Any Witches Here? Part 7.

[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.

Thanks for the Masquerade heads-up Misty I do very vaguely remember the book and the furore it caused with people randomly digging up other peoples' land, but didn't know the issue of the iffy finding nor indeed the setting of the location which was a lot ahead of its time really being equinox and shadow based.

Wellhello I agree with Speakout's wisdom, don't set unrealistic or unattainable goals, perfection being one. The art of compromise is a well-learned one.

Romany it's hard to say, I think we are all born with the possibility, but it comes to the fore and comes into its own when we are ready to accept and acknowledge it. Some people are aware of it and push it away because they aren't ready, others have a hint and grab it with both hands there and then. Neither reaction is right or wrong, the action an individual takes is right for them, whatever the outcome.

It doesn't matter when in your life that happens, because that is the right time for you to start on your journey.
Mine was in early childhood but everyone has their own time. It looks as though your time is now

We do tend to think in a very dualistic way about many things, try thinking more of being different, not being right or wrong.

This may be a daft question, to anyone, nobody in specific. Have you always known that you were a witch or did you have a type of awakening?

My daughter told me when she was a child..... I thought about it for a bit and decided that actually she was right! I suppose I had been in denial but everything sort of fell into place.

That makes complete sense, tbh.
I think my adoptive mum knew about my past, even though she said she didn't. Whenever I said anything about feelings towards witchcraft or abilities she would shut down communication, change the subject etc.
"Nothing comes from meddling" was her favourite term, which I think stems back from an accurate reading from her aunts, which resulted in them never speaking to each other again. .
I'm finding the whole thing fascinating and eventually would like to give talks on Romany folklore, my Romany family bombard me with tales and superstition, for which I can't take note fast enough.

I think all or no realisation of magical abilities is equally valid, I was taugh the craft as a child initially- to me is was quite ordinary.

My gran would never have called herself a witch, but practiced all sort s of magical arts - as a necessity and an adjunct to everyday life.

She read cards ( no tarot but same principal) was a lay midwife, would dress the dead, and practiced scrying, divination, knotwork make corn dollies, keep rabbits feet for luck, gwo herbs, make tinctures.
She had several friends who were of the same mindset, some specialising in certoan crafts.
I remember afternoon tea and my grandmother's home, often with her friends, tea would be stirred a certain number of times, and afterwards her friends would turn their cups upside down and read the leaves- passing around for comment.
I was shown how to see these things- but it all seemed very " normal" to me.
I had friends who kept pigeons and smoked a pipe, another friends father played in a band, one friends mother was an expert dressmaker who liked to sing, my gran saw salamanders in the fire, all normal activities to a 6 year old.

I have continued in my craft for most of my adult life, but I now embrace it more than ever.

But I think we all have magical abilities- if we listen hard enough.

Speakout

That sounds like an idyllic childhood, how lovely for it to be your culture.
I suppose I should be glad that I've eventually found where I belong and who I am.
My dh is a musician and we are just waiting for our last dc to fly the nest and we hope for a life travelling. Or at least half and half, travelling and settled.
I feel like I've missed out on so much and am drastically trying to catch up.
The older generation in my Romany family are in touch, I suppose they don't mind telling me things and they don't read and write and hope for me to publish their ideas, lifestories, etc.

Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman Speakout, so inspiring.

My family are the least witchy/ spiritual people you could ever imagine. I'm not sure where I came from! When I was little I was fascinated by witches, magic, fairies, etc, and as a teenager I got into tarot and crystals. I've always been the family odd-ball 😂

Various people I've met throughout my life have helped me find this pathway, and I absolutely know now that this is what I'm meant to do.

I still don't really discuss anything witchy or spiritual with my parents. My Mum is frightened by it, I think.

I think a lot of past generations are scared of it, which is a bit silly really.
Some abilities that people have can be found to be scientific and not woo at all.
Looking back at my childhood learning music and being able to see colours and to see some people's aura.
I can't do this because I'm a Romany, or witch or have supernatural abilities.
One in 2000 people have this ability and it's been proven by spanish researchers to be hereditary.

My witchy side comes from my gran's family who would be horrified to be called a witch. However a lot of the magical things she does are things she refers to as common sense; for example knowledge of herbs, understanding the weather and animals. Also the ability to read people a mile of.

It was the original thread on here that made me aware that I am a witch and it's something I am proud to embrace. Every day is now a day of discovery for me and I feel a lot more at peace with who I am now.

I feel wise, supported and empowered by the incredible women that I have met on here.

