Any Witches Here? Part 10.

[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,
I’m feeling better today after a full 8 hours sleep it’s a bright a clear day for now, more rain forecast later. We’ve been lucky here in terms of damage/disruption too.

Thank you for the astrological link speakout, lots of interesting information there and it’s good to be able to relate the current influences to the energy we’re experiencing.
Also interesting what you say about the retrograde shadow Violet, food for thought.

Lovely to see you here BlankTimes, I love it that you always share such fascinating wormholes and it’s good to have your wise energy on the thread.

Ogress your ‘in days’ sound perfect, just the kind of pottering I enjoy.

I’m feeling optimistic for a calmer day today following yet more conflict yesterday. I’m hoping some action I took has gone some way to getting things back on an even keel 🤞 In the meantime I’m utilising protective oil blends, a powerful goddess quartz and all the intention I can muster for maintaining a ‘don’t mess with me’ aura

Wishing everyone magic in their day 💫

Glad everyone survived the weather.
A discombobulated day here, very early start, a bit of work, trip out to Ikea with DS ( including coffee and donuts) so that was enjoyable.
Heading for an early night once eveyone is fed.
YashmisCrone glad you are feeling more positive and optimistic.

I hope everyone's ok, it sounds like we're all going through some similar stuff at the moment.

Yashmis I hope your day's been calmer and the protection helped. I've had a day of conflict and difficult conversations at work myself. I've been for a long dog walk this evening, the cold, night air helped blow away some of the day.

Speakout sorry you're still feeling discombobulated too, but glad you enjoyed your time with DS. Mines's coming home this weekend, I can't wait to see him.

Ogress you sound happy and positive. It's lovely to hear the birds singing in the morning, so uplifting.

Blessings to you all for a peaceful night ❤️

A peaceful and restorative night here.
Woken to calm weather and birdsong- although the calm before another storm I believe!
Calm energy in my home right now too- I am making efforts to maintain soft bright energy.
Off to get my hair cut this morning, I have started a period of pamper for the next couple of months.
The goddess has insisted that I pay more attention to nurturing my body it seems, and has sent my way fifteen beauty treatments at a lovely local salon. So I will book one treatment a week for the next few months.
I rarely set foot inside a beauty salon, but I am happy to oblige!
Today I am having my hair done. Next week a manicure, then a massage, perhaps a facial the following week.
So I will keep up my gym and yoga classes, and pay special attention to food too. I have another yoga workshop coming up during that time- she has paid for that too!

Seems I have no choice but to accept the gifts she has bestowed on me!
I feel quite the queen bee!

Off for a spa shower- reminds me I need more essential oils- then off to the supermarket to get stuff for a pot of magical minestrone for lunch, need to pop to the post office to get some special delivery items sent for Valentines day ( such a pagan festival !) then up to the hairdressers for 10.30am.
My hairdressers is just next to my favourite charity shop in the next village, so I will make sure I arrive a little early for a 10 minute browse- always great for trinkets, fabric, bowls etc.

Sending some magical dust for everyone today.

Magical dust to start the day. Perfect, thank you 💫

The goddess can be insistent can’t she speakout! What a lovely manifestation of her intention for you. And a treasure cave next door- perfect!

I’m glad the cold night air was clearing for you Violet, I hope you’ve had a peaceful night.

It’s wild, wet and windy here again. I’m not keen on driving in it but do find the wild energy invigorating.

Good to hear of happy times and plans for visits home with DSs. I’m enjoying having mine close and reconnecting. I’d also forgotten how nice it is to have someone around who will carry shopping, take out the bins and other tasks that I’m just used to doing myself!

Mine is finding the adjustment hard atm as I’d thought he might. I’ve been weaving magic into food and other nurturing actions. It was amazing to see how the frankincense and sweet orange blend I put in the oil burner soothed and lifted him.

Wishing everyone a magical day 💫

Thought those with an interest in ancient places may want to see this..

you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-the-ancient-rollright-stones-from-road-expansion-1

YashmisCrone thanks for that link - it's so sad to see developers ripping up our ancient world- why do they think they have the right!

I have just posted my Wolf Protection Kit off to a friend, I could feel it crackling with energy- thanks to you and all my lovely sisters here, the moon and the howl of the storm.

Yes it can take a while to form new dynamics as we settle into home life with those who have been away or grown.

