Practicing Magick and Witchcraft While Living with Depression

I have carried the weight of depression for as long as I can remember, though I wasn’t officially diagnosed until 2011. Through it all, the support of family and friends, along with my spirituality and magickal practices, has been my anchor, grounding me even in the depths of my struggles.
Magick, like depression, is an intensely personal experience. Some days, you may feel deeply connected, your energy flowing effortlessly as you weave your spells. Other days, even the simplest ritual—lighting a candle, whispering an incantation—can feel overwhelming. Depression can cloud our connection to magick, making it difficult to sense the energy we usually channel with ease. But magick doesn’t disappear when we struggle rather it shifts, adapts, and patiently waits for us to return, however we are able.
If you're struggling with depression, you don't have to abandon your practice. Instead, you can modify it to meet you where you are. Here’s how:
Embrace Low-Energy Magick
Not every spell requires elaborate ritual tools or hours of preparation. Some of the most potent magick can be done with simple intention and minimal effort.
Whispered Spells – If speaking feels too exhausting, think your spell instead. Words carry power even in silence.
Sigil Magick – Drawing a simple sigil for strength, healing, or motivation can be an easy yet effective way to manifest your needs.
Candle Magick – Lighting a single candle with intention can be a profound act of self-care. Let the flame do the work when you can’t.
Work with Elements That Require Little from You
If summoning energy feels draining, let the elements do the work for you.
Water – Take a ritual bath or simply hold a glass of water, infusing it with an intention before drinking.
Earth – Walk barefoot outside, sit against a tree, or keep a small bowl of salt or dirt on your altar as a grounding presence.
Fire – If you can’t light a candle, visualize a flame in your mind’s eye. Even the flicker of a digital candle on your phone can serve as a reminder of your inner spark.
Air – Deep breathing is a simple yet powerful practice. Visualize each inhale filling you with light and each exhale releasing stagnant energy.
Honor Your Ancestors and Spirits in Simple Ways
This has been a profound source of comfort for me, as my connection to the Spirits and Ancestors runs deep. They understand the weight of depression and never demand elaborate rituals—only sincerity and presence. Here are simple ways to honor them:
Place a cup of tea, a piece of bread, or a single flower on your altar.
Speak to your spirits, even if it’s just a silent “thank you” or “I need help.”
Light incense and let the smoke carry your prayers.
Use Divination for Healing, Not Just Answers
Tarot, runes, and scrying can help process emotions rather than just predict the future.
Ask your deck, “What do I need to focus on for healing?” instead of “When will I feel better?”
Draw a single card or rune when you feel overwhelmed—no need for full spreads.
Keep a dream journal if depression makes you feel disconnected; messages may come when your conscious mind is quiet.
Allow Magick to Be Restorative, Not Another Obligation
Depression often makes everything feel like a chore. Your practice should never add to that weight. If daily rituals feel like too much, release the guilt. Magick isn’t about checking off tasks—it’s about connection, and sometimes, the most powerful magick is simply choosing to keep going.
If all you can do is breathe, breathe with intention. If all you can do is exist, remember that your existence itself is sacred. The magick is still within you, even in the silence, even in the stillness.
You are magick, even when you feel lost. You are powerful, even when you feel weak. And when the darkness lifts, your practice will be there, waiting—just like it always has.