Sun Wheelchair Pagan The term "Sun wheelchair pagan" refers to a concept that combines elements of sun worship, wheelchair use, and Pagan spirituality. While this phrase may seem unusual or unfamiliar at first, it represents an inclusive and diverse approach to spirituality that embraces diversity and the interconnectedness of all beings. At its core, sun worship is the veneration of the sun as a symbol of life, growth, and energy. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Aztecs, revered the sun as a deity and incorporated sun-centered rituals into their religious practices. In modern times, sun worship has been reimagined and adopted by individuals who find solace, inspiration, and spiritual guidance from the sun's warmth, light, and life-giving energy. Wheelchairs, on the other hand, are mobility aids used by individuals with disabilities to navigate the world and participate in various activities.
Some slept in after staying up until 3 a.m. Some went to workshops on Tarot, candle-making, ethics, teen witchcraft, raising pagan children and ritual design.
Hollfelder, who uses the Arachne as a practicing witch, joined about 200 other pagans here on Halloween weekend to share that message with tourists and lawmakers alike. I know people who have been told they have to be fully healed before they can be really spiritual, and many others who are subjected to healing that they haven t consented to, and are physically or mentally harmed as a result.
Wheelchairs, on the other hand, are mobility aids used by individuals with disabilities to navigate the world and participate in various activities. They represent freedom, independence, and the ability to overcome physical limitations. For wheelchair users, their wheelchair often becomes an integral part of their identity and daily life, allowing them to continue engaging with the world on their own terms.
Paganism and (Dis)ableism
I’ve been thinking a lot about disablism in Paganism recently. I see other people affirmed in Paganism, encouraged to be themselves (for example, if they’re gay/lesbian/bisexual/etc, or gender-variant, or a woman, or an older person, or a mother…). I know Paganism isn’t perfect on these things, by any means, but I see people making an effort. And then I look for the same affirmation for who I am. And get told how (and why) to fix myself – how to behave like I don’t have Aspergers; or why I should stay quiet about all the London moots that are upstairs; or why I shouldn’t talk about activism on Facebook; or how to harm myself trying to access rituals that are inaccessible or badly-planned for people like me; or how to act and appear so that my differently-wired brain isn’t obvious at first glance; or why my views on the government are too negative… And I don’t want to do any of these things, and I won’t. But society keeps saying I ‘should’.
And because I have opinions – because I won’t stay quiet – because I shout and stomp my feet and demand access and rights for myself and my disabled brothers and sisters – I’m an embarrassment. There’s no affirmation of who I am. Just teaching me how to be more ‘normal’. Well, bollocks to that.
Other people meet different forms of disablism in the Pagan movement (since everyone is different). Aine Llewellyn has been talking about discriminatory language, especially about people with mental health problems, and how it can exclude people. Caelesti is talking today about how some disabled people are considered to be ‘more spiritual’ than others, and why this is objectification of disabled people. (It’s also a direct inheritance from Christianity and its gracisosi theology, just as many Pagan attitudes are inherited from Christianity, though we often don’t know it.) I know people who have been told they have to be fully healed before they can be ‘really’ spiritual, and many others who are subjected to healing that they haven’t consented to, and are physically or mentally harmed as a result. All these attitudes and actions are about institutional disablism in our community.
Furthermore, everyone has an opinion on disability. LGBT people would never put up with being ‘taught’ about LGBT issues by straight people. Yet I’m told what disability means all the time, by people with no real interest in listening to what I know and have experienced. (Tell them I’ve done an MA in Disability Studies? Yeah, that’ll go down well…) People who don’t know about the social model of disability, or the social construction of ‘health’, or emancipatory research methods, or any of the other things I’ve spent years studying, are happy to tell me how wrong I am to campaign, or to complain, or to talk about what I’ve experienced.
Don’t get me wrong. Institutional disablism can be found everywhere – not just in Paganism. My PhD is on disability and Christianity, and they’re no better – probably slightly worse, in fact, as they’ve had 2000 years to embed disablism into everything they do: every hymn they sing, every sacrament they celebrate… But, as I’ve said many times before, I hoped Paganism would be better. It’s generally so good at at least trying to affirm everyone. But I’m consistently disappointed by Paganism on this subject – and by Pagans.
I don’t want to be fixed. I also don’t want to be told how ‘normal’ I am. I want to be celebrated, as myself, a beautiful person who can be proud of all aspects of who and what I am. And a wonderful example of the diversity of humanity and of nature. And, when things are bad, because I’m facing discrimination or oppression or abuse (which happens a lot as a result of my disability), or simply because society can’t make room for my differences, I want to be taken seriously. I want my opinions to be listened to. I want to be able to talk about my campaigning without rolled eyes. I want the leaders of the upstairs moots to say more than “Sorry, can’t help you.” And I want to be allowed to be different, even if that means some work on the part of others. I deserve all these things.
But because institutional disablism is rife in the Pagan community, as it is throughout society, I doubt any of that will happen anytime soon.
Nonetheless, I will continue to aim to move within the flow of the Xartus, the wind of creativity and right action that blows through the branches of the World Tree — to work for justice and to attempt to strengthen community. What else can I do?
