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.

Hello @FitzsFool and to the new joiners :)

It's been blowing a gale and a half here - when I got up the lawn was covered with apples which as I'd just cleared it yesterday I wasn't too pleased about. Chutney it is then!

The next excitement was the dog catching his first pigeon - not that I'd mourn that wretched pigeon but he let it go in the sitting room...

And finally I found this enormous caterpillar - I didn't have my camera handy but google told me later it was a death's head hawk moth. The caterpillar was so beautiful. I hope it makes it into a moth

Another one, just sticking their head around the door.

Very interesting discussion regarding the mother wound. I am dealing with a lot of issues surrounding this.

This thread is a lovely calming place to be

I have woken early tp a magnificent rose pink sunrise, and huge lenticular clouds capturing the light like oyster shells. A beautiful view from my bedroom window.
I am having a goddess blessed coffee as waken my body and mind and muse on the day ahead.
A morning of herbs and trinkets, and a batch of lavender candles to make. It is strange having work that blends at times seamlessly with everyday life. I was chopping salad yesterday evening while I had a batch of wax melting on the stove.
Another huge welcome to our newcomers, it is so heartwarming to have so many new faces join us. Daphnesmate01 I am glad you popped in, lovely to see you.
It is interesting to hear so many feel touched by the idea of the motherwound, so many of us feel that pain. I am working through this too,
I think there are many ways we can tackle the healing, it takes courage , and I admire anyone who is finding the courage to break the legacy, for ourselves but to make sure we don’t pass the garbage down to our sons and daughters.
For me the first important thing was to work on boundaries, to prevent any further damage and to make sure we start protecting ourselves. I understand the point about not attaching blame to our parents, but by the same token they chose to ignore the damage that was done to them, instead passing that inheritance to us. So the fact that they were wounded themselves does not absolve them.
I love the ideas of Bathany Webster www.bethanywebster.com/why-its-crucial-for-women-to-heal-the-mother-wound/
Sha has a number of youtube videos too discussing the motherwound, for me simply exploring and recognising ideas have led me to opportunities for self healing and letting go.
I have also done a lot of shadow work involving meditation and visualisation to heal and nurture my past self and inner child,
There are many ways of dealing with the pain and hurt, and I know for me it is a work in progress.
Simple acts of daily self nurture and care strengthen me too.
I wish everyone a happy Saturday, and hope you find time to treat yourself well.

Morning all.

It's the time of year when our huge pear tree drops fruit and that part of the garden turns into a drunken wasp party. I was out at dusk last night picking up buckets of windfalls to try and reduce wasp population!
Awake early this morning I thought I might get out and clear a good deal more before the wasps arrived but it seems they are early risers too!
Still, I have managed another couple of buckets though.

I've seen the elder berries are heavy and ripe along some of the roads around my village so it's time to harvest some. No-one but me will use cordial/rob so I have decided to make elder jam this year instead as that is likely to be a hit with everyone.

Healing the motherwound is something I unknowingly started a long time ago, when I determined I would be a different mother to my own in a few vital ways. Physical affection and telling my children I love them. Working hard not to perpetuate certain traits and behaviours which she passed to me.
That led to the deeper work, where the emotionally painful stuff sits. It's always an ongoing process, but I feel I have come a long way.
I now recognise that I spent a while in my late teens/early 20s seeking the mother figure I always wanted. This led me to ignore my instincts on a couple of ocassions and end up in dysfunctional friendships with older women. I am still drawn to a certain type of nurturing female but my boundaries are better and I try to build these relationships as supportive equals and not a mother/daughter dynamic. I think this is why over the years I kept returning to the practice of hedgewitching and the Goddess. And seeking out the company of other women who also feel connected to Goddess.
I think it's why I love to come to this thread so often. There is much nurturing here.

Healing the motherwound is something I unknowingly started a long time ago, when I determined I would be a different mother to my own in a few vital ways.
queenrollo that is such an important point- yes, I too was very determined to raise my children in a way that my mother failed to.
She did so much harm and I did mot want to carry on the same style of parenting. I felt very strongly about that too.

I love the sound of your drunken wasps!!

Very interesting discussion on the motherwound.

I agree that the point about blame/responsibility can be a tricky one. I know it can be a sticking point in therapy so is one that impacts many of us.

