Some backgrounds will start with 0 Wits but you can find a companion to help give a bonus. If you are having a run of bad luck, try decreasing the DS by 2 at each level. I've played with DS at 8, 10, and 12 and felt it was easier to get through my first few quests.
Total Spells that can be cast during a quest is equal to your Magic stat, plus 2. So if you have 0 Magic, you add 2, for a total of 2.