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.

Good morning sisters. This week's been a tough one for me. Mentally exhaustion from work has manifested into physical symptoms - neck pain, headaches, back ache, etc. I've not really had the energy to post, but still here, reading your posts and grateful for the warm, loving energy shared in this wonderful space we've created.

After a quiet day yesterday, I'm feeling a little better today and enjoyed a yoga practise this morning. I'm meeting DS1 for a walk this afternoon. I've not seen him since mid October, so really looking forward to being with him.

Speakout I hope you managed to get to the sea. Sometimes it just feel like it's calling you doesn't it? Being by the sea always puts everything in perspective somehow.

Love and blessings to you all 🙏

Violet sorry hear of your tough week, always amazes me how stress and over work manifest as physical symptoms, I have been feeling the same until a few days ago. Always amazes me how stress and over work manifest as physical symptoms, I have been feeling the same until a few days ago.
Meeting with your DS and a walk sound like the perfect antidote.
medusasbadhairday exactly how I feel knowing there is a logical explanation behind them doesn't take away from the sense of wonder. For me it adds to it.
I am glad you feel that way too.
If I am watching fireworks or sitting fire scrying seeing colours flash in the sky or jump out of flames. I am in awe and wonder when I see these thing, but I am also aware of why these colours happen. In that cosmos that exists at the quantum level, I know electrons are excited by heat to jump into a higher but unstable orbit within a metal atom, as that orbit decays and the electron drops back it gives off a flash of visible light.
The colour- the wavelength- of that light is highly specific to that element, so copper will give off a flash of green, tin blue, nickel silver, lithium a crimson red, potassium purple, sodium yellow.
I can still see chariots and salamanders and all the magical imagery in the flames, but I can see the language of the metals, too, an extra dimension to my awareness, knowing of all this activity at a quantum level which parallels our existence at a macro level. All very incredible, all very magical.

copper will give off a flash of green, tin blue, nickel silver, lithium a crimson red, potassium purple, sodium yellow

that's great to know Speakout Lots of minerals are self-coloured when mined like malachite which is green copper, blue gives azurite lapis and sodlite, brown is often iron inclusions although hematite tends to be redder etc.

Quartz can also be coloured by the inclusion of other minerals as it forms
www.geologyin.com/2016/04/major-varieties-of-quartz.html

Blue quartz can also have indicolite (blue tourmaline) inclusions.

Images, All of these are natural stones, not "enhanced" by man. Clockwise from the coin.
Himalayan Citrine
Enhydro Quartz - contains a water bubble)
Desert Glass - do Google, because info you find yourself 'sticks' much more than being given an explanation at every opportunity. This is an amazing fusion of above and below.

Pietersite - combination of blue Hawks Eye and brown Tigers Eye
2 more Himalayan citrine
Centre - Blue quartz - quartz with blue tourmaline aka indicolite inclusions.

Image 2 Indicolite quartz backlit by sunlight

Image 3 Desert Glass backlit by sunlight

BlankTimes it's fascinating isn't it. And metal salts will be different colours depending on their valance too- so iron can exist in different forms and colours- so pale green or a deep reddish brown- as in rust.
A lot of this was arcane knowledge to the alchemists of old, who were considered magicians in their time, able to change and mutate matter.

Image 1 You can see the different concentrations of Iron in the Spirit Quartz/Angel Quartz here from orangey brown "rust" to purple.

Image 2 Iron also makes quartz into amethyst and colours it purple.

The work of the alchemists is wonderful, Newton was one, not many people know that because of the daft divide between Science and Magic we have today.

Fascinating alchemy discussion and beautiful stones.

BlankTimes that Indicolite particularly really stands out to me, it has such fabulous energy. I’ve never seen one of those before- I’m off to look it up!

Speakout I wonder how many more people who are now famous historical scientists were also Alchemists.

Arwyna That piece is lovely to hold, also great for throat chakra and communication. It's a bit too heavy to thread up and wear though! I've not seen another piece, which is why I had to have that one.

