packs of toilet paper that you really don’t need. 

Not just witchcraft, but spirituality in general has, overall, been key for the ongoing improvement of my mental health, and has been crucial to working through many a rough patch and low point. And now, amidst this pandemic, once again spiritual practice is helping me cope with the anxiety and uncertainty.

So, for any fellow witches and spiritual seekers who might also be in a similar situation, and may be having a difficult time coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve put together a little list of some of the spiritual/witchy strategies that I’ve found helpful for navigating these uncharted waters in the hopes that this might be of use to some of you as well.

1. Cast a Spell for Healing and/or Protection

One thing many of us witches do quite well is spell casting. So, if this is something that you incorporate into your own practice, then you may find it helpful to cast a spell for something like healing, protection, or wellbeing during these uncertain times. It can be for yourself, someone you know, or a more general spell for your community, or even the human population as a whole. 

Now, if you’ve read any of my posts on skeptical witchcraft, then you may know that I don’t necessarily fully believe in the capabilities of magic to alter outer physical states. Personally, I ascribe predominantly to the psychological model of magick, and use it primarily for inner transformation and growth. 

I also know that some people who read this blog are in the same boat as me, and recognize that casting a spell won’t do anything mitigate the effects of the coronavirus, or actually prevent someone from becoming ill. To believe otherwise can actually be quite dangerous, and is therefore not something I condone. Just to be clear here: witchcraft and spells are NOT actually viable ways of protecting yourself or anyone else from this (or any other) virus.

What witchcraft can do, however, is provide you with a means of feeling like you’re taking control of a situation. In this case, whether the spell actually “works” or not on an external, objective level doesn’t really matter. What matters is that it helps you feel a little bit better (on an emotional and spiritual level, rather than in a physical sense), potentially operating on a psychological level to mitigate any sensations of helplessness or fear that you may be experiencing. What matters is the spells ability to shift your own perspective, your own inner state. What matters, in other words, is that the spell works in some way for you, whatever that may be. (I’m planning to write a post on spell casting for skeptics soon, so if this is something you’re interested in, stay tuned!)

But, skeptic or otherwise, here’s a simple jar spell for healing that you can cast:

Ingredients

  • Mason jar (or something similar)
  • Candle
  • Himalayan salt
  • Lavender oil
  • Chamomile
  • Amber or carnelian
  • Tumeric
  • Garlic cloves
  • Small piece of paper

Steps:

  1. Begin by focusing on your intention for the spell: who you want to heal, how you want them to be healed, and why. Once you have this clear in your mind, write your intention down on the piece of paper. This can be in the form of a poem, sigil, rune, word, phrase, or anything else that works for you. Once finished, roll the paper up to create the spell scroll.
  2. Add the various components to the jar, beginning with the salt for grounding. As you add each element, concentrate on what it represents to you within the context of this spell. For instance, high antioxidants in turmeric make it helpful for alleviating symptoms associated with the flu. Lavender and chamomile are also traditional healing herbs, associated with illness recovery and relaxation. Keep in mind, however, that the ingredients I’ve included on this list are only ever just suggestions: when it comes to your own practice, use whatever you feel called to, and whatever it is that you have on hand. Researching widely used correspondences can be a good starting place for spell craft, but correspondences work best when they mean something to you personally.
  3. Add your spell scroll, concentrating on your intention. Then close the jar.
  4. Place the candle on top of the jar, and light it with your intention in mind. Allow the candle to melt, and the wax to drip down around the sides of the jar, sealing the top onto it. Once the candle has fully melted, the spell is complete.
  5. What you do with the jar is up to you—if you cast the spell for someone in your family, perhaps leave the jar in their room, or somewhere in the house they frequent often. If you cast a more general spell for your larger community, then perhaps you may want to burry the jar in the earth. As always, it’s your choice!

Also, big disclaimer here just in case it wasn’t obvious before: DO NOT think that spell casting, magic, or ritual is ever a replacement for things like handwashing, social distancing, etc. during this pandemic or any other outbreak. Always follow World Health Organization advice, and seek real medical attention if you think you might be ill! 

2. Do a Cleansing Ritual

Even though by now I’m sure we’re all pretty tired of hearing how important it is to be doing things like washing our hands and cleaning surfaces, it nonetheless remains crucial to continue to do so, especially after going out. So, with all this cleaning going on, why not combine it with some cleansing rituals, to help with both physical and spiritual purification and release?

While you’re wiping down doorknobs and cellphones, riding your material spaces of potential traces of the virus, focus on releasing any anxieties and negative emotions associated with it as well. As you’re washing your hands or taking a shower, visualize the fear associated with it running down the drain.

