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.

@Elphame I'm really sorry to hear that, some women have a dreadful time with it I know. I feel like I've gotten off lightly so far. Enjoy your lovely week off, there's nothing better than time which is fully your own.

@RosaWaiting thank you! One thing at a time is sage advice, and something we could all do with bearing in mind in this fast, modern world. I lived in London for a while, and countryside breaks were always welcome. I'm biased, but Cornwall is a lovely and largely very safe part of the world - plus, you can get a direct train from London.

@speakout thanks very much - I love your advice about questioning everything, that's very 'me' . I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the ballet, I must confess I don't know much at all about the Salem witch trials besides from the basic narrative. I must do some more reading. And your post has me craving the drama of the stage, too.

@YashmisCrone crumble and tea? Perfection. This whole journey has taught me that I really can't control much at all - it's been a tough lesson to learn, but a much needed one. My instinct is to want an intervention free, water birth using hypnobirthing techniques (I'm a cliche, I know!). But ultimately I know if it's not in the cards, then so be it.

@Meadowlight that poem brought a lump to my throat, how beautiful and true. And thank you for your kind words - it's been a joy sharing the news with family. It'll be the first great grandchild for both of my sets of grandparents, and will make both sets of parents grandparents, so everyone is very excited and happy.

One more thing, and then I'll stop harping on about pregnancy, promise! Our journey getting here wasn't long compared to some, but it took far, far longer than I ever thought it would. Ultimately it's shown me I don't have much control in life, which as I said above was a much needed lesson. Anyway - in the midst of it all, I was feeling quite morose, and I started doing this fertility meditation. Part of it involved visualising the colour green, and making a triangle with your thumbs and forefingers. After that, on almost every beach walk with my dog, I spotted little green triangles of seaglass. I still have one on my bedside table and it brings me so much happiness to look at it, like a little lucky charm from the universe.

Have a lovely day all!

Good morning all. Popping in to say hello while I drink my morning coffee. Interesting to read that some of you are experiencing some anxiety. I'm having a bit of a strange week myself. I'm off work this week, and normally I'd be making plans to go out and meet up with friends every day. This week though I don't really feel like doing anything. It's odd, I feel quite happy, but as if I need to stay close to home. My instinct is to push myself to go out and not 'waste the week', but I've made the decision to honour my feelings and just take it easy. I wonder if this is all connected to the solar flares?

Purplefig huge congratulations on your pregnancy, lovely news 😊 I'll echo what others have said and say stay open minded and listen to your intuition and your body. You know what's best for you and your baby. There's so much information out there, it can all become rather overwhelming.

Speakout so glad you enjoyed the ballet, it sounds fabulous.

Yashmis that crumble sounds delicious! I'm still not quite feeling autumn yet, but not long now!

Meadowlight thank you for sharing the post about energy shifts on 11 August. This is of particular interest to me as it's DS1's birthday. DS was actually born on 11 August 1999, which some of you may remember was a solar eclipse.

Just stopping by for a tea break

It’s an admin heavy week for me- my least favourite kind! I am, however enjoying drinking in the cooler breeze combined with the sun as I savour a break.

purplefig I loved reading your fertility/sea glass synchronicity- magic 💚 please don’t hold back if you want to talk about your pregnancy- we love sharing each other’s journeys here, often inspiring and always food for thought. It’s a profound time of change and that’s just the sort of thing we love to chat about!

Meadowlight thank you for the beautiful poem and further planetary food for thought. Both very much appreciated 🙏

Also just wanted to redirect your previous sweet pea comments to @Elphame, so she sees them. Although I also love the sound of your magic beanstalk! X

Violet what a powerful time for your DS to enter the world! I have such strong, magical memories of that day.

Sorry to hear of how many of us are struggling energetically atm, although it does make me think that there is external influence at play and that’s a comforting thought. Standing in solidarity with all others affected. Hold tight sisters, the storm will pass x

I saw this and it made me smile- I know many of us here will go about our day with a stone popped in our bras for the energy it gives. I liked the idea of being our own scared space.

