In Response to Covid-19: Spiritual Approaches for Coping

By Sister Kali

Sister Kali is a Spirit-Worker, Feri Initiate, Witch, Root-Worker, Reader, Spiritual Counselor, Presenter, Writer, and Artist.

Sister Kali of The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

In this challenging time of the outbreak of Covid-19, the disease caused by the Novel Corona Virus, folx are often seeking means and ways to protect themselves and to ease their concerns. Having worked in Public Health as a health educator, first and foremost, Wash Your Hands!

People have been asking me, not for public health advice, but, for magical and spiritual approaches. There are neither magic spells, candle workings, sigils, nor herbal remedies that will protect from Covid-19. This does not mean there are no places for such practices, for such magical and spiritual applications work wonders as support services. 

**Consult Your Doctor If You Have Symptoms of Covid-19**

During stressful times, magical and spiritual techniques work well in addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual complexities that may arise. Let's review some options that may be easily incorporated into your daily routine while sheltered in place.

MEDITATION

Meditation is one of the simplest things to do, yet yields maximum results. Meditation brings us, and most importantly our minds, into focus, into the moment right here and now.
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• Sit quietly in a comfortable position
• Focus your attention on your breath
• Breathe normally, inhaling and exhaling
• Count your breath, starting at one and counting through 10
• If  a thought enters your mind, simply start counting from 1 again
• ​Ten is not a goal, merely a focusing technique

INCENSE

Incense is an ancient device used throughout the history of humanity for effecting and affecting  environments. Incense helps to cleanse and calm a space.

**Do Not Burn Incense if You are Experiencing Respiratory Issues**

There are two types of incense that I find helpful.

Lavender & Cedar

Lavender produces a lighter smoke and is great for providing balance and promoting a peaceful home through its enticing aroma. Lavender lightens a space and creates a calming atmosphere that facilitates restfulness and deeper sleep.

Cedar disperses stagnant and negative energies and attracts positive influences. Cedar smoke purifies and cleanses while emitting a pleasant scent. Cedar is believed to revive the spirit and to help with fatigue and listlessness.

ESSENTIAL OILS

If you are unable to burn incense, lavender and cedar essential oils may be used. Essential oils can be used with a diffuser; with a few drops on top of a candle; and with a cotton ball, allowing one to inhale the properties of the oils.

Lavender essential oils can lift the spirits, lighten depression, and ease anxiety. Lavender is known to have a calming and soothing effect on the brain.

CANDLES

Candles are a lovely way to de-stress ones self and ones space. Use any candle you prefer. Candles emit a  soothing light. A white or light blue candle may be used to promote a peaceful home. These colors offer a softer, cooling effect. 

Focus on the candle and meditate or pray for what you wish to manifest in your space. You might focus on creating a calm, peaceful, and loving home; a productive work space; or overall positive and healing energies for any space you inhabit.

READING

With social distancing and sheltering in place, now is a good time to read a book.

THE FEAR BOOK by Cheri Huber is a brilliant look at how we do fear. Huber presents principles of Zen Buddhism that help guide one away from a fear based perspective of life.

For fiction reading, a personal favorite of mine is THE EARTHSEA TRIOLGY by Ursula K. Le Guin. The author tells a lovely story of coming into ones own fullness of self. 

 OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT by Malidoma Patrice Somé is a brilliant autobiographical tale of the early life of a present-day African Shaman living between two worlds - western culture and his original tribal culture.

Guard Inya at the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Fortieth Anniversary Conclave White Procession through the Castro in San Francisco.

Guard Inya recommends THE DRAGONRIDERS OF PERN series by Anne McCaffrey as excellent and engrossing fiction with subtle, uplifting messages of perseverance and rising above the doubts of others.

However you decide to spend your time in isolation or quarantine, remember to take some time each day to check in with yourself and unwind.