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Philosophy/religion

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Any Witches Here ? Part 3

998 replies

speakout · 15/09/2018 18:03

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.

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Billydessert · 16/09/2018 09:41

Morning all! I am trying to catch up with the thread but there is a lot to take in and life is pulling me away! I've had a period of change this last month and have been rather unsettled and tossed about. Things are starting to settle in now and I'm finding my rhythm. I hope you are all well!

Motherhood - the experience from maiden to mother for me had a powerful dark side. Mentally i sank deep down into the shadows of my life, I became entrenched the muck and the murk from my past. I examined it all, felt it raw again, saw it through the eyes of a mother and made new judgements. It was a hard time for me, facing the darkness I've held onto all these years. But when I got to the bottom i had a revelation and found an inner strength. The mother in me gives me strength, conviction and has allowed me to shake off the unwanted mud from my past that has been weighing me down. I sank down but I rose back up again stronger than before. It's been remarkable turning point in my life!

Autumn is upon us! The most wonderful time of the year! My hoarding instinct is in full swing, jams, baking, list making, collecting, such a happy time of the year for self reflection and planning. I'm very big on Yule and I love to make and hoard things away in anticipation of the big celebration.

Love and light!

YashmisCrone · 16/09/2018 09:41

Your description of shadow work and working with your inner child really resonates with me speakout

It's prompted me to reflect on my witches path as self development.
As you say- spells and other workings (for me too) often use parts of me that I would otherwise 'keep a lid on'

In fact, every spell/ritual has brought some sort of 'lesson', revelation or learning about myself and my path.

I'm thinking of a ritual I did a while ago to 'open' myself to the energy of romantic love. I soon had a revelation that actually, I had work to do around self acceptance and identity. It caused me to rest into the process and focus on loving me wholly. This has included working with the damaged and scared child of me in similar ways to which you describe.

I felt adrift and lost earlier in the year. I did a 'journey' meditation to ask for guidance and support. Within my journey I met a guide- She told me her name was Yashmi (hence the user name) she transitions between the three stages of womanhood- showing me the beauty of all- leading to the embracing of the wonderful crone in me. Then I found this thread (the 1st one) and through the wonderful support and wisdom of the women here I have been able to embrace my current transition.

So it's very much a learning/self development path for me. The fact that it's a female centred one is a very important factor for me.

I love The synchronicity and magic of the path and am ever open to accepting it. I've learnt that each experience is valid and particularly love the diversity here- no right or wrong, just beautiful rich contributions for all perspectives.

I see it as a life long path of growth and development.

I also feel that way with this change of season queenrollo I'm practicing accepting and observing it along with increased self care. I'm trying to tap into the deeper feelings and see what they have to teach me without feeling 'at the mercy' of them/consumed by them.

For me now, I think it's about transition and leaving things behind- that's the sadness. Within this I can see another new beginning and I'm working on feeling safe with that- knowing all that has gone before has been integrated so is not lost. The wheel of the ever changing year is a reminder of this for me. It seems to be a pattern at this time of year. Symbolic post- harvest and thinking ahead to sowing The metaphorical seeds of the year to come.

I have also found great comfort here

That is a lovely metaphor for resilience Kizzy- no wonder those trees feel so magical.

HillsBesideTheSea a lot of how you describe you feel I can resonate with. Self care is crucial and I totally understand the difficulties with being amongst concentrated and mixed energies- it can be incredibly draining. There's some great advice on these threads for protection that's been very useful to me. I don't get too hung up on being exact with my work- I've found it liberating to let go of how things 'should' be done and trust my gut. If it 'feels' right then I think it is and will hold a freer energy thus working effectively IMO. Whatever feels right to you.

Hello sorting and flower 👋 It's good to have you join us Smile

YashmisCrone · 16/09/2018 09:46

In typing my long winded post I crossed posted with Elphame and Billy both contain perspectives that are very useful and pertinent to me- thank you.

