Any Witches Here ? Part 2

[speakout]

Or Wiccans. or Pagans? Or anyone who is interested in a magical path or feels some magical stirrings.

A place for support, learning, swapping ideas and magical inspiration

All welcome.

Hi again everyone!

So sorry so many of you seem to have been poorly and having a tough time lately.

Since the first thread I have been spending a lot of time using my tarot cards after the lovely encouragement! I have also been to both Cornwall and the new forest recently and there were so many witchy shops and even a museum in Cornwall. I feel like my eyes are open so much more and love this feeling. I also discovered that I have always collected hag stones too... My grandmother did too but called them worry stones,- she would always tell us that if you could see whatever your problem/worry was through that small hole, that it wasn't such a big problem after all. I've collected them since I was a small child, always scouring beaches and now my children do too.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say hi!

ReginaOcarina Hi, hope you are having a good and magical weekend!

Hi speakout, I am thank you. Hope you are too!

Ive never been to Cornwall, but it's somewhere that really calls to me and I'm desperate to go. Unfortunately it's good seven hour drive from here and my car I don't think would get me there. Maybe one day I will.

I'm also having a bit of a dilemma with eating meat. Suddenly, and completley out of the blue it doesn't feel ethically right for me to eat it anymore. Ive no idea where this has come from, and I'd never judge anyone else for being a meat eater, but it's turning my stomach.

Gosh, it's so lovely to see the new safe thread developing here. I'm really enjoying sharing the discovery & energies of you all, both here and in the last thread. I posted a bit on the last one, but was too unwell to join in properly.

So glad to see the better health news coming through. speakout I'm sure you won't be surprised if you suddenly have a second wave of tiredness. That was quite a week you had.

I've always been a bit of a solitary nature witch, but now I am awakening further. Thanks to this thread, I now have some beautiful books & crystals and researched until I found some green witch tarot cards that called to me. I've wrapped them in a favourite material and ribbon. I know I'm not ready to use them yet.

I have serious health issues and lack of energy, so most of my small witchedy practice has been horizontal so far. When I am a little stronger and understand how to ground sufficiently, I will be ready for the next 'lesson'.

Love & Light to all.

Thanks for the well wishes everyone, I've enjoyed re-reading through everyone's experiences in the old thread whilst I've been resting up.

I have had the chance to research some witchy shops to visit during my holiday next week. I can't wait to explore them in the place I love the most, which is Weymouth. I have so many happy memories there and I'm sure I'm about to make some more.

ManicUnicorn

I'm also having a bit of a dilemma with eating meat. Suddenly, and completley out of the blue it doesn't feel ethically right for me to eat it anymore. I've no idea where this has come from, and I'd never judge anyone else for being a meat eater, but it's turning my stomach.

I can resonate with this. In the past decade or so I find meat a bit distasteful. Although I understand - but not sure I agree- the ethical dilemma, I struggle to eat lumps of meat.
It has not been a conscious choice. No idea where this has come from.

EnchantersNightshade thank you for your words.

Yes I am feeling a second wave of tiredness now, you are completely right. Lack of sleep and not eating all week.
But that's fine.

Good to hear about your new Tarot cards. And fantastic to hear that you are trusting your instincts, wrapping them and keeping them for a later time is exactly the right thing to do if it feels good for you.
I do things like that too.
But that is part of the path.

Our paths don't need to be full of challenges, of obstacles, of new projects. Being horizontal is part of the path too, we need down time, of slow pace, of nurturing, of freewheeling.
These times of relaxation, introspection and respecting your own pace are just as important.
Even if we can take the time to light a candle for ourselves and find a connection, pick a flower, or take a cup of peppermint tea as a way of honoring our spirit - is a very positive thing. One small thing done once a day or every so often.
Our path has no goals, no speed. This is a personal journey.
Don't feel the need to "keep up" or go at a pace that is not comfortable for you.
This is your path, take your time, pause, be gentle to yourself.

speakout your wise words -every one- have brought me so much comfort, thank you. I have spent far too many years horizontal with ill health and became very frustrated and cross with myself, the social isolation and pain. I've started doubting everything and everyone and sometimes just a little reassurance or gentle signposting is just what I need.

However, I used to fly through my old life so fast, I know that this is an opportunity I've been given to start again, be present and smell the roses. I know many aren't so lucky.

Like many other pp, I'm transitioning from Mother into Crone (well before I felt ready, I still had work to do!) & I was upset about it, due to infertility. Reading this thread has made me feel safe and reassured and -almost- ready to embrace the next stage.

Thank you

EnchantersNightshade

You are worthy.
Your words are wise.
I can sense your frustration, and I know you have had challenges.
Often the ones amongst us who have suffered the most are the ones who have the most to give, the wisest, and actually the strongest.
Our scars are strong and can be used as strength.
I too have been through huge challenges in life, but I grasp survival.
And even if we still have ourselves and life, then that is precious.
If you are feeling like a crone, then hell, I am too, I will reserve you a broomstick, lets fly.
You are not alone, we are whipping up a a storm here and you are a very important part of this group.
Blessed Be.

