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.

Does anybody here Bullet Journal? I really do need to get more organised but at the moment I'm somewhat overwhelmed. All the FB groups seem more focussed on making the pages as fancy as possible. I've never been into the scrapbooking thing so this leaves me cold but I can't see the wood for the trees at the moment.

I've also been asked to do a talk at a local moot - I can't do it until next year so plenty of time to prepare but I'd be much happier talking about pension planning. I also said yes before I realised that a certain eminent Prof will almost certainly be in the audience so now I'm really nervous. Calming energy please!

Elphame I will light a lavender candle for you.

Hold your energy.

Do you need a bullet journal? Would it work for you? I know some people find them useful, but to me it would be one more thing to do and add to my burden. I have a very busy life. Family needs, full time business, caring for others.

For me I prefer to focus on clearing space within my mind, to calm and collect. I don't keep planners or things to do. An plan I would have is always subject to change at a moments notice anyway because of family demands. When I am relaxed I feel organised and my memory improves.
I have known several eminent professors in m past working life. Most of them have biro stained shirt pockets and odd socks. I remember one eminent internationally acclaimed geneticist at a conference who had the top of a wire coathanger poking up out of the back of the collar of his jacket. He was like that the whole day.
He had put on his jacket not realising that there was a coathanger inside.
These guys may be adept in one area, but the are just as lacking as anyone in other departments.
You are powerful.
We all appreciate what you do, and know our strength. X

Elphame, I will try to send the right energy your way!

Since I joined this thread, I have noticed that around a Full Moon, I feel very down and tired.

Thank you for the “city” links. I’m going to rethink my flat a bit and join the 8pm candle connection. I really hate urban living tbh, I’m very aware of local history and I must be honest and say it’s gone past the point that it helps me in any way.

However, part of the reality check I’ve had today is that this might be a longer term thing than I thought. When mum is gone, I don’t want to be far from my support network then either and the thought of starting afresh somewhere is tempting, but not sure if I can really do it. So I’m going to have to find something to cling to, in the urban jungle, and change my mindset somehow.

May I ask where people stand on the “stealing from nature” thing? I don’t know if it’s a very London mentality because we have so little nature, but most us I know who grew up here feel that it’s not right to pick up a fallen apple, or acorn etc because the earth needs it.

Some countryside friends suggested to do pressed flower displays which I could have in the wall, but taking flowers from anywhere seems completely wrong. Perhaps if you live in a place where they are abundant, it’s different.

@Elphame I do bullet journaling, sometimes it's a simple list that I can just tick off. On days when I'm practising being mindful I might do a bit of drawing (badly) and colour the pages in. Don't be intimidated by the ones that people put on the internet, they have put it in for attention where as I think bullet journaling should be some tigon here private and personal, like a diary.

I also do a lot of talks and presentations. I have a persona that does these talks - it's not the real me as I'm quite shy and introverted. Give yourself a bit of a diva aurora, believe in yourself and basically fake it until you make it. I'm happy to give you more tips and chat through things. You can do it, we all believe in you.

Yes - I'm not sure bullet journaling will work but at the moment I have multiple notebooks for multiple things and it would be a lot easier to have a organised "witchy" system. I'm sort of doing it already but because nothing is indexed I have trouble in finding the notes I took on (say) Wiccan directions 3 years ago. I do need some sort of organisation!

Thank you for the lavender energy. It will go well with the glass of wine I'm drinking whilst wondering why on earth I said yes!

Rosa I understand what you mean about stealing from nature. I live in the countryside so wild crafted herbs etc are commonplace around here. I only take what I need and make sure that I gather from a large area to leave plenty for the wildlife - they need it much more than I do.

I will make some recompense by leaving food out for the birds in the winter. I also grow many of our British natives in my own garden to provide a habitat for the insects etc that our life depends upon. Do you have any outside space you can use? Even surreptitiously? A friend of mine grows a few things in the decorative planters in the foyer of the block of council flats she lives in!

Thanks @SalemSpellman - that is very kind of you. I generally talk on pensions and investment planning - this will be the first time on witchcraft and it'll be to a very knowledgable audience too which is the scary bit. I'm going to have to be spot on with my historical references so I've got a load of homework to do

Does anyone know or could recommend someone to do a hand fasting blessing in the Lake District?

We are visiting the Lake District in November for our anniversary and would like to continue the tradition of a hand fasting for each anniversary and a day

@Elphame I would say start the talk by saying that witchcraft is an ancient craft, with many interpretations and that you have tried to find reliable sources, however you appreciate that others may be aware of other customs and rituals. This is the beauty of witchcraft, the sharing of new ways and learning from others. Say you will share what you have learnt but are willing to be taught by those in your audience.

Prepare yourself a best as possible, and if people disagree or question you at the end, it's because they have listened! You will be amongst like minded folk.

