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.

@@Daphnesmate04 -it took me a while but when you tune in you can sort of "pick up" vibes. I did wonder about a couple of my clients and after a bit of dancing around the subject they did admit to being practitioners. If I want to be recognised then I'll wear a pentagram ring as a pagan recognition symbol although in fact it has no meaning to me and isn't a symbol I use or generally wear.

I draw the distinction between altars and shrines. I have a number of shrines, one is an ancestral based one and the other is a deity focussed one. The ancestral one is in a private part of the house but the deity one is in the sitting room. No one has ever commented on it. Actually I think I may have a few more that have quietly sprung up without me noticing - the witch mobile for one!

My actual altar I set up and take down as needed. It keeps the energy fresh and clean and avoids it getting cluttered with "stuff" that doesn't need to be there and it's not a dust trap. I saw one once that covered the area of a dining table! It was packed with objects and a thick layer of dust - hadn't been cleaned for years. No way could I work with that

Loving hearing about all our different ways of working! I'm still sleeping terribly but did love seeing the moon in lulls between lashing rain yesterday evening.

I have a permanent altar on my dressing table, with a beautiful little table I bought quite recently to keep it separate from my jewellery and hairsprays - small house, everything is multipurpose it has some things on it all the time, and some change depending on seasons, mood, what I'm trying to achieve.

I haven't done much in the way of actual ceremonies but suspect I'd set up temporary spaces focused on that specific thing.

I just have a little space on top of a wooden DVD storage unit where I have a couple of cat ornaments that were my mother's and grandmother's, a picture of a hare and a tealight holder that casts a reflection of the moon and stars onto the wall when a candle is placed inside it. I add seasonal things to it, currently holly and ivy leaves and berries.

I've been reading back through the thread and love these lines from the poem speakout posted
"boil your herbs and
read your tarot
and cast your spells
and dance your dreams"
I'm reading a book, 'Green Witchcraft' by Paige Vanderbeck, which is probably a bit basic for many of you but is really speaking to me about using plants, herbs, trees, crystals etc as an expression of our connection with the Earth. Dd has asked to borrow it when I've finished it.

I drove her to Aldi today to get her weekly shop. I met one of my little ones from nursery with her mum and was chatting to them while dd selected her cereal. I was struck by how my little girl has grown into this young woman earnestly consulting her shopping list and meal plan, I felt really proud of her and also a sense of satisfaction that I've nurtured her to this point of jumping off into independence.

Kate thank you for the book suggestion. I am new to this so will look it up.

It's wonderful to have access to so many books nowadays. As a young adult beginning serious practice- although I was involved in magical practice for as long as I can remember- books were harder to source.
Before the internet and the recent explosion of interest in all things pagan, second hand bookshops were my best resource.
And still are- I have had some amazing esoteric texts literally jump off bookshelves while I am browsing.
There are a few second hand warehouses near me- the type that do house clearances, tea chests full of dusty books, these are my favourite type of second hand places. But any charity shop is good- how I miss them.
Where else can you buy a new jacket, a tablecloth, two books, a packet of unopened candles , all for £5. And donate a bag of your unwanted clothes while you are there!

Elphame I dislike the idea of "dust trap altars" too. Dead energy isn't it. To me an altar isn't a static thing. Interesting what you say about skirting round the topic, that works for me too. You can soon get a measure of how someone feels.
I have met some amazingly accepting people at my yoga group, is/was a place to meet others. I am circumspect though, I have encountered some hostile reaction. Witchcraft still gets a bad press in some quarters!
I bought myself a beautiful ornate compass yesterday, please to see that my estimation of compass points within my home was pretty accurate, but will be interesting to use when I am out on my wanderings.
Many places around here are busier than usual, although my local "wolf " wood remains quiet. I have lived here for five years, and made many trips, some short, some long, some even to have a nap under a tree in the summer, and I have never met another person there in my patch.
Not once! And since the wolves came I have found not a single piece of litter either- over a year ago.
Bracing myself for a quick hot shower before yoga- it is so cold here, stripping off is a challange! Then a day of easy work. I tend to work weekends, as OH is off, and he takes over in the kitchen, I have no cooking or washing up to do- unless I feel like making a meal.
I do all the cooking through the week, OH is usually late home, and often away. He travels quite a bit with work- which suits me fine!!

