Any witches here?

[speakout]

Or Wiccans. or Pagans?

I was raised as a witch- my grandmother was born in 1890 and taught me how to scry, knotwork, many magical activities. She was a dresser of the dead and a lay midwife ( before the NHS).
I now practice my craft with enthusiasm.
A little tricky as my extended family are not supportive.

Good to hear your everyday magic Gee, what a lovely gift that found you

Interesting about the altar sockportal- that both you and your Nan knew her place was amongst current family. I know the feeling. It doesn't feel right to me to have my dad's photo amongst ancestors, even though he died some years ago now.

To me it's about relationship. I was close to my dad so have always felt his energy within me, whilst more distant ancestors' energy is something I call on if that makes sense.

Love the idea of the coin under the rosemary. I recently planted a rose with a number of items under its roots to symbolise what I'd like to manifest as it grew. A coin was amongst these. I don't see it as greedy or selfish. All things are energy, money included and looking at it that way it feels more infinite rather than being like pie where if I take more, you get less iyswim. I think if your intention is good and you follow your instincts you can't go far wrong..

Zaphod - I was indeed very pleased. I had vague memories of being given that crystal by the calm and positive friend I mentioned upthread. However I could not have told you where it was and yet it found me tonight.

Sock puppet - I think that a coin can signify more than monetary wealth. My family uses it as a shorthand for abundance. Abundance comes in many forms of course - health, family, love. We always include a silver coin in certain gifts. And I was married with a silver coin in my shoe. Does it help to think of your coin as asking for abundance In life rather than actual monetary wealth?

@Zaphodbebblebrox and @GeeIneverthoughtofthat thank you, you have put my mind at rest. I think you are right, I want the coin to represent a time of prosperity and enrichment (although a few extra pounds a week wouldn't go amiss) for those who live under my roof.

I have ordered a number of books mentioned upthread, one of which is a Witch Alone. I am SO enjoying it. Thank you so much for the recommendation, whoever it was! This thread is such a tonic and long may it continue.
I am going to use the coin at the base of a growing herb or flower - I did that with Basil on the windowsill a long while ago. There is nothing wrong with money, it is just abundance, and can be used for good. It is the LOVE of money which is dodgy, I think.

Your beliefs
Mine waver a lot as I am often plagued by negativity and despair due to being unable to comprehend why there is so much suffering in the world. In particular, the suffering of innocents like children and animals.

When spiritual/magical things have happened, it reignites my soul searching. Things like tarot readings, messages from the deceased via mediums and witnessing the transformation in another's life simply by faith. I can't explain any of this, but they happened.

What intrigues me is what/who you believe helps you? As I mentioned, I don't do 'spells' as such, but I pray to spirit by meditation, use switch words light a candle. But, I always believe I am praying to either my own ancestors for guidance or the ancestors of a loved one to help him or her
It's never me. I never believe it's anything in me if that makes sense?

Does this resonate with you and your beliefs or is my philosophy more in line with other practices?

sockportal - the coin is fine.

This modern idea that it is wrong or greedy to do things for your own material gain is a very new concept. I believe it first cropped up in "Charmed" and rapidly gained currency (pun intended) on the internet. You certainly don't want to over do it but working for your own comfort happiness and well-being is absolutely fine.

insomnia what are switch words if you don't mind me asking?

Mine waver a lot as I am often plagued by negativity and despair due to being unable to comprehend why there is so much suffering in the world.

I suspect those with christian or other monotheistic faiths may struggle to understand why someone in charge "allows" suffering to happen.

I don't need to comprehend that.

Life can be tooth and nail- look at other species- it's no bed of roses for them either.

To me the suffering is all part of life.

Light on the water... Thought to be mystical words said to bridge the dual minds. There's one word that works for me every time when I lose something. I've been doing it for years so it's kind of 2nd nature.

Speakout.. I was curious to what some of you on this forum believed. I originally came from an atheist position but stuff happened and I moved into agnosticism. Now, I believe in another dimension but can't get further than that right now...

I still know very little about Wicca, paganism etc but what I've read is there are witches/pagans who are atheists as well as those who believe in various Deities.

But, I guess I don't need a label anymore which is good.

Insomma how fascinating. How do you discover these mystical words? Are they unique to the person or are they generally effective? How do I find out more?
I am very drawn to this path, but I am not an atheist, so not sure where that leaves me? The book I am reading says that it is possible to be on this path and be Buddhist, religious or agnostic or atheist. I like that.

Interesting question about beliefs...
Having been brought up in a pretty extreme evangelical baptist church I have a strong belief in the negative impact of organised religion! Specifically in terms of the oppression of women, people with mental health issues, and the general use of fear to control and coerce. Don't get me wrong, I don't think christians are fundamentally bad or controlling people per se- just that any hierarchical structures like organised religion can be a breeding ground for exerting power and control which can be dangerous and damaging. That's my experience.

Moving away from that background and the impact of it, my belief system is that all life should be respected- animal, human, nature and that there's magic in it. By magic I mean connection and wonder. Synchronicity and symbiosis. Within this, I believe in the power of the individual to affect change through intention and projection of it. I think that like attracts like so if I can use spell work, ritual, meditation etc to 'change my vibe' or put energy 'out there' then I can manifest certain circumstances.

I don't believe in a specific god but enjoy piecing together parts of different belief systems that resonate with me. This can change over time depending on my interest/ situation at the time. I think it's more the ideas and symbolism that appeal to me than an actual belief in any specific deity.

