Any Witches here? Part 13

[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.

Thank you speakout, and yes to the big changes in the air!

I hope everyone is safe from the impact of the storm tonight.
It’s wild here but I know we haven’t been hit as hard as some areas. I was able to get to the sea this afternoon, from a safe distance the energy was still incredibly cleansing and invigorating. (Also incredibly wet!) The sky was rumbling with an energy of shaking things up and the gulls riding it out, despite the power of the wind they seem to know how to navigate it with grace. It struck me that there’s something about yielding and gliding with it- they seem to harness the energy somehow.

Wishing everyone a peaceful evening

Oh that’s great news Lyra, very pleased to hear it.

I hope you can go gently this evening, it must have been a worry waiting for the results.

Fabulous news Lyra

Here's something you may all like, I didn't know Carlin or Carling's etymology. teessidepsychogeography.wordpress.com/2021/01/20/mapping-the-old-wife/

@LyraSilvertongueBelacqua what wonderful news!!!

@Aerwyna ahh...the sea! I'm far from moving water at the moment so trying to find natural energy from the cold air and snowy landscape.

Tonight the moon out my window seems to hang like a rocking cradle...I couldn't pull myself away....so lovely.

BlankTimes that's so interesting. Is there an interactive form of the map do you know? Here in Scotland the word wife or wifey is a way of referring to a woman- regardless of her maritak state,
My grandmother was known as a spey wife, she was married, but there were unmarried spey wives too.
Aerwyna such an energy in that picture, captures air- and the thunderous Aquarius power we have with us right now.
Delphinium20 I love your description of the moon as a rocking cradle. The sky is heavy with snow clouds here, snowing as we speak and a thick blanket, driving will be tricky today.
This morning is candle making time, a good warming activity that fills my kitchen with uplifting fragrances.
I will keep a candle burning all day today in support of my sisters to send light and hope.

Fascinating BlankTimes I didn’t either. Also looking for an interactive map! Probably not a bad thing I couldn’t find it, I’d have been happily lost down that wormhole for hours..

Delphinium20 I love your description too, sounds mesmerising. The cold air and snowy landscape hold so much magic don’t they. I’ll send a boost of wild water energy your way next time I’m there, a top up to keep you going!

Thank you speakout, and yes to the thunderous Aquarius power, it seems to be potent stuff. I hope you can stay home today and don’t have to drive in the snow

Lyra I meant to say yesterday that for grounding there are a few small practices I weave through the day- I know many of us share a love of standing barefoot on the earth, feeling the energy through the soles of our feet. If I feel like I’m in particular need of grounding I’ll create a little arrangement or ‘altar’ that I’ll see regularly with stones I’ve found, things that represent earth to me- even some actual earth in a bowl, eating root vegetables, wearing earthy colours are all ways I find achievable additions to the day to help me ground. Im no yoga practitioner but have used ‘the child’s pose’ to clear a busy mind and ground myself too. I’m sure there are many others but that’s just one that helps me

moregarlic I was thinking about your garden too- I think I’d plant rosemary and lavender along the border- protective and soothing. I do like to plant with stones too and I’d use something black for protection, or think about a witch bottle buried at your boundary. You could bury any symbol of protection that speaks to you. You could also hang a charm made with Rowan berries at your front door for protection, a hag stone if you have one, outward facing mirrors work well to deflect unwanted energy, maybe some wind chimes to clear the air. I think it’s just as much about what feels protective to you as what the actual items you use are. I think meditating on a protective bubble around your property can help too

Less wild here today, I’m thinking of those severely affected by the storms and sending protection energy

Good morning everyone

Can anyone recommend books on manifesting/energy work?

Tiredcabbage Hi, not sure exactly what you are looking for- could you be a little more specific?

Aerwyna some great ideas for both grounding and protection. I agree that what feels meaningful is usually the most powerful.

I did venture out today and braved the snow.
The shops were very quiet, which was lovely- and no queue at the post office.
Just settling down to work with a coffee at a nice slow pace.
I was given a set of ear nuts for my christmas- it is bliss to be able to listen to my music and podcasts without disturbing other family members.
Any ideas for pagan related podcasts gratefully recieved!

It's ok a friend and recommended Ask and it is given, which I will start with! Sorry I didn't realise it wasn't clear 🤦🏻‍♀️

Tiredcabbage not sure I know much about that one- sorry.

Hello everyone
I posted a few days ago to say thank you. I lurk but wanted to say how much this thread helped me through a rough few days.