Cooking is a great way of weaving magic- my DS and I iron things out as we cook- usually some music in the background and a glass of something to drink.
I think it is no coincidence that a stereotype image of a witch is a woman stirring a cauldron, boiling, transforming matter, transforming the world. It's alchemy!!

I think it is no coincidence that a stereotype image of a witch is a woman stirring a cauldron, boiling, transforming matter, transforming the world. It's alchemy!!

I love this speakout. Yes to the alchemy!! Little tweaks and nudges, intention stirred in and expressed through subtle means add up to a powerful mix don’t they!

I'm enjoying reading about everyone's days. Enjoy your pampering, Speakout, it sounds well deserved.

And thanks, YashmisCrone. Yes, I guess the change of winter to spring is making me happy. I had to think about why, because I have always considered myself an autumn/winter person, but I think it's actually the change itself that I'm enjoying most.

I was studying for a long time and then on short project-based contracts, so this is the first period in my life where I've not been working towards something with a definitive goal and a deadline. I have a permanent job and I could theoretically just do it forever which is something new and strangely uncomfortable, especially as I'm now four years in so would normally have moved onto something new by now. If I'm not careful it feels like I'm on a conveyor belt with the days whizzing by more or less the same.

Following the Wheel of the Year and the cycles of nature have been a godsend to me. Between that and making serious efforts to read, learn and practice my artwork, I can really feel that every day is different, and I am always growing and changing with it. The fast changing days of early, early spring help with that. There were more new buds, more new flowers, and skylarks skylark-ing today. Tomorrow there will be something else.

Ogress

What a wonderfully uplifting post- you have such an optimistic view on life.

Life is an adventure, and the path is unpredictable, even when we think things look set and certain!
There will be potholes, boulders, but flowers in our path too. you are wise to have time to watch birds and smell flowers.
In the middle of serving dinner- as always no one is here at the same time, or hungry at the same time!

Good evening all. As always, it's so nice and soothing to join you all by the fire. Today's been difficult, I feel like I'm carrying an awful lot of other people's problems at the moment. I'm not going to dwell on that though. The optimism and wisdom in your posts has already given me a lift.

Speakout wonderful to hear that you're honouring the goddess within. You work so hard and deserve to treat yourself.

Ogress it's lovely to hear how you're enjoying following the wheel of the year. I feel the same. I believe we benefit in every level - physical, emotional, spiritual - when we we're in tune with the earth and honouring the seasons. Like you, I'm very much an autumn person, but I'm looking forward to spring. I'm very much enjoying the earth slowly come back to life.

Yashmis so pleased you're enjoying having your DS back with you. I imagine it all feels very strange to him after being away for so long, but I'm sure he's very happy to let you nurture him for a bit!

Enjoying a late afternoon moment of peace. Darkness is descending and I have a cat curled up next to me. A tidy house ( for once) and the only noise I can hear is twighlight birdsong.
VioletCharlotte I am sorry you feel burdened- sometimes it is an unavoidable part of life isn't it.

Thanks Speakout I'm ok, just a bit drained, glad it's the weekend! I've had a warm shower with some frankincense, now snuggled in the sofa, candles burning, dog by my side.

Good morning- another very early start here- going into the city to watch DD dance in a competition. Had a snuggly movie night on the sofa with DS last night, then early to bed, so feeling quite refreshed.
I am not keen ot driving in the city though, there always seem to be roadworks and diversions- and I get confused easily!

Hopefully home gain before the worst of the storm hits.

Hold onto your hats sisters!

Morning all, it's been a busy and stressful week for me and have been distracted with work. Unfortunately, having once been an escape from stresses in my personal life, work is causing its own stresses. I'm very aware that I've been through a lot the past couple of years and as a result stress hits me harder or my mood becomes low more easily. Reading this thread is a wonderful diversion away from it all, I always feel more positive after reading your posts.

I have a driving lesson this afternoon which I'm a bit nervous about. It's funny, my anxieties around it have completely changed- before I was just terrified of being on the road but that fear is completely gone now and I have the most wonderful instructor. I'm getting close to being ready for the test but I get anxious that I'm just not going to be able to get to the standard I need to be. That's where the anxiety lies now! This is such a big thing for me, part of my plan to improve my life and my DC's lives. The anxiety is just wanting to achieve it.

