Any Witches Here? Part 8.

[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.

Welcome @RockinHippy
Lovely to have you with us ❤️
I'm shattered after an afternoon of lots of walking in the heat. Good day though and nice to spend time with DS.

RockinHippy A warm welcome.

Catagories are not necessary unless it suits upi of course!
I have a tendency to buck rules and structures, so don't see myself in a "catagory" RockinHippy but like you I love to cook and stir love and intent into my food.

Just had a lovely yoga session- alone- on my terrace, surrounded by sunflowers and the smell of wild thyme. Sun salutations as the sun arose, then a breakfast of fresh coffee, yogurt, honey, loal bread and watermelon. Yum.
I hope you are all having a magical weekend.

Morning Speakout what a lovely way to start the day 😊 I can picture you doing your yoga on the terrace in the sunshine 🌞

It's cooler here today, which I'm a bit relieved about to be honest as I've got quite a few jobs to do (getting the car cleaned, food shopping, cleaning, etc). I'm planning some kitchen witching later and batch cooking for the week ahead.

Hope you all have a good day ❤️

Morning, witchy ones. Hope everyone is well and happy, or getting there.
I haven't been getting up to much since our h-u-g-e Solstice ritual, where we had loads of guests and a fab time. It was a lot of work, like a military operation! But we had great people in the circle, who really know their stuff and I was glowing for ages afterwards. Also had the pleasure of one guest from abroad saying that he would remember it for the rest of his days...
Since then, I’ve rested, except for a trip to a deserted beach last weekend, when it was boiling, with a witchy friend, for some sea magic and rejuvenation in the Deep.
As I’ve just found Arsenic and Old Lace on Prime, I think this afternoon will be feet up and iced tea 🍹😋

Good morning everyone

We've almost filled the thread !

I hope everyone is happy and healthy today.

I've a light work load this week but some social stuff that will be lovely but demanding.

What do we think about the retrograde?

The last one had a significant and lasting impact on me ,it was a time of bringing things to an end . I gave away stuff that was dragging me down. I experienced some meaningful synchronicity. A piece of jewellery came back to me against all the odds .
It wasn't all good, I got sick but that wheel is turning too .
With this retrograde I'm starting new meds and getting a blue badge .
I found someone from my long lost family that sent a photo I never dared hope to see.
There is so much I'd love to share but I worry about it being identifying.

I picture these planetary shifts as the turn of a big wheel , clunk , clunk.
Not all bad , not all good but a refresh and a reaffirmation that magic is real if you just look.

I've an urge to bake today , something pretty , I'll stir in some gratitude.

VioletCharlotte I second all the good advice you have here . I find it helpful to picture myself inside a shiny bubble , it can be as big as your house or as small as your pets it will stop you absorbing those vibrations and keep you safe.

Have a good one lovelies

Good morning beautiful sisters,
It’s good to read what you’ve all been up to and to feel your bright energy.

speakout your start to the day yesterday sounds wonderful- befitting of your goddess spirit.

Gigg it’s good to hear how well your solstice celebrations went- what a gift to give to others. Your sea magic and rejuvenation sound divine.

RockinHippy welcome, I’m glad you’ve found us.

Violet I was inspired by the info you shared about the eclipse/new moon energy. I’ve been tuning into and working with the great mother energy described- powerful stuff!

FilledSoda I like your reflections on mercury retrograde. I’ve been working on reframing them in a more productive light; trying to see them as a time when issues bubble to the surface to be dealt with and put to rest once and for all. I think my mindset was previously providing a framework of self perpetuating fear of mercury retrograde!

Last week was a challenging one for me in terms of demands and responsibilities. Still, there are always encouraging and beautiful moments to be had when I take a moment to breathe and tune in to all of Mother Earth’s gifts to us. I’m also now the proud keeper (at last!) of a hagstone!

