By Masery Thomas Sawyer “A retired special education teacher on his way to a wedding in Orlando, Fla., said he was left humiliated, crying and covered with his own urine after an enhanced pat-down by TSA officers recently at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.” Thomas is a bladder cancer survivor. The x-ray picked up his medical device and he was pulled aside for a pat down. What happened was after several attempts at a private screening, he was escorted to an office.... Read more
As people sang along with the lyrics I thought about the universal language of music and the strength of shared ideas to enchant the ID with clear communication. Let there be rock, and it rolled through me and into my charm. Read more
By Masery Part one explained the importance of having medical identification and that there are three symbols recognized by emergency and medical services. Star of Life (red or blue) Rod Staff of Asclepius Caduceus There is more information about the Star of Life and the Rod/Staff of Asclepius in part one. www.patheos.com/community/paganswithdisabilities/2010/09/08/33/ Image of a Caduceus: Orb and wing topped staff entwined by snakes. This work has been released into the public domain by its author, Rama The caduceus kə-DEW-see-əs,... Read more
By Masery Medical professionals will make mistakes. Those of us with medical conditions, serious allergies, or are concerned about drug interactions must have medical identification of some kind. I had been putting it off because in everyday situations I didn’t want to see something to remind me of how sick I am. It was disheartening. I didn’t want to feel labeled. I found out the hard way why it’s important to have a medical alert identification. At the emergency... Read more
<!– @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –> Dedication Ritual Modified for the less ambulatory by Masery, former Myrddin of the Elodrym. Adapted from The Order of the Elodrym’s initiation ritual. Elemental calls written by Aquillus Cattus and adapted for this ritual. “… the Great Initiator comes in the Silence to the higher consciousness, and is never a human being, however supernatural and secluded.” Dion Fortune, The Training and Work... Read more
Dealing with Grief Caused by Disability by Masery From the first diagnosis of disease or disability to the loss of a physical function or independence, we feel grief. We may experience anticipatory grief when thinking out the longterm effects of our disability or upcoming medical procedures. Grief is a natural process in response to loss, including the loss of a healthy body or mind. Rather than buck up or move on right away, it is important to allow these emotions... Read more
Welcome. The Staff of Asclepius is for Pagans with mental, physical or sensory impairments; who are in recovery from major injuries or addiction; and/or who are members of the Deaf or Blind community. It’s a place to share how a spiritual and magical life gives us strength or peace through all of life’s joys and struggles. There are also news updates and interviews with Pagans and experts on various topics affecting the community. Since starting the blog in August of... Read more
Staff of Asclepius
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