renniequeer’s anti-dysphoria charm
This is a ridiculously simple charm I slapped together when I was feeling dysphoric and gross. It can easily be adapted to suit your own style and needs, and I in fact encourage you to do so. We all have our own paths, as well as feelings about our genders, and our own needs when it comes to dysphoria relief.
* A small item, such as a crystal or piece of jewelry. I used a heart-shaped piece of rose quartz, to represent self-love and kindness. This item will be your charm.
* (Optional) A toiletry or cosmetic item that you use regularly. I used an eyebrow pencil, because doing my eyebrows makes me feel more confident and bold. You could use lotion, lip balm, lipstick, or even just soap.
I used some other items to create more of a ritual feel. My start back in my newbie pagan days was with the local Wiccan coven, so I still have a fondness for using the four classical elements to cleanse and charge.
1. Set up your ritual however works best for you and your path. Create sacred space, cast your circle, invoke your deities, or just clean off a table. Whatever works.
2. Cleanse your items with whatever method you prefer. I passed both of my items through representations of the four classical elements. There are infinite ways to do this, so don’t feel like you have to use this method if you don’t like it.
3. Hold your items in your hands and meditate for a while on your gender. What it is, how you experience it, and how it makes you feel. Think about the concept of gender euphoria and what that means to you. If you’ve experienced it before, think about those times. If you haven’t experienced it or aren’t sure if you have, think about what you find gender-affirming. Think about what makes you feel good about your gender and yourself.
It’s okay if this is easier said than done. If you find it too difficult, it’s okay to focus more on the idea of banishment–I wrote this as a way to summon gender euphoria, but if you find it more appropriate to use it as a dysphoria banishment, that’s good, too. Think of these items as things that will create a barrier and prevent dysphoria from affecting you so strongly.
4. (Optional) Leave your items somewhere to charge for awhile. I wrapped mine in a trans pride flag to leave on my desk overnight.
5. Carry the charm with you when you need an extra boost. If you charged a cosmetic item, be extra sure to use it on those days you feel dysphoric, or just need a confidence boost.
This charm won’t get rid of dysphoria completely. It won’t solve everything. But what it can help you do is focus more on the things that make you feel good and happy, which makes dysphoria easier to cope with. And that’s a step in the right direction.
stormborns
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