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.

Good morning everyone.
I am smiling about FOBI, that is me for sure!! I am currently trying to dodge well meaning people who know that OH and DS are away on holiday atm. They are trying to get me to "do lunch" and other activities to "take my mind " off that fact that I may be at a "loose end".
I know they mean well, and I am touched that they think of me, but I am making the most of every moment- including lots of sleeping!

I am not usually one for relying on dream interpretation, but last night my dreams were so profound that they literally shook me to the core.
I dreamed of earthquakes, lots of big ones, deep in the earth, at my home, all around where I live, I could feel the ground shake. I am quick to dismiss dreams usually but this one feel significant.
I am looking for change right now in my patterns, so I hope this is a sign that things may happen.

I'm about to start a pottering sort of day, making soup, lighting candles, some light housework, ordering some stock, visit a charity shop burn incense, play some uplifting music.

I hope everyone finds some magic in their day.

Good afternoon,

Your day sounds like my idea of a perfect one speakout. I smiled reading about the well meaning people making suggestions for the ‘loose end’ they perceive you to be at. This used to happen to me in the past when DS was with his dad and my partner was working. I was also touched that people thought of me but could not wait to revel in the glorious solitude these times gifted me! Bliss.

That does sound like a profound dream. I’d also see it as a shake up and huge shift. It being linked to the earth, I’d relate it to mother energy but I know dreams are very personal things and we all have our own unique set of symbols and correspondences.

I woke this morning thinking about a book theorising about ‘life purpose’ using numerology.

biblio.co.uk/book/life-you-were-born-live-guide/d/1251111178

I must have had it 25 years.. interesting to revisit now. For me it was interesting to note how much more relaxed I am in myself now. Holding the book transported me to the place I was in when I first bought it.

The life lessons are still relevant (we’re never ‘done’ are we) but I’ve certainly done a lot of work on myself and am happier in my own skin. Looking at this short summary I noted how I’ve moved away from the ‘people pleasing’ of the past and how freeing that is.

I thanked my past self for taking an interest in personal/spiritual development, credited her with guiding me to a path that I find so enriching.

I never take the direction given by books like this as absolute truth yet am endlessly fascinated to explore different theories, using them to frame my experiences and deepen understanding where they resonate.

I saw this article about a ‘wishing tree’ that has collapsed under the pressure of inappropriate human ‘wishes’ I was reminded of Elphame removing the synthetic ribbon from the tree she saw on her walk a while back. It struck me that with all the trends towards being more spiritual we seem to have lost the element of respect for nature that was once the core factor. Very sad.

m.independent.ie/irish-news/wishing-tree-falls-under-the-weight-of-visitors-relics-38312824.html?

I’m looking forward to the next new moon, I have some work I’d like to do alongside the energy of the next moon cycle and absolutely love the preparation phase before the new moon. The building of energy and gathering what I’ll need in preparation for the work is always exciting for me.

I loved this picture and quote from Oscar Wilde, a lovely reminder to relish each moment as it is. I’ve found learning how us humans are prone to ‘deferred living’ (I will be happy when I have the house/relationship/loose the weight etc) really interesting. IMO patriarchal religion reinforces this (I will be rewarded in the afterlife) and the popularisation of mindfulness practices indicates that the tide is turning. I’m reminded of speakout’s elephant analogy. To strive for ‘perfection’ is to miss the beautiful diversity that is actually our life.

The other quote made me think of the powerful divine feminine energy we’re raising.

So many interesting ideas to explore! Better get on with the mundane tasks that await- infused with magic of course!

Hope everyone has a magical day 💫

FOBI made me laugh too - I can so relate!

Back home after a few days in North Wales. Really wasn't ready to come home but I have a couple of commitments this week ( and the cottage is now full of guests until September so I have no choice!).

I feel at the moment my goddess is busy with me - the flower jar was at her instigation and there are 9 specific flowers that I need to include. I was absolutely convinced I'd missed my opportunity to get Sweet Chestnut flowers, most trees seem to flower early. I was quite knocked sideways to arrive at the cottage and see the chestnut in full bloom!

Now all I need is a bean flower and I'm done with the essentials. The trouble is I'm not actually growing beans this year...