Apart from the all-over blue stones of which there are loads and each has its own 'feel' blue seems to be the most rare of possible colours in combination.

Image 1 see the deepest blue of the Labradorite bits. the paler turquoisey blue is very common, also the gold and yellowy green. Red's pretty rare. It even fires that deepest blue colour when the unpolished rock catches the light.

Image 2 see how the purple fades to blue on the delicate piece of Fluorite.

Image 3 palest blue Aquamarine in stilbite on a large quartz cluster. I think that's black tourmaline underneath too but can't go and leg it upstairs and look closely, because I Really Should Be Doing Other Things as opposed to posting here about stones.

Blanktimes
I wonder how many more people who are now famous historical scientists were also Alchemists.

Perhaps many.I have seen many magical things that defy explanation in research laboratories.
Unfortunately the scientists of note in the past few hundred years are amost excusively men.

@VioletCharlotte oh I've long been drawn to the idea of Ayurveda practices...never got around to doing much about it! How're you finding eating according to your dosha? Love the sound of the lunar living book, too.

@Aerwyna No, thank you so much for sharing it. It really touched me and I've just spoken to the person I passed it on to and they have said it's been on their mind all week...I think it has really shifted something within them. So sorry to hear you've had a tough week, yoga and a walk with your son sound like just the salve you need. I hope you are feeling more restored now?

@speakout did you enjoy your DS's birthday? Thanks for sharing that documentary - I'm going to have a watch tomorrow I think. I'm envious of your trip to the charity shop to look for Christmas decorations, we're in England and the lockdown is starting to wear. I love your post on water - I've always been drawn to the coast and now live five minutes from it, it's probably my favourite part about where we live.

I have had a difficult week. A few relatives are experiencing health issues (not covid, other things that in one case may well have been missed because of a lack of normal services because of covid!) and I feel I am constantly having to pick myself up. I am trying to remember that it is OK to just be and feel my feelings. This year is HARD.

I have poured an inordinate amount of energy into learning about wreath making and going out on woodland walks to forage for goodies to make one. I've never done it before, never really had the time, but now I have lots of time. Tonight I am practicing a mushroom wellington for Christmas. I find cooking a very grounding activity, plus I like the fact you end up with something to enjoy at the end of it.

Have a peaceful Sunday everyone!

Having my second coffee of the morning and plannig a very restful day.
Just a coulke of errands and cooking dinner, but otherwise nothing.
I may do some online christmas shopping and a trip to my local charity shop, but otherwise a warm relaxing day, incense, tea and candles.

Very pleased to hear it speakout, your day sounds perfect and it’s good to hear of you taking a little time for yourself.

BlankTimes yes, I can absolutely see why you had to have that one! It’s very special. And thank you for the other blue stone pictures/info. Food for thought for me there.

purplefig it warms my heart to hear of the shift in your friend. The power of words! I agree this year is hard and I think it’s really helpful to make allowances for ourselves as best we can because of this. Gently does it.. I think you’re going to love that documentary- enjoy!

I had a slow start to the day too, have been feeling under the weather so being gentle with myself. love and solidarity to others having a tough time right now x

Aerwyna

Glad to hear you are taking time to heal and rest.
I have a quiet house here- warm and cosy, outside it is bitterly cold, a biting wind I can hear beating though the trees.
I am reminded of the Caillach, the winter crone who scours the mountains with her icy blast, with a pocketful of secrets.
This is the time for root work.
If we ignore the call our body will call us, manifesting in aches and coughs and poor sleep, until we attend to our foundations.
I have a warming candle lit - citrus and ginger and a hot cup of chamomile tea by my side, comfy clothes and my favourite icelandic woollen socks.
Enjoying my day off!

Thank you speakout, and wise words as ever. It’s interesting to note our patterns as we’ve been together as a group for a couple of years now. I agree it is time for roots work and there’s something comforting in seeing the natural pattern of this.

I share your appreciation of woollen socks- such pleasure in the comfort of them!

