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.

A chilli morning here, frost again overnight, I live in a hollow of land, so cold air always gathers here. The local small town is only a mile away and is often a few degrees warmer although ver y close. My sleepy hollow does have an open aspect though, so lots of sunlight. Cold and bright is a typical winter day.
I have been doing a little research in my mirror, and pretty sure I have pinned down origins for anyone interested.
It is from Bali, and was probably a window- originally from an exterior wall or interior courtyard. The mirror has been added at a later date.
Many of these are also replicas, and exported, hard to tell the age because craftsmen still use traditional methods to make these items- dowelling rather than screws etc. So whether it is modern or reclaimed is difficult to tell.
I think the wood is rosewood. It sits in my garage for the moment.
I am glad to know it is Balinese, I have spent a lot of time in that part of the the world, and I know Bali is a very magical place. The garden sounds a good idea to use as an illusion mirror, but in my part of the world with a North facing garden the mirror would decay within a year.
Off for a spa shower, a warming tangerine today to warm me up a little.
Have a magical Sunday everyone.

Thank you so much for the support with DS. Speakout I share your feelings about universities and the pressure put on young people. They're made to feel that if they don't have a degree they've got no change of getting anywhere, which he is fine for certain professions, but it certainly doesn't suit anyone. When I was at school, my DC would both have been among the large proportion of students who left school and got a job. DS2 has come on leaps and bounds in confidence since leaving college and starting work, I'm confident DS1 will do the same.

Speakout i like your mirror. I love the idea of it being a garden mirror as per Blanktimes suggestion, but can see why this wouldn't work in a colder climate! It would work well in a room filled with light, I can picture it with lots of plants around it.

Blanktimes hang on in there, there's light at the end of the tunnel.

SweetKitty so glad you managed to get out for a walk in the woods. The power for nature is amazing isn't it?

I'm heading out shortly for a walk with friends. We're taking part in Shelters' 'Big Walk' next week, so we're doing a training walk today. It's a nice way to raise a little money for the homeless, but also means a couple of hours of much needed female company!

@speakout Thank you. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for having the gumption to start this thread in the first place. It's an absolutely wonderful haven and it's clear reading back on old threads (and new!) how valued and cherished this space is by so many. I for one love your new find - and those are some excellent sleuthing skills!

@BrightYellowDaffodil I'm delighted you've been getting a lot out of the posts on self care, they've served as a good reminder to take that important time in what can often be a hectic time of year. I completely identify with your sentiment about chastising yourself though, I think that's probably something a lot of women experience. Your candle sounds DIVINE! I'm on the hunt for a new one. I got my last one at Aldi and it was great, but it's gone very quickly. I often buy them at TK Maxx and they seem to be of an excellent quality, but I might keep an eye out for a local maker.

@Elasticatedwaist a full moon dog walk - now that is some excellent self care!

@HillsBesideTheSea snow lanterns sound delightful! Your new book sounds excellent - is it as practical as the title suggests? I love the idea of it discussing the ethics and important of intentions.

@VioletCharlotte your poor son, I can't imagine how hard it's been for university students this year. They've been on my mind a lot in the last few months actually. It all just feels so unbelievably unfair for that age group. You sound like a lovely mum though, he's a lucky boy. How was the swim?

@sweetkitty I'm so pleased the chiropractor worked out for you - there is nothing quite like the relief of chronic pain is there?! I'm not sure if I am an empath. To be honest, I'm not even sure I'm an introvert anymore - I feel like motherhood has changed me and I feel the need for so much more connection than ever before. Though that said, I still need alone time to recharge so perhaps I am. It must be hard living with that many other people - are they family or friends?

@BlankTimes hahahaa so can we all hope for good things from the 21st?!

A separate and self-indulgent post...

I am absolutely ADORING my journey down this rabbit hole. I'm really enjoying The Spiral Dance, certain lines just hit me such a palpable sense of something like recognition. It's like it's stirring something up that is already there.