Love to all x

• sacred not scared!!

well, scared is a good segue for a question I have.... I have ad blocker on my home computer but if I log into MN on my iThing, I get ads for Festival of the Dead.

Is anyone else getting this? Obviously I realise it's personalised, I have mentioned my late father on a couple of threads recently but that would be quite a tasteless thing to link to...?!

Hi,
I'll be honest, I haven't read the thread & am not a witch (although interested) but I would like to Smudge my house with Sage - any info please on the best place to buy some online? Anything I need to look out for or is it all as good as the other please?

Advice appreciated.

@VioletCharlotte thank you very much! I agree - the information overload is real. It's a tricky one as I am clueless about babies / child development so I want to read up on it, but I don't want to saturate myself. Interesting to read about your week - I definitely have times like that myself. As always, I think if you have a gut feeling it's worth paying attention to.

@YashmisCrone urgh, I dislike admin heavy weeks too. Thank you for your kind words - I will share if other things come up, I just didn't want to derail this lovely, peaceful thread!

@RosaWaiting that is seriously creepy, and as you say, pretty tasteless. I'm not getting any such ads show up.

@Vesperia I'd love to learn how to do this too! I bought some ages ago, with the idea of cleansing our new home. We moved in 1.5 years ago and it was in such a sorry state. We've since renovated and bought it back to life, and I feel like now would be the perfect time. But I don't know where to begin.

I have received the most amazing goddess care gift today from a friend- I feel quite overwhelmed and happy that others can manifest such magic

Vesperia
Welcome. Many of us smudge and cleanse our homes, great for bringing fresh light energy into the home.

You can use any type of sage, you may have some gowing in the garden, or even sage bought from the supermarket can be dried and bundled. You can buy smudge sticks, but I usually make my own, and sometimes don't even use sage- rosemary is good, lavender, rosemary or thyme. Try to avoid wild harvested white sage- the wild variety is in danger of extinction because of over harvesting.
Organic white sage is farmed however, so do check sources.

Remember to carry a fireproof container ( traditionally an abalone shell) as a sage stick does not smoulder uniformly, and often pieces of glowing herb will drop off while still hot and will burn carpets or furnishings.
You can use alternatives to smudging- I don't smudge very often, you can use a favourite incense, or if you don't wnat smoke, sprinkle salt or salt water ( a great use for moon or thunder water), you can also make or buy a smudge spray , make with essential oils or a herb or flower water to brighten energies.

Just flying in as the thread had dropped off my "I'm On" list, I must have been quiet for a long time - that's an achievement!

I have been reading though, so am thinking of all of you and sending some uplift for all the unease.

Vesperia and purplefig please heed speakout's warning about embers dropping off the lit smudge stick, it really is a fire-hazard.

Traditionally, it's done outside, smudge-stick lit and in one hand, eagle feather fan in the other to fan the smudge-stick and keep the end glowing to create the sacred smoke. Eagle feathers are banned in this country.

Also consider cleansing with sound, tingshaws are lovely to shift stuck energy, as is a singing-bowl or bell.

Here is my impatient witch’s guide to speedy flower pressing! Takes 1 minute using a heavy Pyrex dish, kitchen tissue and a microwave

Loving the ‘impatient witch tips’ and those Tingsha bells are a great idea for shifting energy. Interesting how the different sizes sound- it feels like they’d shift different energy.. they’re now going on my witch wish list!

I followed the call of wild water again after work- the perfect antidote to the dryness of admin. It’s my favourite time of year for a dip in the sea- now and going into September.

Sandy, salty and refreshed I was treated to a wonderful sunset and an encounter with some wild ponies. Made my heart sing

Hi everyone, Can I join please.

I've never described myself as a witch, I'm not quite sure where I 'fall' but I am very into spiritual stuff, fate, crystals, homeopathy & essential oils. My kids say I'm a bit of a hippy.

Anyway, I've been going through a tough time recently; spiritual awakening if you will and I keep seeing numbers 222 and 2222 ie clocks, odometer in car etc....I really feel like this is a 'sign' as I do believe in angel signs and angel numbers.

Look forward to chatting x

Good morning everyone!

Yashmis your photos made my heart sing too.

Welcome Cookie!

