Any Witches Here? Part 12.

[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.

Morning everyone, just parking the broomstick for a few mins to have a brew and a warm by the fire, I'll put some more logs on so we can sit on the comfy cushions and scry in the flames.

Hi , parking my broom next to yours @blanktimes and having a cup of tea . Been very low on energy this week and been feeling a bit poorly so I’m on a bit of a go slow . Quietly sifting through some boxes in the spare room and de cluttering this morning , just taking a break now. I like to keep things very minimal around here , it seems to bring me peace so I de clutter often . Planning to sit down with a book later and chill . I am really missing my local Library
Which has closed due to COVID so I have been buying used books from amazon instead and now need to pass on the stack i have got through to someone else .
Have a good Friday everyone 🙂

Good morning magical friends. A wet and wild morning here, I can hear the wind roar outside my bedroom window as I have my morning coffee.
One of my morning rituals that is dear to me, make a coffee then hop back into bed for half an hour while I drink it. Sets a good intention for the day!
I am off to ALDI with OH this morning, I am hoping to find the small pumpkins that some of us have bought before, tiny ones, all shapes and colours. I don’t know if they have them in stock this year.

I have been thinking about those of us with "Spidey sense"- does anyone else feel they have it?
For example I met a couple last year- colleagues of OH, just about to get married, they were chatty, adorable, smiles, seemed like the perfect couple. I had such a sense of gloom and foreboding, and in the car on the way home I told OH I could see big cracks.
A week before the wedding the guy dumped his fiance for another woman. It was a shock to her and all those around. I can sense anxiety and troubled souls when many others can't.
Now a lot of that is not "supernatural", and can be explained by me- and others picking up small clues, gestures, a tone of voice etc. My OH totally relies on my spidey sense- but it doesn't just apply to people.
It can be very disconcerting though. Being able to read people and situations so deeply can be a lonely place as often the interpretation I make is at total odds with what most other people see.
Does anyone else feel like this?
My mother just thinks I am crazy- she has a friend at the church, wife of an elder, she leads the church choir. My mother sees ( and is a little intimidated by) this woman, she is super friendly, seems confident and calm to many I think.
But I see a troubled woman, I see someone who struggles emotionally and is not happy. I have mentioned this to my mother who laughs at me, she thinks I am dramatic.
So church woman phoned lately and I ended up having a long telephone conversation with her- she unloaded to me and was in tears for a good half an hour. She is struggling mentally- very bad anxiety, but her OH wont let her seek treatment, as he thinks it is an issue of faith, so the Pastor is trying to deal with the situation, through extra prayer etc.

I could see this a mile away, as my spidey senses were twitching.
Anyone else see through people and situations like this?

Coffee- and morning ramble finished, time to jump into the shower and start my day. I'll let you kow if I manage to get a pumkin haul!!

Good morning sisters, joining you in the cosy witches kitchen while I drink my coffee. It's a wet day here too, so most definitely a day for being indoors.

Speakout I found myself nodding as I read your post. Like you, I can 'read' people and get a feeling about them. I think this is because we're more open to energy than others and we work with our intuition, rather than just logic and what's rational. In fact, I like to play with this skill and will often amuse myself during long train journeys or boring meetings and 'tune in' to someone to see what I can find out! If I touch the person (shake hands, etc) I often get a whoosh off information about them.

I hope this doesn't spook any non-witchy people reading this thread! I'm sure I must sound very odd sometimes 🤣

I’m smiling as I read your post speakout. I have a similar morning ritual with a large mug of strong tea.

This morning I woke before 6, and enjoyed the liminal time as the light of the day crept in, accompanied by wild witching weather.

It feels like a day for changing direction, taking control- something I’ve struggled with recently. But in that magical time between sleeping and waking I was given an insight from my ‘guides’ (/ancestors/higher self/the goddess ...) who came to me in a ‘no nonsense’ kind of way and told me in no uncertain terms that some of my coping mechanisms are not serving me well. So today brings a new opportunity to approach things differently. Gently as I go.

Yes to the intuitive sense speakout, I’ll often receive a kind of ‘profile’ of what’s below the surface and this can be both helpful and challenging. My lesson has been in how or if to best use the insight to reflect back and support the person. Sometimes it doesn’t feel right to do so, sometimes it’s not the right time and others it’s about a pertinent phrase or snapshot of what I ‘see’ that the person is open to receive. All easier to navigate with an open heart and mind. Sometimes I don’t have it in me and know I need to protect myself. No good to me or the other person if my energy is out of kilter. It’s all a balancing act isn’t it?

And yes to the ‘playing’ Violet! I have also spent time on train journeys/dull meetings etc passing the time in exactly the way you describe!

