Any Witches Here ? Part 3

[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.

@rayraybidet

Germany is full of witches!

I once was seconded over to the German police staff college in Munster for a week, coincidentally the last week in April. Even the college had its maiblum or may pole up, early in their case as the officers would be returning home for the May Day weekend, complete with the badges of all the Länder that the officers were from. At the end of the week, I went to stay with a German witch friend in Hannover for the weekend. For Beltane, we went up into the mountains. I've completely forgotten the name of the place we first went to where hundreds of people gathered around a lake while others juggled fire on the cliff face above (CRAFT moment - Can't Remember A Flipping Thing) and Google has failed me, but the two of us slipped off into the forest to a particular spot to wait for the coven. They all knew me but we hadn't told them I was in Germany so it was a wonderful surprise all round; I can still remember the high priestess's face as she came into the clearing to see me there. We celebrated Beltane in German while I was asked to call North, which I did in Scots - stane an erth. We went home in the dawn and I telephoned my coven as they were all waking in the dawn to celebrate before I went to sleep. We then spent the day dressed up at a medieval market where I bought a precious souvenir bottle of Maiblumen essential oil - their Mayflower is the Lily of the Valley, not our hawthorn.

There are lots of witchy shops in the towns and a thriving Pagan community. Most people speak embarrassingly good English and it is easy enough to get around on transport. There are even the ubiquitous Irish pubs where pub quizzes in English are held! 😂 The country is beautiful and there are many lakes to enjoy. I spent a holiday some years ago in the far north east of Germany, full of lakes and their beaches where the tourists of the Eastern Bloc would come on holiday. So comparatively unspoilt and friendly people - well, apart from the obviously Communist era staff at
Berlin Schönefeld Airport 🤣

Germans also love their seasonal decorations so stock up. I have treasured autumn decorations that I brought back from Hannover, and have inherited the Christmas decorations that my parents brought back over several years.

If you like, PM me and I can ask my German friends what Pagan shops, events and communities may be around in your area. ❤️

Thank you all for the good wishes! My sweet daughter and I were out for a bit of mother/ daughter bonding. We stopped at several stalls and picked up a few gourds along the way.

I’m praying for loving light in our thread. I can’t thank all the lovely women ( I don’t know if anyone is male here or identifies as male) here who made me feel welcome and include.

I'm not sure this is the right thread for you.

Fair enough. I thought I'd just say my piece in case was helpful towards reaching peaceful resolution on something which has been causing offence. I'll shut the door behind me shall I?

SecretWitch

That sounds a lovely day.
DD and I are shopping tomorrow- she needs a warm winter coat.

Ack! Maibaum!

speakout I hope you have a wonderful day with your daughter! I sometimes marvel at my amazing, strong, loving child. She really does feel like a gift to me.

@TooManyPaws
Wow that sounds magical! What a lovely time, I can tell from how you write that it was wonderful!
I am in Munich in the south. I would love it if you could tell me anything that is going on. How exciting 😍
Thank you!

And to complete tonight's thread takeover, here's a picture Elphame encouraged me to post (if it works! 😂).

This is my Grace, taking enthusiastic and fascinated part in the ritual to consecrate Ray Bone's tombstone. Faith rolled in the grass while Hope hid behind me.

For those who don't know who she was, Eleanor 'Ray' Bone was a high priestess initiated by Gerald Gardner. She went on to found her own initiatory Wiccan line, which later gave rise to others such as Silver Circle in the Netherlands and Whitecroft in the UK, Germany and further afield. She also had connections to traditional craft in the Cumbria area. Her grave had gone unmarked for many years and the local council objected to the use of a third degree pentagram on the headstone, though they eventually agreed after apparently much arguing about the censorship of certain religious symbols in a non-religious local authority cemetery.

Oh yes I totally agree, my mood is reflected in my baking, I wish it wasn't sometimes! I didn't really explain myself properly sorry; I always put myself in but sometimes want to put specific things in. Perhaps for a certain customer or something general but more powerful. I've mentioned before but when I try to do more powerful or specific things they can sometimes (most of the time) create unexpected outcomes. I've become a bit anxious to do anything bigger because of the unpredictability! And is it really my place to interfere?
This happens with other things too, and I'm wondering if bigger magic is just not for me. I seem to lack the focus to be able to create the outcome I expect. I don't do any planning, rituals, altars or following guidelines. I do things spontaneously, with no rules or planning.
Sorry I'm just rambling and not articulating myself very well. I was really wondering how far your magic goes day to day. Is it general nice small things and how often do you do bigger spells/magic that has more of an impact?