If you’d like some more reading (and listening) on disability and Paganism by me, there’s a post I wrote about disability on my old blog, and you can listen to an episode of the Inciting a Riot podcast on which I was interviewed about religions and disability. (Back before I was sure I was a Pagan, if you can believe that!)
Some other relevant posts going around the blogosphere at the moment:
Caelisti’s roundup of Pagan blog posts discussing disability at the moment
Veggiewolf talking about upholding Ma’at despite poor health (under circumstances that I would say exemplify the extreme individualism that creates disability, in the social sense of the term)
And some reading on disability studies concepts, if anyone’s interested:
The social model of disability: http://www.disabilitywales.org/social-model/
Interesting report on hidden disabilities
A fascinating report on many of the barriers faced by disabled and Deaf people in London – to transport, housing, support, access to public buildings, and general discrimination.
Here are some quotes from the ‘general discrimination’ section of the above report – people’s experiences of disability discrimination in London:
‘Being told to get off the bus by two mothers with prams’
‘People letting their dog bite me because I was in a wheelchair’
‘As I am unable to read due to my dyslexia, I am often humiliated in front of colleagues, friends and clients. I’ve been called: ‘dim’, ‘lazy’ and attention seeking’
‘In shops and at train stations I have faced verbal abuse. There is a lack of help/support given when asking advice as well as patronising behaviour’
‘I’ve been called a cripple by members of the public. I’ve also had bricks thrown through my windows by local youths because they know I can’t chase them’
‘I was told once I had the qualifications for a job, but that I looked ‘too blind’ so they would not employ me’
‘Other car users, parking disputes because I need more space to get my wheelchair in and out of the car… Some people try to push my wheelchair without asking my permission. Access disputes occur when trying to shop or when a disabled toilet has been misused as a storage room’
‘Discrimination against HIV can be subtle, it can be rumour and innuendo which leads to exclusion. HIV does not cause me to be disabled. It is other people’s attitudes towards me because I have HIV which caused the discrimination and is the same as being disabled’
‘Making fun of sign language and testing my hearing behind my back’
‘Regularly in shops and supermarkets. I hand over my credit card and it is usually given to whoever happens to be with me to sign!’
‘I went out into the hall, expecting transport to take me to the day centre. I saw the front door of [my neighbour’s] house was open for 20 minutes and closed it… Her partner had to let her back in to her flat. He shrieked at me ‘You f****** crippled bitch!”
‘Endless examples. I have been spat at; attempts have been made to push me out of my wheelchair; I have been physically abused; taunted and told I should not be with people in a railway carriage’
‘Been hit while out in a wheelchair; been spat at – both for no reason, I had not even looked at them’
‘It’s largely about attitudes for me. People taking me for a mug, making me feel stupid or laughing at me’
‘I have been told by someone I accidentally bumped into that I should have been killed at birth’
‘Ignorance of Deaf issues, what it means to be deaf, communication issues, patronising attitudes’
‘Told I had to dress in a way which was physically painful to keep a job’
Pagans Bring Message to Nation’s Capital
Paganism is a broad term that encompasses a range of spiritual beliefs and practices that are commonly rooted in a reverence for nature and the recognition of multiple deities or spiritual forces. Pagans often find spiritual connection in the cycles of the seasons, the elements, and the natural world. Many Pagan traditions embrace diversity and celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals. When these three elements, sun worship, wheelchair use, and Paganism, are combined, a "Sun wheelchair pagan" emerges. This term encompasses individuals who find spiritual solace and connection through a combination of sun-centered spirituality, wheelchair use, and Pagan practices. It symbolizes the diversity and inclusion that can be found within the Pagan community and highlights the way spirituality can be deeply personal and unique to each individual. For a "Sun wheelchair pagan," their wheelchair is not seen as a limitation, but rather as a tool that allows them to explore their spirituality in their own way. The sun becomes a symbol of empowerment, healing, and connection, as they draw inspiration from its life-giving energy. Through Pagan practices, they find a sense of community and belonging, celebrating the natural world and all its diverse manifestations. In conclusion, the concept of a "Sun wheelchair pagan" represents a unique and inclusive approach to spirituality that combines elements of sun worship, wheelchair use, and Paganism. It celebrates diversity, independence, and the interconnectedness of all beings. This concept highlights the way spirituality can be deeply personal and adaptable to individual experiences and needs..
Reviews for "Sacred Spaces: Creating Wheelchair-Accessible Outdoor Altars"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "Sun wheelchair pagan" to be incredibly boring and confusing. The plot seemed to jump all over the place without any clear direction. The characters were not well developed and it was hard to connect with them. Additionally, the writing style was convoluted and made it difficult to follow the story. I was really disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. David - 2 stars
While I appreciate the author's attempt to create a unique and imaginative story in "Sun wheelchair pagan," I found it to be too abstract and nonsensical for my taste. The narrative lacked cohesiveness and often left me scratching my head in confusion. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be profound and deep, but ultimately missed the mark. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a clear and engaging story.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Sun wheelchair pagan" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The writing was overly poetic and flowery, making it hard to understand what was actually happening. The characters were too abstract and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their journeys. The book was also quite long and could have benefited from some editing to streamline the story. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointing and confusing read.