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.

Good evening lovely people

Just catching up with posts, it's been a busy week.

YashmisCrone Thank you for the spiral quote, it makes sense that we need to revisit these things, especially when emotions are involved. Interestingly, I haven't had a gloom episode since I posted about it but I am content to accept that it may need more work at some point.

I have been on a clear out frenzy, it's like an itch I need to scratch. I've also been making (and eating) bread like it's going out of fashion, kneading is just so therapeutic.

Hello. I've been reading the backthreads. So interesting. I don't think I'm a witch (maternal line of MH problems instead!) but I'm drawn to many of the aspects. I have a lot in common with other posters: trees, the sea and cloud watching; essential oils, colours, crystals, salts and the strong feminine. I'll come back with more after catching up with the threads but for now I have a question about tarot. I was engaging in a bit of tarot reading alone last night. Lovely cards for me and my immediate future (we'll be moving so uncertainty in my mind). I pull cards out in my own idiosyncratic way - I don't like rules! So I pulled some out asking questions about friends/acquaintances. Then my own children and oh my gosh got a series of very negative ones about my DD. Really shook me up. I slept on it and this morning I'm rationalising I was channelling my fears about DD rather than her objectively. Is this a way of reading the cards? I got her to select a card an hour ago and she pulled out The World (thank goodness), so I think my interpretation was right. Any thoughts or good resources on tarot reading? Thank you.

BlooDeBloop

A huge welcome, I am glad you stopped by, there is plenty tea in the pot.
Just dashing out to the supermarket but wanted to wave hello first.

There are a numbe of us here who use Tarot, my own view is that there are no "negative " cards- there are cards which will allow us deeper insight, alert us to certain aspects of a situation, current, past or future, but none that would make me concerned.

Which deck are you using? Which cards did you draw?

Some decks are powerful but dark, I have a couple squirreled away that I prefer not to use these days for that reason.

Hopefully other posters will be along to help too soon.

Good morning my lovely friends,

Lapetus pleased to hear the gloom has lifted for you. I think sometimes just feeling whatever it is from a different perspective is an important stage in the healing process.

BlooDeBloop it’s lovely to have you join us. I’m no tarot expert and we have friends here who have studied it in-depth but I also agree with what speakout says about there being no ‘bad’ cards in the sense of them foretelling impending doom.

I see them as reflecting the kind of energy present in our lives. Obviously I’d rather see The Sun and the nine or ten of cups than the tower or the ten of swords but the later cards would help me see for example that something I thought was solid needs to be rapidly deconstructed or that I need to check my boundaries and how other people’s energies are impacting on me- how much influence I’m letting them have. These days I also quite like the death card- I’m more open to and trusting of change.

When I was younger I used to routinely pick more ‘dramatic’ cards- I think it just more reflective of my turbulent mind. Everything felt more dramatic. I don’t know if this applies to your DD, but I think there’s useful life lessons in both the light and the shade- all part of growth.

A beautiful bright day here and I’m spending time continuing to flow with my house cleansing energy and hope to do some cooking before family visiting later.

Imbolc brought some dramatic ‘tower’ type events to the lives of some of my close friends so I’ve been offering support and comfort. I’m noticing how much better the experience is for all involved when my roots are well nourished. A wise woman waters her own garden first and all that..

I also had a lovely surprise today- a friend shared a picture with me of when I was young and pregnant, I’m sitting next to and in the same pose as a big ‘earth mother goddess’ sculpture made of earth. I remember feeling a bit silly when she suggested it but I’m smiling and full of optimism despite all that was going on around me. So apt with the work I’ve been doing with my younger self and I feel like the picture is a gift from her to me. I’m going to print it off and I’m taking it as a sign to deepen my work and connection with her

Hope everyone can find some time to breathe a little magic into their day 💫

Thank you for your replies Yashmis and speakout. DD (6) has a strong spirit vibe - I would say positive, 'old soul', intuitive, and sharp as a blade - but she is ill at the moment - gastro nothing more. The deck is not a special Tarot reading pack. It's a French play deck so I don't even know if the cards are pulled out the right way or not.

Thanks for the warm welcome. You've inspired me to deep clean the house and burn some lavender. Uplifting energies to all.

YashmisCrone

I am smiling as I read your description of your younger pregnant self.

And how significant that the image of your past self has become so significant- almost a message from her to you now.
A sign that your vibrations are close.
It's so inspiring.

Shadow work like this can bring healing on so many levels.
We can go and touch our past selves when they need us most, but in doing so makes us more whole in this present stage.

