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.

I love all the pukka teas. The boxes are so pretty. Peppermint and Liquorice is my current favourite.

Moregarlic great advice from Blanktimes also have a look at Bowen Therapy. I suffered with a bad back for years and Bowen sorted out within just a few sessions. Then I would recommend looking at what you can do to strengthen your core. As Blanktimes says, Pilates is brilliant. Also restorative yoga would be good for you. I hope you get it sorted. My back pain was a result of pregnancy and a very long back to back birth, it really gets you down.

On the subject of yoga, I've just finished a blissful candlelit yin session and caught up with a friend who I've not seen since the summer. These snatched conversations after classes are so precious now that we can't really meet up with friends.

I second pilates. It has really helped stablise my hypermobility and I am really struggling atm because classes have been cancelled since the spring.

I love the sound of that tea Speakout shame no accessible Morrisons around here.

That picture is stunning VioletCharlotte

drama is up to ridiculous levels atm. sleep is down to less than functional. Health has done a runner. So whilst I am here I am going to wish wonderful solstices and Christmases to you all in whatever form and celebration you chose to have.

Pilates, I can't get to classes easily, so several years ago I bought a small Aero Pilates reformer for the family, and it's for people of all abilities. www.aeropilates.co.uk/
Look out on QVC usually around Xmas as they key in with the post xmas get fit trend and the price is lot less than on the AeroPilates website. They are expensive, but when you compare them to the price of classes, they are more reasonable than you first thought.
Realistically, you do need somewhere to leave it assembled all the time, yes, it does fold in the middle like the demo and it wheels away, but it's heavy to lift anywhere out of that position, so like every other piece of fitness equipment, you'll be much more inclined to use it if it's 'there'. Mine's on a stand but that's not essential.

I wanted it in a room upstairs but I couldn't carry the box it came in on my own. After a helping hand with that, it's been in my spare room since 2011 and it's still going strong.

Obviously, nothing is as good as a 1 to 1 teacher who has all of the correct equipment, but if you can't do that or can get put off attending classes, then I think it's a good alternative.

Also look out in Aldi and Lidl middle aisles for smaller pieces of equipment, their Pilates rings and balls, balance cushions, resistance bands and lots of other things are very much cheaper than many other brands. 66fit is also a great resource for exercise equipment that won't break the bank and their videos are very helpful. 66fit.co.uk/

Good morning sisters.
I see this thread is rapidly filling up again, how amazing to see how far we have come.
I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday, It's good to be losing track of days, OH is off work too now until after christmas, so life is quiet right now.
Just some household tasks, still christmas shopping, but at a glorious slow pace.
Sympathies for anyone suffering back pain, I had terrible sciatica for decades, finding something that works can be a life changer.
Increasing core stability worked for me, but you have to be well enough to be able to start the work to do that.
I will light a healing candle at 8am this morning for anyone struggling.

@VioletCharlotte oh how kind! I’ve attached a pic. I’m sorry to hear you had a bad back too - is it pretty much back to normal? Thank you for your advice - funnily enough I also carried back to back and she didn’t turn. 60 hours of contractions in my back was, er, quite something! They offer Bowen at the chiropractor I’m at, though he didn’t suggest it at my consultation. I’ll have to ask him about it at my next appointment. The physio I worked with really stressed the importance of deep core work too, so I’m carrying those exercises on.

@BlankTimes thank you so much for sharing your insight on this matter. I feel stupid for not realising this until my 30s! I wasn’t given a support belt, my midwife just said take paracetamol and the physio I saw gave me some basic stretches. That’s a really good point about Pilates....I love yoga but I think you’re right. I hope your DD is OK. Also, more thanks for sharing the resources for equipment- I’m going to look into classes (and the aldi middle aisle!!). I loveeee your new tree, it’s so I unusual and eye catching. That soft light is perfect. What do the cats think?

@speakout it’s the Goddess deck. Oooo your slow pace sounds perfect, it can be such a frantic time of year. Very kind of you to light a candle. And thanks for sharing what worked for you - luckily I’m not in so much pain I can’t do the work. I think I’ve just spiralled a bit because it’s been going on for what feels like a long time. But it’s not the attitude!

