SPOONS: Self-Care In Paganism

Today, I’m sharing a 3 Pagans and a Cat episode from last year. In this episode, we talk about managing chronic conditions as they relate to our lives and paths as Pagans. In specific, we discuss managing personal energy levels through use of SPOONS theory.

Spoons As A Metaphor

What is SPOONS? Basically, it is using the visual image of spoons to measure how much energy a person has to use throughout a given day. The metaphor is helpful for people with chronic physical or mental health issues. However, it can be a useful tool for anyone to describe their emotional/physical state.

Self-care is important. Knowing where you are in terms of energy levels, creating rituals or devotional practices which support one’s energy, is a valuable asset to any Witch, Wiccan or Pagan. Spoons can help you do that.

In my own life, I’ve found Spoons helps me recognize when I’m entering an episode of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Which is one of the reasons I’m sharing this episode with you today. Depression has been a constant companion since my early thirties. And I’ve not always been able to articulate why some days are just beyond what I can manage. Learning about Spoons, last year, has given me language to describe what I’m feeling.

So, if you are someone who experiences low energy because of a chronic physical/mental/emotional condition (or just need the language to describe where your energy is at) then I hope you’ll listen to this episode as we discuss SPOONS, and self care, as they relate to paganism.

An excerpt from “A Tear and a Smile” – Khalil Gabran

I would not exchange the sorrows of my heart
For the joys of the multitude.
And I would not have the tears that sadness makes
To flow from my every part turn into laughter.

I would that my life remain a tear and a smile.

A tear to purify my heart and give me understanding
Of life’s secrets and hidden things.
A smile to draw me nigh to the sons of my kind and
To be a symbol of my glorification of the gods.