Speaking of the Caillach, I enjoyed this short video:

fb.watch/1XI2EKZL3J/

Aerwyna oh wow that video is powerful!

@speakout yes, I always find this time of year... Hmmm. Don't know how to describe. I am tired and full of grief, but... There is something comforting about the root work, the winter, the callieach, the bone woman...

Spiritwriter

Yes I understand your beautiful words. The Callieach is comforting, raw, powerful. As a crone myself I feel her presence. She sees all- she has seen it all. She understands it all, she is the embodiment of all of life.- all human experience.

Interesting discussion about the Callieach, she always comes,es to mind as the weather gets colder and winter starts to nip at our heels. I've felt a shift over the last couple of days. The feeling of being 'stuck' has shifted and I'm starting to feel more hopeful about the future, even allowing myself to daydream about the possibility of brighter days ahead. I like the colder weather and I'm hoping for some bright winter days.

Speakout I can picture you in your warm socks, sipping your tea. You paint a wonderful picture with your words,

Aerwyna I agree the patterns we go through as a group are comforting, it's warming to know we're all here together, experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Thank you for sharing that video.

Spiritwriter I am sorry to hear of your grief. Sending some warm, loving energy your way.

Purplefig Ayurveda is interesting isn't it? I've added a few self-care rituals to my daily routine and I've been using a herb called Triphala for cleansing my system. I've been a lot more mindful of what I've been eating. My predominant dosha is Pitta (fire) so I need to avoid anything too hot or acidic. Your mushroom wellington sounds good! I'm trying to decide what main course to have for Christmas dinner, this sounds like a great suggestion 😊

What a beautiful video!

I have enjoyed reading about your days and seeing your lovely pictures.

I hope those of you having difficulties and relatives with illnesses feel better soon and things improve.

This weekend I went to a nearby woodland with my daughter and she helped me collect material for making a natural wreath. I made sure to thank the trees and the earth for letting me take some small pieces of themselves.

I used a rainbow quartz as well.

I hope you all like it!

@Bipbopbee that is beautiful and very inspiring. I may like to try one myself. My mum always loved flower arranging, making garlands, wreaths, etc. She was very talented at it. Her last years her heart wasn't in Christmas because of family trouble and then she was so ill and declined rapidly I hate that. But I'm wondering if me doing something like this... I feel like she is speaking and this is an invocation of sorts.
@speakout what are your thoughts please? I welcome your wisdom.
Thank you for understanding. I am not a new witch, but I am relatively new to the terms and concepts, so to speak. If that makes sense? I do find the concept /energy of the callieach comforting. I find crone energy soothing. I don't work with goddesses... I don't worship deities, but... I feel something so deep here. One of my 'team' is a crone. And I feel her protection. Which is needed as my boundaries require work, I am so sensitive.

Evening all sorry I’ve been away just catching up, enjoying all your insights, thoughts and stories you all share.

I had a strange wee thing happen today, I’m at work and a wee girl I work with who is severely autistic, non verbal, what we would call foundation milestone level so just starting to interact even though she’s 9, anyway she loves the feeling of books and has quite a collection mostly cook books, I was tidying them away and one was a spell book! I flicked through it and it feel on spells for physical ailments as you know I have suffered greatly from this trapped nerve and still am. I feel it’s a sign, I must take a photo of the book and order it.

The weather is not kind to me just now, I am not a fan of the cold and dark, I hate this almost constant rain, it’s so damp and dark. I am definitely a Spring/ Summer girl when everything is growing or in full blossom and I can feel the heat on me. I’m plotting to buy lots and lots of lights for Yule (although everyone thinks it’s for Christmas)

Hello all.

I’m not sure if this video has been shared on here, but I wanted to show it to you all. I’ve watched it many times and find it moving and very powerful.

I hope all of you are well and peace is with you.