Wishing everyone a magical start to the week 💫

hello all
hope you had good weekends

alas, mine involved taking mother to A&E....further tests this week.

I still have this great sense of being "stuck" so interesting to hear about the stars and the planets etc....there is another eclipse coming I think and hopefully a shift after that.

must be better at living in the present!

I have complained before on here about where I live - no nature etc. I got lost going to a new place yesterday and ended up on a long detour....concrete, concrete, concrete, more concrete. That probably also links with feeling stuck!

Sorry for the long absence - been a bit manic here. Elderly parents are also claiming my time at the moment. I hope it proves not serious for your's Rosa

Home at the moment - I'm running my first public workshop on Tuesday so I really need to do some prep work for it. Getting a bit apprehensive now. I'm not a natural for being centre of attention.

Elphame thank you

I'm not a natural for that either. If you watch Grey's Anatomy - think "superhero stance" and channel Amelia! Otherwise, one tip I was given - pretend you are someone else, see it as an acting job. I'm sure it will go well for you

Hello everyone and welcome RockinHippy.
I’m feeling the mercury retrograde too and am working on using the energies to cleanse and ‘un-stick’ myself. I am imagining myself leaving old patterns behind when we go direct at the end of the month.

This weekend I spent some time by the river, just where it turns into the estuary - it was hot and muggy but so peaceful. There were a few people swimming with the ducks .
Congratulations on your hagstone Yashmiscrone and good luck with the workshop prep Elphame. And speakout I hope Greece works her magic on you and you enjoy a wonderful refreshing break.

Hello all, I'm trying to put together a little goodie box for my girlfriend, who is Pagan, for Lammas. I'm not a Pagan myself (just a nature lover with no spiritual belief), though I have been a little bit immersed in that world since we've been together. I usually get her a little gift or some flowers on the festivals, but I want to do a box of little things for her to open this time.

I'd really appreciate any ideas for suitable little gifts

I have bought some loose incense, a citrine, and a candle, and will buy a packet of bread mix. I will also draw a card.

Is there anything else that would be nice? Some dried herbs/flowers, perhaps, or some other precious stones that would be fitting? Any ideas appreciated.

Good morning wise sisters, I hope this day finds some blessings for you. Just out buying some things to bring home, olive oil, soap, juniper berries, honey, and a few gifts for others. I love arriving home after a trip, it's wonderful to see my "normal " life with fresh eyes. Always exciting! I am such a home biddy with simple pleasures.

Sniv what you have bought already sounds perfect. Some pagan jewellery perhaps ( although some people like to choose their own- you will know her best). maybe some salt? Ribbon? Items that you know she uses. I am quit a practial person so enjoy receivig useful items.
It's lovely that she has your support.

Morning everyone, enjoying reading the reflections on the Mercury retrograde.

I like what Yashmi said about framing it in a positive light and seeing it as an opportunity to allow problems and niggles to bubble to the surface so they can be dealt with.
Kind of like a detox for the soul. The purging isn't always pleasant but you know it's good for you and you'll feel better afterwards!

Elphame good luck with the workshop.

Sniv what you've got already sounds wonderful, but the best gift is the support and acceptance you are already giving her.

Rosa I too struggle with remembering to live in the present! I find slowing down and be more intentional in even the small everyday things helps. I know it's very much a buzzword now but I find mindfulness really does help, especially a conscious gratitude for the small pleasures in life. Taking the time to really enjoy that cup of tea seems to bring attention to the here and now. Or imagining that you are viewing your life from the outside in, as a witness and seeing the 'ordinariness' of your life with fresh eyes.
And above all, getting rid of the notion that joy and contentment will only be granted to you once you've done x,y and z and instead understanding you deserve, and have a right to, joy and contentment right here, right now! (In between the less fun bits like taking parents to A&E - hope recovery is going well)

Of course all this is often easier said than done!

Speakout it sounds like you've had a wonderful time to recharge in Greece. I hope you have a safe journey home.