Additionally, with everyone now coming up with a variety of 20 second song bits that you can wash your hands to the tune of, why not make it into a chant or mantra, so as to make your hand washing effective on a spiritual, as well as physical level? You could write your own, creating a more personal ritual for things like wellbeing and health, or take from preexisting ones, such as this Goddess protection chant. 

Other ways of incorporating cleansing rituals into the precautions you may already be taking to prevent the spread of the virus include smudging rooms and items with sage after sanitizing them (again, focusing on purification and protection), or, with Ostara fast approaching, combining your sanitization efforts with Spring cleaning rituals. There really is no better time than right now to release yourself and your home of stagnant energies and mental states that no longer serve you!

3. Decorate Your Home Office or Workspace

In order to prevent additional spread of the COVID-19 virus, many of us have been working from home, and will likely continue to do so for the coming weeks. This isn’t too much of a change for me as I do most of my work from home anyways, but with the university closed and the option of working at my office there, or in coffee shops around the city now gone, I’ve been starting to feel kind of cooped up, even a little bit claustrophobic. So, in order to help with this, I’ve decorated my home workspace with items and images that are spiritually meaningful to me, even creating a mini-alter space on my desk. 

In addition to crystals, candles and the like, I’ve decorated this space with inspiring artwork, as well as photographs I’d taken in the past of sacred outdoor spaces I used to frequent, such as forests, rivers, and sacred groves. 

Thankfully, I’m still able to go out for walks, but I know in certain places in the world, and for certain people who are most at risk, this isn’t currently possible. If you’re missing being able to be out in nature right now, then why not bring nature into your home and workspace—even if it’s just through still images, or potted plants? Make these next couple weeks of isolation a little bit more bearable by surrounding yourself with things that make you happy!

4. Practice Self-Care

I’m a strong believer in the power of self-care as a magical practice, and it has been an important part of my witchcraft since the beginning. And while regular self-care is always important, taking the time to really check-in with yourself, and focus on your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing is especially crucial right now as daily routines are disrupted, and many of us are cut off from the people and things we love. 

For a more in-depth exploration of the connections between witchcraft and self-care, as well as some ideas for how you can make your self-care routine more magical, check out my post on the subject! Briefly, some of the things you can be doing while at home these next couple weeks may include:

  • Taking a ritual bath
  • Having some fun with face-mask magic, and other skin care rituals
  • Adopt small, daily rituals for overall wellbeing
  • Indulge in pleasures and sensuality
  • Do some kitchen witchery
  • Practice gratitude
  • Express yourself creatively (especially if you’ve got kids to keep entertained at home!)

5. Meditate

I’ll never be able to stress the importance of meditation enough. Particularly during this time of heightened anxiety for many of us, meditating in order to keep yourself centred and grounded can be crucial. Even just taking 5-10 minutes a day to stop what you’re doing, take some deep breaths, and calm yourself down can do wonders for the improvement of your mental state. Bonus points if you’ve got some soothing scented candles or essential oils and relaxing music going too.

If you’re like me, and you’ve been experiencing a lot of anxiety lately (or even just generally), then I’d recommend listening to guided meditations like this one aimed specifically at alleviating stress and anxious thoughts. 

6. Make Some DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer, Soap, or Cleaner

With hand sanitizer shortages across North America and many other places, something you may want to do is make your own. It’s really not very difficult to make, as it’s essentially just rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. You can find plenty of recipes for it online, HOWEVER, if you want to be certain that the sanitizer will actually be effective against the virus, be careful to ensure that the alcohol content is high enough–at least 60%. Many DIY hand sanitizer recipes online don’t necessarily meet those standards, so just make sure you keep that in mind!

To incorporate witchcraft into it, there are a number of additional steps you can add like including essential oils or adding crystals to the bottle—the most important of which being infusing the solution with your intention, whatever that may be. 

The same goes for making soap or cleaner—you may want to choose your ingredients based on specific correspondences you’ve associated with your goal, but the most important thing is the intention that you keep in mind while making it, whether it’s purification, healing, protection, whatever. 

Check out this article for a great witchy soap-making tutorial! 

7. Detox!

If you’re spending most of your time at home for the next couple weeks, then this might be an especially good time to do some physical, mental, and spiritual detoxing. 

Whether or not we can actually flush “toxins” out from the body by drinking lemon and cucumber water or bathing in lavender and eucalyptus isn’t something I’m necessarily interested in—what I care about is how these practices can make you feel, and whether they can help us move out of stagnant, unhelpful patterns of thought. 

As we know, mind and body are never completely separate, but intimately intertwined, to the point where it is difficult (or impossible) to genuinely establish where one begins and the other ends. As such, things that make us feel good physically, such as eating healthy and drinking plenty of water, can also have a significant impact on how we feel mentally, and vice-versa. 

So, if your mental health isn’t doing so great right now, try not to allow yourself to spend too much time curled up in bed, binging on Netflix and pizza, however tempting that may be. 