I think it can be a nuanced/complex thing and have noticed that getting stuck tends to happen when we hold on to the blame of another as a shield from processing our own pain and taking responsibility for our own lives now.

I think it’s the work of the warrior to realise/accept ‘that was your responsibility but now I’m holding the pain I’m going to deal with it and change the pattern of the future’

I agree that releasing the need to even try and live up to the expectations placed upon us can be very liberating.

I remember a moment like this with my own mother- she would create terrible rows in certain circumstances. The things she would say were wicked- confusing as I couldn’t see how I was provoking it. I later realised she was reliving a trauma of her own which was awful but I was never going to fix it, nor should I have to try. Traumatic as what she went through was, it was hers to deal with, not mine. When I realised that despite her projection onto me, it was hers and I could never fix it even if I wanted to try, it seemed to shift things a bit.

I’ve also found inner child work helpful- journeying to visit my past self, comforting that child when she needed it.

I do think our mother wound can be reflected in our relationships with other women until we’re more aware of it and seek to change patterns/default dynamics. I think shifting this in itself is healing.
I think that might be part of the reason why what we do here in our group is healing itself.

The focus on the divine feminine- different things to different people but to me it’s an archetype energy I seek to embody and express. For me it’s a lot about strength, power and celebrating the tenacity and magic of that archetype- aligning and resonating with it.

I think that an important part of moving past mother wounds can be about nurturing ‘safe’ and positive female relationships in our lives- ones that are empowering, supportive and honest. It seems to then come naturally to celebrate each other’s joy and success rather than be threatened by it, to want to support when times are hard and also to take care of ourselves as a priority- to not see it as weakness to reach out for support- to learn that the vulnerability that brings can induce growth and depth rather than open us up to old patterns of hurt.
As we practice a new way to relate we can grow away from old patterns.

I love the way we generate’great mother’ energy here together. To me this is strong and gritty, unashamedly authentic; primal and raw. A far cry from the religious stereotypes we are programmed with of a meek and passive woman, objectified by her purpose to serve and placate. I think it’s very healing to share as we do and is a big part of what makes this such a transformative space.

I like Bethany Webster too, and also thought this was an interesting read

lonerwolf.com/healing-the-mother-wound/

Still wild here too- I have errands to run and will enjoy the wind in my hair as I do them. Great for shifting the energy

Great mother healing- female rising!

digistage.to/YaelWomenoftheWorld

Wise words YashmisCrone I agree that nurturing positive female relationships is a healing thing to do.
This patriarchy encourages women to be pitted against each other, stirring up envy, to tear down strength.
I know I was brought up to be deeply suspicious of other women- especially those daring enough to be bold or strong.
The power that we can find in supporting others to be powerful is immense.

YashmisCrone what a wonderful post. It is so full of truth and resonates with me at a deep level. I would like to know how you went about journeying. Was it a shamanic practice?

YashmisCrone Yes a lot of your post resonates with me.

I felt a very palpable shift in gear of self healing when I had analytical hypnotherapy and met myself at some points in my past (particularly childhood) which my subconcious held as trauma. It was interesting to me that these were things I had some memory of but never considered to have affected me. There were other memories which burned much brighter as damaging/trauma and I expected them.

KatherineParr4 I found the hypnotherapy sessions enabled me to take myself down to a level where I can 'journey' to my past. I do sometimes use YouTube videos to help me but am thinking of recording my own voice so I can tailor the 'talk down' to my own needs.

Another soft morning here- a few fluffy clouds dappled sunlight.
All is still outside, only birdsong.
I am up for some self care this morning. A scented salt bath, a mini facial and a slow loving yoga flow for half an hour followed by some Tarot work. To honour and set me up for the day!
I want to try to continue this soft healing energy today, this past week has seen a lot of turmoil and worrying my home, but things are much calmer now, and I want to make sure paths are open for the positive energy to flow.
A little obsidian called for until lunchtime though, as we have christian dogma rampaging through the house for a few hours in the way of an online service and zoom group! Easily dealt with though! I can restore order easily!
I wil light a rose candle at 8am this morning to send calm loving energy to my sisters.

I too am poking my head round the door, to say hi to the inspirational witches on these threads.
I imagine everyone together like this:

Giggorata lovely to see you- I am smiling at that image!

