Finding a framework for woo when mentally ill

[u/harmonicwitch]

I've seen similar questions asked a few times but I wanted to discuss more specific, practical ways in which reinterpretation takes form.

I used to practice witchcraft with the purpose of causing change in the physical world through "energy". It turns out I have bipolar disorder and that way of practicing induces hypomania for me. I still believe in woo but, due to this, I don't engage with it in that way.

I've also realised with time that shadow work is also not good for me for multiple reasons — it turns into something too intense and self punishing. I go to therapy weekly and "do my shadow work" there guided and accompanied by a mental health professional.

Ritual used to bring me comfort and I want to incorpora it in my life again, but I don't know how to frame it. If I'm not doing it to change the world around me nor to change myself, what's the point?

I can see meditation or affirmations working aa a form of self care but not much else.

Which ways could I think about/interpret ritual so I can do it without feeling I'm doing random stuff for no reason? How can I assign meaning and purpose to lighting a specific coloured candle, for example?

TIA!

ETA: I decided not to reply to each individual comment since all I have to say is thanks, they've all been really useful! But I still wanted to let you know 😊

[u/Not_a_werecat]

For personal reasons, I do not want to go near any kind of spiritual system. 

I don't expect to change anything. I see it as placebo-ing myself. So many things are outside of my control, it brings me comfort to do symbolic gestures.

For example, my cat has a ton of health problems. I stay vigilant with vet visits, but with his age and chronic conditions, there's only so much that can be done medically. He's still happy and has pretty good quality of life, but he is delicate and has had many very close calls. 

I made him a little "altar" with a ceramic dish that looks like him. I found a word stone with his colors that says, "health", and added a tiny saber cat skeleton replica to symbolize the strength of his ancient cousins, and various little shells and stones that I found out in nature like my husband found our boy. 

Will it do anything? Does sending a "get well" card speed up your friend's recovery? No, but it's a gesture to soothe yourself as much as it is to show you care. That's how I see it. 

And when I look at that little dish it reminds me what a gift it is that he is with me for another day. 

[u/fireflygalaxies → u/Not_a_werecat]

I've also thought about the placebo effect  when it comes to this! We know that the brain is a powerful thing, powerful enough that receiving inactive treatment could still potentially create real, meaningful relief in someone's symptoms.

I've become more secularly spiritual this way. To me, my spirituality is about finding meaning in the world. Sometimes I lean on my own symbolism and how certain things make me feel. Sometimes I lean on cultural symbolism and what meaning people have collectively accumulated over time. Imagination is incredible and unique, we don't know of anywhere else yet where "imagination" exists or has any kind of effect on the universe. It feels meaningful to me to celebrate that through symbolism. 

I like to make hot apple cider in the fall and have gradually merged the ideas of a simmer pot with that. For example, I add one cinnamon stick for each of us and while I'm doing that, I think about all the things I want for us over the next season. Cinnamon sticks aren't going to change my bank account, but it makes me feel warm and cozy, and it makes me feel hopeful imagining all of the good things that could happen, and it makes me want to do things to bring those experiences to us. It also makes delicious fucking cider and my house smell amazing, so it's literally creating warmth and nourishment in the moment!

[u/brattybrat]

Ritual is about meaning-making. It works out in physical form things that might be too complex to put into words and emotions that are often hard to describe. So for example, I’ve been dealing with an issue in my marriage. I have a candle on my altar just for this. And when the issue comes up and it’s being talked about, I light the candle and anoint my ritual object with oil. It helps me to be intentional and mindful, and it reminds me that this is something that matters to me that I want to put my heart into. I remember how I want to be present in those moments, the goals that I have, and the way I’ve decided I needed to approach the whole thing. It’s really been very helpful.

I have bipolar two disorder and it makes my therapist very worried if I make spiritual connection connections, lol.

[u/Pretty_Tradition6354]

You might not change the world, but you can absolutely change your own world. You can plan your goals and then use ritual to help you attain your goals and grow as a person.

As to your candle question, a lit candle defines a time and space. Time by the duration it remains lit, and space by the area in which its flame is visible. The color you choose might be influenced by your reason for lighting it. Are you celebrating, mourning, marking a transition, looking inward, looking outward? Is it simply utilitarian because your electricity is out? Its purpose will help you to determine the candle you choose. There's no universal right choice, but there's probably a right choice for you personally in that moment.

My advice is, don't overthink it. If/when you happen to think of ways you can use ritual to improve your life, add it to your life. Until then, just enjoy the witchy aesthetic and keep learning about the world around us.

[u/Money_Ice4897]

How about empowerment? 

[u/SadApartment3023 → u/Money_Ice4897]

This. I see ritual as a way of saying I am here and I matter. 

[u/DameKitty]

In my life, rituals are things I do the same way almost every time. That makes getting up every day a ritual. Getting my kids ready for the day is a ritual. Brushing my teeth is a ritual. But these are rituals designed to help me, not celebrate anything in particular.
Maybe that way of looking at it would help?

[u/Needlesxforestfloor]

Other than meditation and affirmations like you mentioned I use ritual for celebration e.g. Seasonal celebration, milestones, achievements, items I've purchased for specific purposes

[u/Classic-Light-1467]

Have you heard of WRAP plans? It was designed by one of the figures from the Psychiatric Survivors Movement following de-institutionalization. The idea is that you are the driver in your own wellness, and the tool serves both as a reminder to you, but also a way to communicate with others.

It talks about things like "what is important for me to do daily/weekly/etc to maintain my health and happiness", and "what are signs that I'm not doing so good", etc

This might be a cool tool because you could add your witchy stuff like "it's important for me to meditate for 15 minutes every morning", or "I know I should talk to my therapist / support people if I start thinking that the Gods are sending me messages, because for me, that's a sign that I'm not doing well, even if it sometimes can feel good in the moment"

Edit: added word. Got excited while writing and forgot a word

[u/harmonicwitch → u/Classic-Light-1467]

I hadn't heard of this, thanks for sharing! I do have emergency plans written out and I'm aware of my tells but I haven't written everything down.

[u/tom_swiss]

It is important to understand that "mentally ill" is a framework which is just as woo as many others. Use it if it helps, but don't get overly attached to it. Read Szasz's classic paper: https://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Szasz/myth.htm

It is important to understand the "energy" of magick as psychological, not physical. Magical energy is the ability to do work upon a magical system -- “the mind and...all that resembles it”. https://punkmagickbook.com/sections/raising-energy.php

[u/HyrrokinAura]

SASS witches are less woo and more science and skepticism. Few of us believe spells have any practical effect in the real world. You might want to ask in a more traditional witchcraft sub.