Any Witches Here? Part 6

[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.

Thank you Sokere really appreciate your support ❤️ Glad you're getting in well with your readings. Do you find reading for yourself harder than reading for others?

Elphame what a beautiful description, it sounds amazing.

No snow here yet, but just spoke to my friend in Cornwall and she's snowed in and has to spend the night in her office!

@VioletCharlotte I've attempted a few readings for other people in the past but I don't feel confident enough yet and hold back a lot when I read for anyone else. You know, when a card just jumps out to you but you can't bring yourself to tell the person incase you're wrong ? I'm kind of like that.

With myself, it can be hit or miss on whether I understand immediately. But then later, when something happens, it will click into place and I get that Aha moment.

I'm enjoying all of the snow pictures. Just a mere dusting here so

May I ask if anyone is marking Imbolc in any particular way? I like the idea that despite the continued cold and dark of winter, there is the stirring of new momentum in nature, and in us. Things stirring underneath. Like peeping above the winter blankets and rubbing our eyes, yawning, slowly unfurling.

I have tomorrow evening to myself so I'm intending on taking a candlelit bath, using fresh scents and colours. I'm going to take some time to think on the ideas and plans I've been mulling over and look ahead to what I need to do next.

And there's been some serious decluttering going on!

What does this time of year mean to you?

Sokere

But then later, when something happens, it will click into place and I get that Aha moment.

Reading that just gave me an "aha" moment.
I drew the two of swords a few days ago, and was a little confused as to why that card was popping up.

And now I remember that last week I bumped into an old acquaintance /work colleague telling me that there were opportunities fo me to come back to more counselling work/training supporters as they are short of staff.
I have been mulling it over for nearly a week.
It have been work that I loved ( I still do a very small amount) and the thought of becoming immersed in that environment again is sorely tempting, but I also love what I am doing right now, and that excites me.

So that card was right after all, I just had not been conciously aware of my dithering!!

VioletCharlotte I hope all goes well tomorrow- sending strength and energy for a speedy recovery.

Oh Sokere that sounds like a great idea to categorise your tarot readings, glad it's going well so far.
Will be thinking of you tomorrow VioletCharlotte
I have been thoroughly unproductive in terms of paperwork today but after a brief meeting with the accountant this morning DH suggested lunch out (dd2 at nursery and Dd1 at school so just us) which was lovely although did feel a bit like bunking off! So that fits into self care as we never do that. Now off to take dds ice skating and tomorrow night Dd1 wants to make her own doll for Imbolc (nothing like leaving it to the last minute but I'm glad she's taking an interest)

Fitzsfool yes some serious decluttering here too plus I hope to plant some herbs. (And apparently make dolls which given my lack of skills could be interesting!) Will also light some candles and make a small libation to mark the coming spring and encourage growth

Ah @Loyaultemelie I'm sure the process of making the dolls will be enjoyable even if the finished product isn't as you hoped!

BartonHollow I'm so happy you like it and that it got to you in good time x

It's lovely it's hanging in my window now

FilledSoda

I think your cross is beautiful. X

Snow is finally falling here on the south coast. Everything looks so pretty.

I'm loving this time of year and it has allowed me time to look inwards and practise some self-care. Normally I continue to live life at a fast pace, but this winter I have made a conscious effort to use the colder weather and darker nights as an excuse to cook, bake, read, meditate, and go to bed early!

That said I do love the warmth of summer. There's nothing quite like feeling the sun on your face and I'm excited for Imbolc as this means better weather will be just around the corner!

Not sure if it's due to good luck more than good management but I have had a productive week catching up on lots of paperwork - such a weight lifted for a short time anyway!

I am going away for a family celebration this weekend. It has taken a great deal of organisation, juggling and logistics. Initially I felt stressed about the whole thing and would rather not have attended however, now that the plans are in place I am pleased we will be a part of it. Plus it means a nice little kid-free weekend away for myself and Mr Ninja (providing the weather doesn't have other plans for us!)

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Keeping everything crossed for your Pooch tomorrow @VioletCharlotte.

Stay safe in the snow!

Good evening sisters,

Just catching up in my favourite place to be when I get home from work.

It started snowing when I was driving home! I’m not sure it will settle though as it’s been so wet. Strange to think that not far from me roads are closed and people are snowed in. We’ll see!

Elphame what a wonderful description of the alps- the perfect inspiration from your planning.

speakout I love the sound of your bucket sized imbolc candle holder, and of freezing it outside- there’s something very special about tapping into the elements in this way I think.

Barton

What an amazing bunch of women supporting women we have gathered here

Completely agree. It’s such a wonderful and powerful thing that’s make such a big difference to me too.

I love those cards too!

FilledSoda What a beautiful creation and what a wonderful thing to do 💜

Fitz I love your description of Imbolc energy. I’ve missed you and your beautiful way with words and am glad to have you back.

