Boobs, Blessings and Healing Magicks

Boobs, Blessings, and Healing Magickby Silver RavenWolf

Last summer, I found a lump.

Like many people, I did not sprint immediately to the doctor with my hair on fire and a clipboard full of sensible decisions. I told myself I would handle it after the holidays. There were things to do, people to care for, traditions to honor, cookies to bake, candles to pour, a sock-war to orchestrate, errands to run, and — let’s be honest — a generous helping of “maybe this will be nothing” tucked neatly into the back of my mind.  Because actually, 35 years ago?  It was nothing, so I thought it was the same problem – different year. Of course, this is my excuse.  Everyone has one.

But as we moved into Yule, I remember sitting at the family table, feeling the festive mood contrast with my growing unease. The deafening holiday chatter whipped around the room centering on next year’s dinner and who wanted to do what. I held my tongue; my thoughts screamed, “I may not be here next year.” My throat closed, and I couldn’t have spoken if I wanted to.

Looking back, I know this: had I gone earlier, it would have been better. That is the truth I want to pass along—with love, honesty, and a firm hand on your shoulder. If you find something, feel something, notice something, or just know in your bones that something is off, don’t wait for the “perfect time.” There is no perfect time. There is only now.

Coming through it all, I realized something that I was seriously lucky. Extraordinarily lucky.

The cancer was slow-growing (notice I didn’t say "my"—I’ll never own that fucker). We caught it at Stage One. The path wasn’t knee-jerking scary because I made up my mind that the problem was an interloper from the start and had no right to be in my body. I chose to see the experience as something new to discover, something to learn, an event from which I could gain insight.

With each appointment and each bit of knowledge, the road to healing opened wider—with help, kindness, skill, prayer, magick, meals, rides, messages, healing work, laughter, and love. People from both magickal and non-magickal worlds stepped forward for me: doctors, nurses, family, friends, circle members, prayer warriors, energy workers, practical helpers, and quiet angels who appeared when needed. I received so many packages through Amazon in preparation for surgery and healing that my husband literally wailed in despair at how many boxes he had to break down. Um…kidding, sort of.

And because apparently I cannot go through a major life event without turning it into magickal/healing platform, I wrote two articles and developed a healing packet for maintaining mental clarity as a result of the journey.  One article is on the days before surgery and the other is about the healing period afterward. Both pieces include practical tips, spiritual techniques, emotional support, and small, doable ways to navigate fear, preparation, rest, recovery, and the strange little circus that calls itself healing while trying to remain reasonably human.

One technique that really centered me was a daily candle ritual.  Every morning I would light a pink chime candle dressed in a formula I developed.  I focused on gentle healing energy, and spoke aloud a Braucherei charm and simple affirmation for my body and spirit. Even on difficult days, this small act helped anchor me and remind me of my own power in the healing process. I also started to work on Beatrice -- my Breast Cancer Awareness Beboodle. You can find more about these practices in those articles on this blog. Beatrice is waiting for you at the end of this post.

But you know the day I felt the worst?  I mean the down to your knees, sobbing stuff?

After the surgery, the decompression chamber (that was interesting), finding out I was allergic to the surgical glue (and I’m not the only one) and endless appointments I thought I’d just about made it through without any gut wrenching episodes of blubbering.  Or so I thought.  It was the day of my last radiation treatment. I was sitting in the waiting area with several other patients, all of us in that strange, quiet holding pattern that medical offices seem to create. Across from me sat a spiffy-dressed older woman, neat as a pin, hands folded in her lap. After a long silence, she looked up into my eyes and said, very softly, “I am so scared.”  This was round two of cancer for her and she’d never experienced radiation before.

Holy Goddess, Mother of All.  I could feel my heart literally cracking in my chest.

And then something beautiful happened.

Women around us who had been sitting stoically silent moments before began to speak. One by one, they reassured her. They said it would be okay. They told her it wouldn’t hurt. It was a piece of cake. No drama, no lectures—just women of all ages, shapes, colors, sizes, cultures, and income levels reaching across that horrendous chasm of fear with kindness, because they knew. They had been there. In that moment, the waiting room became its own healing circle. I told her I named the machine Ursula, and she laughed through her tears.  “I will whisper her name,” she said, “when next we meet.”