Make yourself a healthy dinner, and go for a walk if you can (just stay away from busy areas!). If not, take the opportunity to practice yoga or do a home workout. And yes, if you think it will help, take that eucalyptus bath and drink that lemon water. Visualize all the negative energies being flushed out of your body as you do these things, and I guarantee you’ll feel better. 

Something else you might want to consider doing during this time is a social media detox. Obviously, during a pandemic it is important to stay informed and aware of what’s going on, but with every platform being so utterly consumed by COVID-19 concerns, for those experiencing heightened anxiety surrounding the outbreak, social media might be more harmful than helpful right now. So, if you can—take a break!

8. Work on Your Book of Shadows or Other Witchy Projects

For some of us, particularly those working from home during this time, the COVID-19 isolation regulations have meant that we have considerably more time on our hands than we did before. And while we might be tempted to spend much of that time watching TV or scrolling through Instagram, there are also plenty of more productive and witchy ways that we can be spending it. 

Working on a Book of Shadows/Grimoire, organizing your spice cabinet, candle making, tincture brewing, or any other witchcraft-related projects are all great ways of taking advantage of this extra time, and may help in coping with feelings of isolation and anxiety. 

This would also be a great time to finally finish some of those witchcraft books that have been sitting on your shelf for ages! (We all have plenty of those I’m sure!)

9. Watch a Nature Documentary

I don’t know if anyone else feels this way too, but I find that if I’m anxious or overwhelmed about something in my life, watching a good nature documentary can almost always ease these sentiments, helping me become centred and at peace once again. 

I think it’s because when I watch something like Our Planet (which I highly recommend, by the way), I’m so fascinated and utterly amazed by the incredible beauty and fortitude of this Earth that my own problems simply pale in comparison. In the grand scheme of things, my own issues are noting, really. Humanity itself is only one small part of an infinitely bigger living system of interconnected parts. And even though it’s tragic the extent to which we’ve already damaged so much of this system, this ecosystem, there’s also so much hope to be seen in nature’s resilience—in its ability to work together to bounce back from some of the damage we’ve caused. Chernobyl is an incredible example of this—once a site of horrific human destruction, it is now a site of ecological hope, reclaimed by wild forests and non-human life. 

As a pantheist and a pagan, to me the natural world is the most magical thing that there is, and I find solace and spiritual joy in learning about it. Even during these times of fear and uncertainty, I think that there is incredible potential for peace and beauty to be found within nature. And if quarantines mean that we can’t experience it directly, then stunning documentaries narrated by David Attenborough are certainly the next best thing!

10. Plant an Indoor Herb Garden

Speaking of connecting with nature, another great way to do so is by communing with your inner “Green Witch” and planting some indoor herbs or flowers. Particularly since the Spring Equinox is just days away, this is also an excellent way of celebrating the season while adhering to social distancing and isolation protocols. 

Gardening for many people can be a therapeutic, or even meditative practice, so if you are feeling anxious or especially down these days, this might be a great time to try your hand at it. 

If you tend to use correspondences in your witchcraft, and are into that kind of thing, then here are some things you may want to consider planting during this time:

  • Rosemary (use it to rid the home of negative energies)
  • Lavender (for healing and stress-relief)
  • Basil (can be used as an anti-inflammatory, and to relieve headaches. Also delicious)
  • Eucalyptus (can help with cold and flu symptoms, may help with respiratory issues)
  • Jasmine (to bring love into the home)
  • Peace Lily (because it’s gorgeous, and an easy plant to grow indoors!)

11. Connect With Online Witchcraft Communities

Finally, just because we’re all isolating and practicing social distancing, this doesn’t mean that we need to cut ourselves off from people altogether. We live in a time where getting in touch with people from all over the world has never been easier, and the vast array of social media platforms and communities means that we are able to form meaningful connections with individuals that we have never even met.

As far as witchcraft communities go, there are plenty of these to be found online. If you already belong to some, then hopefully they can be a resource for you if you are feeling alone, scared, or uncertain during this time. If you don’t yet belong to any, then there’s never been a better time to see about joining one, and hopefully meet some like-minded people!

If you’re looking for new groups to join, I would highly recommend The Peculiar Brunette: Spirituality in Nature Facebook group—a very supportive and helpful community with all around good vibes.

Additionally, if you’re interested in Skeptical Witchcraft, and read this blog for that purpose, and are looking to engage with scientifically-minded witches, I’d also recommend checking out the r/SASSWitches subreddit, which brings together skeptics, agnostics, atheists, and science-seeking individuals interested in the practice of witchcraft. 

As always, thank you for reading, and if you are feeling alone, scared, anxious, or whatever, then please feel to reach out if you need someone to talk to. 

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay informed witches! 🙂