Elphame is a sweet pea acceptable? I have a glorious one which is utterly magical, I call it the giant beanstalk - it’s lasted years and never died back during winter! If there was a way for me to send you a cutting I’d be very happy to.. (if it didn’t ‘feel’ right on arrival you could use it for something else ). Sweet peas are legumes, aren’t they..

Good morning ❤️

I'm catching up on all the posts over a coffee. I didn't wake up until 9 this morning, which is so unusual for me. I'm feeling refreshed for it, I've had a busy couple of weeks and was feeling quite drained yesterday.

Yashmis I read your sad story about the 'wishing tree' that collapsed under the weight of everybody's wishes. So sad that people don't consider the consequences of their actions. It also made me think about how we all need to be mindful when supporting others, not to take on too much. Otherwise we're in danger of collapsing like the tree.

Speakout I hope you're making the most of some time to yourself. I'm craving this myself at the moment. However much we love our families, it's just nice to be alone sometimes in the house, just to be able to do what it is you want to do without interruption!

Elphame your flower jar sounds fab, and what a lovely offer from Meadowlight. I love how kind and generous everyone is on this thread 🙏

I need to get the washing out and start getting ready to go out. I'm seeing some friends for lunch, these are women I know through spiritual groups, when we get together the conversation normally revolves around crystals, tarot and cats.. perfect! 🧙‍♀️💫🐱

Hope you all enjoy your Sunday ❤️

Good moning, I woke up later than usual too- but still managed to get to the gym for 9am, so feeling proud of myself! DD is out and I have dropped my mother at church so just me an the familiars!! Perfect.
VioletCharlotte you must have needed that extra sleep- it's good when that happens. Sounds like you have a lovely day planned. I must seek out a local woman's group- I have no idea where to start.

Elphame how lovely that the goddess gave you such a welcome home gift, your words lifted my heart. Her manifestation energy is high right now- especially on this thread!!

I had a walk in my forest yeasterday- last time I was there I found a backpack, containing a phone charger, and a top.. I hung it on a branch in case the owner should come back, but I saw yesterday the contents had been spilled on the ground and a couple of emply cider cans dumped there for good measure.
It makes my angry to see that- I didn't have a bag with me , but I will go back today to clean up the mess.
What can I do to help the forest protect herself? I feel that I need a snarling wolf in the undergrowth to warn off thise who are so inconsiderate!

I feel the need for some incense- laundry is out dancing in the wind and all is quiet.

Have a beautifil day everyone.

@PriestessModwena you posted on the old thread so I thought I would let you know we are over here now. In a previous lifetime I was responsible for cleaning things like swan feathers so I can help you there. Is you have a bit of muslin tie it over the end of the hose on your vacuum, turn the vac on, hold the feather at a distance over the hose and gently tap the feathers with a small paintbrush.

It makes me angry to hear that your forest has been disrespected @speakout.

@Meadowlight the sweet peas are beautiful.

Very wise insight into the sad tree story Violet lessons there for us all.

Elphame wonderful to hear of your goddess work, and I love the sweet pea pictures Meadow

speakout I think the snarling wolf idea is inspired. I’d be tempted to energetically ‘put’ one there along with a stone or some other natural object that may represent its energy at an appropriate entrance point

YashmisCrone

Thank you- re the snarling wolf. Yes, the image fits exactly how I felt when I saw the garbage.
In fact I am off in 10 minutes to my forest with a rubbish bag to clear the mess. I have a stone in mind I will charge before I go and leave in the undergrowth. Perhaps those will think twice if they feel they are being watched!

@Speakout - how about painting or drawing an "all seeing" eye on that stone to really ramp up the feeling of being watched?

@Meadowlight that is so sweet of you. Thank you and I'd love a sweetpea from you please. I'll send you a message.

Had a bit of an unplanned shower this morning. It was lovely and sunny this morning when I set out with the dog so it was a tee shirt and jeans. 2 hours later and still a mile from home the skies opened and I was soaked in minutes. A lovely cleansing shower though and warm enough not to be unpleasant.

Elphame great idea, thanks. Sorry to hear you got a soaking, but glad you saw the upside!

