“Self-expression doesn’t come with the price of an able body.” —Dana, aka @spacewitchix “As someone with a degenerative disability, my view on life shifts a lot toward not living to please people and very much discovering your true authentic self,” says Dana, a self-described secular witch who doesn’t believe in the supernatural. “To me, ‘magic’ is the meaning I infuse the world with. My rituals are basically symbolically themed cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation. My altar is a collection of items and symbols that help me focus.” “The way I dress makes me feel that I am honoring my relationship with my body — this ephemeral flesh vessel that I am in constant war and peace with,” she says. “In addition to the fact that my disability is visible, my personal self-expression takes the crown when it comes to the perception people have of me. And I like it like that.” But this time of year, Dana prefers to look within. “I don’t ‘dress like’ a witch. I am a witch, 365 days a year. I don’t need Halloween to tell me that.” Photos by @spacewitchix