@HillsBesideTheSea I’m sorry to hear everything is so challenging right now. I only hope the new year brings with it some peace. Thanks for another Pilates recommendation for hyper mobility - I’m going to have to look into this!!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to indulge my complaints and make suggestions, it’s really lifted me after a difficult day yesterday. You’re a really wise, considerate bunch and I feel lucky to be among you.

I hope you all have a peaceful day x

speakout

how amazing to see how far we have come

I’m smiling and feeling this sentiment as I sit down to join my sisters for a tea- and all the tea looks wonderful! (As does your tree BlankTimes, I love it!)

Such a beautiful energy of support and sharing here- thank you everyone for all you share 🙏

It’s a bright clear day here and a routine trip to the doctors will give the opportunity to stop and talk to the river, these small moments can bring such sustenance I think.

I’ll join in sending out healing energy to help with pain and any other difficulties

Love to all and a wish for calm for all

Good morning sisters. It always makes me so happy to come here in the morning, read all the posts and soak up the energy.

Speakout I'm glad you're enjoying a bit of quiet time, you work so hard, make the most of some well deserved relaxation.

Hills sorry things are challenging. I'm sending you love and supportive energy.

Blanktimes I love your tree! I always choose the warm lights over the white ones as well, they're much gentle and create a more relaxing atmosphere. Sorry to hear DD is struggling. I'm
sending her strength and healing.

Aerwyna enjoy you walk by the river. I know how much you love the water so I'm sure she'll bring you strength.

Moregarlic beautiful cards! I'll have a proper look later. For now work calls...

moregarlic I'm also hypermobile, and most of my pain is in my back, the pain clinic recommended Pilates and the Alexander technique. I was told to work on core strength, as that would help most.

A huge Thank-you everyone for your lovely comments about the tree and the strength and healing for DD, she has several conditions which are disabling in their own right so our life's pretty much based on what she's able to do that day, or often what she's overdone and needs to recover from.

I also recommended Alexander Technique on another board not so long ago too. We found it very helpful. The specific exercises you're given to correct a certain movement often seem bizarre because they appear to bear no relation to the task you're trying to get your body to do, but we found they work. I think the lying down every day to settle the spinal fluid also helps. I also remember 'You lead with your chin' for every movement, which is so true.

Have a magical day everyone!

Licorice and cinnamon tea- a Pukka one, this afternoon, these selection packs are great, gives me a chance to taste teas I may not otherwise buy. This one is heavenly, really warming with lots of sweet base notes.
Just sitting tidying up my ribbon collection this afternoon, a lovely gentle job.
We have a huge film crew decend on my village today, dozens of trucks, lighting teams, setting up gazebos, hundreds of christmas trees, lots of people milling around.Seems they are using the abbey at the end on my road to make a Netflix film- The Princess Switch 3?? Not one I am familiar with, but how excitng!
The abbey and grounds are a stunning backdrop , inside and out.
No much happens in my little sleepy hollow normally!

That is exciting speakout! It does sound like a magical setting. It’s good to hear you enjoying a slower pace.

Thank you Violet, the river was soothing as ever, there’s something about her ever changing yet constant nature that always reaches me.

I love your cards too moregarlic. I completely understand how pain or other difficulties can wear you down over time but there’s fight in your energy which is an admirable quality.

BlankTimes I’m always fascinated by your wisdom and the things you share here- I try to file them in my mind for when I might need them! I hope today has been an easier one for DD and for you.

I’m tired this evening but feeling relaxed for now. Candles lit and wonderful incense burning- soothing to the soul. Wishing everyone a peaceful night 🌟

Speakout that sounds exciting! The area you live in sounds beautiful and a perfect setting for a film.

My boiler's being replaced today so the house is on chaos. I've escaped for a couple of hours to finish the Christmas shopping, but the town centre is very busy, as is to be expected at this time of year. Not quite how I'd hoped my day off to be, but I'm looking forward to having a warm house this weekend, we've been managing with electric heaters the last couple of weeks.

Love to you all.

VioletCharlotte

Oh my thoughts are with you. I had a boiler replacement a week before christmas two years ago- not fun at all!!
Hopefully it will be a simple job.
Our replacement boiler had to be sited on a different floor, so a great deal of upheaval, but if it is simply swapping over in the same place then hopefull disruption will be minimal.
Keep warm!