Back from my forest , I was a woman Walking with Wolves, I could feel the spirit of these animals beside me. I cleared up the debris, then whispered my intention to leave the wolf there to protect. The rustle of the wind in the leaves carried my words and passed on the word.
I placed my charged stone at the base of the mother tree- the oldest and biggest amongst them and covered it with soil.
The wind was soft and I felt supported.
It was such a calm and healing moment, healing for she and healing for me.
My wolf is now in watch!!

Hello everyone,

Sorry I've not been round much, the full moon has really pulled me from pillar to post.

I'm lucky to have been given 2 swan feathers that were found by a park. I'm going to use it with sage / other stuff I burn.

I wondered how you clean the feather without damaging it.

I wondered, although it's already likely been done, how you chose your path, if you consider yourself to be part of a group (apart from here) what kind of things do you do with your beliefs?

Modwena glad you found us.

I have no idea about the swan feather- sorry.

I don't think I have chosen a path as such, I rely on instinct, I have no plan in mind. Like others here I am a haphazard witch, and I like iit that way. I am a bit of a Buckaroo when it comes to authority and rules for no good reason, so I don't ascribe to any one set of practice.
I have been in groups in the past, but ditto the same reasons, too many svangali types for my tastes and those seeking control. I am happier working alone.
My daily life is magical, peppered with dozens of - mostly small- magical practices throughout my day. My practice is my life, much of it performed without thinking these days.
It helps that my work is based around my craft too- I don't have any muggle days!

Do the feathers actually need cleaning Modwena? If you are worried about wee beasties in them then a couple of days in a plastic bag in the freezer will sort that out.

As for my path- well I don't think it was actually a conscious decision! Many hints and missteps and a lot of things ruled out and I was left with what seemed to fit. The more I walk it the more convinced I am that I now have the right one, even if I do occasionally take a wander down a side street to see what's going on down there!

The coven/group work began as a chance tweet crossed my newsfeed from someone I don't even follow. I applied with hours to spare before the deadline and was accepted. It's been endless hard work since but opened up real new horizons for me. I now have a good little working group that I refuse to call a coven but I have a horrible feeling that is what it is about to become.

I don't think I'd want to fall foul of your wolf guardian speakout!

I never think of covens in terms of deadlines!

hope everyone is well. I am still feeling that things have unblocked, long may it continue! This week's heat will be a challenge - concrete jungle no air con etc - but I managed to get ahead of myself in terms of what needs doing, so hopefully won't be too much of a problem.

Wolves made me think of this in case anyone is interested

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/16/bears-and-wolves-to-coexist-in-uk-woods-in-conservation-project

speakout I’m so glad your wolf is now watching over the wood, what a lovely piece of protective magic.

Rosa that article is fascinating! It does make me wonder how many wolves/bears there would ‘naturally’ be in a patch of forest that size...I will keep an eye out for updates.

I too have been mulling over joining a women’s circle or red tent. Haven’t quite made up my mind - there don’t seem to be many around in my part of the world, which is a shame. Interesting to hear others’ thoughts on this - i can imagine that coven/group work can attract unhealthy dynamics sometimes, although it must be amazing when it functions well. I have always been solitary and although I know many others who have a similar practice, I’ve never felt called to share ritual, path working or other spellwork.

Elphame I’m now on ‘project sweet pea’ and will send on cuttings as soon as I get a few to root! Have sent a pm

Today is the first day I’ve been able to join in the ‘8 and 8’ energy raising! Will be thinking of you all in 9 minutes..

Covens are full of deadlines!

Deadlines to apply, deadlines to complete training, deadlines to compose the ritual for that week etc etc. Currently it absorbs two nights of my week - the local moot takes another one and I've spent this afternoon confirming speakers for next year.

A witches work is never done

I may find half an hour this evening to do some of my own personal work....

I love your wolf protection work speakout beautifully fierce and shamanic.

Thank you for the article Rosa, really interesting

Meadow so pleased you could join the 8&8 tonight. I’m loving raising energy together. I’m enjoying the impromptu mini altar making it’s inspiring me to do. This was this evenings.

I’m also really enjoying spending time watching the bees on the lavender in the evening at the moment. Their energy is divine- so full of life 🐝

It’s good to read other’s thoughts on their path’s here. Thank you for asking the question Modwena

Good morning wise women.