Off to hit the mat and salute the sun!

speakout where you live sounds amazing.

Is there anyone here who sees themselves as pagan rather than as a witch?

Is there anyone here who sees themselves as pagan rather than as a witch?

Terminology is a very interesting one isn't it.

I don;t consider myself pagan, because I don't call myself religious.
An atheist witch is the closest for me- although I do work with deity- just to confuse things!

That warehouse near you sounds wonderful speakout. I love a second hand book shop too and can relate to the ‘jumping off the shelf’ experience. I agree there are more ways for the right book for us to find us these days.

Your compass sounds lovely, I love the thought of you taking it out and about on your wanderings. Delighted to hear of the success of your wolf woods work- powerful stuff.

Kate Lovely to hear you’ve found a book that resonates, I love it when that happens. Thank you also for sharing that beautiful moment with your daughter. I love how it’s often the everyday moments that hold such meaning.

Violet your bedroom revamp plans sound ideal as we look forward to heralding spring. I like the sound of your woodland themed bedding. I found some in dunelm a couple of years ago which I love.

Elphame I agree about picking up on vibes from people. I’ve noticed it the other way round too. I’m actually quite a private person IRL and prefer to be solitary in a ‘spiritual’ sense although I can think of several occasions when I seem to have sparked other people’s ‘witchdars’!

I’m looking forward to Imbolc. I think I have a few weeks left until the change I’ve had my sights on can manifest and feel that the hope and shift of Imbolc will fuel my momentum towards it.

The moon was beautiful and bright here last night, as she starts to slowly wane, I enjoyed a more restful sleep as I focused on release. Like Violet, I tend not to sleep as soundly around the time of the full moon.

Like speakout it’s a working day for me today, a fair bit to get through but I’m focusing on my end goal.

Wishing everyone magical day

I don't have any religious beliefs either, I think?

It's confusing

I know a lot if people would say "why does it matter" but in the context of discussion or chat boards, there's potential for a lot of misunderstanding.

I might start a start separate thread rather than derail this one with my pondering!

Luna
I would like to explore pagan philosophy a bit more. I would be interested to read your thread should you start one.

I’m a witch and I guess other people would call me pagan as I do work with deities but to me they are just alternative energy streams and part of the overall web. I certainly don’t worship them. Does that make it a religion? Where do you draw the line?

I hate the word pagan though....it has such an image problem. I prefer to say I’m of the old persuasion!

Coming from a place of zero knowledge

I would have thought that "witch" has a bigger image problem than "pagan". I don't know anyone who would gasp with horror hearing "pagan" but many who would gasp hearing "witch".

I need to do some cleaning and tidying today. To me, that is not magic, it's just cleaning and tidying. I hope that doesn't offend anyone, it's just an example of why I don't know if I fit. But I do find this thread full of warmth and friendship in freezing, lonely times.

@LunaHeather Yes - both terms have problems! Hence the "old persuasion" which is a traditional coded message for those "in the know".

The media does us no favours - they like to quote and interview the more, shall be say, flamboyant types who they know won't be taken seriously. I guess the rapidly growing numbers in professional roles would be seen as a potential threat.

Don't worry if your cleaning is just cleaning ( mine generally is too!). We are all different here. I'm much less on the self care side of the craft than most here. I'm more practically inclined so my baths are to get clean rather than to soak and meditate! It really is what works for you.

I'd also explore your musings on here. It's probably the safest space to do it. Anything pagan outside it tends to get attacked by those who like to troll this area of the board and scoff. I don't think it would derail us at all

Enjoying the discussion about terminology. Like others, I don't consider myself pagan as I don't see my practice as religious and I don't worship the gods or goddesses. However, I like the earth based nature of paganism and celebrate the Celtic festivals (in my own way). I think being a witch is becoming much more acceptable. Didn't Taylor Swift 'come out' as a witch recently?