Speakout *
*
Oh yes, I remember now. Naively, I thought it was a case of just taking the old one out and screwing the new one in It seems not, the whole house has been turned upside down! Thankfully, the guys are very polite and respectful, which makes it a bit less painful!

Oh I hope your boiler is soon sorted Violet, as you say, not the ideal day off.. sending warm thoughts your way x

Oooh, that sounds fascinating Speakout how glamorous having a film crew nearby.

Thanks Aerwyna, my interests in most therapies and other ways of doing things are solely due to trying to find anything that will make DD's life easier. I hope tonight finds you relaxed and peaceful too.

Violet so many thanks for your kind words and healing for DD. How's it going with the boiler? Hope you'll be toasty warm soon.
In the last couple of months, I've had the Aga not lighting, the boiler not lighting (engineer fixed both of those at different times) and two radiators leak so I know what it's like to be without heat, hot water and cooking intermittently during that time. It's the lounge rad that's still leaking despite being assured it's been switched off, so we're using the coal fire in there, lovely and atmospheric.

I've been putting more battery LED lights up today so there are some in all 3 ground floor windows at the front of the house and many more in the rooms. I'll take some photos when it stops raining, I've not even been outside to look yet.

Have a magical evening everyone, join you for the 8's soon

Good morning friends. Hope your weekend is off to a good start.
violet I hope your boiler work is complete and your house warm again.
I had a ovely cosy night with DS last night, we watched The Kings' Speech, his choice, drank tea, snuggled under a blanket and ate chocolate biscuits. One of my favourite things to do!
I think I may set up an altar this weekend to mark the solstice and Yule.I don;t normally have a permanent altar, I am a private person and dont like people prying into my stuff.
Normally I have a lot of church visitors to my home, and some of them can be quite bold and curious, so my public witchy items are low key and ambiguous.
But lockdown means no visitors for the forseeable future, so I have a little more freedom. I have drawers full of very precious things, foraged from local and and exotic places.
Just a little shopping to do today, another quiet pottering day after that.
Just off for my morning spa shower- Frankincense and Orange before some yoga.
Sending a sprinke of magic to everyone.

BlankTimes your lights sound very magical, I'd love to see a photo when you are finished.

I am thinking of my friends here after new government announcements today.
And I hope everyone is feeling OK.
So many plans may be disrupted and many of us are worried.
We will get through this, and our powerful group here is always a place to unwind , lay burdens or re-energise.

@speakout

I am thinking of my friends here after new government announcements today. And I hope everyone is feeling OK. So many plans may be disrupted and many of us are worried. We will get through this, and our powerful group here is always a place to unwind , lay burdens or re-energise.

Your energy is strong and supportive as ever speakout. I know it’s tough where you are and still your thoughts go out to others. We will get through this and I agree that our powerful group is always such a wonderfully supportive place to come, it’s a great comfort and source of strength. Joining you in sending supportive energy to all with disrupted plans and worries following the announcements

Aerwyna
Thankyou. My candle tonight goes out to everyone.
Yes tough here, total lockdown here on boxing day, but I know others are in a similar position.
But, the spiral dance shows us we have been here before and we can survive again.

Joining you with the candle and the intent speakout. Love to all

Joining you Speakout and Aerwyna with a candle. So much confusion and upset for so many this evening. All we can do is support one another the best we can and look forward to the day when this all ends.

We've just escaped tier 4 (for now anyway) but the surrounding counties all now face the highest levels of restrictions, so my brother and a number of my work colleagues are disappointed and concerned. Sending out love and energy to everyone.

I'm around too to add to the support for those who need it, we'll all get through this, individually we're strong, together we're sisters.

Good morning sisters.
It's an achingly beautiful still morning here. Not a sound- not even the owls are awake.
I need to do some shopping for craft/work supplies today as lockdown soon means shops will be closed, so I need loads of candles, wax, salt etc. to keep me going for a month, lets hope it won't be more than that.
I am working on my altar today, in preparation for the solstice tomorrow.
And a curry in the slow cooker for dinner, I adore spices- in any form, they add such a zest to life!

Sending support and calm at 8am this morning to everyone.

Together we are unshakable.