Any Witches Here? Part 9.

[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.

Thank you speakout, everything you've said has been spot on.

YashmisCrone
"I think the more we focus on something being ‘off’ or out of kilter the more we feed it that energy, build it’s momentum" .

Very true, I think this is defo part of the problem. I'm think I am overthinking it, and the more I worry, the worse it likely gets.

"I think guilt and shame can be particularly sticky emotions that cause us blocks and hold us back."

I think I've maybe underestimated how much my guilt (and shame) are affecting me atm, maybe therapy or counselling wouldn't be a bad idea after all.

Shadow work sounds interesting.

As for my throat chakra (I always think of it as my neck for some reason ), I normally use a guided meditation video on youtube. Everything goes well, until I get up to my throat, then my mind seems to start to really unfocus, and it takes me ages to get back in the zone again, so to speak, and I usually just move on to the third eye at that point. It was starting to frustrate me, so I haven't tried it for a while, but I'll do some more research into that specific chakra, and try rebalancing daily.

PriestessModwena I'd say leave karma to do it's thing, I wish I had!

BlankTimes It couldn't hurt to give the cut the cords meditation a try, will maybe have a go at that tonight.

Thank you to all who gave me advice or suggestions

Sorry I typed my last post out earlier, but didn't get a chance to post until now, have caught up with the thread again.

VioletCharlotte
"Do you feel like you're holding things in and unable to say what you really feel?"

Yes, all the time. I live in N.I, in a loyalist area, and come from a loyalist family, and often feel like I can't say what I really think. July is the hardest month of the year for me, I have to bite my tongue so much. Actually, if I did say what I really think in public, there would be a good chance I'd end up with a brick through my living room window, or evicted from my home by local paramilitaries. I'm so used to keeping things to myself now, it's second nature, although clearly not healthy? I'll give sound healinga try, though I do sing (and talk) to myself quite a lot anyways, and yoga is on my list of things to start doing again.

Elphame
I think you're right, it is time to forgive myself, though that's easier said than done. I'm going to read up on the original Eastern version of Karma, any good links? I've read about it before, but it was a long time ago, and I can't remember much.

YashmisCrone, will reply separately to your post when I get home again.

Thank you so much , you all truly are wise women!

Hello wise women, I've been quiet as my life has been very busy and chaotic. Things have worked out for me as I found a strength from within, I can thank you all for being a part of that.

I had a lovely walk through my local park this evening, and got to see how beautiful the moon looked. I saw a heron and lots of the wild cows that live in the park. I feel at peace now.

I hope to be joining in the chats here and learning from you all once again.

I'm attaching a picture of the cows in the park, as the photo (no filter) shows lots of Mother Nature and her many guises.

Sorry pressed send too soon. Attaching the photos.

Thanks blank for the ideas, I brought some oils and crystals that spoke to me, and a pentacle altar cloth and made a little space on the dining table.
It's radiating a lovely energy and the garden here is beautiful and I've had lovely cuddles with elderly dog so I'm feeling quite good.
While looking over my crystals to see which I was drawn to bring I was drawn to one but it didn't feel like it was the same as the others. I realised after setting my mini altar space up here that it's because I needed to give it to a friend at work who has been having a tough time. We went for drinks after work and I gave it to her and it felt right and she was thrilled I had thought of her. Sometimes little gestures hold a lot of magick in them.

YashmisCrone
"Not least to deal with what you are feeling/experiencing in the ‘real world’."

I feel a lot better "in the real world" than I have for a long time, there's not much more I can do when it comes to the stalker type bloke, than I already have. I was friends with him about ten years ago (before I met my ex), and secretly really faniced him when I was a teenager, but he was like a different guy back then. It took ten years for him to show his true colours (when I was single again, and we went on a few disastrous dates).

As for my ex, the funny thing is, I never let him make me think any of what happened was my fault, it was clear to me his attitude and behaviour were the issue, not anything I did (or didn't do). I always knew it was his fault. But I wasn't blaming him then, I was blaming his "disease", or his mental health.
The majority of the abuse would happen when he was craving drink but couldn't get it, was drunk, or hungover. He tried very hard to stop drinking, many times, with and without professional help. I'd class him as a functional alcoholic now, though he's been extremely depressed in the past, to the point he tried to commit suicide various times, which I now know is a tactic abusive men can use like a weapon. Mumsnet has been an excellent resource for me, in identifying red flags etc (not that I'm planning to be serious with anyone again, for a long long time).

I was hopeful for ages that he could beat his addiction(s?), and issues, and that things could finally be normal then. I think now, in hindsight, that he's also addicted to cocaine, and was using it quite heavily back then too. I really loved him, when he's sober/not craving alcohol or drugs, we click together so well, and he's the easiest person to be around.