It's funny as I have been going through these thread archives (I'm only halfway through thread one, it's glorious!) and I am picking that up as a theme in some of those first interested posters. Some were taught, but many seemed to be drawn to certain practices with no real understanding of why. That was certainly my experience. It's been blissful realising I'm not alone.

Will you indulge me on my latest escapade? A very close relative of mine was recently in hospital. I spent one evening, before bed, visualising her in hospital (I had a very clear image in my mind, though no idea if it was accurate) absolutely flooding her and her surroundings with loving, pink light. She's a wonderful woman but not a sentimental type, but the day after she told another relative she felt incredibly loved. It is so out of character, I have to believe my visualisation played a part!

And now a question: the relative who passed that information on to me is going through an incredibly tough time. Today while out shopping in my local high street for Christmas presents I spotted a beaded rose quartz bracelet and I just knew I wanted to give it to her. I have bought us one each as she'll enjoy that. I am wondering if there is a way I could bless or charge this gift before I pass it on to her? I did think about leaving it to charge under a full moon, but the next one isn't for a while and I want to give it to her this week.

@purplefig It’s from Waitrose, and they have them on special offer at the moment!

I normally find this time of year quite stressful but with the shift to home working and things being less frenetic this year, I’m finding the season rather enjoyable for once. I was listening so Sandi Toksvig’s R4 programme about hygge and that’s exactly what I’m doing at the moment - loving an evening in an armchair with a box set and glass of wine, an early night snuggled up in blankets and a book, or brisk walks outside, bundled up with a coffee. And we’re starting to have proper frosts now; this morning my windscreen had the most beautiful fern-like pattern on it.

Roll on solstice eh BlankTimes?! Thank you for sharing that, will grit my teeth and look forward to that too.

Fascinating about your mirror speakout and I love that this item with a connection to your experience has found you. I love rosewood too.

Wise words Violet and I love the way you are holding space for your DS, holding that vision of him flourishing on his new path. I think it can be very powerful to do this.

purplefig wow- great work! I absolutely believe your visualisation is what caused this woman to feel so loved. What beautiful energy work. With the rose quartz, I would cleanse it (sometimes I use smudge, sound from a bell or sometimes moon water, whatever feels right) and then charge it with moonlight when you’re ready rather than wait. I’ve never been much good at waiting for a specific phase or conditions, preferring to work with the existing energy when the moment takes me. As it goes I think the waning moonlight may be just the thing to help with the easing of hard times from your relative’s life. If it were me I’d tap into that energy to charge it.

I’ve been out on the moors today. So beautiful in the winter sunshine. Wild ponies, such beautiful light and colours and a real sense of connection with ancient energy. Sitting by the river felt very cleansing. Just the grounding I needed.

Hoping for a restorative night’s sleep ahead of another busy week. Wishing everyone a peaceful evening. Love to all x

@purplefig I have done something similar; I held the item in my hands and asked that the wearer be brought peace and healing, and visualised it being charged with those to be passed on. I do a lot of candle work so, if it’s big enough, you could maybe place a tea light in the middle of it and ask that the burning of the flame bring the outcome you’re asking for - I usually turn the candle and ask that “As this candle burns and turns, may it bring,..” and visualise whatever it is being brought closer by the “winding” of three candle.

*the candle, not three candle!

Aerwyna Epona and Rhiannon are great companions

Hopefully we can ungrit our collective teeth whilst watching a Livestream from Newgrange on the morning of the 21st. I think Stonehenge are doing one as well, then hopefully something from Maeshowe for sunset. I'll post links as soon as it's all confirmed.

Purplefig there are many ways to cleanse and programme objects.
Earth Air Fire and Water are the traditional ones, but there are many more that circumstances and time dictate. Use whatever you are most comfortable with.

Violet you're doing a wonderful job supporting your son. Hope your training walk for Shelter went well!

Speakout Hills and anyone else who crafts any ice or snow candles, I'd love to see some.

May everyone have a peaceful and warm evening.