Hello, long time lurker nervously joining you all if I may!
I have always been very drawn to and fascinated by witchcraft and natural energies. As a teenager I dabbled with Wicca and loved following the wheel of the year and the moon's cycle. However I had nobody to offer either support or words of wisdom, being surrounded (as I still am) by devout Christians on the one hand and those who reject any sort of spiritual dimension to life on the other. I had no proper understanding of the possibility of the energy raised in rituals rebounding on me, nor of ethical spell casting. I ended up getting my fingers badly burnt and completely shut down that side of myself for over a decade.
I am now at a point where I would love to start working some very gentle kitchen witchery into my everyday life but I am unsure of the best starting place. Also, having always lived in or close to the country I am really struggling to feel connected to nature and the seasons now we are living in a town. Any tips on this would be very much appreciated.

Good Morning

My condolences to those who have been feeling unwell and congratulations speakout for the good news regarding your health.

@isitme.. Good luck on your journey and newly found strength. I would have felt equally uncomfortable being given such instruction as it would make me feel a victim, powerless.

On a personal note, I am continuing to learn, rather than practise. I am aware some circles regard meditation as spells, but as my intent is to ask the spirit realm/ancestors for help I don't feel that is practising witchcraft. (tbh I simply don't have the confidence to make that further step because I don't know enough about the craft)

As stated previously, I am astounded at some of the things happening, which is why I joined this thread. Yes, they could be coincidences but the synchronicity kind of tells me otherwise...and I guess deep down I just know that these outcomes are something quite magical.

I am shocked at my own naivety however. I misjudged someone I was helping. I don't regret the outcome but am disappointed that I let my guard down so easily.

For me, it's a lesson to remain more neutral and keep my expectations of people a little more realistic. I also realise that doubts/negativity are sometimes warnings. I had managed to neutralise my negative thoughts, but had been left with a boulder type feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach which I ignored.

Anyway, blessings to all.

Anyone watch the "the good witch"?

RootandBranches Welcome!

I had 3 years living in a city centre and hated it - I'm rather older and wiser now but I know I still wouldn't like it. There are however plenty of opportunities for tuning in. I quite like this book (and at 99p for the kindle edition it isn't a budget breaker). It might give you a few ideas.

www.amazon.co.uk/Traditional-Witchcraft-Urban-Living-Melusine-ebook/dp/B0078XFEZI/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=urban+witchcraft&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1534669247&sr=8-1

Christopher Penczak has also written a good one but it's more of a US focus

www.amazon.co.uk/City-Witchcraft-Christopher-Penczak-ebook/dp/B01EOZH7CK/ref=sr_1_sc_1?keywords=urban++penzack&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1534669563&sr=8-1-spell

Kitchen witchery can be as simple as stirring love and blessings into the family's supper casserole or using various culinary herbs for protection, prosperity etc etc. I make the bread and cakes I use in ritual myself - you can then incorporate exactly what you want and the effort involved in making your own really pays off in the results.

I'm not a great one for the monthly full moon celebrations but I know many make special biscuits and cakes to be eaten those nights. If I'm going to be doing some ancestral work I'll often make caraway cakes to share with them.

Good Morning All. So pleased I paced myself this week and had enough energy to join the thread. It's the most socialising I've done in months . Thank you again speakout. I have noticed that the people in my life who have suffered the most, are indeed the wisest I've sought counsel from.

I guess when you're in the thick of it yourself, blindly blundering around and looking for guidance and meaning, it's very difficult to feel wise . I have missed many lessons & learning opportunities, but it turns out many of them are coming around again!

Am trying not to feel frustrated lying looking at my books, crystals, candles & oils and knowing I can't be upright long enough to use them. Yes please to a flying broom!!!!! Would be much more fun than my wheelchair

Would love to pop the whistling kettle on, put a cake in the aga and curl up on cosy sofas with you all, sharing energy. Can you tell I have none of those things here . I'm totally enjoying the imagery though.

Happy Sunday

Hi

I am currently developing my skills and would like to know how others open and close their abilities xx

Jupiter9 yes I have watched some of the Good Witch, the eariset ones are the best.

I also watched The Witches of Eastend- and of course I love the Witches of Eastwick.

Hello,

Has anybody got some good advice on protection techniques that help you cope when dealing with lots of people in the work environment.
Apart from locking myself in the cleaners cupboard . I like my job I’m just drained after dealing with people’s problems all day.

Afternoon all,
Just catching up! Excuse me if I'm a bit behind...