BBC spoken word

VioletCharlotte pleased to hear you’ve felt a shift. I can feel that bright, hopeful energy you describe- thank you for sharing it with us. We’re having a similar discussion about Christmas dinner/mushroom Wellington in our house! We’ve tried and enjoyed this one:

www.feastingathome.com/mushroom-wellington-rosemary-pecans/

Bipbopbee your wreath is beautiful.
One of my favourite parts of the season is going to the woods to gather greenery and decorating the fireplace with it. I think our ancestors were wise to know how bringing greenery in and focussing on light would lift our spirits in the colder months. I love these old traditions.

Spiritwriter I think your idea of wreath making to honour your mother/as an invocation is beautiful. I’m reminded of when I was grieving my father I realised what was meant when people said ‘they live on in us’ We have a unique relationship with each person we love and there is a part of us that exists purely in relation to them. I think it’s part of why grief is so hard- like a part of us is gone too. But I also think it brings possibilities for their spirit living on in a very real way. If we do the things we would do together, be the person we were with them then they not only feel closer but continue to walk with us in our lives. We are who we are partly because of them and I think to be who they helped us be is the most profound honouring we can do.

sweetkitty what a lovely experience- I love those moments where synchronicity provides guidance relevant to our lives. Enjoy your new book when it arrives! Sorry to hear you’re struggling with the season. I know the cold and damp can be particularly hard when you’re in pain. I know it’s different but on a more philosophical/spiritual level it’s really helped me to tune into the themes of the seasons and work with those on my life. If we grew all year round there would be no rest, no reflection on what we needed to ‘let die’ in our lives to make space for new growth when it’s time. I like the idea of shedding what no longer serves me and considering what ‘seeds’ to plant in the coming spring. This year I’m thinking of something new and different and am glad of the old dying away.

LunaNorth thank you for sharing that video and adding to the ‘season of the crone’ theme we seem to be working with here. It’s interesting how hag has become such an offensive word to so many isn’t it, patriarchy at work, seeking to diminish the power of the wise woman- too much of a threat..I think celebrating the power of the hag/crone is an empowering thing to do. Reclaiming at its best!

I’ve been reflecting on roots work and I know I’m not up to much deep delving right now. Yesterday I spilled boiling water on my foot- a freshly made herbal tea. As I was treating the burn with lavender oil I had an idea for a small practice that seems manageable in my current state. Each day I will mix a little coconut oil with an essential oil that feels right and spend a few minutes rubbing it into my feet- a very literal tending to my roots and working the energy I feel I need into my feet via the EOs. I think small practices like this can add up to a positive message to our psyche, help us generate change over time

Wishing everyone a magical day

spiritwriter I’m so sorry about your mother. Wreath making sounds like a lovely thing to do in her memory.
I take joy from making these, and I hope that by carrying on your mother’s tradition it will bring you joy and good memories too.

Aerwyna I do too! I find the old traditions very comforting. It may sound strange but this kind of thing calls to me, I find it deeply satisfying to bring nature into the hone in this way.
It’s like a magical antidote in a modern world of consumerism and social media. When I was little I used to daydream about living in a little wooden shack in the forest. Wouldn’t mind doing that now!
I hope your burn is ok; great idea with the coconut and essential oil foot massage.

LunaNorth thank you for sharing that wonderful video! Really enjoyed watching that. So much truth.

Thank you Bipbopbee, yes thankfully it was only splashes of tea and the lavender oil has been working its magic. A big yes to all you say about nature as an antidote and that calling us. I can completely relate to what you are saying.

It’s been shared here before but your post made me think of this

@Aerwyna thank you so much for you kind words. I am trying so hard to find good things about the season and know we can’t have Summer all year round. The rain finally stopped and it was a cold, sunny day here today. Much prefer them, the children in my class need out to play. Was a high pain day for me though that was quite distressing so after dinner I decided to start wrapping some presents and changed over the wax burner to cinnamon and cranberry and then snuggled up with DD3.

I think I’m actually a hibernating animal, in that I should go to sleep end of Oct to start of March. I get so lethargic during these months just want to find a cosy den and sleep.