Violet I hope you manage to rest over the weekend and feel a bit less drained. I feel very burdened at the moment as well. I've got quite good at just powering on through but it's so hard sometimes.

Speakout I love your descriptions of family life, I hope when my DC are older they will want to spend time with me as yours do!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day 🌟

Good morning friends,
And what a wild one it is! I’m enjoying the power of the storm energy from indoors, may not love it so much when I need to drive in it!

Tempest I think it’s a very wise observation you make about stress hitting harder/mood becoming lower following a difficult life period. I love your self awareness and feel that it’s such a good foundation to build yourself up from. Regular self care can build a bank of resilience I think, to be drawn on in challenging times. I think your shift of anxiety regarding driving/your test can provide tools for dealing with it. You tackled the previous anxiety so have evidence that you have the skills to tackle this too. I do understand how hard it can be when we attach so much to achieving something- it can feel like the key to the future we want and therefore a lot is at stake. When I feel like this I try and find ways to ‘soften’ that feeling, remove the weight I’ve attached to it. Back to the feeling you want to achieve- eg being in control of your life and having independence, being able to provide for your DC etc. Maybe remind yourself of all the ways you’ve already done this, how far you’ve come. Generate the energy you want to feel by passing your test. It might help create more of a sense of ease and flow. You have the skills to pass when your instructor puts you in for your test, the rest is about confidence. I think you’re doing great.

Ogress I love the way you have identified what you need for a more fulfilled life and have found ways to achieve this. Little tweaks and shifts in focus go a long way to making for a richer experience day to day don’t they. I’m inspired by your posts 🙏

I’m enjoying reading the thread as ever- descriptions of weaving magic through the mundane, taking time to honour ourselves and relishing connections with those close to us are all ways of making life more magical I think.

A few errands to run today but I’m hoping to spend most of it indoors- cooking and space clearing- that everyday alchemy again.

I’m no great baker but I do enjoy reading these recipes- some interesting info on rose symbolism/the divine feminine in this one:

gathervictoria.com/2015/05/21/wild-rose-cupcakes-buttercream-frosting-a-divine-confection/

Wishing everyone a positive day embracing the clearing energy of the storm 🌬⚡️

Yashmis that's a good way to approach it. I'm actually really proud of myself for getting this far- I'm close to test standard, it's just making the final leap in ability to get there. I'm proud of having come this far, during what has been the most difficult time in my life. I also spent so many years thinking I'm just too stupid to drive (I know that's ridiculous), but it's definitely still held me back a bit. I'm doing everything I can to overcome it though. I'm also trying to be relaxed in the sense that I'm just going to keep going, I'm not giving up at any point and it will take as long as it takes

I also have the motivation of my ex calling me a bad mother for not driving, that I'll never be able to do it, which has been said to my DC. That was like a red rag to a bull for me. I WILL prove him wrong.

Those cupcakes look amazing- I'm going to make them with my DC. DD will love them.

Popped to Aldi this morning and bought myself a lovely bunch of roses, half price from yesterday. Will post a pic later!

Very pleased to hear it Tempest you should be proud of yourself I can definitely relate to the motivation of being told I can’t do something- wakes up the warrior doesn’t it!

Love it that you bought yourself flowers. I’ve treated myself to some more essential oils to try out new blends.

Look forward to hearing how the cupcakes go 🧁

InTheTempest you have a deep sensitivity and understanding- I agree we find stress or loads far heavier when we have been though a time of rough seas.I can relate to that too.
YashmisCrone has written some very wise words about resilience and I agree with what she explains.

Learning to drive sounds a very affirming thing that you are doing, claiming your right to freedom, independance, and sticking two fingers up at the doubters.
I would suggest that the test is only a part of the process, I failed my test several times, but that can't stop the huge force of determination. You will pass , make no mistake, the less you pin on that event the less daunting it may seem.
*That was like a red rag to a bull for me. I WILL prove him wrong.
*

I love that attitude!! Go woman!

We are being battered by the storm here,, sheets of rain against the windows. It is so good to be warm and cosy indoors.

Speakout and Yashmis thank you both so much for your encouragement, it's another little boost for me and I'm grateful for it. I enjoyed my lesson today- despite the weather being atrocious! I'm fully expecting to fail the test the first time- whatever happens I'm not giving up, it will take as long as it takes. If it takes me ages, I'm not giving up!