MamaGH I'm not sure how you could add your Mum without her being on MN. It is of course a public forum which can be read without logging in but she wouldn't be able to join in without signing up.

isitmeethe 12 step programme has its roots in Christianity and I think themes of hierarchy, dependency and 'sin' are very apparent within it IMO. Of course, addiction of any kind is a deep rooted thing to crack, but there are certainly more empowering ways to go about it! I'm pleased to hear you've decided to listen to your inner wisdom, and it sounds like you've had some strong messages in terms of symbolism already. I really enjoy animal symbolism/totems from a shamanic perspective. I've had some powerful revelations myself this way. Have you researched the symbolism of the chicken? I can't find my animal totem book atm, but thought this was interesting:
www.spirit-animals.com/chicken-symbolism/
www.peacespace.com.au/chicken-animal-totem/

See if anything resonates. I agree that a lot of what we experience (negatively) comes down to self worth/ esteem. I love that an important part of a witches path is to nurture and honour yourself, and I agree this is a good place to start. Honour your sacred feminine which no doubt has been battered and bruised by a society that undervalues or seeks to crush it. I agree with speakout 'goddess never fails' in fact speakout, shortly after I read that I re-found this book I have with daily meditations from all belief systems about the goddess (see pics) Just what I needed!

spinningpenguin
Sounds like your intuition is on point with the tree. I love it that the tree itself confirmed that for you.

ReginaOcarina I also find Cornwall a very nourishing 'witchy' place. I'm lucky enough to visit fairly regularly. I haven't been to the museum of witchcraft for about 20 years- I must be due another visit soon! I think we had a Cornish hedgewitch amongst us on the previous thread.

ManicUnicorn and speakoutI had the same dilemma regarding eating meat. I haven't eaten it for 25 years now. It just feels right for me. To start with I'd 'try' meat from time to time, but my body just didn't want it any more. Up until then I'd really enjoyed eating it, something inside me just switched.

EnchantersNightshadeLovely to meet you. I love the imagery of the big comfy kitchen with your cake in the aga. I can see it clearly in my minds eye and would love to spend time with my fellow witches there! It sounds like you've gone through a profound change and I love the strength and wisdom I sense as I read your posts.

RootsandBrancheslovely to meet you too. Some of the other's mentioned her on the previous thread but when I read your post I thought of this book by Kate West: www.amazon.co.uk/Real-Witches-Kitchen-Recipes-Lotions/dp/0007117868/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/257-4577560-4714107?ref=plSrch&dpPl=1&dpID=51SXMZ90XAL&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1534691287&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3AKate+West

FlowerPower66 I don't really open and close as such these days, but then my craft is quite 'day to day', like putting a bit of magic into things I do anyway- cooking, cleaning, working etc. I used to cast circles for spells and rituals and then 'undo' them at the end (mentally, with white light- asking for protection) Are there specific skills you're developing at the moment? I'm wondering if perhaps some of those who work primarily with healing for example might be able to give you more focussed ideas.

Ittakestwosome of the wonderful women here gave me some great ideas on protection on the previous thread. Visualising a protective energy field, or a suit of armour, mirrors (or a tiny piece of tin foil reflecting outwards from the middle inside of your bra) to 'deflect' energy, a black crystal/stone, and of course cleansing rituals to rid yourself of others' energy (cleansing) The cleaning cupboard often appeals to me too!

Insomnia1sounds like you're in touch with your intuition. For me, I was so used to feeling it- trusting it was another big lesson. I don't always manage it but can always see afterwards why I should have done!

Hope you survived Ikea Elphame !

Blimey, this has turned out to be a long post- everyone's got such interesting things to say that I like to chat about! I guess I should get up from the comfy sofa in our witches kitchen and go and attend to what needs doing in mine!

Hope everyone's had a good Sunday

Zaphodbebblebrox lovely contribution, and thank you for your time and effort X

How wonderful to come back to the Witches Kitchen and find a hot steaming herbal tea . How soothing & restorative, thank you Zaphodbebblebrox! Lovely to meet you too. I have enjoyed your posts through the thread. Problem is my memory retention is so awful, I have to keep backtracking. I'd love to answer more posts. Maybe by thread 3?

I'm appreciating everyone's questions, many of them are also very relevant for me and saves great energy on me thinking and typing them out. Keep sharing the wisdom!

On good , new thread

Hello! Nice to meet you all xx

PankyE welcome, pull up a cushion by the fire, we have space for you.

Hello all. First post on this thread (although I lurked on the first one)
I’m not particularly witchy but I think my DD (11) May be.
She’s always from an early age loved being barefoot outside on the grass, anywhere there’s nature. She says it makes her feet vibrate.
She also collects stones, twigs, leaves that she feels drawn to.
Sometimes she will sit next to people and says she can feel vibrations from that person, sometimes it’s good, sometimes bad. She steers clear from the people with “bad” vibrations.
I’ve always said she’s a hippy at heart. But is this something considered “witchy” that we can nurture?
Thanks, sorry for the ramblings.