I love this place!

HillsBesideTheSea · 16/09/2018 09:47

My visualisation skills need work. A lot of work. They work better when focusing on other people (ie for them) than focusing on me. But I have not really practised them, I have been resisting. I made the decision not to and stumbled across a book I wanted the other day by surprise. It made sense and I had made the decision to start slowly and gentle work my way through a few things. But it has been like the flood gates have suddenly been opened and i am being washed away by a torrent that wishes me to do all the things, learn all the things and increase my skill set exponentially as quickly as possible.
I am finding it hard to take the steps I need at the pace I wish as there seems to be something... influencing? drawing? me. That is a little intimidating tbh

VioletCharlotte · 16/09/2018 09:57

Speakout I loved reading your post about shadow work and the inner child. I was very unhappy in my late teens and early twenties. My mother was very critical, consequently I've suffered low self esteem all my life. My eldest son is now the age I was when all my problems started, and it's made me realise I should stop being cross with the young girl I once was for the mistakes she made, and instead treat her with love, kindness and understanding.

I got up this morning and went for a walk in the forest with my dog. It's so beautiful early in the day. Later it will be filled with families, but in the early morning I feel like it's just me, the trees and the birds. The perfect was to recharge after a hectic week.

Any Witches Here ? Part 3
CandleIit · 16/09/2018 10:02

I thought I'd share a little.

The tips and practices I've learned from you all, and tried for myself, are completely compatible with my (Eastern) philosophy. I've experienced for myself that everything we want/need resides within. As I've discovered peace, love, joy and so on inside, I've attracted circumstances outside that bring more, including trials that have made me strengthen that particular vibration within myself. Witchcraft to me is the same.

I'm a meditator and know that our attention is incredibly precious and powerful. It's why social media giants and marketers pay/receive millions to capture our attention. For me, witchcraft require me to bring my full attention (or intention - love that word now!) to bear on a particular aspect that I want to amplify. Rituals, words and objects support and strengthen that.

I've found what I've learned so far quite transformational. I love mantra and so have, over the last two days, used a simple mantra (spell - I see them as the same) to imbue my housework with love and welcoming energy. I've actually enjoyed cleaning the floors!

I've benefited greatly from the practical advice shared here and see opportunities for imbuing magic into pretty much everything. It's making my everyday experience so much more enjoyable! Thank you.

petitepeach · 16/09/2018 10:11

The Goddess and the Green Man online shop has so many gorgeous things...... well worth a look... love the cards on there xx

petitepeach · 16/09/2018 10:13

candlelit what a lovely post 😊

Bellecose2 · 16/09/2018 10:15

@candlelit Yes, so nice to read that compatibility.

speakout · 16/09/2018 10:57

CandleIit

Such wise words.

I feel the same about bringing magic to the mundane.
Even things like laundry is a cleansing and banishing ritual.
When I wash clothes I rid them of any negative energy, all the hub bub and distraction of other people, the town, I wash away woes and yesterdays troubles.
Hanging them in the garden they are imbued with energy from the sun and the wind and carry a restorative power to whoever wears that garment.

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ThatsNotEvenAWord · 16/09/2018 11:06

speakout this is very cheeky of me and I really must get my own pack but I’d really appreciate a tarot card today if you have any time. Totally understand if not. Thank you x

speakout · 16/09/2018 12:06

ThatsNotEvenAWord

No problem- once I have finished a few jobs and a clearer mind- this afternoon?

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GeeIneverthoughtofthat · 16/09/2018 12:28

Afternoon all just checking in to say that I’m enjoying reading all the contributions on the new thread.

I’m feeling somewhat better today - I have lime bubbling on the stove and am clearing out the kitchen.

ThatsNotEvenAWord · 16/09/2018 12:35

speakout no rush, thank you so much

boldlygoingsomewhere · 16/09/2018 13:13

Tarot has been my study for over 20 years now. It’s led to so many interesting explorations into astrology (renaissance and modern), Qabalah, Christian allegory and symbolism.