Let us know when it is a we will muster up a supportive energy for you here.

Elphame I've been using a new list making technique recently you might like to try. I'm a prolific writer of 'to do' lists at home and work. What normally happens is I just keep adding to them and they get longer and longer, and I tackle the 'quick wins' and the big stuff never gets done. With this new technique, you can never have more than 3 things on your list at anyone time, the argument being that your brain can't cope with that. Everything else sits in 'pending'. Once a task is complete, you can then move the next thing on to the list. It's worked quite well for me this week at work.

Congratulations on being asked to do the talk, I'm sure you'll be brilliant. Public speaking used to make me really nervous, but practising platform mediumship has given me a lot more confidence. I'm sending positivity and calm your way 💫

It's a wild and windy night here. I've just got home from and it's a relief to be indoors. Listening to the wind and rain from the comfort of my bedroom is much more favourable than driving in it.

It's interesting to hear how the full moon effects differing people and how some feel there energy levels are low. I'm the opposite, my energy is at its highest during the full moon, to the point it can be a bit overwhelming and effect my sleep. This full moon feels quite calming though. I'm enjoying her energy, even though she's hidden behind the clouds and the rain.

Hope you all enjoy a peaceful night 🙏

The urban witch article has been very helpful.
I’ve been living in an urban environment for the last 3 years and have been struggling with the feeling of needing to be back with nature.
All my life I lived rurally and felt rested and calm and I’m finally starting to get those feelings back and recognise how and when I need to

Good morning magical friends. Just been shopping with OH, I love not having to drive, bought candles from Ikea, herbs from Flying Tiger and stocking up on general bulky groceries.

It is a sunny windy day here, my rotary drier is spinning widdershins!
I would love to have old fashioned poles and a rope, but would be a big job involving cement etc to erect them- and there are other jobs ( as always) that must take priority. My adjoining neighbour is taking away a hedge and replacing it with a fence. I don't like to see stuff being uprooted generally, but it is mostly privet and doesn't provide a great habitat for living creatures.
I will plant a new border- I have already taken a few cuttings of plants from the wood, hawthorn etc which are taking root on my kitchen windowledge.

I didn't have any hormone rooting powder which I would generally add to the water to encourage root growth, but I popped in a teaspoon of sugar instead and I see roots are beginning to form after only a few days. So all good!!

Time for incense soon, have a magical day everyone.

My rotary dryer too speakout! I’d also love a line with poles, when I lived in the city I coveted the scaffolding poles and pulley systems of my neighbours in the Victorian terrace!

How exciting to plan a new border. I love growing things- until recently I thought I didn’t have ‘green fingers’ but have realised that some things still grow for haphazard gardeners/kitchen windowsill growers! I saw something about using honey and a potato to root things.

Elphame congratulations on being asked to do that talk. You do have such clarity and an ability to convey ideas so we can all understand them. You’re a gift to us here and I imagine that’s why you’ve been asked to give the talk too. You’ll shine your own unique light, just as fascinating as prof Hutton, just different, equally as valid. I’m no help at all for getting organised I’m afraid- I’m the same as you describe with notes etc.

Woodlandwitch It’s interesting to hear your experiences of relating to different environments and recognising your own needs, it’s so worthwhile to tune into them isn’t it. To me peace of mind is the reward for taking the time to do this. Priceless! Lovely to hear of your hand fasting plans. I don’t know anyone who can do that I’m afraid, I wonder if the pagan federation would put you in touch with someone?

Thank you for the idea about lists Violet I’m so used to my work lists being never ending that I think my brain has given up on the idea of actually ever getting it all done!

BlankTimes yes, better not use those glamours if you need legal advice! Really interesting thoughts about ancient places in cities. The one I work in and lived in for years was bombed heavily in the war but there are still treasures to be found. Every time you post a link from that megalithic site I fall down another wormhole!

Rosa I agree about finding ways to make peace with where you live. I wasn’t happy here for a while when I moved, had decided I ‘didn’t fit’ so I had to make a conscious effort to connect- makes for a happier existence. I do understand about feeling disconnected and at odds with the environment but it sounds like you have valuable human connection which counts for a lot doesn’t it.

bee so pleased you’re joining in the 8s connection. I love the feeling of us raising this energy together.

Salem really good to hear that your spacesuit helped you through. I hope you have a lovely holiday.

Wishing everyone a magical day 💫

Good evening sisters. Today's been so busy, I'm looking forward to relaxing by the aga for a while. I've been at a spiritual fayre for most of the day, which has been lovely, but very busy. Have any of you tried encaustic art? There was a lady doing readings from peoples pictures at the fayre, and she let me play. I'm not especially arty, but really enjoyed it. I've been feeling lately that I'm missing some sort of creative hobby, so kay have to investigate further!