He assaulted me one last time, not long after I finally gave up on him, and threw him out. It was around this time that I cursed him. I realised it would never stop unless I took him to court, which I did. Court was hell, and he got off scott free in the end (partly because of a series of unfortunate events, that mean I now have a caution for assault against him on my record).

I don't think I see myself as a baddie, more that two wrongs don't make a right? And I do feel like I lowered myself to his level (he has form for holding grudges, some for decades), when I usually aim to be the bigger person and rise above. I had support from women's aid, around the time of the trial, which was great, and have tried to spend the last two years healing and making a life for ds and I, without him.

My tarot cards have been a great source of comfort during this time, (and meditation until recently), obviously becoming a single mum, basically overnight, was hectic and stressful, but we soon got into a good routine.

More in keeping with the thread, here are some pics from our trip last week to the giants causeway. Ds wasn't overly impressed (though it was his idea to go), but I loved it, I felt so reinvigorated. I love being near water too, am lucky to have a lake and river a ten minute walk away.

My sis and I also visited a local forest, 400 feet up a big hill, which is amazing, especially the big river coming down from the top, and the mini waterfalls leading from it. I spotted a gorgeous fat, fluffy fox in one of the grassy bits. I can't wait to go back, a friend and I used to go every Sunday, which I miss, I'll get some pics next time.

Good morning everyone, a bright crisp morning here.just having my ritual coffee in bed before I start a busy day. I hope i stays fair, DD is going to see Lewis Capaldi at an outdoor concert today.
I will try to get my work done quickly this morning, I have a flower bed that is in need of some tlc, this heavy rain has played havoc, it is looking a bit scraggy, a lot of plants have been broken by the force of the storms.
I could also do with a visit to flying tiger to pick up some witch supplies, may have time later in the week.

I may treat myself to some new essential oils too, I tend to stick with my old favourites, but may try a few new ones- for my morning spa showers!

Have a magical dau everyone.

@AravisQueenOfArchenland I'm going to share something with you that I hope helps.

I had Hypnotherapy for some issues, and part of this process was that my subconscious brought up events from my past that were causing blocks in my present. I connected with my self at that moment in time and I forgave myself for the decisions and actions that I made that had a forward impact.
I did what I needed to do at the time, I reacted to a set of circumstances in the way I needed to, to survive.

What you did, you did out of instinct and influenced by strong external pressures. And the you now, in the present, can recognise that it maybe wasn't the right action.
Forgive the woman/girl you were when you did this thing. If you can do this via visualisation then when you forgive yourself you should embrace the younger version of you and hug her tight and absorb her into you and tell her everything is going to be OK.
I actually get a very strong sense that your ex is suffering because his energy is being reflected back onto him.

It is glorious sunshine here but a very definite autumnal energy in the wind. I put up a new washing line yesterday and so some laundry magic is on the cards today.

I can't remember who asked what water sport I might take up - but a friend teaches Stand Up Paddle boarding so I'm intrigued by that. Mainly because it involves not actually being IN the water but falling in is a risk and so being terrified of the water he hasn't been able to persuade me out yet!

Good morning,

I am enjoying the soft rain and cooler air before cracking on with work. A gentler sensation than our recent wild weather which feels comforting somehow.

AravisQueenOfArchenland I’m glad to hear that what I wrote largely isn’t relevant to your situation that you have had some support and are healing. Still, I maintain what I said about going easy on yourself about things you did in response to the situation. I do think that whatever the motive, it would be a natural response to be angry and to seek to regain your power. If you see it this way perhaps you can let go of some guilt around the act itself.

Violet Lovely to read about your yoga practice and the magic of the sunset. I’ve been really enjoying the bright moon in the clear sky these last couple of nights and agree her energy feels very healing.

Salem it’s so good to hear of your strength through hectic times, your energy feels grounded and sure. Thank you and AravisQueenOfArchenland for the pictures, it always lifts my heart to see them. Herons are magical creatures aren’t they and how wonderful to have a park with cows in it!

Gin Brilliant job at shifting that energy, pleased you are feeling calm there. I agree that stones will ‘tell’ us when they want to be gifted to someone else. What a lovely thing to do for your friend.

speakout I think that EO supplier is going to do well from our gathering! I placed an order yesterday and am looking forward to trying out some different blends too.

queenrollo That sounds like an exciting new pursuit! I love how drawn to it you are despite the fear. Very empowering.

Love to all x

Good morning. It's bright and sunny here today, the wind has dropped and there's still a gentle breeze. I'm working from home today, so used the time I saved on commuting to do a morning yoga workout to set myself up for the day ahead.