I have a large collection now but have honed in on the themes/art style which speak to me best.

BlankTimes · 16/09/2018 14:25

Hi Hills,

I agree with what Speakout and Elphame have said.

Right now, you are an unshielded empath, like a TV, you're receiving all channels being streamed to you which is overwhelming and can be overpowering, but you've not yet found the remote that can allow you to filter all of that constant stream of information to the point where you can select what you want to view and when you want to do it.

Protection is uppermost. Think of it as a reflector, if you're not great at visualising, no problem, there are loads of threads on the main boards about how some people see their imagination like a TV picture and others don't, so don't be alarmed at the instruction to visualise. I don't do amazing visuals, so most of the guided meditation things don't work for me, but I kind of 'feel' myself into the required state and it works for me.

If you find it beneficial, surround yourself with a circle of salt, I prefer Himalayan as it's rock salt, some people prefer sea salt. Choose which you prefer and remember it only needs to be a little sprinkle to be effective. It's the intent to protect you that you put into the salt to protect you that matters.

Then do whatever works for you to find a calm place within. Sometimes yoga breathing helps, don't worry about precision and counting too much, you can refine it later when you've time to practise, just make sure your back's straight and you exhale for a bit longer than you inhale. Focus on your breath only, if your mind won't shut up, then get it to say 'in' when you breathe in and 'out' when you breathe out. If you lose concentration on your breath, pause and start again. It's not as easy as it sounds, but at some point you'll feel much calmer than before.
Good, that's where and how you need to be for the next part of the exercise.
Nurturing your Inner Child is a lovely thing to do and Speakout has explained it very well.
Protection, it's up to you to decide how you want to present that, what's most comfortable for you to do. Elphame has given you some great ideas. I'd add surround yourself with a reflective-coated imaginary egg shell with you inside it and all the "signals" outside just bouncing off and going away. Ultimately, it's up to you to use whatever you feel most comfortable with.
Once you feel nurtured and protected, slowly come back to the room and reality.
In practise, you'll have to do this lots of times, but it will become easier and it will become second nature and you'll be able to reach that calm safe space within less than the blink of an eye. Practise, practise and practise some more, refine everything so that it's personal to you. It's okay not to be perfect.

Protection I find in the early stages is often helped along by a physical reminder you can carry around. You're already instinctively choosing crystals, that's great. Salt is just about invisible and a few grains in a pocket or a bag will remind you that you're protected.
A suit of armour to deflect all unwanted influences can be symbolically represented by a few sequins on a top or a sparkly top or a bit of shiny side outside tinfoil in your bra or by any type of reflective thing that you choose to represent protection. A sparkly bag can represent a shield. Again, you choose which symbolic meaning resonates with you and go for it.

Does the salt water have to be in the precise corners of a room or will a close approximation be enough?
If it's hard to sprinkle or spray salt water into corners where furniture prevents it, either move the furniture a few mm and try, or if that's impossible or dangerous, use a few individual grains of salt to sprinkle behind it or underneath it if it's on legs. The idea is to have an unbroken line of salt/salt water around the physical perimeters of the room. Do round all the windows too and each individual opening, and any doors or doorways. Dipping your index finger in the salt or salt water can help with that.

Be gentle on yourself, you're only just starting on your path, there will be times when things are fabulous and there will be times when things aren't great, that's the way any journey is, but there's always the opportunity to learn and to progress.

I know that's a lot to take in, take your time, if you get confused, leave it for a while and wait until your head's clear then start from a good place.

MidnightVelvetthe7th · 16/09/2018 14:29

Good afternoon sisters,

Thanks for the new thread speakout, hope everyone is well & peaceful. I'm planning for my Mabon feast next Saturday and every day this week I've been squeezing the rosehips but they're still hard.