Out again today on a very cold and foggy walk although walks might be curtailed this week as DD3 has has a high temperature for 3 days (she’s never unwell) no other symptoms. DD1s closest friends tested positive 2 weeks ago so she’s been self-isolating, the high school is rife just now, we are in Central Scotland in Tier 4 too. So everyone self- isolating tomorrow until DD3 can get tested.

@purplefig I am mum to three DDs (16, 14 and 12 and a DS 10 s well as an assortment of rescued animals. I feel the noise and energy too much for me a lot of the time. Don’t get me wrong I love being a Mum. When DD1 was born my life fell into place. I didn’t have an easy childhood, had a difficult relationship with my own Mum but becoming a Mum was what I was born for. I’m very maternal hence all the animals too plus my job.

I’m excited for my first “proper” solstice and Yuletide this year.

Looking back over the threads I’ve been doing all these wee things without realising why like when a friends daughter was dying I bought a pink quartz bracelet and called it As bracelet and wore and played with it all the time leading up to her death no idea why. Just thought of that, I still have it.

Anyway safe and rested week ahead for us all

Lovely to drop in and read so many vibrant posts.
purplefig what amazing work, that sent a shiver down my spine.

blanktimes this solstice and jupiter/saturn conjunction will be huge.
I have my binoculars to the ready, some really powerful forces wil be unleashed on that day. All very exciting stuff.
Time to start my working day- have a magical day..

Speakout Yes, I'm trying to figure out a good viewing point for the 21st. You can watch them drawing closer every night.

In other news, anyone who has taken an interest in monolith sightings lately will be pleased to know there's another one, it's appeared in the Isle of Wight.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-55212336

*blanktimes" Yes! I saw that too and thought of the others you posted.

Lovely to see people have the need to make structures like these.
We are going through monumental times.

Better pics in the DM and news of one in Pine Mountain in Atascadero, California toppled by a group who felt it was a threat.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9025861/Monolith-mystery-baffles-Isle-Wight-locals.html?

Hello wise interest friends! I have posted on this thread before, but have named changed. Not that it is of any interest to anyone I'm sure, but if you know my old username I'd appreciate it if you didn't use it as for various reasons I am trying to disassociate from that account. Anyway, now that boring admin is out of the way...

@BrightYellowDaffodil that radio four programme sounds like just the tonic for these times. I love your practical applications for them too. I'm quite envious of people who can unwind with a glass of wine, it sounds like a lovely ritual. Sadly I just end up with a headache in most cases.

@Aerwyna The moors sound amazing, I hope your grounding visit helped you sleep?

@BlankTimes Can I ask a little more about this winter solstice...why the teeth gritting? I am getting nervous now after this year

@sweetkitty How is DD3 doing? That sounds very stressful for you all.

I've been reading through the old threads (nearly at the end of the first one) and I came across the idea of Saturn returns - fascinating! I just checked and mine is next year during the month of my daughters first birthday. If it's about growing up, that has definitely been my experience of motherhood. Much more so than home ownership, marriage or even running a business in my experience.

purplefig i have about 2 chapters left of the book. It got me looking really hard at a few things. I actually found the wiccan thing hard to read past. not sure if that is me or the book though because I am not in the best place to be tollerant of a lot of things atm. It does not look at casting spells, like looks at looking hard at your practice and why/intentions you have to cast the spell. Ultimately I think it will help for success in the long run but it really is not a book that will have you casting spells by the end of it. There are some real gems within it though. And it has really helped me set my goals for next year. Have i cast a spell because of it? No. Do i think i will ultimately be happier in the long run? Probably, simply because of how I have responded to it. Other's mileage might vary. Would i recommend it? mostly. I think that would depend on whether i thought some one was genuinely serious about magic or not. Those who just want to do would not appreciate the book for what it is and how it approaches things. As the author says themselves, it is a no bull approach to long term success, no short cuts.

It has been a long week already. I am trying hard to stay positive about things but my grip on that ability is tenuous at best and none existent at worst. Taking a tumble and the resultant injuries has not helped tbh. But hopefully getting through this week I will be granted with a slightly easier week. If not I reserve the right to sleep through christmas!