Have a great day everyone.x

Meant to say I love those photos Meadowlight, and I really like the idea of using the retrograde to 'cleanse and unstick'. I'm going to try and remember that phrasing.

I try to think of the retrograde period as prepping, I don't know why.

I hope it's all right to share this here... mum has had an urgent call back from the results found in A&E. I have a very distinct feeling of deja vu from when dad turned out to have cancer, and I am actually wanting to act on some of the things I learned in that time.

I got a very distinct sense of deja vu about a month ago, that feeling that I was about to repeat an exercise....

So I am trying to think how to separate myself, protect myself, while also caring for mum. When dad was dying, I couldn't protect myself at all - didn't really understand the concept tbh. I don't want to go through that again. Sharing the misery of suffering is actually not useful to anyone. Does that make any sense?

That makes perfect sense Rosa. You can't look after others properly if you don't look after yourself as well. Hoping you know what's happening soon so you can start to deal with it whatever it proves to be xx

Bit of panic here, mugwort oil infusing ( I forgot to do it last week....) mugwort tea cooling, frankincense and clary sage oils diluted for use, scrying bowls packed, black mirror packed, bronze mirror packed, ordinary mirrors packed, crystal balls packed.

Paper and pens and candles packed ( matches too!)

What else do I need???

Sniv many of us on this path have a huge thirst for knowledge.
I'd be delighted with a book that ties in with my current obsession, there's always a current obsession or two

Elphame I hope your workshop went well- I have been sending thoughts today.

Been sending positive clarity vibes your way too Elphame hope all has gone/is going well.

Love to you Rosa, take care of you as best you can x

It's always such a good feeling to come to this thread after a few hectic days. It feels like an oasis of calm in a crazy world! I'm not sure if it's mercury retrograde stuff, but I've certainly had a 'challenging' few days for various reasons. Nothing major, just a few difficult conversations at work and trying to help DS sort out his plans for September (and resisting the urge to do it all for him!)

Yashmis it's lovely to have you back with us. I'm so pleased you found a hagstone! I know you've wanted one for a while.

Rosa so sorry to hear about your Mum. Please take care of yourself as much as you can. We're all here for you when you need us

Fitz I like the 'cleanse and unstick' idea too. I may have to write that in a post it note and stick it in prominent places to remind myself!

Speakout so pleased you've had a relaxing break. Like you, I'm always happy to come home from a holiday 😊

Sniv your gift ideas sound perfect. What a thoughtful friend you are ❤️

Elphame good luck with the workshop. It sounds exciting!

Thank you Violet it’s good to be back- I agree about the oasis vibe. My solace 😊

I saw these retrograde themed tarot ideas and thought others may be interested. I got some insight about being active and decisive from mine. The other picture made me laugh and think of previous discussions we’ve had

FilledSoda your comment about ‘having a current obsession or two’ made me smile. Rings very true to me!

I came up against some particularly unsavoury misogyny today. Made me furious. Action will be taken

Thank you Yashmis that tarot spread is great. I'm going to use it to help myself focus as I'm feeling rather all over the place at the moment.

The other picture really made me laugh! I need to print it out and stick it over my desk at work 😂

Retrograde at work today for me! I received two emails this morning, which were subsequently recalled because the figures were wrong luckily I hadn’t started unpacking the spreadsheets.

Anyone else here born during Mercury retrograde? I’ve read several articles on how this can impact the way we experience this phase. There’s some basic info here and here. I can’t vouch for the sources I’m afraid - some mixed but interesting views. And thank you for the very timely tarot spreads Violet.

I can’t wait to hear how your workshop went Elphame

Oh that’s fascinating Meadow! Turns out I was too
With my sun in Gemini and mercury in Gemini I’m really interested to research the impact of this. That’s tonight’s wormhole sorted! Thank you 🙏

Back again to leave this gorgeous evening sky on the thread - complete with half moon