I’ve been experimenting with the idea speakout shared of ice candle holders. I love the ice and fire dynamic for imbolc and am hoping not to have rain here so I can use it outside.

I sometimes like to ‘plant seeds’ for imbolc- decide what qualities I’d like to grow over the coming year (eg independence, inspiration, self compassion etc) and draw pictures of seeds under the ground with these words on and do some kind of ritual in which I commit to tending to them so that they grow as we move into spring.

Loyaultemelie it made me smile to hear of your dd’s wish to make a doll

Sokere that’s an interesting idea about the categorisation, I love it when I find an idea that resonates with me and propels me forward in my path.

Violet I’ll be thinking of you and your lovely boy tomorrow. Sending love and peaceful positive energy x

Have a lovely weekend away littleninja

Hope everyone’s cosy and warm

Love to all x

Marking Imbolc... I thought I might do a big clear out tomorrow with a trip to the charity shop. I think the snow might put paid to that though, especially if school is closed. And any ideas of doing some more tidying up the flower beds to make space for growing bulbs are definitely out!
I am going to try and find time in the next couple of days for some quiet reflection about how my new year ‘good intentions’ are going and try to refocus on the important things, a bit of a mental clear out.

Hope your dog’s operation goes ok VioletCharlotte
Enjoy your weekend away littleninja

I’m not sure if I’ve shared this before but I think this site has some lovely articles and food ideas for those of us of a kitchen witch disposition:

gathervictoria.com/

Thinking of your pooch @VioletCharlotte 🐾

Thank you so much for all the messages of support, it means so much 🙏

We've got a few inches of snow this morning. It's very pretty, although not very Imbolc. DS is happy as college is shut, so he can enjoy a snow day. I need to be at the vets for 9, so hoping the roads are ok.

Love to you all ❤️

Beautiful picture Violet- just a dusting of frost here.

Been thinking about you dog having his op. Continuing to send love to you both x

Thanks Yashmis he looked so sad when I dropped him off, these animals know when somethings up don't they? x

VioletCharlotte

THinking of you this afternoon- it won't be long until it's over, I am sure all will be well. X

Mixed sucess with my outdoor Imbolc candle holder, not freezing quite right, so had to modify things a little.

This ongoing project is a metaphor for life, we can learn as much fom our failures as our successes!

Quickly zapping through,

May today be a wonderful one for all of you.

Yashmis I looked at your link before bed and was lying there absolutely starving! What wonderful food, I'm inspired now. The photography is superb just makes me want to lick the screen
Big YES to planting the seeds for what's to come.

Violet I've been sending calm for you and your dog, I'm sure the op will go well.

Filled Soda you are so kind - and talented.

Sokere Yes with the clicking and understanding.

Everyone else, apologies if I've not mentioned you by name but you are all in my thoughts with appreciation for your uplifting contributions to this very special place.

Snow and sunshine here, a good inch of snow's lying over ice though, so no outings today. The quality and clarity of light even indoors is special when there's snow outside.

Oh Violet, they do don’t they. He’ll be home before you know it enjoying all the wonderful love you give him. I can see a lovely pink nurturing glow around your home in my minds eye. It’s very special and the perfect place to recuperate 💜

Me too with the ice candle speakout! I’m also taking it as a metaphor for life- I think when we remove the labels of things going ‘well’ or ‘wrong’ and observe what is then there’s wonderful life enhancing lessons everywhere

BlankTimes sorry about that I felt the same and want to make/eat all of it!! I love how it’s tied in with the seasons and festivals.

I am SO EXCITED about Imbolc! Some wise words of speakout’s have really inspired me... I’ve been getting things done for work and whizzing round the house clearing.

I’m excited about using my (albeit ‘imperfect’) ice candle later, want to make a Brigid’s cross like FilledSoda’s, have a clearing herbal bath, make all the food on the gather Victoria website and use the energy of Imbolc to clear out any energy of procrastination that’s lingering from my winter mindset. I’m not sure my current deadlines will allow for all of this today but I’m enjoying the energy of feeling it.

Someone told me the other day that if we think about something 7 times but don’t do it then the likelihood of us getting it done is greatly reduced.

I’ve got a few things like this that just keep falling off my to do list (because I don’t want to do them!) so I’m going to work on shifting that and aim to move forward with a more active, dynamic energy

Happy to share that energy with anyone who needs it 🕯

YashmisCrone

It's so lovely to hear of your energy, thank you for sharing it with us.
( Not sure waht my wise words were- you have me puzzled ??)

A bit of an overly busy day here, just trying to get things finished to catch the post.

Today is the kinda of day where I have snow chains and snow shovel in the car. Along with the thermos and duvet... Pictures to follow later this evening assuming I don't need to make use of said snow shovel and chains

I have baked a caraway seed cake, this is my traditional bake for Imbolc. This happened by accident when I looked at my facebook memories and realised I had done so two Imbolc in a row without realising. It is now a very purposeful act. I have bought a really nice wine to go with dinner.