Just a flying visit today and tomorrow are my big audit days so just a quick cuppa by the aga first

Good morning.

Loyaultemelie I hope you have a calm productive day.

YashmisCrone I would echo the words about your photos, truly stunning- you have lifted my heart.

CookieClub a warm welcome, grab a cushion by the fire, always tea in the pot.
I don'e know anything about angels I'm afraid, not a subject that I have ever studied. Maybe someone else will be along with information.

@speakout what was your goddess care gift? Sounds amazing! Thanks for taking the time to explain smudging - I'm going to give it a go on Sunday. We're predicted thunderstorms Fri/Sat, so it feels fitting. @BlankTimes and thank you, I'll be really careful and use something large underneath to catch any embers.

@YashmisCrone what a beautiful beach and what a magical sounding experience. I've been meaning to do more wild swimming this year and it's just one of those things that has fallen off my radar. There's even a local group, organised by our local indy health food shop, who go every week.

@CookieClub welcome!

I'm trialing starting my day with a brand new ritual. Wake-up, put on a guided morning meditation and then write my gratitude list, all snuggled up in the warmth of bed. It's amazing the impact it has had on my days so far. It really starts the day off with some important perspective. Then I go downstairs and have a coffee with my husband, in a far better pre-caffeine mood than normal .

good to hear about new rituals. I'm fiddling with those things too.

I've reported the thing about the horrible ads - I can only think it's linked to me talking about my dad.

Moon looking fab at the moment!

re nature break - Cornwall is such a long journey from London. I need to look at silent retreats or something. I don't know. Maybe I'd be better waiting for a good day and forking out for a cab to a good quiet spot of woodland!

I have ordered a couple more nature books. I find it's the only way to beat the concrete!

Just getting my tea in by the aga before the demands of the day fully take over.

Wishing you all the best with yours Loyaul, hope all goes as smoothly as possible.

Welcome Cookie

Speaking of number synchronicities- I’m enjoying the fact that it’s the 8th of the 8th today in the context of recently committing to 8am and 8pm practice. Feels like a special day to me!

I’m glad the beach/pony energy translated through the pictures. I absolutely love the energy of both. In terms of animal ‘medicine’ I think ponies/horses have so much to teach us. Such magical creatures, when you take it all in is easy to see how the story of the magical unicorn came about- an acknowledgement of the power of pony medicine IMO.

purple I imagine you have lots of wonderful wild swimming spots near you

Rosa hope those ads are soon sorted, that is distasteful to say the least.

Hope everyone finds some magic in their day 💫

Many blessings to you all, the weather is quite nice today for a change. I was feeling a bit down yesterday so spoke to the two ladies who do readings for me. I found out today is something to do with Lions Gate. One lady has started a group, it clashes with lads night, although it's from 7-9:30 so I can't see the problem.

@YashmisCrone Hope you have a great day, the photos were lovely, animal healing is meant to be a thing, depending on which animals you like. Dogs & cats can be quite intuitive if their owner is unwell, they provide great support and attention. One workshop at this Viking Event is connecting to your spirit guides through nature / animals.

@RosaWaiting A family member lives in London, they go to Hampstead Heath, choose a quiet spot and meditate there. If you need any help with meditating etc I could give you their number. I love Cornwall, from London there's a sleeper train service, I'm sending maybe creating a special place you can escape off to, in your home/garden/location nearby. Taking time out though to get away from it all for a few days is a really good idea, switch off phone if possible, really connect with nature & your surroundings.

@purplefig It must be something about the last few days, which has been a bit like a transformation, as today I'm thinking what do I want to achieve. Setting up a skeleton plan sounds really good to guide you through the day. They do say spend at least 5 minutes doing something you love, more if you have more time available.

@speakout sending many blessings, the Goddess Care Gift sounds lovely, lifting your spirits. Maybe it's something we could do here, with a spending limit, to pass on the love.