That hurt or pain or need that we had can be partly alleviated, so not quite so cutting, not quite so damaging, and heals our prresent selves too.

I think it's also a useful exercise to learn to treat ourselves with compassion.

Often we can be kind to friends, treat our children and loved ones with respect but we have a terribly critical inner voice.
If we start to see our past selves a little more objectively and ne kind and compassionate to her, it's only a short step to teating our present selves with the same compassion.

Shadow work with our past selves can bring so much benefit from so many perspectives.

My outdoor Imbolc ice candle is still burning, still frozen solid- that's two whole days. Same candle, same flame, it has bee burning night and day.
Snow in the garden has gone but my ice and fire remain, surrounded by green.
Not sure what it means but it feels a good thing to me- and that's what matters!!

speakout

Your response and insight into shadow work have given me tingles of resonance and a big smile. You’ve really guided me in this work and I’m finding it deeply nourishing. Thank you

Yes, it felt like a direct message from her- very pertinent and moving. One thing that’s surprised me about this work is that it’s turning out to be a two way process; a relationship of mutual support and learning,

Because I’d seen her as ‘troubled’, unsure, to an extent unstable, I hadn’t focused on the positive qualities she had (has). Just because she was scared, vulnerable and made questionable choices doesn’t mean she wasn’t also full of life and drive, fun and empathy.

The comfort I’ve given her in her darkest moments has worked to heal me at a deep level and she’s reminding me in a playful way that she also lived life to the fullest, taking opportunities to experience all that life has to offer despite everything. Something I can learn from now.

As I embrace her spirit I become more whole. So my lesson for now is that seemingly contrasting qualities and traits are not mutually exclusive just because they’re not similar. I can be adventurous and quiet, outgoing and private etc.

It’s like empowering women’s work with myself

I love it that your Imbolc candle holder and flame are still going strong. Such strength, tenacity and spirit. Wonderful

The contents of mine, along with the makings of my ritual herbal bath are ready to be returned to the earth with thanks. I’m feeling light and positive, excited about what gifts and lessons spring will provide 🌷

YashmisCrone

You have given me a huge amount of validation in my shadow work.

It is extremely empowering, isn't it.
And very exciting!

The idea that we can change these things- to nurture ourselves more fully brings a huge amount of potential positive change.

I found an old book of shadows at the bottom of a trunk- I wrote it 35 years ago.
Poems, thouhts, just musings. Some really good spells and blends too.

At that time I felt it fey and silly, self indulgent, but when I read it now it is so full of insight, so meaningful.
I was not happy at the time with my work, but it seems so precious to me now.

And like your photograph it seems like a gift from her- I like to think maybe for the support I am giving her now.
It feels like a very powerful connection between her and I.

The more I think about it the more empowering it is actually..

I think sometimes we can see moving from one life stage to another as a clearly defined transition. When I was younger I was driven, energetic,outspoken, unsure, contradictory, open, trusting, politically aware, scared, self conscious, an explorer of all things academic and esoteric, I was good at writing etc..

Now, I’m more reserved and observant, more confident and have self compassion. I’m interested in the natural world and how humans interact with each other on an interpersonal level, more in tune with my intuition, I like to cook and create in my own way. Sometimes I still get scared and doubtful..

I think I’ve been prone to ‘that was then, this is now’ (black and white) thinking.

But actually transitions are more about integration than complete change. (Like when we talked about the mother, maiden, crone transitions) I take with me what was before- tend to my wounds as I go and heal the troubled parts of me.

Simultaneously, I intergrate my thirst for knowledge into my new found observance, my fight into my calm contented self, what once manifested as a talent for writing into my work with people- finding ways to explain complex theories in an understandable way to help people move forward; knowledge of theory integrated into my more mature intuition gives deeper insight and so on.

So in many ways it’s not always necessary to leave a whole period of time and the person I was behind. I can take with me and compliment the traits that I like in myself even though I didn’t like the whole picture. No need to write it off entirely.

I think we tend to think of things in ‘blocks’ rather than the wonderfully nuanced situations they are, especially if a period of time has been painful and damaging.

So I’m glad I’ve grown and have more peace of mind and I’m glad of the energy and the chaos my younger self brings to the table. Both can exist in harmony.

Sorry to ramble on again but I’m just excited about the potential of the idea of integrating seemingly contradictory traits for growth. I probably should wait until my thoughts are better formed but I’m going with the passion and enthusiasm my younger self has given me!

speakout I was rambling and didn’t see your post when I posted mine!

What a beautiful gift from your younger self. How wonderful to now recognise and appreciate her strengths. Such powerful work. I’m blown away actually.