Salem I was just thinking about you the other day. Lovely to hear from you, and so pleased everything's going well.

Queenrollo paddle boarding seems to be very popular at the moment, quite a few people I know waiting the yoga community seem to be taking it up. Do let us know how you get on. I think you're very brave to try it, especially when you're not keen on water.

Aravis thank you for sharing the pictures, your trip sounds fantastic. I've never been to Northern Ireland, but it's on my list! I've been thinking about your situation and feel that being able to forgive will help you to let go and move on. You've had some great advice from Queenrollo about forgiving yourself, which is so important. I also feel it would help you to if you could forgive your ex for what he did to you. This was said to me years ago by someone about my ex, at the time I thought it wasn't possible (and why should I forgive him??), however it stuck with me, and over the years I've realised that holding on to resentment and anger just eats you up inside. I've also learned that behind every abuser and bully is a little lost child who has probably experienced abuse and neglect themselves (either in this life or a past life). Understanding this makes it easier to forgive them for what they've done. You don't need to say this to them, just put it out to the universe. Then let them go. It won't work overnight, but if you can set your intention and keep repeating it, over time you will see a shift.

Love to you all ❤️

Morning all - that was a wet night. No chance at all of seeing the meteor shower.

it's sunny at the moment but I'm not confident it will last long.

Morning all, thank you for your very kind welcome.

The geese I'm seeing and hearing are apparently Barnacle Geese, they fly over every year in August. I'm going to start a notebook with my nature observations in, I know that after a few weeks of doing this I'll feel much more connected again.

I need to prioritise getting the house sorted out, so I'll probably resurface just after Yule! I know it's a very individual thing but my space needs to be uncluttered for me to work well.
I sent DH up to the loft to get my deck and did as PrincessModwena suggested. I used to find sleeping with it tucked under my pillow was helpful too if I ever felt disconnected from it so will try that this evening.

I can't find any of my old notebooks. I thought they'd be with my tarot deck but they weren't. I moved house several times in a short period about a decade ago and seemed to lose a lot of important things during that time.
I've lived in my current house previously, and moved back into it two years ago. I just have never completely settled or made it home, perhaps because of my rather nomadic existence in the years before moving back here.

@YashmisCrone your salt bath sounds divine! Do you use essential oils? The poem on grace is just gorgeous. As is your last post.

@BlankTimes thanks for the link to the chi-ball how-to - I've never heard of this before.

@HearthCrone A house cleanse sounds like an excellent start, I'm much the same as you and can't work/focus/live properly if my space is cluttered. As does re-familiarising yourself with a previously enjoyed book on the topic, and digging your tarot cards out of the loft (or sending DH up for them ).

@VioletCharlotte thanks for the tip about visualising pink light. I'm glad you had a lovely time with your DS on his birthday, that sounds like a lovely way to mark the occasion. I also noticed ripening berries on a recent dog walk - autumn is definitely on its way.

@Elphame your produce loot sounds incredible!

@AravisQueenOfArchenland I did a chakra meditation yesterday that mentioned the throat chakra is also responsible for our expression and ability to speak our truth. In light of your experiences, could that be something you could work on? Perhaps journaling through what you've been through and how it's impacted you could help? Or as I mentioned earlier in the thread, perhaps speaking with a therapist who will provide you with a safe space to help process this complex topic?

@speakout coffee in bed sounds like a wonderful start to the day. Ooo please do tell me about your morning spa showers - how do you use your essential oils in the?!

@queenrollo I asked about your watersports - and I really would urge you to give SUP a go. It's such good fun. Plus if you've got good balance, there's a good chance you might avoid the water .

The weather here is gloomy today, grey skies and and and off showers. I feel similarly melancholy too. My energy feels really off at the moment (which may be as much to do with my being pregnant as anything else) and I just feel so at the mercy and whims of my mind. I keep trying to stay grounded, but it all feels very difficult.

Good afternoon everyone, here's some Archaeology news of interest.

Pompeii, a "Sorceror's Trunk"
www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-7349669/Archaeologists-discover-mysterious-sorcerers-treasure-trove-trunk-Pompeii.html
Some great photos of the finds - also some not so great photos of the remains of people and a dog.

Salem lovely to see you!

Gin always glad to help

Elphame I kept popping outside until 2am, (no light pollution here) it was only clear enough to see the most common constellations, not a Perseid in sight. Really chilly as well!

@purplefig it's always good to find something new. We've discussed a lot about energy-work in previous threads.

Today is a plum and ginger chutney day.... well a greengage and ginger chutney day.