Good evening beautiful souls,

Bear with me, I’m a bit behind but you’ve been having such interesting discussions there’s so much I’d like to join in with!

I’m catching up a bit with a tea and a cuddle with my part time canine companion. I don’t know what I’ve done to him! He used to have a very ‘working dog’ kind of energy- fairly nonchalant when it comes to affection- too busy for it.. as I type he is lying belly up, half on my lap (too big to fit his whole self on) making appreciative noises in response to the tummy tickle he is receiving! I seem to have turned him soft! In return he is teaching me about openness, trust and unwavering focus. I do love what animals can teach us.

I’m really enjoying an affinity especially with dogs right now. I met a rescue dog in the park. Her human was amazed that she made a beeline for me and leant in for a cuddle- said she’s very wary of people. She was shaking but really snuggled in. It was a beautiful moment and I tried to transmit comforting thoughts to her. To me, these moments are magic.

Violet, it was lovely to read about your day yesterday and feel your bright sparkly energy. I have no doubt that you’ve given a beautiful gift of clarity to those you read for. My experience of your reading was very healing and reassuring.

Thank you for your comments about my work situation. I knew I was facing a challenge but needed clarity about which one it was! Now I know and am excited about a potential ‘solution’ that is unconventional and really appeals to me.

Loyaul like you and violet I have fond and comforting memories of a weeping willow tree from my childhood. I love their energy too. Gentle yet strong and protective.

SockPortal , I was given a copy of ‘The Secret’ some years ago but I haven’t read it so can’t comment on the book itself. Like Violet though, the Law of Attraction does make a lot of sense to me.

Psychology tells us that like attracts like in terms of the energy we put out in relation to the experience we create and I’ve seen this to be the case in my life too.

I have lots of criticism for Abraham Hicks (ie the money making, American ‘motivational speaking’ style that grates on me, feels a bit ‘cult’ like etc) and I think that there are some interesting angles on law of attraction in amongst all that.

Things like changing your vibration in stages rather than expecting a giant leap from depression to joy for example. Much more realistic to reach for a closer emotion to where you’re at and get where you want to be incrementally, knowing that like will attract like along the way.

I also think that the law of attraction was intrinsic in witchcraft way before the secret, Abraham hicks (Noel Edmonds and his cosmic ordering!) et al. Feeling that you already have the thing when working to manifest something definitely adds to successful workings IME. I think at the end of the day, whatever resonates with our understanding of how it works can be useful, so if the secret works for you then great. IMO the law of attraction is a reality, a big part of my path..Bit long winded there, sorry!

Queenrollo what a beautiful happy looking familiar. I’m sure s/he will help you with your transition. Unsettling times but I think a cat teaches us independence, intuiting the best way forwards and a connection with spirit. Wishing you all the best in what you’re about to embark on.

Fitz , I’m loving your active energy, infused by the lovely new moon

Speakout grabbing zen while I can is a practice I do too! It all adds to our ‘wellbeing bank’ to be drawn on when things get more challenging doesn’t it. I agree with the value of exercise too.

I went for a walk in the woods last night as it was getting dark, sat on my favourite rock by the water’s edge, breathing in the glorious water energy whilst sipping my peppermint tea. (In between stick throwing!) There’s a spot between two small waterfalls where there is a natural pool, perfect for swimming.

I so wanted to get in it and feel enveloped in it’s wonderful cold and earthy darkness. Social convention stopped me (no swimming kit, ingrained messages about the safety of being a woman out alone in the woods at night etc) but I’m determined to get in it again- I felt like it was calling me!

I also love the everyday witch cards and have been drawn to these recently too

www.thewildunknown.com/products/the-wild-unknown-animal-spirit-keepsake-boxset?variant=5207161634853

I’d like to find some ‘Jungian’ themed tarot. The use of archetype energy really resonates with me. I haven’t liked any of the decks I’ve seen of this theme so far though. If I’m meant to have one it’ll find me along the way I think!

Misty, thank you for the link- I’d never heard of the book and am now intrigued! I love the pictures of your flower and cuttings. Are those avocado stones too? I have one on my windowsill set up like that- nothing happening so far though!

wellhelloyou I’d also echo speakout’s wise words about ‘perfection’, reframing and root strengthening work. Beautifully put. Some of us worked on taking time out to do this during the winter months. Life’s got pretty hectic for me again recently and there’s a lot of uncertainty yet I feel calm and stable. My roots are strong and I know that whatever happens, this will be the case if I keep tending to them.