I feel honoured to be walking this path in parallel with you and our other sisters here. It’s giving me so much strength and as you say, validation for the work I’m doing.

I love that we’re able to share here such powerful energy, support each other and deepen our connection. Truly wonderful x

And yes, I’m also very excited by the revelation that nothing is fixed or static- even elements of our past. I can truly feel the change from this shadow work and the potential for positive change that presents is mind blowing!!

Hi everyone. I'm very new to this so I hope I make sense! I've read all of this thread and get such a welcome, positive vibe it feels ok to introduce myself.
My 13 year old recently got into Wicca and wants to practice as a witch, learn more. We have no issue with her wanting to explore this. Me being me I went and got books on the subject so I could understand it more.
I'm finding myself more and more drawn to the idea of being a witch. I've long being looking for some spirituality that makes sense to me. I was brought up in an oppressively Christian house and this kind of thing was deemed satanic and evil. Still though something about this feels so right it overcomes all those years of prejudice. The practice also feels more embracing of the female to me rather than a patriarchal set up. I've felt out of contract with my body for a long time due to a lot of life threatening illness and the risk of more will always hang over me. Last year I had a hysterectomy and have felt a deep need that I struggle to articulate to myself never mind anyone else about wanting to connect with the feminine within me.
I'm reading books and blogs on Wicca for beginners and trying to work out what is right for me. It feels right to figure out my own practice too rather than following a prescribed list but it is also a bit overwhelming knowing where to start too. A lot of the things and thoughts you've shared on this thread make sense to me too so I'm hoping I can join in.

Evening all, need to come and sit by the fire for a bit, I've not stopped this weekend and feeling shattered.

Yashmis and Speakout I really enjoyed reading your posts about shadow work, lots of parallels with my own younger self, so really interesting to read.

Bloodebloop If you're feeling cards are negative, it may be the set isn't right for you. I persevered for a couple of years with a set that I never felt right with, the energy felt very powerful and some of the images quite dark. I bought a new set recently and instantly fell in love with them.

MrFMercury welcome, how wonderful that your DD is showing an interest in being a witch at such a young age, lovely for you to be able to go on this journey together.

Speakout your ice candle sounds fab. I've not had time to try and make one yet, but hope to soon.

Love to all x

VioletCharlotte

Lovely to have you stop by. Just at the moment I have paused too.
Lets toast our cosies.
How is your dog? Hope he is doing well.

You have wise words about Tarot decks.

The vilification and demonisation of pagan sources pervades so much, and that includes Tarot.
And in fact I think some decks have been made to fuel that idea too.

I have at least one deck, whilst very powerful I have come to view with a negative energy. I used it for years, but now it is bound and tied, comfortable, but resting without power.!

MrFMercury

A big welcome. I am glad you could join us.

Things can be confusing but sounds like you are making a powerful start.
It sounds like you have already have some really sound ideas.
You don't like being told what to do ( I can share that one!!) - and that is a good start.
I love your feminist values too- you already have friends on this thread.

The truth is- none of us are experts on this pagan path. And if anyone tells you that they are- hold them with deep caution.

We are all valuable and all our contribultions are important.
No one is in charge.

Trust your heart, your instincts.

Hello

Welcome @MrFMercury and @BlooDeBloop. This is a great place to be, I hope you enjoy being here.

@Loyaultemelie those dolls look great, I bet you and your daughter had wonderful time making them.

@speakout and @YashmisCrone your discussion on working with your younger self is so interesting, so useful to read. I'm reaching back into my past a lot at the moment so it's especially pertinent. I'm on one hand distancing myself from my past self whilst on the other hand learning to accept her. Perhaps try to love her. Thats hard to write, let alone do!

I really do feel like I'm grasping my former self by the shoulders and looking right at her in a way I've never felt empowered to do before. I'm not sure how or why I've reached this point, but here I am.

I really enjoy reading about your experiences with this sort of work, so thank you for sharing.

Evening everyone, welcome MrFMercury grab a cushion by the Aga.

We've had a few people throughout all the threads express affinity with eastern teachings, I was amazed to find this branch of qigong teachings is actually very close to nature too.

If anyone (else) is interested, here's the start of this year's fortnightly seasonal empowerments, they're free and it starts, now, with Spring.

www.robertpeng.com/jieqi.php?id=1

Good evening,

MrFMercury I’m glad you’ve joined us. I can relate to some of your upbringing and the values/traits that brought you to this path. We’re a friendly, eclectic moot, I look forward to learning with you.