Evening all.
I've been sitting beside you all, reading your posts.
I have had one of the most challenging few months of my entire life and finally this week brought news which has lightened the load considerably. The emotional shift is palpable. Unfortunately the stress is now starting to release itself from my body in physical form so I am feel tattered around the edges and in need of some serious self-care.

Hello 😊

Please may I join you?
I'm fairly new to all this, although my entire life is suddenly starting to make sense

I'm really drawn to moon phases/magic, herbs and crystals so focusing my energies on learning all about those first

I have just had supplies delivered and plan on making spell jars/ witch balls and a simmer pot to set my intentions for the coming months over the weekend

Hi moregarlic this solstice ...

What to look for in the sky
whenthecurveslineup.com/2019/12/11/2020-december-21-the-great-conjunction-of-jupiter-and-saturn/

Astrologically, what's going on, according to Tchenka in my Moon diary, On 21 Dec Jupiter and Saturn will conjunct in the Air sign of Aquarius, signifying the birth of a new era, one in which either mankind will take heed of the warnings and realise that we are at the point of no return and change our societies to become more aware of the consciousness of interconnectivity and forge a way to live in harmony with our environment, the "age of Aquarius" which everyone expected to happen at the millennium.
Or we accept lives of technological control.

There's no longer time for us to do anything else but see what happens, the decision will be made and our future will be decided at the point, when Jupiter and Saturn conjunct.

There are other astrological interpretations but most agree, the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter on Solstice is a Big Thing, a Bigger Thing than has been seen for a Very Long Time and its impact will be global.

Welcome zenasfuck grab a beanbag by the fire and pour yourself a brew from the magic teapot.

zenasfuck a warm welcome, always a cosy spot by the fire for new frends. I see blanktimes has already sorted tea for you.

A cold start here and dark, a quick scoot to the kitchen to make some coffee and feed my familiars, and back to bed.
I did switch on the tree lights in the porch, its pitch black outside but wanted t spread a little cheer to anyone passing on their way to work.
I now have two trees- yesterday's mammoth effort was a huge real tree, which required quite a bit of wrestling to get up! I had to saw and chilsel the base to make it fit the stand, not the easiest of jobs!
But it is done and looks - and smells amazing.
Feeling very Yule like here now.

Did you see that a golden monolith has now appeared?

Thanks for that explanation BlankTimes
Welcome Zenasfuck
Morning Speakout
No tree here yet, just hopefully a functioning cooker. The joy and relief that this will bring assuming it happens, will be huge. And then can work on the decorating for the festive period.

Your tree sounds magnificent speakout, and I love your tenacity in doing what was needed to get it put up. I can almost smell the glorious pine fragrance and feel the warmth of the lights.
No tree here yet either, I will get round to it! I’m thinking of buying a small pot grown one as a compromise between what I have the energy for and what I want. I have made some paper snowflakes!

Welcome zenasfuck, I love your username it’s good to have you join us.

Thank you moregarlic, yes I did sleep better that night- a reminder of the healing power of the wilds, and as BlankTimes said, all that fabulous Rhiannon/Epona energy.

So pleased to hear of your shift queenrollo, I can feel that lightness in your energy. I think you are very wise to see the need for self care as your body processes your recent experiences. Take good care of you x

I have everything crossed for a successful cooker fix for you Hills, yes what a difference that will make.

Feeling the pressure here too but I have a goal in sight. My challenge is to keep my eye on that and keep putting on foot in front of the other. Sometimes that’s the best we can do isn’t it.

Wishing everyone a magical day

So interestingly I was watching a video on Stregoneria, and some of the key concepts of the book that I was reading was echoed in this different strand of magic. Mindfulness of practice, and you need to become a better version of you. That is a completely oversimplification of the information but that is in a nutshell the basis. Very interesting that it is a common theme. Memory tells me that to a less part it is running through other books I have. It is not not just about taking it is about giving too.

I am currently watching another video with is talking about routine and repeating rhythms/actions that take decision out of life allowing room for the allocation of that brain space for other things. It is rather interesting concept in a society trying to drive us to constant change and hustle.