I think many of us must have imaginary scenes of our magical space.
I imagine the kitchen of an old country cottage, broomsticks parked up near the door, an open fire with a range, tea bubbling in a pot, candles burning on the dressers, some old but very comfortable sofas and lots of cushions.
Sunlight streaming through partly open wooden shutters, and of course us, sometimes one or two, sometimes a large group.
Sharing stories, supporting, laughing, celebrating, wiping tears. All different, all ages, and eclectic bunch but sharing and celebrating our togetherness.

Good morning* sisters. Giggorata* how lovely to see you! That image is brilliant, I love it ❤️ I imagine our magical space to be a large, farmhouse style kitchen, with a big open fire, pots bubbling away on the stove cooking delicious meals, shelves lined with jars of herbs and spices, a large table with room for us all to sit down, overs with all sorts of crafts and projects, lots of cushions and beanbags and blankets. A safe, warm, nurturing place, full of love and kindness, where everyone feels at home and able to talk openly and be themselves without fear of judgement of rejection.

I've got a day of no plans today, my favourite type of Sunday! Yesterday was busy, but productive, helping DS2 sort out his bedroom ready for decorating, which inevitably lead to sorting out various other cupboards and drawers. I came across all sorts of treasures..cards the boys made for me when they were little, stories they wrote at primary school, drawings...it made me smile.

I've been for a swim this morning and I'm enjoying my coffee now while I decide how to spend the day. I'm thinking it will be a pottering day, tidy the garden, some laundry magic, cooking, perhaps some baking.

A dog walk will also feature at some point no doubt. The hedgerows are fabulous at the moment, bursting with berries and the forest floor is covered in acorns and hazel nuts. Very autumnal!

A morning of self nurture and an afternoon of pottering here too- perfect!

KatherineParr4, the journeys I’ve done for inner child work are probably less shamanic and more as queenrollo describes- a visitation to a past version of myself. Although I love shamanic journeying and I think there are similar features.

Personally I tend to use more shamanic techniques for more ‘spiritual’ quests- connecting with guides, seeking answers to current questions I have etc. I’m not sure why- just personal preference I guess. In that way the two overlap and sometimes a shamanic journey will give me symbolism or insight which I’ll then use for more focused meditation/healing work aimed to shift a particular block or heal a wound identified etc.

For me, my memory seems to work in a ‘snapshot’ sort of way- often a mundane rather than a particularly dramatic scene but the common theme is that the scene will contain the emotions sitting on top of the block or wound- if I can work with them something will shift. I’ve found simply acknowledging them can be hugely powerful.

So for example with the mother wound- one vivid memory I have is of myself, aged around 6, sitting in the front garden, holding on to a doll. I sat there for what felt like hours, in need of comfort but none came.

Not a particularly dramatic moment in itself but it is full of the emotional impact of the events leading up to it- fear, trauma, feeling unsafe, rejected, invisible etc. I think this is why that is the vivid memory rather than the scary events that lead up to it- it represents a collection and culmination of experience.

So because it was vivid, I was able to work with that. I got myself into a meditative state and visited my younger self. I sat with her and listened to her fears and feelings. Then I gave her the love she needed in that moment, held her as she cried until I felt her relax, told her none of this was her fault, gave her comfort and a sense of safety.

So now when that memory pops up I can attach comfort and healing to it- there are two of us there- my younger self is no longer alone and the journey has served to help heal the wound if the events that led me there.

With this kind of self healing work I think the key is to make sure you bring yourself to a place of safety afterwards- that way the trigger it provides in your psyche can be changed.

It’s possible to do with more traumatic memories but can be wise to have someone do this with you as queenrollo describes because when you’re triggered yourself it can be hard to also provide comfort- it requires an objective stance. I think this is why I’ve found it helpful when working alone to work with a moment that represents the feelings connected to a wound rather than the moment the wound was actually inflicted if that makes sense.

All shadow work can be harrowing but I’ve found it very healing. I think it’s a judgment call as to what feels safe to do on your own. If in doubt work round the edges and seek help for the parts that don’t feel safe if you decide you want to go there.

That’s just my perspective- like anything it’s a very personal thing

YashmisCrone thta is so profound- I am glad you were able to give that little girl comfort.
Itt sounds very similar to the way I work too, mothering and comforting snapshots of my past self- from childhood, but also as a yog adult, when I really floundered and made choices which were harmful. But I did the best I could at the time, and I revisit her and give her the strength to find self belief and calm her troubles.
I agree we should work with caution- there is a lot of powerful energy there. I qork as gently and cautiously as I can with my past selves.