Violet I hope you’re able to have some breathing space this evening, and hope your dog is comfortable tonight. I love all the parallels we have here, it really helps me.

speakout I love your description of our group, what a wonderful space we have.

Fitz really interesting to hear you’ve been working on reaching back to your younger self too. I’m finding it so incredibly healing and empowering. Prisoners of the most powerful work I’ve done on myself.

I really like the idea Violet shared earlier on the thread of relating to your younger self as though she were a niece or daughter. I think it’s a very clever way of softening the energy around any jarring you may feel with showing yourself love and compassion and provides an in road where you may feel a block.

Thank you for the link Blanktimes I’m going to have a read. I really appreciate your diverse knowledge/interest in different paths

I’ve been busy today but in a lovely place of flow. Lots of synchronicities relevant to my path right now- songs on the radio, phrases people use and this quote I saw from bell hooks- she always stood out for me when I studied feminist theory and today it was both a message for my younger self and a reminder for me now on how I’ve grown.

This book fell out of my bedside cabinet earlier- I haven’t read it and can’t remember where it came from but I like the concepts from the summary. I’ll be interested to read further.

Wishing everyone a peaceful evening

• probably some not prisoners! I don’t even know what autocorrect was thinking with that one!!

Thanks so much @FitzsFool @BlankTimes @speakout and @VioletCharlotte
Sharing this with my daughter as equals rather than one teaching the other is a fascinating experience too, I think it makes us both feel freer.
Although my friends consider themselves generally open and accepting of difference, I feel strongly they'd be baffled if I told them I was a witch. I tried changing that to not be so definite but that makes me feel like I've got electricity in my body. In a good way. As a group we had a friend a long time ago who was pagan but they tended to try and force their beliefs in others. For example insisting on tarrot readings when the other person didn't want to or telling us what we thought we thought was wrong or actually meant something different. They also dressed a lot more gothy than I do. Combined with my upbringing I'm not surprised I've perhaps ignored this part of me for so long!

I'm hoping this week to get a wooden box each so we can try making a portable alter. With animals and other people around we want to try and find the things that feel right to us and be able to keep it all safe. My thoughts at the moment are:
A white candle to represent the Goddess but do I need a black one for the God too?
Flowers take or real and some stones I paint for earth
A feather for air
A red candle for fire
Something for water that isn't just water, that doesn't quite feel right
I think I'd like some herbs, crystals on there and some insence but I'm not sure whether to pick one I like or one for a particular purpose.
I like talisman too and the idea of the dolls shared further up the thread.

So there's lots of things that feel right to me. I just need to keep reading and trying things out I guess?

Thank you @VioletCharlotte too! I've kept a copy of those words because they make a lot of sense to me

A powerful evening here, and I think in part to our new friends.

I too have had huge synchronicity this evening. too powerful to mention!!

Wow speakout! Fabulous. Exciting times!

MrFMercury I’ve sometimes used seashells to represent water or a goblet type thing I have, I agree with you though- it’s about what feels right to you.

that makes me feel like I've got electricity in my body. In a good way

I love that

@MrFMercury So there's lots of things that feel right to me. I just need to keep reading and trying things out I guess?

That's about it! Don't get too hung up on what colour candles to use - many wiccans use silver for the Goddess and gold for the God - (or white and yellow if you want to avoid the plastic.) Use what feels right for you.

You also don't need everything all at once - let things evolve as they will and expect and accept the "what on earth was I thinking" moments! The item to represent water will make itself known sooner or later (seashells?). Initially I'd pick an incense that you like - my favourite is Nag Champa, the ones for particular purposes don't always smell that nice and it's nice to have a general purpose one just for when you want to light incense.

It's the journey that matters - I'm for ever wandering off down cul de sacs just to see what happens. I know they are not part of my primary path but each little detour adds something to my practice - even if it is to make sure I never do something again! Everything is a learning experience.

@Elphame nag champa is my absolute favourite too. When I've tried before with different incense for different reasons I generally don't like them much where as I have such happy, calm memories associated with nag champa
@YashmisCrone strangely enough I was just looking at shells online before I read your reply. I have ideas about the stones and crystals I am drawn to as well. Looking at them online though I realise I need to buy these things in the flesh as it were. I need to hold them and feel them so I know I've got the right ones for me. I absolutely agree too about not getting everything at once. I want to take my time collecting together the items that feel right and so I'll actually use them rather than buying some witch starter set from Amazon! That alone is a big shift. So often I've tried to buy stuff to fix myself. Now I feel comfortable with the idea of letting this unfurl in its own time and trust the process will teach me as I go x