I’ve been mulling over energy this morning too. It’s collectivity and our own part in that as individuals. It’s such a comfort to be part of a bigger pool of energy- just like the different temperatures in different patches of sea, it’s such a joy to find a ‘sweet spot’ that seems to resonate with our own being. It feels good to wallow in it and just enjoy the resonance. Like coming home 🙏

Speakout Oh my goodness yes, this is my most innate power. The one I have never had to nurture or develop.
My husband who is decidedly down to earth and entirely atheistic believes so strongly in this ability of mine that he has in the past engineered situations by which I will meet people from his professional field - to get my take on them. On two very distinct occasions I have told him to be wary and on both I was right.

I have only ever ignored my first instinct a few times, let myself be persuaded by others that the person I reacted to was actually OK. And as time passed I was again proven right. One morning I woke to the news on my social media that somebody had absconded with a large sum of money after failing to attend court for a very serious offence.
I knew from the very first time I met this person that they were deceptive and deeply unpleasant.

Conversely some of the most treasured friends in my life I had an instant response on first meeting them that I should seek them out to engage in deeper conversation and lay the foundations of a friendship. But I do this and then let them come to me at their own pace. In the past I know I have moved too fast and have to remind myself that they probably don't have the same insight as I do.

I want to thank you all for the beautiful energy here and for continuing to share it among those of us who are struggling right now.
I am in the midst of a very draining situation, and am at the mercy of time to provide answers and solutions.

I can completely relate to the 'spidey sense' you mention speakout. I can pick up on people's emotional state and get a sense of what is going on with them. It is quite draining though to be so sensitised to other people. I pick up on lots of little cues I think , but I am also very sensitive to energy and atmosphere.

Hello wonderful friends,

It’s such a source of inspiration to check in on this thread - thank you all for making it such a haven.

It’s blowing a fresh wind here today. I’ve definitely felt the magic in the air waxing with the moon over the last few days. I had an incredible walk with DD just after dusk a few evenings ago where we smelt the air and looked for stars - we ended up seeing Mars, Venus and Saturn as well as the gorgeous moon. It was so special to do that together and get a sense of our place in the universe.

speakout I too was nodding along to your post. I have a strange variant of spidey sense - I can pick up on whether someone is fully behind what they say really easily. Sometimes they might not be because they are deliberately lying, or it could be that they want to mean it but don’t (or don’t yet). To me, the difference between the sound of someone saying something authentic and genuine vs the sound of a half-truth / deliberate lie is like the difference between the sound of a trumpet vs a violin ... I’ve had many raised eyebrows when I talk about this though so I tend to keep it to myself.

I can also “see” when people feel something deeply - when they talk about it, it’s like someone is highlighting their words with a spiritual highlighter.

Oh dear, that all sounds insane doesn’t it?

I have a relaxing day ahead of me with DD and our familiars. I was thinking of making some fun plans for next Saturday. One thought I was discussing with DD was not using electric lights for the whole day - so just candles and firelight. I thought this might give us all a chance to see things a bit differently and use our other senses more.

I wish you all a magical weekend xx

PS I know this was discussed a while back (sorry!) but I wanted to chime in on the discussion about courses. I have learnt and taught Reiki and in my experience, the revelations and learnings that come to us through our day to day lives are often the most valuable. I don’t charge for teaching reiki (and only teach my friends) as I feel that Mother Earth does most of the teaching. The deepest learning moment I have ever had was walking over the top of a hill and suddenly sensing the uplift of the wind and the power of the trees reaching from the depths of the Earth to the spiritual heights of the sky. I felt so close to a power beyond my words and understood in the moment more about how we are all connected than any course could have told me.

I’m not doubting the value of more structured learning but just saying (as other sisters have put more eloquently than me!) that our journeys are at the same time personal and entwined. I have found that my understanding / connection grows with a momentum of its own driven by magic in lots of different forms.

Glad to hear that others understand and share the spidey sense!!

I have spent the first half of my adult life thinking I was a freak!

I now know it is a super power!!
queenrollo I am smiling as I hear of you being brought is a spidey consultant by your OH- mine does that too!! He completely trusts my spidey, even if it makes no logical sense.
Aerwyna - yes to the spidey game on trains too!!! I have done this many times- how heartening to hear others do this too. Runningdownthathill absolutely, it is so draining, possible part of the reason I am an introvert. The bombardment and chatter can become overwhelming.

VioletCharlotte yes a day for indoors- I had to pop out this morning to do some shopping and take a load of wet washing to be dried at the launderette, did have a nice mooch around an amazing artsy shop, and bought myself some locally made hot chilli jam made by The Spice Witch.
AND-- ALDI have the baby pumkins, so cute all different shapes, colours and a steal at 49p each- I bought 10!! Theay are good solid ones too, so plenty flesh inside for cooking with after Samhain is over.
Just finished an autum wreath too, our local community is being asked to use lights and pumkins to spread cheer- we are in a hard lockdown area and children won't be able to do any guising ( trick or treating).
Just settling down with a large mug of chamomile tea as a reward to myself for being alive.