@Loyaultemelie best of luck with the audit

@CookieClub Years have been spent trying to figure out what is what, you can be omnistic which means incorporating what you want from different faiths into your life. Each person is unique as to their path. I was seeing 2222 quite a lot, it's only this year I've really looked into angel numbers. Yesterday 3333 was prominent. I would read a few meanings, you'll be drawn to what make sense to you. I'm also a crazy feather lady, I see that as a sign from a loved one, plus those floating fairies.

@Meadowlight Thank you for the flower pressing video. Last years solstice I got a crazy amount of 4 & 5 leaf clovers, right near where a fairy ring appears under a tree. I forgot to press them, so it's a mistake I won't make again.

@BlankTimes Thank you for the advice about proper smudging. I never really thought about the fire risk.

@Vesperia In Glastonbury I asked for my crystals to be smudged, we were offered to be smudged too, for ages DH was looking for a feather to use. Driving home he saw two swan feathers. That's for wafting the smoke. I use incense sticks, they work really well.

Good evening lovely friends. I've come to join you for a cuppa after a busy, but happy day, and enjoying reading all your posts and hearing what you've been up to.

I'm having a lovely week off work. I posted earlier in the week about listening to my insight and not making plans for the week. I'm so pleased that, by just trusting the universe and letting things happen, I've managed to have some really special moments with my boys, and some of the blockages that have been sticking for a while have worked their way clear. It's such a good feeling ❤️

PrincessModwena I've been reading quite a few posts today about the Lions Gateway. You may find this link interesting, it really resonates with me. **

Vesperia I tend to smudge maybe once a month, normally when the energy in my house feels a bit off. I have a large shell that I use to catch the ash and a feather for wafting the smoke. Some people say you should smudge with the windows and doors closed, but I always have mine open. I find the smell a bit intense otherwise.
*
Yashmis thank you for the beach/ pony pics. You gave me the nudge I needed to get down to the coast myself this afternoon. There's something so uplifting about being by the sea isn't there? I'm so pleased you're feeling refreshed 😊

CookieClub* welcome! I don't know much about angels either, I'm afraid, but a lot of the people who go to the groups a member of work with them. Do you have any angel cards?

Speakout what a beautiful surprise from your friend ❤️ Such a kind thing to do.

Meadowlight thank you for sharing the flower pressing tips! Another impatient witch here 🧙‍♀️

Blanktimes good to see you 😊

Here's a few pics from today's trip to the coast.

Good evening sisters,

Lovely to catch up by the aga this evening.

Violet thank you for your lovely beach pictures, so good to feel that energy and to hear of your time with your boys, and blockage unsticking 💜

I’ve been learning more about the Lion’s gate too. Powerful energy today apparently- good for healing past/ancestral wounds.

Modwena that sounds like an interesting workshop at the Viking event. Shamanic practices and animal medicine really resonate with me.

I had to smile to myself today. For Lammas I wasn’t energetically up to the ritual I had thought about doing. I did do some meditation and also spent a few minutes focusing on harvesting what I had sown earlier in the year. Feeling low at the time, I asked for evidence that the ‘seeds’ I’d sown would come to fruition; that I would experience harvest. Looking for comfort and reassurance I guess. Well, since then I have been gifted copious amounts of home grown fruit and veg from various sources. Sometimes the answers to our requests come in a very literal sense don’t they!

Good morning wise ones.
Just having my coffee after a very sound sleep. I had a herbal slat bath last night and I have slept like a queen. My bathroom this morning is still suffused with a diving fragrance.
The rain is so heavy this morning and looks set to continue all weekend.
But a reminder that autumn and darker days will be with us soon, and a chance for us to play in the shadows.

I am off to a new yoga class this morning, no idea what it will be like, my usual venue is hosting a gymnastic competition today and all usual classes are cancelled.
It's always interesting to ty out a new class- plus it's next to M&S, so I may pop in there when I am finished to bring home goodies for breakfast and lunch.
Then home to work, candles to make and play with some ideas I have for Yule= this dark weather will help get me into that mindset!

Have a magical day everyone.

@RosaWaiting it's only just over four hours on the train - but I think I think long distances are more reasonable than they are, but virtue of where I live :) I hope your nature books bring you peace until you get enjoy your countryside getaway.

@YashmisCrone What do you 8am and 8pm practices involve? You don't have to share, I'm just being nosey . I love the literal answer your requests - well played, universe .