Someone kindly said it was okay to pop in for a cuppa. So if I may, I would like that?

I have questions, I think, about finding a book for the very basics of this. I probably need something that's been handed down through generations, but all I can find is oddly modern stuff that seems to be full of mainstream culture references.

Also, I wondered if any wise women had any thoughts on transitions. I seem to be drifting away from friends. I don't think it is a bad thing necessarily, but a bit nerve wracking as they are my support system.

I find the more I avoid contemporary culture - not sure if that's the best way to explain it - the happier I am in myself and that in turn means I have very little to say that anyone finds interesting!

Sorry for wandering in and waffling. I will happily make hot drinks in exchange, or tend the fire.

AcornAutumn

Good to see you again- the teapot is always full. I am glad this cosy place made you feel a little better.

Starting a journey on a pagan path can take many forms- so no one book can give you any type of "basics".
It really depends on where your interests lie, what piques your curiosity- that will be the best place to start.
We are a mixed bunch on this thread, some witches, some wiccans, and those that identify as neither. We have kitchen witches, Tarot readers, scryers, rune casters, those interested in earth magic, shadow workers, herbal magic, mundane magic, spellcasting, deity, ancient cultures, goddess religion.... the list goes on.

No prescribed direction, no right or wrong- so hard to reccommend a book, as any book you feel like reading will be the right one for you!
Take your time, there is no rush, do what feels comfortable.

Looks as though the interactive map isn't ready yet, or maybe it's elsewhere. Near the bottom of the page it says "The map is a work in progress, I will continue to work on it and hopefully add the interactive version to this site."

Well done for venturing out Speakout I find winter tyres very reassuring at this time of year.

Have a magical afternoon everyone.

Aerwyna I'm delighted to hear that things may be heading in a positive direction for you.

TiredCabbage that sounds like new agey stuff like 'The Secret'. All it is, is a more modern presentation of the age-old practise of aligning your Will and Intention, in a slick package for 'today's market'
I sometimes cynically think the only people making a huge success from these types of thing are the ones who are selling the books and DVDs. They are often presented as a group thing, then if you research the people in it, each one heads a different group, but then you see a lot of the others are in his/her group too.

AcornAutumn enjoy your tea, mine's a gunpowder please. To add to Speakout's very wise words, Transitions can and do happen all the time.
Sometimes they are a conscious decision on your part, sometimes a string of 'coincidences' can catapult you onto a different path before you know what's happened and sometimes it's a slow but steady redirection with many twists and turns, some dead ends and some illuminative resting-places.

It's easy to feel a bit 'swept away' with it, but take time out to ground and centre and you'll be fine.

The only constant in our lives is change and it keeps happening at all levels. To paraphrse Confucius' green reed, go with the flow

Glad you found something tiredcabbage, hope it serves you well

Very brave speakout, lovely that you were rewarded by the quiet, glad you're cozy at home now.

Thank you BlankTimes, I hadn't noticed that! I'll look forward to it - maps and words are two of my favourite things - perfect!

Lovely to see you again AcornAutumn, I'd echo speakout's wise suggestions to start with what piques your interest. I think once you find something I think you'll find momentum and synchronicity will bring you what is right for you. I know what you mean though about the plethora of modern texts, a lot of them (to me) don't seem to have a lot of substance, although I won't knock it if people find it useful -each to their own. I recently treated myself to a Gemma Gary book - someone who Elphame mentioned on an earlier thread. She talks about older practices which I find interesting. She focuses on Westcountry traditions

For transitions I've found amping up the self care as much as possible to be very useful, along with finding ways to 'fill the gap'. I don't mean replacing old friends with new ones necessarily, I think the space in between can be useful. But I think doing whatever generates a sense security and stability for you may be helpful, be it comforting scents in your home, images or items that give you a warm feeling., wrapping yourself in a comfy blanket etc.

Cross posted with you BlankTimes! Thank you, I can certainly see light at the end of the tunnel which is a relief.

The synchronicity of talking about the synchronicity of finding what's right at the right time!

Speakout, BlankTimes, Aerwyna

Thank you so much

AcornAutumn

I think what we are trying to say is that defining your own path is a magical act in itself. There are many gurus or wannabe svangali types out there who get a hit out of steering neophytes, but defining your own journey is a sacred thing.
And there are no experts in my view. And whether we have been walking a magical journey for three weeks or thirty years- we are all in the same place, walking forward and learning, and no one is more important or valid than anyone else.
We all have things that we can learn from each other.
You will find a lot of chat and support here- whatever your leanings or interest.
Walk gently.