I find I tend to pick up on other people’s thoughts too. Does anyone else have that experience?

I love that so many of us have the 'Spidey sense' superpower!

@Runningdownthathill you're right, it can be draining, but you can protect yourself. I visualise a golden cloak around myself and ask to be shielded from others energy. I do this when I'm going anywhere I know will be really busy, like the tube for example. It's easy to forget though.

@speakout I'm so excited that Aldi have the miniature pumpkins! I was thinking about these yesterday and the conversation we had about them last year. I hope my Aldi have some too. I think I'll pop along there tomorrow (or maybe later today if the rain eases up a bit)

I'm enjoying being at home today. The past few weekends have been busy, so it's nice to be in my own space and spend time pottering about, doing housework and making my home feel clean and cosy. Candles burning, music playing, all is good

I know a few of us bought these pumkins last year, thought I would show you my ALDI haul today. They are all quite small, biggest in this picture is around 18cm diameter.
Perfect for arrangements.

They are fabulous speakout!
They’ll make for a beautiful arrangement, and I can imagine a lovely soup bubbling away with the flesh. 🎃

Such an fascinating discussion about the manifestation of intuition and the nuance of ways it’s experienced by everyone. Lots of nodding in resonance as I read all the posts. I love the openness and honesty here and the rich discussion that makes for.

Also wanted to share this. I’ve had a beautiful reminder today that we are never alone and I love this poem about reaching out to find resonant energy:

"Needing one, I invented her-
the great-great-aunt dark as hickory
called Shining-Leaf, or Drifting-Cloud
or The-Beauty-of-the-Night.

Dear aunt, I'd call into the leaves,
and she'd rise up, like an old log in a pool,
and whisper in a language only the two of us knew
the word that meant follow,

and we'd travel
cheerful as birds
out of the dusty town and into the trees
where she would change us both into something quicker-
two foxes with black feet,
two snakes green as ribbons,
two shimmering fish-
and all day we'd travel.

At day's end she'd leave me back at my own door
with the rest of my family,
who were kind, but solid as wood
and rarely wandered. While she,
old twist of feathers and birch bark,
would walk in circles wide as rain and then
float back

scattering the rags of twilight."

~ Mary Oliver, "Aunt Leaf" from "Twelve Moons"
🎨 Hannah Willow, "The Moon Pool"
🍁🍁🍁

www.facebook.com/189399208450625/posts/699000574157150/

Such a beautiful poem Aerwyna , very poignant. Highlights the power of finding connection- within and without.

Aerwyna that poem is beautiful and I love the image as well.

Speakout the pumpkins are fab! Love the colours. I'd love to see a pic of your display when it's all finished.

Just checking in after a long week. @Runningdownthathill I hear you! I hope you have some rejuvenation in your future. Difficult work weeks, I sometimes check in here quickly for a quick read, even if I don't post.

I'm purchasing some all beeswax candles this week that I hope will arrive in time for the 31st which is also a blue moon. I do lots of moon work and am very excited for this one!

@speakout just want to thank you for the energy you give us in your work keeping this thread going. Especially during COVID, as many of us have limited social connections.

@Aerwyna thank you for the beautiful poem!

I think I know what your getting at with your spider sense around people. I also am unfortunate for knowing a lot of me-mes (DH and I coined this term for people who only want to talk about themselves, never ask how you are, what you are doing and turn any conversation around to them, it’s all about them).

I was also spending time with DS today and he always puts on river/waters sounds on my phone on YouTube, he says he finds them relaxing and he loves nature. He’s not a quiet, sensitive boy at all but he does have a loving side to him.

The moons been missing quite a bit this week because of clouds, I can feel next weeks one is going to be very special

Delphinium20
Thank you for your kind words, this thread is a greas source of nurture and support for me too- so many wise and amazing women here. I am excited about te Samhain full moon too.
sweetkitty your son sounds like a beautiful soul you have contributed in nurturing his energy.
I know a lot of people with narcissist traits too, I try to avoid them as much as possible, but hard if they are close family!!

A bright blustery day here, a trip to the supermarket this morning, I woke with an idea for a Lebanese butter bean stew for dinner, and ASDA do some amazing varieties of flat breads. I I will set it cooking later this morning while I make a batch of Aphrodite Rose candles. So hopefully some Arabian frangrances wafting around today.

That’s lovely about your DS and the river sounds sweetkitty do you live close to any wild water? I find it so relaxing just to stand and breathe in the river for a few minutes when I can.