@PriestessModwena it's funny that you mentioned feeling a bit low and others have said about their energy being off. Last night I had a really big cry as lots of stuff from the past came up, seemingly unprompted. I've just done a bit of reading about the significance of 08/08 and The Lionsgate:

"In numerology, the 8th day of the 8th month is a highly spiritual and charged time. The number 8 represents infinity, the infinite soul that we are and the infinite journey that we take. It represents the “forever conscious” part of our soul; the soul that has lived and will continue to live long after and long before this incarnation. 8 is also the number associated with abundance, power, and higher realms of consciousness, making 8/8 a super potent time to charge and clear our energy for receiving."

(Source: foreverconscious.com/the-lionsgate-portal-2019)

Yesterday definitely felt highly charged to me. And I do feel refreshed and cleared following a proper big cry.

@VioletCharlotte I'm glad to hear listening to yourself and trusting the universe has paid off. And what a glorious photo of the beach - it looks very atmospheric.

@speakout a herbal bath sounds divine! What did you use? I hope you enjoy the new yoga class - sometimes a different perspective (location/teacher/style) is just what we need.

I feel simultaneously refreshed yet drained from yesterday, so I am going to get my work done as quickly as possible today and then make some time for myself before our guests arrive for the weekend. Wishing you all a happy Friday and a fulfilling weekend.

slept like a queen I love that 💜, very pleased to hear it speakout and also this

a reminder that autumn and darker days will be with us soon, and a chance for us to play in the shadows.

I’m very much looking forward to that.

It’s been dark and raining here too- I was out in the woods in it yesterday, such a grounding feeling. For now it’s back to the admin but we’re forecast storms for later which I’m looking forward to.

purplefig yes the literal response to my request made me laugh! Thank you for the lions gate info- really interesting.

The 8&8 practice is an idea that was born towards the end of the last thread if you want to read back and see where it came from. It is an ‘energy raising drop in time’ (thank you speakout) for raising the energy of the divine feminine with the aim of strengthening ourselves and combating toxic masculinity.

Things I do include lighting a candle, incense, listening to music, focusing on images that embody divine feminine energy, focusing on sharing that energy with my sisters, talking to the goddess, seeking guidance on all things related to the divine feminine etc. Sometimes I’ll just shift my focus whilst I’m doing something else but it felt like a positive commitment to make to ‘bookend’ the day with this kind of energy. I’m delighted that others join in when they can and love the thought of us scattered geographically joining together to empower ourselves and others.

For me the intention and commitment have been the most important ingredients. I’ve been finding it nurturing and empowering

Wishing everyone a magical day 💫

Good morning all. I slept like a queen too Speakout. Such a good feeling isn't it? I think the sea air helped. I hope your enjoyed your yoga class. It's always interesting to try different classes. My yoga teacher is amazing, so I hesitated about going to a Sat am class with a different teacher last week, but I'm so glad he did. I believe we can learn different things from all of our teachers.

I'm enjoying a slow morning, cup of coffee and a browse online before heading into town. It's DS1s birthday Sunday so I need to get him a card.

Storms are forecast for later here too, so I'm planning to spend the afternoon trying out a recipe for a pumpkin, coconut and chick pea curry. At the moment though, it's still warm and sunny, so I've got my towels on the line, blowing in the wind.

Yashmis I love that you were given 'evidence' in the form of fresh produce. Magic works in so many different ways! 💫

I hope everyone is feeling calm and enjoying the evening.

A really busy day here, I haven't stopped,
VioletCharlotte your curry sounds delicious- what a lovely combination.
I went to a new yoga class this morning- an unknown flavour/difficulty, turned out to be a Vinyasa Flow class which was lovely, so good to know I now have that as as a choice in my week. As I arrived at yoga there was a fox sitting under a bush bright eyes, quite unafraid, staring at me, and I was suddenly reminded of a powerful dream I had last night about a fox, one that I was protecting and helping. Men were challenging me and I was roaring and screaming so loudly that the men took flight. HA!

Lighting a candle at 8 tonight to honour our collective energy.