Yashmis and Speakout I've got a long washing line, I do prefer it to a rotary and like to watch the washing blowing in the wind. I'd love one of the high ones, I remember my Nan having one.

Salem hope you have a lovely and well deserved holiday. Forest is beautiful.

I was a little late but I'm joining in the 8pm connection with candles and essential oil burning. I can feel all your beautiful energy 💫

Good morning,

Violet I had to look up what encaustic art was! Sounds like fun. I don’t see myself as particularly gifted in an arty kind of way but have discovered the joy of doing it anyway! Lovely to hear you had a good day and to feel your beautiful energy connecting last night.

I hope everyone is well today. I’m having a self care Sunday with the aim of feeling more energised.

We had rain in the night but the sky is blue again. My late planted sunflowers are growing tall and I need to get some more compost to repot my citrus saplings currently crowded on the kitchen windowsill.

I hope everyone has the opportunity to spend some time attending to their own needs today.

Love to all x

Good afternoon.

A blustery day here, been to the gym this morning and working at a slow pace. I had to look up what encaustic art was too- it looks very interesting.
Finding joy in art or craft is all that matters. Being creative for oneself is a really important reason, it doesn't need to be even seen by others!
A calm house here, DD exhausted in bed after arriving back laste last night after her dance course.
OH cooking, DM reading her bible, DS chatting to friends online.

Outside is whipping up a storm though. I was going to take a quick trip to the forest but the rain is lashing down.
Maybe is there is a break I will nip out.
Meanwhile I will continue to hold positive energy and pass along to anyone who needs it.

Have a lovely day everyone.

Hello everyone - taking a bit of a chill day today ( well other than a shed load of paperwork and admin for the holiday let!. It can be quiet for weeks and then it all comes at once).

Yesterday I harvested my belladonna which was stressful enough. Elfdog really does like to help me and this is one plant that I really didn't want him helping with!

Hello all.

Everyone is sounding very productive, I do enjoy reading what you've all been up too.

I've been to a local Pagan Pride event today, got to sit in the grass listening to some live music, something I love to do. People-watching and trinket-hunting too.

An Autumnal wind is blowing here now. But it's very uplifting.
It really is the time of year for creating and gathering and clearing and preparing and harvesting. A folk memory perhaps from a time when preparations for the darker, colder days ahead would have been a genuine preoccupation.

Blessings.x

Good evening all,
Does anyone here use or do anything with fairy stones?
I found one a little while back and always get drawn to it but it’s a bit small to do much with.

Plenty you can do with that @Woodlandwitch

I wear one on a chain around my wrist as a personal amulet. I have another on a piece of red thread hanging from my rear view mirror in the car to protect my car.

I have others stationed above the front and back doors.

And that's before using them for spellwork!

Good evening

It's certainly starting to feel more autumnal isn't it? It's been a funny day here, torrential rain one minute, brilliant sunshine the next. August does seem to be a particularly wet month. Like you Fitz I'm finding it uplifting. I made a roast dinner tonight for the first time in ages, and my thought are starting to turn to crumbles and homemade soup!

Woodlandwitch that's a pretty stone. I think I'd thread a leather cord through it and wear it round my neck.

Yashmis I hope you enjoyed your self care Sunday. It sounds like you've been very busy recently, so sure it was much needed. I'm so pleased you've found some time to look after yourself.

The encaustic art looks interesting doesn't it? I enjoyed the freedom of just being able to do my own thing with it, I feel like it's something I could quite easily get lost in.

Violet yes to roast dinners and crumbles, exactly where my mind is at!

Woodland agree it's a lovely hagstone. Once it's got a cord threaded through it you can hang it wherever you feel you'd like to - by a doorway, over a picture frame, as a key ring or necklace or maybe in a window where the sun will shine through it. I think they are often associated with having protective qualities.

I have one hagstone hanging above the back door,one on my pc desk,one beside my bed and the rest on the shelf behind me. All used for protection.

@FitzsFool - I was there too! Tired now after a lovely day - went to a hammock gong bath.

Good morning.

What a pretty hagstone Woodlandwitch

I'm up early for a yoga class, such a deep sleep last night, I could have slept for longer, but want to attend the class, it's such a good start to the day for me. I managed to get through a mountain of work this weekend so I am fairly up to date for once- Monday often sees me snowed under.
Gives me time to get the house in order today and put something in the slow cooker for dinner.

It's lovely to hear everyone excited about autumn. I love all seasons, but autumn has to be my favourite, it is exciting to see the days shorten already.

Have a magical day everyone.

Hi everyone

Having a lot of trouble with the internet which has affected my sky tv. I think my stalker has something to with it because he is an IT expert and can hack into stuff. Any ideas how I can get him to stop this?