I am loving the synchronicity of gentle self care today VioletCharlotte your imagery is delightful- I am so there!!
We are not quite in the fruiting season here, another few weeks, it tends to be later in Scotland.
It is also raining, but a very soft gentle rain, a patter rather than fierce drumming. I have candles lit and the house is calm.
Just finishing off work, then turning my thoughts towards cooking- trying my hand at some Lebanese dishes tonight.

Can I creep back in?

It’s been a long time since I pulled up a chair. In that time I’ve lost both my parents, stopped drinking, worked on my tarot reading, passed the first year of a Masters degree...the path has been long and winding, for sure.

The moon, the sea and nature have been my biggest comfort and inspiration throughout this time. I’ve discovered open water swimming, which somehow feels elemental and meditative. I have a tiny vegetable garden at home which I’ll sometimes sit in with a cup of tea, and just be with the plants, listening to them grow.

This feels like a time of transition, and it’s called me back to your fireside. Hope that’s okay.

Fabulous insight into the shadow work Yashmis

Giggorata what a lovely model of us, I'm the one in the pointy hat and burgundy dress beside the lit window.

Luna Lovely to see you again, of course you're welcome, come and join us and have a brew.

You've had a lot to transition through since you were here last, sometimes it's also a huge learning and growth curve, but it's hard to see that when you're in the midst of it all.
Sounds as though you've also discovered your inner Ondine, another bond between a lot of our sisters and of course your earth connection

I'm still waiting for my elderberries in the back garden to ripen, won't pick the ones at the front of the house as it's on the road and although rural, harvest has been underway for weeks which means constant heavy vehicles and their exhausts.

Have a magical day everyone!

Another one here quietly coming back to the kitchen for tea and to share the chatter.

I haven’t popped into the kitchen in ages. I had a rubbish time during lockdown so am working hard on some nice basic self care at the moment. Also clearing out stuff and doing laundry.

I really loved the idea of lots of tiny magical things in every day so plan to try that. ⭐️

I just typed a long response about shadow work and accidentally deleted it! Such a fascinating topic, I'll write it again later.

Lunanorth I'm so sorry to hear about your parents. You've been through a lot recently, you're incredibly brave. Come join us by the fire.

Gee so good to see you again. Our cosy kitchen is getting busy ❤️

Thank you, @BlankTimes and @VioletCharlotte.

I’m in a salt bath now, reading about Ondine. An unashamed self-care day today.

LunaNorth so glad you are here- such a rocky road you have travelled- you are safe here- time to nurture and unravel. You are a brave warrior, but even warriors need to unwind and relax . Take your time and treat yourself with compassion.
GeeIneverthoughtofthat lovely to see you again- seems we are all in self nurturing mindset.

It is wonderful that we have had so many newcomers recently - and beloved old friends popping back too.
The energy of everyone helps to make this space a sanctaury of support, understanding and positive energy.
I am glad blanktimes set up the bottomless tea pot!!

And just bumping this- YashmisCrone (thankyou x ) posted it yesterday, but it is so powerful, so profound, and echoes the energy we have as a group on his thread.

I’m loving the energy here on our thread. I always do but these past few days its also so good to see old friends again and welcome new. Thank you all for being here and for sharing your wonderful energy 💜

My thoughts exactly about the song and the resonance with our collective energy speakout, thank you for the bump x

LunaNorth
I’ve discovered open water swimming, which somehow feels elemental and meditative

YES!! I find it an absolute joy too and completely agree with your description - it warms my heart to hear you’ve discovered the healing power of wild water too. The right medicine at the right time 🌊💙🌊

Also loving the beautiful collective imagery of our witches kitchen-I have a very similar to my vision of our space. I like having such a clear vision of our space-always there to pop in to recharge and connect.

Just popping into the collective kitchen to pop a birthday cake on the table. Please do all help yourselves to a slice. In true magical style you'll cut whatever is your favourite.

It's my birthday. At the beginning of lockdown I truly believed I would be celebrating as usual at an annual gathering and surrounded by friends. But here we are, life still much changed so it's a quiet one at home instead.
Regardless, I have dressed up (really gone to town!) and had a most wonderful day at home.