I’m reminded of a theory BlankTimes mentioned previously- The locus if control. If we believe that our sense of wellbeing depends on other people or outside circumstances then it will always be prone to being shaken. If we believe that we are the source of our own wellbeing then we will feel safer and fear outside circumstances less.
I think it’s a state of mind that takes some focus and practice and is definitely achievable.

Romanyqueen I also had some ‘normalisation’ of witch type practices (natural remedies, playing card/tea leaf reading trust in ‘women’s intuition’) early on from older female family members.

Witchcraft itself and any other alternative belief systems were vilified within my Christian upbringing but I’d always had my own sense of what resonates in that way; an affinity with nature, the seasons, the moon and have practiced spell work and rituals in some way for as long as I can remember.

Like so many of our sisters here, this thread, with it’s acceptance of all our individual paths has helped me immeasurably to accept and embrace myself as a witch. I love it that we’re all different and all valued equally by each other. Very empowering.

What you say about science explaining things really resonates with me. Like that phrase ‘today’s magic is tomorrow’s science’ I do believe this to be true and also enjoy the magic of not understanding how it all works in the meantime.

Crikey, that’s quite a ramble, even by my standards! Sorry to go on! It’s good to catch up

@YashmisCrone thank you for your lovely long post, I enjoyed reading every word. I am going to read 'The Secret' bearing in mind some of the back ground information that you have given. I will also read about the law of attraction in more detail, I will find my own way of making it work.

I am pleased, I have two holidays booked where I will see the sea. I'm looking forward to reflecting on the seafront.

I used the wrong word 'perfection'. I tried to explain that I didn't mean perfection but for us all to be settled and happy.

Good afternoon sisters.

There was a wonderfully atmospheric mist lingering in the valley this morning.

Wow, so much to read and think about over the last day or two.

Some would have us think that we as people are less than perfect, imperfect or broken
Speakout - You’ve hit the nail on the head here for me. I feel that the popular media prescribes impossible standards of perfection and it is easy to see how many can feel that they come up short against such yardsticks and how their health and well-being can suffer as a result.
I liked what you said about reframing situations. I’m going through some minor health issues which mean I cannot be as active or as fit as I would like to be and have previously been. However, I have always been one to look on the more positive side of things. I choose to view the physio I do as part of a process of nurturing and bringing myself, albeit very slowly, back to health.

wellhelloyou Hope all goes well with your move. There will most likely be little bumps in your path but just stay firm in the knowledge that things will settle down and you will begin a new stage in your life. I’m probably quite fatalistic and believe that, whilst we can do our best to influence outcomes, we cannot necessarily dictate them. Most people on here will tell you that they have undertaken workings which gave them a result, but not exactly in the way that they anticipated. I like the idea that Douglas Adams put forward in one of the Dirk Gently books, where Dirk follows the car in front of him because although it might not take him to where he wants to go, it could take him to where he actually needs to be.

Violet - So glad your tarot afternoon went well. It sounds like it was a lovely event. Well done you!

RomanyQueen1 - Whilst I didn’t have the fabulous circle around me that Speakout had, I have realised that I was surrounded by a host of strong women who definitely relied on the women’s intuition that Yashmis mentioned and natural folkloric remedies for all kinds of things. Most of my family have been drawn to natural healing therapies, particularly reiki and reflexology. We weren’t raised within any particular religion as my Mum, having had a horrendous Catholic upbringing, felt strongly that beliefs should be things you personally choose, not what you are told you should believe. It has been a slow realisation for me and I think had I not been so busy back in the UK, I would have come to this point sooner. Now that I am off that particular treadmill-like life, I have the time to learn, to grow and develop myself further and I am immensely grateful for the support of the women here who help to move me along my path.

Elphame - Out of the mouth of babes, eh? Wonderful insight!

Blank - I have no recollection of the book & the controversy at all. I have ordered a second hand copy as I couldn’t resist the illustrations.

Yashmis - Your dog cuddles sound fantastic. I really miss having a dog. Yes, they are avocados. They take a good few months to get going but shoot up when they do. This one is just under a year old. He is named Dan after a friend who had an unfortunate avocado-related injury .

Good morning all. I'm back at work after a lovely weekend of tarot and yoga. Feeling really calm and relaxed and ready to tackle whatever this week brings.

Misty. I love those pictures, especially the circles of women one. When women come together, we can achieve amazing things 💫 I wish all women would realise this, we need to support one another, and build each other up.