Most of all I love the power of femininity that I see as central to the witches path. The strength and power of women that's always been there but has been quashed in our society I think.

I'm never surprised by what appears to be a connection to another 'realm' but don't feel the need to seek explanation for it. I enjoy the freedom of just accepting the 'lesson' it gives.

I don't know if that makes any sense at all! It's actually very hard to pinpoint and put down in words. I think I live quite intuitively and enjoy not attributing my experiences or beliefs to any pre-prescribed system.

@lightonwater... Lots of books, websites and apps. I don't know the various writers backgrounds that well but many seem to be self help authors so I think they are quite mainstream.

Personally, they help me focus... like a silent chant.

@Zaphodbebblebrox Thank you and yes, that does make sense to me. I overthink so much that it is often difficult to convey my rambling thoughts.

I too was attracted by the power of femininity and I'm glad there seems to be so much individuality in terms of practice and beliefs.

Your words have struck me with such clarity...intention, projection. Creating reality but with intent instead of involuntary chaos.

Hmmm... a lot to think about.

Thank you

Glad it made some sense insomnia!

lightonthewater

it is possible to be on this path and be Buddhist, religious or agnostic or atheist. I like that. I like that too!

I love it when synchronicity or 'messages' come in the form of humour.

I was reflecting on the work I've been doing on my 'psychic armour' and came across this picture

I sometimes think the universe's message to me is to lighten up. I can get very deep and serious sometimes...

@zapho...Me too but have always struggled with lightening up.

My brain is already going into overdrive with all the information I'm reading... Neurons will explode if I don't switch off.

Love that picture

I

Had a mixed day today. Slept well following a sprinkle of essential oils onto the bed last night and then saw some beautiful pine cones on a neighbours door step in the morning light. Thought about a similar idea for my own doorstep.

Had some bad news this afternoon about a family member who is in hospital. It had been slightly better news yesterday but today things are starting to go downhill. Had hoped that my few good thoughts last night might help to boost their health somewhat.

Can anyone help me with ideas for boosting healing energies?

Thank you @Elphame for your reply about protecting and adding to new buildings.

I have a couple of skulls (for the corners) but a body under the threshold turned out to be one step too far

I already had some tourmaline crystals. Should I 'do' anything with them before I put them into position on the corners? I need some inspiration

Can I also say thank you to everyone on this thread!

I have enjoyed it immensely and it has proved very uplifting during a hugely challenging, isolating time. Although I've not been able to reply very often (& name changed at the start) some days you have been the only people I have 'interacted' with. I've ordered and started on some of the books and am looking forward to new periods of personal growth.

Thank you @speakout for starting the thread and for holding out on the other one re: the sad ignorance around witches/paganism.

And sorry Gee about your relative

No advice myself (newbie) but I would be interested in any feedback posted here

I hope that I'm not too late to join you all. I have really enjoyed reading all the interesting advice, opinions and ideas - all so positive and supportive!

Do any of you have any thoughts about life after death? I have always been agnostic, but had an odd experience in which I was just in nature and very relaxed, when I felt I had gained a sudden knowledge. It was really strange, but also life-affirming. It has changed my outlook and led me back towards my old interest in witchcraft (for want of a better word).

I'm very much in mother phase at the moment, with some moments of maiden still lingering (if that's possible ) but have loved hearing the positive experiences of the crones and crones in transition! So much to celebrate through life.

And gee - I'm sure that someone experienced can offer some good ideas, personally I would keep it simple with your good thoughts and a candle (maybe a green one?). I hope that the situation improves for your loved one.

Hello. May I join you. I was a member of this site years ago when I was expecting ds, now 12 and have recently rejoined under another name following the birth of dd, now 4 mths.

I think I have always been a witch. I remember doing 'spells' when I was very young when I didn't really know what that was. I also think my mum and grandmother who I lived with, are witches, (might not call themselves that) despite being catholics, my gran especially taught me about plants, the fae and was very knowledgeable about kitchen medicine and I even remember them doing a spell to cure an ailment of mine.

My mum said I came about as the result of a fertility spell too. I just practice on my own although I do have some friends who are into it. I like things like herbal remedies, astrology, meditation and meta psychics. Also cats! I always have one. This thread has been very interesting to read. To the pp talking about the trees at Avebury, I know it well. I like the energy there

So many things mentioned in this thread have resonated with me. I really feel I've found my tribe! Always loved woods, being out in the dark at night, the stars and moon. Fascinated by herbs, healing, the power of words. Really desperate to see fairies as a child. Very attuned to trees and the natural world. Always had cats!

@firesong I'm interested to see what the responses to the life after death question will be too.

As I am new and only a dabbler/witness not sure I can offer anything of interest to you as well as my own experiences being only meaningful to me. However, they have led me to accept the possibility that we move into a different realm and/or come back here. It would be nice to have 100% certainty but I don't have that.

Personally, I would rather have a long sleep than have to come back here. That is my idea of Hell. My preferred position is to move into another sphere.

@ alpha juno... My interest is in herbs and healing oils. Have always dabbled in alternative/complementary medicine as well as restorative properties of food. Would never have regarded that as witchcraft, more common sense but pleased I can belong in some way.

Good morning all and to everyone new,

I'm packing today! Going on holiday to Northumberland tomorrow and we are leaving at 6 so packing for the DC and me today.

I don't often get to see the sea, I'm in Warwickshire so I only go to the seaside once a year so what might be nice to pick up on the beach, sea glass, shells, hagstones etc?