Breast Cancer Awareness and all the energy people put into it is not just a pink ribbon. It is an effort by many people to remind you to listen to your body. It tries its best to tell you that early detection matters.  And perhaps that is part of Breast Cancer Awareness, too—not just mammograms, appointments, statistics, and pink ribbons. It’s also about the courage we give each other when someone finally whispers, “I am so scared.”

When I rang the bell (yes, you get to ring a big-assed loud bell when you are done with your treatments) I literally choked…because I knew there were so many who won’t make it because they waited too long.  They won’t get to ring the bell.

If you know someone going through something terrible (not just this) know that you do not need magic words or grand solutions. Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply to listen, or to gently reassure them if you have already been there. Even a small message, a cup of tea together, or sitting in quiet company can let them know they aren’t alone. Each act of kindness and attention is a bit of healing magick in itself.

Today, I can say the word I once hoped to say:

Survivor.

When I started this journey I decided that if I died over this, I’d damned well do it trying—with a new haircut and salon pink sparkly nails, I would strap on the sword and have at it.  The road wasn’t easy, but I didn’t veer off. My journey was steady because I was blessed, held, treated, prayed over, fussed over, fed, protected, encouraged, and loved through it.

As my friend said yesterday, “OMG, Silver? I gotta tell ya, woman -- you are a tough old bird.”

Yep.  With pink-tipped feathers.  Oh!  And a tad spit of glitter. Let’s not forget that!

Am I a little ruffled? Absolutely. A little wiser? Hopefully. Possibly more opinionated? Nah—not possibly. A sure thing. Still flapping? Heck, yeah!  You’re reading this, right?  Lol.

And this tough old raven is respectfully asking you to please check the lump, make the appointment, get the mammogram (the equipment these days is amazing – no pain), do the biopsy (watch it on the monitor if you can, it was so cool!  Plus every magickal person needs a good view of their foe – makes it easier to visualize).  Opt in for the genetic testing as well!  Ask about anything you don’t understand, take someone with you, and do not wait until after the holidays.

In Pennsylvania, May is Mammography Month, also promoted as “Mammo May in PA.” The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition encourages people to use May as the month to put their mammogram on the calendar and remind the women in their lives to do the same. Here in Pennsylvania, an average of 38 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Nationally, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that nearly 322,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. Those numbers are people.  Women you love.  Your friend.  Your sister.  Your mother.  Your grandmother.  Help them.

The good news is that breast cancer death rates have dropped substantially declining 44% over the past three decades, largely because of advances in treatment and early detection.  Unfortunately, even as breast cancer death rates have dropped, diagnoses at advanced stages are rising, and about 1 in 4 women aren’t getting regular mammograms, elevating the possibility of death due to nondetection.  This Mother’s Day?  Say something to someone you love, encouraging them to get a mammogram.  Don’t want to get pushy?  Say, “Hey!  I just read this article…” and slide into it that way.

I know taking that first step can be scary. It is okay to feel afraid or uncertain. Just know you do not have to do it alone. There are people who will stand with you, support you, and help you through every part of the journey.  Inside and outside of the medical community.  Oh!  And another thing? - don’t pinpoint ahead of time who you think will help you because you may be disappointed.  Instead, be open to who the universe sends your way — you may be pleasantly surprised!  Be courageous in asking for help.  This, too, is a lesson of living.  Let people be who they are.  If they choose to walk with you?  There is no better gift.  If not? 

Oh well.

And when you see me at my next event? I’ll probably be dressed in vibrant bubble gum pink.

Okay...Okay…maybe pink AND black.

Like any best-dressed Witch.  Right?

In ServiceSilver

Peace with the GodsPeace with NaturePeace within.

For solid information and support on this subject – try these helpful organizations.

American Cancer SocietyBreast cancer screening guidelines, treatment information, and patient support:https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer.html

National Breast Cancer FoundationEducation, support, patient navigation, and mammogram resources:https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org

Susan G. Komen Breast Care HelplinePhone: 1-877-465-6636Email: helpline@komen.orghttps://www.komen.org/support-resources/breast-cancer-helpline/

Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition2397 Quentin Road, Suite BLebanon, PA 17042Phone: 717-769-2300https://www.pabreastcancer.org

Pennsylvania Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection ProgramFree breast and cervical cancer screening for eligible individuals:https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/diseases-conditions/cancer/pa-bccedp.html