A warm humid day here, breezy and a strange energy around, feels like the winds of change. Something is afoot!

Elphame I love hearing about your work, I am sure you are a great asset to you group. How lovely that you have found like minded people.
Rosa that is such an interesting link. Wolves have been uppermost for me for a few weeks, a kindred spirit gave me a copy of "Women Who Run with the Wolves", I bought it in the 1990s, but lost it tover several house moves, and it was gifted again to me at the precise moment that I needed it.
YashmisCrone that photo of the bee foraging on lavender is beyond beautiful.

Just had an early yoga class, then out for a quick breakfast with OH and a catch up- he came home late last night and has booked a day off work today.
My mother is off to attend a church meeting as she is thinking of switching churches. So there is a coffee morning/presentation for newbies I will drop her off later. Means I can burn incense ( which she hates). So all good!

I hope you all find some witch energy in your day.

Good afternoon everyone, I have missed you all! Thank you for your kind words. It's been a trying week with this one looking similar with trying to get back into coping with the pressures of work none of which have gone away while I have been laid up and now have deadlines even though I'm not really ready physically or mentally. The joys of self employment!

I can definitely relate to FOBI!

Your forest sounds absolutely amazing Speakout at the moment I would love to be there.
Yashmis your bee on the lavender really warmed my heart!

Time to get back to work and if I get somewhere with it I might hobble out to my beloved tree in the garden tonight to recharge, wishing you all blessings 💫

I have been having a long deep 8pm musing over the goddess tonight.

Today has been fraught, very challenging, high emotions with family members. Upset and tears. Ultimately a resolution, and hopefully a clearer way than before.
I was walking in my garden and saw my nasturtium, just beginning to bloom. I thought about their habit, their regard, often consigned to the easy planting low choice plant dept to keep children entertained. We overlook them, plant aficionados probably view them as banal and common. But their tenacity is profound, they are dependable, they withstand the hottest of sun and neglect. They provide shelter and food for bees, butterflies, hoverflies and much loved of caterpillars. Humans can eat the seeds, the leaves, the flowers.
They are goddess manifest. Like us, like women, they multi task, care for and feed others, will bloom in stony ground and often overlooked because they are "ordinary".
But it is this "ordinary " and overlooked work that women do in their millions on this planet that keep us safe and healthy and secure and bring love. It is this “ordinary” that the planet needs Not a race to Mars or to make money or to build walls. It is the “ordinary” that means we are happy with the basic provisions in life. That we can always share to feed another, that we can open our hearts to think of the bigger picture in order to include. I saw the goddess in that humble Nasturtium tonight. But she was not humble, she told a huge powerful tale to me. Such power and truth . She is us.

speakout “It is this “ordinary” that the planet needs Not a race to Mars or to make money or to build walls”

This! Thank you for your whole lovely post. I love hearing about flowers.

I hope you are okay after the day you’ve had.

Loy I hope you managed to get out to the tree.

Good morning sisters,

I hope everyone is well and in good spirits today.

I am enjoying the sunshine and the wind on my face as I sit outside before a busy time of face to face work which will run into the evening.

speakout I loved your beautiful reflections on ‘the ordinary’ . we women have such strength and weave life force magic through the mundane, it’s so powerful to notice this. I’ve been seeing it more in others lately too. When I read your post I thought of this poem. Specifically the lines that say

I want to know if you can see beauty, even if it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from it’s presence

Lovely to see you Loyaul, sending strength for the work that must be completed and like Rosa I hope you are able to connect with nature amongst it all

Love to all x

YashmisCrone oh that poem brough ttears to my eyes, thank you for posting.
It is profound isn't it- to see us whan we are stripped back- that is where we see the truth.

A hot day here- always makes me want to eat spicy food- so just about to prep a curry for the slow cooker., with lots of fresh coriander and cooling yogurt too.
I have washed everything in sight today, covers, blankets, cat bedding, cushion covers. If it isn't moving it goes in the washing machine!

Enjoy the warmth today everyone.

Been washing here too - really hot, it's like a steam bath.

We are however forecast some significant thunderstorms. and I'm wasting far too much time tracking them on line! I do need to walk up to the village though so I'm hoping they don't hit before 6pm or I'll get wet!