I agree Delphinium, it’s always nourishing to check in with the energy here, I feel much gratitude for this space too.

I thought this was an interesting blog post

gathervictoria.com/2016/10/23/reclaiming-the-radical-legacy-of-the-witch/

Cross posted with you speakout, the butter bean stew sounds tasty and I know Aphrodite candles are divine- your kitchen will be an infusion of beautiful smells today!

Aerwyna thankyou- and that link looks a tasty read.

Off to ASDA early to beat the queues- and pick up food supplies. Just lit my 8am candle as I get ready- much love and support to everyone.

Sweetkitty it's lovely how children pick up on the little things we do and so nice to hear that your DS feels soothes by the sounds of the river. My 'super cool' 19 year old son amazed me recently when he bought an essential oil diffuser. He regularly raids my oils to find one which reflects his mood!

Aerwyna thank you for that link, I've had a quick skim, it looks interesting. I'll look forward to settling down to read it properly later with a cup of tea.

Speakout aphrodite rose candles sound fabulous - your house must smell divine.

Early start this morning - the clocks going back mean nothing to my dog's body clock so we were up and out at 8! It was nice to be out in the fresh air and sunshine after a day indoors yesterday.

I'm going out shortly to visit my Grandma and I need to shop for a few bits (including notebooks, which I love buying!)

Love to you all for a peaceful Sunday ❤️

Hi all! I doubt you remember me as I come and go very infrequently these days, but I like to pop on and have a read every now and then. It's a very grounding place and it's nice to connect with others who are as interested in energy/nature/the seasons etc. as I am.

@speakout I totally relate! What did you counsel? I used to have a tendency to micromanage situations (it came from a deep sense of responsibility / anxiety about a lack of control) and I am finding great joy in learning to just 'listen' and only offer advice when asked. I'm still terrible at it! Your coffee morning sounds lovely, I have a similar habit except DH brings it to me . I'm going to go to Aldi soon and will see if I can find some pumpkins - they sound adorable. Really sorry to hear you're in a tough lockdown area, that must be really difficult.

@Aerwyna could you expand on how you received insight? I sometimes get a sense I being told something (I don't have guides, I just imagine it's the universe at large) and you just know. Is it the same with you? Beautiful poem, and image.

@GinIsMySaviour your walk with your daughter sounds absolutely incredible, what a special memory. I really enjoyed reading your insight on paying for courses too, I really admire your stance. I don't have any real 'spiritual skills' to sell, but nevertheless sometimes I struggle with the concept of making money because everything ultimately has to serve a system (rampant capitalism) that, large swathes of, I don't agree with. It makes it difficult.

@Delphinium20 what kind of moon work do you do? It sounds fascinating!

@VioletCharlotte I hope you have a lovely visit with your grandma and enjoy perusing all the notebooks. Why is stationary shopping so exciting? Is it the prospect of a shiny new start?

I don't know if any of you remember, but I last posted when we were going into lockdown when I'd just had my daughter. She's eight months now and I am so deeply, madly in love with her and also this new role of mother. I was so on the fence about children for a long time, it's taken my quite by surprise. Does anyone have any suggestions for exploring the archetype/role of mother any more? I'm very new to all this. I remember you all discussing the mother wound a thread or so back, which is something I've explored in the past and found very healing.

Also - is anyone planning on any celebrations for Halloween / Full Moon? I'm looking for inspiration!

I'm in the South West and we've had all seasons here today. I set out for my daily morning dog walk and it looked glorious, but once I arrived at the beach a storm loomed in the distance. It came, and the dog and I got drenched, and then I saw the most marvelous spectacle: a whole rainbow stretching from one end of the bay to the other. It was utterly breathtaking. I often feel like the universe is telling me things through such displays. We're all mad here

Right, I'll stop harping on! Peace to you all x

purplefig I very much remember you, so lovely to see you again- we have kept your spot warm by the fire.

I am glad ou are enjoying motherhood, wonderful to hear of the bright love you have for your DD. I appreciate your honesty about ambivalence about motherhood before you became a parent- I too was only mildly keen!
But like you I found myself diving into a deep sea of love, had a second child too quite quickly, and became a fierce defender and voice for my little ones.
Motherhood has been a deeply transforming experience for me. I have found strengths I never felt capable of.
Exploring archetypes of motherhood has been useful for me too, many cultures, mythology and old religions are rich in insight.
Ancient Celtic religions offers us Danu, the ancient mother of all, Kali from Hindu religion can show us a great deal about protecting our little ones, the myth of Demeter and Persephone is worth exploring.
All adds to the rich tapestry of understanding our new role as a mother, and being able to connect more deeply to the mother source within us and the Earth.

Aerwyna that blog was very interesting, and not a little disconcerting. Thanks for posting it.