Yashmis I loved reading about your canine companion 🐶 Dogs are awesome aren't they? Your walk by the water last night sounds really magical, I think you should go for a dip in that water if you can 😊

Good morning to you all! I have really enjoyed catching up on your posts this morning!
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Misty* my DM can sympathise with Dan's avocado incident!
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Romany* I also found my path through my Grandmother (Nanny) she thought of herself as a "wise woman" rather than a witch but I think that was largely due to my Granda and his mother's disapproval. She taught me many things as a child and as a teen and young adult I actually found a friend who was similar and we helped each other learn. I moved away from it for a number of years after a traumatic incident, just withdrawing completely into myself and then for 5 years in an abusive relationship. After having Dd1 I began to feel the pull again and when I lost twins second trimester it was as though I received comfort and guidance from my late Nanny and found the path again. My mother was quite strongly a non believer until very recently and has now admitted she can see that I have similar gifts to Nanny and look towards it herself (a huge turnaround!)
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Misty* I love those pics and the circles of women is just perfect for this wonderful thread.
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Violet* Glad you had such a lovely day

Afternoon everyone.

Such interesting discussions to catch up on.

"We have the freedom which reality to reside in"

Wise words, Speakout. I believe as a society so much of our 'happiness' is perceived as being determined by external forces. We believe that we will be truly happy when we get this, when we do that, when we lose the weight, when we get the car, when we achieve x, y or z, then life can truly begin.

I think we are trained to think like this from a very early age, in order to participate in a corporate society that requires us to consume, consume, consume. Whilst all the time feeling powerless and unwilling to challenge the status quo.

When we believe happiness can be bought or created for us those bigger and more powerful than us (be those powers political, corporate or religious) we learn to be helpless. We are sold perfectionism and we are sold fear. We have to constantly look outside of ourselves for happiness and validation. We are always searching for the next fix. We learn to be dependent.

Choosing (and it is a choice) to be content with who you are and what you have, here and now, is incredibly subversive.

Zen anarchy.

We should always strive to better ourselves of course, learn more, grow more. But only ever against our own measures.

I've enjoyed reading others thoughts on this. I've been thinking about this a lot recently. How, to a reasonable extent, we are the creators of our own 'happiness', life-'warts' and all (to coin Speakout's turn of phrase!)

I could waffle on for ages on this, so I think I will stop there!

Be brave, be true, be happy sisters.x

*Choosing (and it is a choice) to be content with who you are and what you have, here and now, is incredibly subversive.

Zen anarchy.*

I love it!!

Not part of any conversation really but thought I'd share a picture of my spirit house, same principle as a witches bottle.
I have it by the front door as protection, it attracts spirits to itself rather than them bothering me.
Necessary as I live in a magical part of the country on a national park very close to burial grounds and places of ancient pagan worship.
The bone in there is human bone engraved with magical symbols and a spirit crystal for communication if it's needed. Other items traditionally in there are two red candles and a horn drinking cup.
Similar items can be seen at the museum of witchcraft.

madcatladyforever

That is amazing, I love it, it's a thing of beauty, and a great idea.

Absolutely love that spirit house madcatladyforever

Not much witchy going on here. Lots of paperwork :( but as I'm still stiff from witch yoga last week may not be a bad thing!

I picked a few more flowers for the Blodeuwedd jar and that's about it.

Thank you speakout and Elphame Lots of flowers out already, even the hawthorn is out and it's early this year, usually not until well past may day most years.

The hawthorn isn't even thinking of flowering around here yet but a lot of other things are early. I saw comfrey in flower this afternoon in a sheltered spot. The wild apple trees are also showing the first sign of buds. Luckily my own trees seem less keen - the later they flower the better the crop!

Madcatlady I love the spirit house. I now really want one in my house!

Speakout we were talking about tarot cards the other day. Have you seen the 'Witch's tarot' deck? I've only seen it online, but the imagery is lovely. Quite similar in some ways to the Everyday Witch set, but with a more 'grown up' feel.

Good morning everyone, it's another sunny day here, lots of hawthorne out here too.
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Madcatlady* I love your spirit house, it's an idea I could really appreciate we have had a fair few spirits here most are fine but one was very dark and tried to evict late FIL and really upset Dd1 when she was younger.

Today is going to be reasonably quiet and I think I will reconnect with my runes they have been neglected the last couple of weeks.

It 's a fine spring afternoon, bright and sunny, a little cold wind. My garden is strting to burts forth, and all the trees around, sprin energy is high today.
Just back from the post office having a coffee before deciding what needs to be done next.

VioletCharlotte That looks an interesting deck. lovely illustrations. I'll have a look at that one, thanks.

Speakout those cards are calling me! I'm hoping when I go to Glastonbury next week one of the shops will have them so I can have a proper look. I love the imagery.