Don't know what happened to the photo. It was there when I posted then it disappeared. Trying again.

I will be honest and say that the energy I brought was probably wrong for the thread. And for that I apologise. There has been a lot of thinking, reflecting and even avoiding going on. So much is fitting into place and making a lot of sense. Some little things and some larger things. Progress is being made slowly. The fact that this is not a situation that cannot be resolved is making the becoming aware of the implications and impacts easier to understand and accept. So will say thank you again for your help and words of wisdom.

Ds gave the bramble vinegar the teen look, but as he was kind enough to share his germs I am happy to say that straight made is lovely and effective. I am looking forwards to trying it when it has time to mature. More batches will be made.

I hope that you have pleasant weekends.

Hello lovely people! New to this thread and haven't read the previous ones but thought I'd mark my place.

Welcome @Willow. I’m sure that the others will be along soon to welcome you.

In the meantime come join us round the Aga.

WillowWitch

Welcome. Pull up a cushion, plenty space around the fire.

I'm up early today and off shopping with DD when she wakes for a new winter coat and a mooch around the shops.
Maybe a pumkin latte .

Also keep my eye open for witch supplies. I like getting things on a budget.
There are specialist shops but so much can be bought for a few pounds, supermarkets can be great for candles and herbs, Pound shops good for ribbons, feathers, string, card and craft materials.
Some of my best finds have come from second hand shops, candle sticks, slates, crystals, odd ceramic tiles make a great base for burning incense or candles.

Welcome, Willow.

speakout, I’m also a fan of charity shops. Such good places to search for materials if you’re not in any great rush.

Set up a little Equinox space with my DD. She added some autumnal items foraged on our walk - acorns, conkers, bright yellow leaves.

Oooo...hello! Xx

boldlygoingsomewhere

That;s such a lovely thing to do with your daughter.

So much wrapped up in taking the time to do these small things.

It shows her that you value time with her and want to celebrate and remember the time you took to go on a walk with her.
It encourages her to slow down and smell the flowers ( literally) to be aware and respect her environment and to show her the beauty and awe in small things and the turning of the seasons.

When my kids talk about their childhood it's always these small things they talk about- far more often than the big fairground rides or things that cost money- it's always the tiny things that are meaningful to them.

Skyejuly

Welcome- I have just made an early brew, I'll pour you a cup.

Good morning to all! I hope you have a good day, whatever you are doing

Morning RayRayBidet I have been up early making a batch of cinnamon and gold candles, now onto a small batch of smudge sprays before the family wake.

Beautiful sunny autumn morning here.

@Billydesert I know exactly you mean regarding that hesitation. Small things are okay, they can be written off as coincidences. Big things.. Well, that can be scary to newbies, especially if we're practicing alone.

@speakout... Enjoy your day. Sounds lovely and such a precious memory for both of you. Happy Times.

Good Morning to everyone else. Will try to catch up on the thread while I have some time to myself.

Bellecose2

Yes I agree about the things being scary to newbies.

When I started becoming serious about my practice in my early 20s some of my work produced results that scared me shitless at times- the speed, the accuracy, the signals surrounding the results showing me that the result was because of me.

It can be scary to start with.

Good morning all. Sorry to barge in on your thread but is it ok if I tell a bit of my story and ask some questions?

I'm going through a rough time at the moment (separated from my husband and looks like I am going to be diagnosed as bipolar after years of mental health issues) so I've been going to lots of healings etc and trying to find spiritual comfort (raised as a Catholic but have never had any interest in it).

Anyway. During my spiritual journey I have seen a medium and attended readings etc. I was informed a few days ago why I don't like going underwater and hate also going into open water. Apparently in a past life I was drowned as a witch.

Whether that's true or not who knows, I guess it depends on your outlook in such things. However - I have always been interested in anything "witchy" all my life. The history of witches, stories (folklore or otherwise) and trials - always thought that during witch trials the witches were treated unfairly and I get a feeling of real injustice with it all. I also enjoy modern takes on witchcraft (films, shows etc).

But strangely two weeks ago I got the urge to buy two books. The history of Wicca and a book of spells for beginners. This was following me reading a magazine and being drawn particularly to an article concerning Wicca and witches.

I'm keen to develop and learn on this - I jut have a feeling of being drawn into it. But I don't know where to start. Any thoughts, advice or suggestions from you would be much appreciated. Thanks if you made it to the end of my post!

Morning all,
Just checking in to share a . Been out of signal- lots to catch up on- looking forward to doing that!

Wishing you all a magical day 🧙‍♀️