I think the anxiety has been higher this week, due to troubles at work, and aforementioned horrible ex continuing to try his best to cause problems for me. My method so far has been to block out ex as far as possible and do things I enjoy to distract myself. And I'm looking for new jobs- maybe it's the right time to do this anyway.

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. I've attached a pic of my half price Aldi flowers, they're beautiful!

InTheTempest

Thank you for that image- buying flowers for yourself is such a powerful thing to do.
YashmisCrone I love the rose link, and the recipe.
I love rose foods, Moroccan desserts, violet chocolates, rose petal tea. Always feels so indulent to eat florals!!I
Yeat to read that whole article, but I look forward to it.
InTheTempest

Your blooms are lovely, but even as they fade collect the petals to dry. Can be used in so many ways. Dried rose petals are so useful in lots of ways, magical and otherwise. I have been known to buy wilting bouquets in supermarkets simply to collect the fragrant petals to dry.

InTheTempest learning to drive is tough. I was 18 when I passed my test, but it took my 4 attempts and countless lessons. As Speakout says, try to think of the test as just one part of the journey. There's no shame in not passing, it's all valuable experience to get you ready for being out on the roads alone. I love your determination to prove your doubting ex-wrong and not letting him knock you back.

Heavy rain and high winds here too. I've had a day of cancelled plans. I get the feeling I'm being given the message that I need to take it easy! It's so nice to have DS home, he's got such a lovely, warm and generous spirit. After a couple of weeks of not seeing him, I start to miss him so much, it's almost like a physical pain. I'm sure many of you can relate to this!

Yashmis those cupcakes are beautiful, are you going to have a go at baking them?

VioletCharlotte how lovely to have OH home, I am sure he is enjoyng t too.
You are right about he driving process. I failed 5 times- and have zero shame about that. I passed on my 6th attempt and looking back I am prod that I had the spirit to pick myself up and try again.

Most people pass sooner than this of course- but if the worst case scenario is having to take another test then it's not the end of the world.
Framing tests or situations like that is anxiety reducing for me- put it throug the " worst case scenario" picture- and if that is OK, then every other outccome is a bonus!.
I am up early this morning, have to take DD into the city for an early shift.
Just bracing myself for a hot shower- with Sicilian lemon oil- that should wake me up! Also working on some product labels toay with my lovely niece, she is a computer whizz. I have ideas of how I want thiings to look and she is able to use programmes to turn them into graphics. Very clever!
Have a spakling day everyone.

Good morning powerful witches!

I hope the storm isn't causing you too much disruption? I have relished the excuse to have 2 quiet weekends in a row and it has honestly done me the world of good. Apart from the necessary dog walks and getting out to feed the animals, I have mainly stayed inside in the warm curled up with a blanket or a furry friend. In fact, the whole family have had less inclination to leave the house so it has been lovely to spend some time with DS, DD and DH watching movies and listening to music which we rarely do altogether.

My slower pace has also allowed me to spend more quality time with DH. I felt quite disconnected from him over Christmas and New Year due to illnesses and life being so hectic, but we have spent time making plans for a road trip we plan to undertake in the summer. It's a while away yet and the boring tasks of booking hotels etc. still needs to be done, but we have our route planned and it's good to have a common interest we can get excited about together - aside from the day to day necessities.

I'm sorry to hear some of you are feeling weighed down by your own and other people's burdens. I will send out some thoughts to help raise your energies this week. I love this thread for being a constant reminder that in order to shoulder these extra burdens, we need to take care of ourselves first and foremost. Stay strong sisters 💪

My plan for today is to read, knit, and cook. I have the in-laws coming over for dinner this evening and I have a gammon already in the slow cooker simmering away.

Much love and light to you all 💫

Violet and Speakout thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement. And I really do agree- failing a test or even a few is no disaster- you're right that it really helps to think of it that way. It really says something about someone's character if they have the determination to keep going with it- it's definitely something to be proud of. On a purely practical level it would be good to limit the retakes as it's so expensive! 😂 but I'm just going to keep going with it, whatever happens.

I'll be glad to see the back of these storms. Will be nice to get out and about when the weather is dry! DD is busy writing her story for the competition on radio 2 so we're having a nice quiet day at home. Hope everyone has a cosy day ☕️ 🧹 🕯 🌟