Good evening sisters. Goodness this thread moves quickly! I've had a busy few days and have been catching up on all the posts. I love the descriptions of snowy, wintry scene and the silvery new moon. *
*
Thank you Aerwyna for the sea energy, I can feel the full force of nature when i look at that image, so powerful! I can't go to the sea, so I'm very grateful to you for bringing the sea to me!

I'm very much in need of getting out and immersing myself in nature, it's so wet and muddy everywhere at the moment, it makes walks less enjoyable that usual. I always feel better for getting out though, no matter how hard it's raining! I'm hoping the temperature will drop so we can enjoy some of those magical, frosty mornings Speakout describes!

AcornAutumn I understand what you mean about being in transition. I think as you become spiritually awakened, it's common to feel disconnected from old friends as your interests and feelings change. I agree with Blanktimes words about going with the flow. Some friendships will naturally come to an end, but others are worth nurturing as they will bring different layers to your life. Some of my closest friends wouldn't describe themselves as spiritual at all, but they're kind and generous and make me laugh and keep me grounded. I also have spiritual friends, who are fabulous and I've learned so much from them, but sometimes they can be too intense. It's all about balance!

Apologies to anyone I've not replied to, I have read all the lists and enjoyed reading every single one.

I saw this video earlier and thought I'd share it. It's about the dark winters in Sweden, really beautiful and inspiring.

m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR0QyQo2L1PyJJnXR0T6RWjO1eU8wgzP59wEBe7xbN0zxz_ZvC60m9aoJqI&v=3zTR4ayDG38&feature=youtu.be

Hello lovely sisters I’m still sitting by the fire and reading not got much to contribute don’t want to be too negative, I feel I just want to speed this year up and want it to be March and for it to be warmer and for some of this all to be over that sounds awful doesn’t it? Wishing your life away?

Hello lovelies, I've been a bit absent so am going to put the kettle on and catch up.

I have a question while I do though - do any of you have a besom broom and if so where did you get it? I have a miniature one on my altar, but I am slowly decluttering my home and have made space by the fireplace (it's not a real fireplace but it will do) and I'd love to prop a full size one in the corner.

Small steps to being more open about my witchery!

I hope you are all ok and cosy and warm - and I'm sorry I'm so intermittent at posting!

VioletCharlotte thanks for posting that- so uplifting.

sweetkitty it doesn;t sound awful wishing for more settled times- that's how you feel, and so very valid. Who knows what March may bring though.
Finding ways to bring magic and light into the present helps me with the here and now.
I have a huge bunch of hazel branches adorning my kitchen windowsill, full of catkins and leaf buds, I am planning to do some baking for Imbolc, I know hazelnuts were considered sacred by our ancients- would have been an important food during the long winter months, so I may make some hazelnut bannocks ot oatcakes.
hilariousnamehere intermittent posting is perfect- this place is open to lurkers, readers, every day posters, once in a while posters, all add to the energy here.
I bought by besom from Dobbies garden centre, it is a thunderous broom, made for work not just display and is was inexpensive, £10 or so as I remember.
I have seen some online which are smaller and ornamental, depends what you are looking for and what size you need. I love that you feel able to claim space and your right to express your craft.

@hilariousnamehere I bought mine from this lady. She grows all the materials in her own woodland, and they are very sturdy. I specifically wanted a willow handle and she offered me a choice from what she had in stock so that I got a piece that I really loved.
I am lucky enough to be in travelling distance so I actually met her and she has a wonderful Goddess energy.

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wandsandbroomsticks?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=943438695

Thank you for that video Violet, it is beautiful and very uplifting.

As is the Imbolc blessing speakout, thank you. I love the sound of your big displays bursting with new life.

sweetkitty I agree with speakout’s wise words, whatever you are feeling is valid and small ways of bringing magic and light to the present can help while you get through testing times.

hilariousnamehere lovely to see you and to feel your boldness. I’ll eagerly await a besom update! I was lucky enough to be gifted mine. I also have a smaller one that was bought from Tesco at Halloween one year I think!

The sky is much brighter here today and the mist over the hills this morning was magical. Ploughing through necessary admin is made easier by a bit of winter sun. Candle is lit while I work to bring strength to all who need it today

Just in case anyone hasn’t seen these, Winterwatch are doing ‘mindfulness moments’ at the end of their programmes, lovely bite size boosts of nature energy. Here’s one for anyone who is missing the sea right now

fb.watch/3alIO1NaDH/