I'm drawn to the Highlands of Scotland, no idea why & I've never been there. There's no rational reason why I should want to go. But I think occasionally about the silent hills and the sparkling clear air across the moors and I can see polished pebbles in a clear stream. Then I see a grey ring of stones in a forest, they're stunted and misshapen a bit like teeth growing out of the forest floor and its not as peaceful as the open spaces, there's an intent there. But I'm drawn both by the circle and the emptiness of the mountains. I have no idea where these places actually are or if they exist, but one day I'll go there & try to find them :)

speakout · 16/09/2018 14:40

BlankTimes

You are such a great source of information and support.

You are right about the visualisation, It doesn't have to be an internal " TV" , it can be a feeling, an internal construct that involves emotion, a feeling, a memory, all these things are just as powerful.

I love your ideas about salt too.

I tend to be a bit heavy handed when using a salt circle, your words are a useful reminder that we need only a small amount and the symbolism is the important thing.

I love your power BlankTimes.

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speakout · 16/09/2018 14:43

boldlygoingsomewhere

That's fantastic, what an lovely skill to have.
So interesting to have someone here that has made such an in depth study of Tarot.

Which decks are most important to you?

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boldlygoingsomewhere · 16/09/2018 15:00

speakout, that is a tricky question. It’s like trying to choose a favourite child. Grin

The Ancestral Path and Thoth were the only 2 decks I read with for years and so I have a real fondness for them.

I have a sub-collection of historical tarots which I love for the sense of history and connnection with people from the past. They are a mixture of restorations and facsimiles and, although they aren’t the ‘prettiest’ decks, I love to read with them.

Another sub-collection is a group of decks which resonate with my spiritual path - Greenwood, Ironwing and Tarot of the Sidhe.

Lastly, I have some decks I keep for ancestral work - Druidcraft is the main one. Also some specifically for shadow work - Bohemian Gothic is the front runner for me in this category.

TooManyPaws · 16/09/2018 15:11

Hills, you may want to also read up on psychic self-defence to protect yourself. Not just from seeing unwanted things but also from people who may leech on to your energy. I find Dion Fortune excellent but you may find a more modern book more helpful with exercises to help you strengthen your shields.

The Equinoxes are a time of flux in the astral and spiritual tides, when light is giving way to dark, summer to winter, external to internal, when you go from throwing the house open to the sun and breeze to cosying it up and curling up. And vice versa. If you subscribe to the imagery of the Holly and Oak Kings, I feel that Equinox is a more suitable time for the passing of the kingship, the light diminishing exactly as the dark increases. All this impacts on us. We turn to the inside, both of our home and our self.

speakout · 16/09/2018 15:32

ThatsNotEvenAWord

Tarot pick- the Sun. A positive card. Or a reminder.

This card shows female figures dancing in the sun, enjoying the moment.

At its simplest level this is a card that shines and shows that we are in the pink the best times of our lives.

But often we are not in the best times,life is hard, situations difficult and it is hard to find pleasure.
So this card can remind us to grab joyful moments no matter what situation we find ourselves in.
Life is finite, and never perfect. Make the most of good moments.

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speakout · 16/09/2018 15:33

Sorry forgot image-

Any Witches Here ? Part 3
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ThatsNotEvenAWord · 16/09/2018 15:43

Thank you so much :)

speakout · 16/09/2018 15:44

boldlygoingsomewhere

So great to have you join us- your knowledge of Tarot sounds amazing.

I am no expert, but I have a few decks, Tarot is only a small part of my magical work.
I have been using Tarot for 35 years- but no expert.
Some decks are so powerful that I have almost become wary of using them. They are kept safe in velvet bags in my magical chest, but I rarely use them.
They make me feel nervous in some way- does that make sense?
I do use them in challenging situations, and they always speak to me, I don;t know if it is because the decks no longer resonate with me or I need to cleanse or use the decks more?

Your help would be appriciated.

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