@BlankTimes - a fascinating collection indeed. I'd love to be able to spend some time playing with them. We did a bit of ad hoc divination last week at the Bristol moot with items people had either picked up on their way to the pub or happened to have in their pockets. That was great fun.

BlankTimes what am amazing hoard! Like *Elphame " I would love an afternoon just examining them and holding them in my hands. What tales to tell in that haul.

Elphame I love the sound of your chutney, I love greengages- I see them a lot in local shops around here- I don't grow them unfortunately.
I am having a quiet afternoon making a batch of talismen- I love working with pliers!!

DH bought me back a present, I'm thinking of making it an altar like thing, already have a mini altar, this could be for the most important things, like crystals etc.

I love foraging the only problem is, say on the beach I really love everything. I have a bit of wood from near Glastonbury Tor as it's been near the Tor.

That's lovely Modwena, wood is such a lovely material.

A relaxing evening here, just about to light a candle a 8pm to raise the goddess. She has been the air under my wings lately .
I hpope everyone is have a peaceful evening.

I'm sitting in my mums garden listening to a nearby stream with some incense burning. A few years ago I gifted my parents a Green Man to hang in the garden, it has a lovely spot and the garden is always glorious, especially the incredibly generous apple tree that is, once again, laden down with fruit. It's normally very loud and hectic when my parents and sister are home, but it's lovely and peaceful with just me and the dog.

Modwena, I love that piece of wood, and I would also use it for crystals.

I'm having a relaxed evening here too. I lit a candle at 8pm to help raise the divine feminine energy, and used my Neals Yard 'women's balance' blend in my diffuser.

Hope you all enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.

Hello all,

I've not managed to RTWT yet but I wanted to connect with you.

I'm not a witch (yet!) but ever since I was a girl, I've felt this strong compulsion towards witchcraft and the elements. I grew up near a woodland and the smell of the leaves seemed to evoke such a strong connection to nature. I would feel like I had lived that life before, a life of wisdom, harmony and magic. I loved Halloween but again because of the change of the season and that undercurrent of the ancient world and folklore. When I was a teenager I would go to a witchcraft bookshop and just be in awe of all the information contained in those books, and the cards, candles, scents etc. I remember also getting a few books out the the library and attempting to perform some rituals and spells at home.

Anyway! For whatever reason, I never really pursued the path. I think I felt a bit clueless trying to navigate it on my own. Fast forward and I'm now a single parent of an autistic DS so very little time to dedicate to a spiritual journey or practise. However - every year since I was young, at this point in the summer, just as it starts to wind down towards the autumn, I always get this tug towards magic, a proper yearning to connect to nature and ancient wisdom. So once again, I have got some books out of the library and this evening I performed a very simple ritual from one of the books, focusing on opening my inner vision. It felt very calming and grounding and I really reconnected to that sense of harmony that I felt when I was younger.

I'm going to continue reading the thread now

Sitting here with a calming tea and finding catching up with the day’s posts so soothing. My mind was buzzing with work when I came here- a heavy week. I just noticed myself exhaling and letting it go for tonight. I feel blessed to have found such a kindred tribe here 🙏

Loving the 8pm energy and your picture is so calming Violet. I love Neal’s yard stuff, I bet that smells divine.

Welcome BesselVanDerKolk, it’s lovely to have you join us and to hear of you reconnecting with the magic that’s always been a part of you. Many of us here also seem to find autumn a particularly magical time. You’re in like minded company!

Wow BlankTimes that hoard is really quite something 😲 another one here who would love to spend some time exploring and handling it.

Lovely piece of wood Modwena, I can see it as a mini altar, perfect for stones and other treasures.

Elphame, I’m not sure if I’ve had greengages, are they like plums? Is the Bristol moot an open thing or a closed group?

Gin I’m loving hearing about your peaceful moments in the garden, you really do seem to have turned the energy around. I like to burn incense outside in the summer evenings, feels exotic to me!

purple I do use essential oils- blended with sea or pink salt, Epsom salts, sometimes baking soda too. I crave salt water- should have been a mermaid! 🌊 🧜‍♀️

I used this recipe in terms of the salts the other night with my intuition to find the oils I needed. I am quite hormonal atm and am finding aromatherapy helpful. Maybe it’s something that might help you too? I know you have to be more careful about what you use in pregnancy. There’s some I found here but I know it’s always best to check out what’s safe for you.

speakout you are so creative. I really enjoy hearing about the things you make. The talismans sound interesting- I love it that you love working with pliers!

HearthCrone those sound like great plans for guiding yourself back to the path you’d like to walk; home to your roots.

Oh, the other picture is my first borage flower which brought me joy this morning!

I hope everyone has had a restful evening 💫

Pictures don’t seem to have attached!