I've been busy cleaning today,. I like to use essential oils which make the house smell lovely. Elphame a dust trap altar fills me with horror! I like my house to feel clean and fresh, dust and dirt seems to trap the energy and make everything feel sluggish and stale.

Aerwyna I'm glad you enjoyed a more restful sleep least night. I did too. Like you, I'm looking forward to Imbolc. I've spotted a few snowdrops here and there this week, small signs that spring is in the way!

Speakout your wood sounds amazing. Everywhere local to me is incredibly busy at the moment as so many people are going out for walks. On one hand, I'm glad families are discovering the pleasures of being out in nature...on the other hand, I'm looking forward to the end of lockdown when they all buzz off somewhere else and leave my woods in peace! Like you, I love a second hand shop, I'm really looking forward to when we can browse at leisure again...you never know what treasures you may find!

KateF that book sounds interesting. There are so many good books around nowadays.It's great when you find one you can really connect with.

I'm off to meet DS1 for a walk shortly. I've not seen him for a couple of weeks so it will be good to catch up. Blessings to you all.

Violet "Didn't Taylor Swift 'come out' as a witch recently?"

I would say no but i might not be up to date. In the Netflix documentary she talks about being a Christian. Her recent videos have many references but I think again it might be a case of terminology, and the magic of what might be, not a statement of it.

I will come back to this chat when I've done more cleaning! 😂

Elphame

I feel the same regarding religion. Although I work with deity I find myself recoiling at the idea of worship, which seems a common theme in many religions.

Luna
I would have thought that "witch" has a bigger image problem than "pagan". I don't know anyone who would gasp with horror hearing "pagan" but many who would gasp hearing "witch".

I agree, although paganism was a term coined by christians who had other religious- particularly polythesitic religion.

The word witch is loaded. Coming from several etymological sources, is simply means wise one.
The the term has been castgated, vilified and turned into a term of abuse, used to control and literally demonise women.
I choose to call myself a witch in part to reclaim the word.
It holds power, and I use it proudly.

speakout I completely understand why you would want to reclaim the word but I am wondering if you describe yourself that way in real life?

Elphame I haven't heard that expression, or maybe I have and I didn't register it.

I don't think I worship, it seems too strong a word.

In some ways it doesn't really matter but I have people in my life who are surprised at the change in me and sometimes it's handy to have words to explain.

I do think my life will be very solitary going forward so perhaps it's irrelevant, but people might describe themselves to me in ways that I completely misinterpret!

LunaHeather

I completely understand why you would want to reclaim the word but I am wondering if you describe yourself that way in real life?

Yes- completely.It is my life, my full time work. Much of my family, all of my friends.
I am a witch 100%

speakout I love that.

Crossing over into Luddism, or neo Luddism...over the last year or so I have begun to feel that academia and technology and the people in those fields can be quite damaging to society at present. This links to my path in some way but I don't know how exactly. I appreciate everyone has to make a living.

LunaHeather

Interesting too. I am a scientist, worked in research/academic environments for a few decades.

@speakout

LunaHeather

Interesting too. I am a scientist, worked in research/academic environments for a few decades.

I obviously understand if you don't want to answer this or any other question, but if you do....do you feel there has been a shift?

My late father was a doctor and he was very sad that he felt the focus had moved entirely from patients to "inventing management loops to make a profit".

Until even ten years ago, other people would have described me and mum as academic. I certainly haven't always felt like this.

Until even ten years ago, other people would have described me and mum as academic

How do you feel?

@speakout

Until even ten years ago, other people would have described me and mum as academic

How do you feel?

We're rather disillusioned with it all.

Anyway, it probably doesn't matter, I just wondered if anyone else felt the same and if it links to their path.

Practicing Wiccan for about a week. Any tips on how you got started?

Hi Funkymommagoose and welcome, grab a beanbag and help yourself to a brew.

The third post on page 1 of this thread has links to all our previous threads, do have a browse and you'll see your question and a lot more that you have as someone new to all of this has already been answered there.