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.

Hills what an interesting post about work and thinking styles. I think it is so vital to learn what works for you rather than force yourself into habits that are unnatural.
This is a luxury for many of course if you work in a workplace that determines how you work.
I work intensely hard for short periods- no more than two hours at a time, then I start to flag and it becomes difficult to concentrate. But I don’t always need a rest at that time, I simply have a change of activity. So I break my work and housework into chunks, I will work for two hours, then go put away laundry, then get out of the house- post office or shopping. I like to finish up and put work tools away when a task is over, I don’t like stuff lying around- unless it is glue drying or wax cooling, something that needs to sit out.
My OH has ADD and is just about the untidiest person I know. A relative commented recently about how tidy my OH was. I smiled, because to an outsider it must seem that way. His ADD was causing him a lot of stress and chaos- he was so disorganised and chaotic he spent a lot of time looking for mislaid items.
But in the past few years he has found that developing systems which make it easy to be tidy helps enormously. So he has a place for all his stuff, gadgets, tools, cables, work equipment, clothes.
He has labelled boxes in the garage so he knows where everything belongs. It has made his life a lot simpler and calmer, and he actually enjoys sorting though and organising his things. Having systems in place to support him has transformed that part of his life .Coming to know himself and working to his strengths.
Time for a spring spa shower, and a quick yoga session before the joiner arrives.
Enjoy the spring magic!

Equinox blessings friends,
May it bring a sense of balance and promise of new growth.
I also take comfort in the turning of the wheel.
Feeling much gratitude for the support and sisterhood here, it is certainly the stuff of growth.
Thank you sisters, wishing you spring blessings

Good morning sisters. Equinox blessings to you all. Like Aerwyna and Speakout I feel comforted by the turning of the wheel. I can feel a shift in the energy, I slept so deeply last night and woke up this morning feeling revived and ready for a fresh start. As we look forward to lighter days, sunshine and the easing of lockdown restrictions, I feel lifted by the knowledge brighter days are within our grasp.

The insight into different working styles is fascinating. My style is similar to Speakout. I can focus for a few hours at a time on a task and then need a break. Hills your comment about using long journeys for thinking time struck a cord. Although I disliked my long commute to work, I've realised that was my 'thinking time' where is process events of the day and make sense of it all. The current situation means work has been incredibly reactive for the last year, with no space for planning or looking ahead. I found this exhilarating to begin with, but after a year of it I'm worn out! You've helped me to understand that I need to build in this thinking and processing time into my day somehow, as this is what is disturbing my sleep; racing mind keeping me awake and lots of confusing dreams.

My DS one had a similar style to you, Hills. He hasn't been diagnosed with ADHD (that's a whole separate post!) but he has a number of the characteristics associated with it. He's highly creative, a real night owl and incredibly untidy. He's moved back home recently. When he was here all the time, it was just normal and I didn't really pay much attention to it, but having had a break from it, I'm now much more aware of it and it's driving me mad! We need to try and work out a way that we can all live together in a way that works for us all!

So much food for though this morning! Thank you, wise women ❤️

Lovely basking in the spring energy of this thread.
I also want to thank Violet I think for giving me the idea of letting an intention "fall" into an open space at the start of the day or duribg yoga practice.
I have been doing this every morning and it works so well.
Today the intention that popped up/fell was the word "forward".
Very apt as we move into this spring season.

Aerwyna is that pic by Amanda Clark? I love her work.

I feel nothing but mired in despair. Hopefully that will go away.

LunaHeather I am sorry to hear that. I hope you maganed to get some restful sleep and feeling a little better today.

I’m interested in the in the intent idea speakout mentioned. Violet could you explain please?

GoLightlyontheEarth
The intention in this context is a word phrase used as a mantra to make our day a little easier.
We can remind ourselves of the intent throughout the day as we move though our activities, meeting challenges, dealing with others.
Choosing this intent more passively gives our subconscious a chance to speak up. We simply create a space for a word or a phrase to bubble up - or float down from the subconscious mind.
So at the start of a yoga practice I usually spend a few minutes with my eyes closed to focus and find my centre.
At this point I used to choose an intention, for the practice, and for the day. Usually a phrase or a word, maybe " ease", or "work with flow", "open my heart", "heal", "calm" etc.- but that would be deliberately chosen.
So violet- I think ( apologies if is was someone else) suggested that instead of deliberately choosing a word we think we need, we instead create a space, a small place to accept a word that comes to us without an awareness.
Some amazingly helpful intentions have come to me this way, not always the things I think I need, but the energy I really do need!
You needn’t practice yoga to do this, just a few moments in a quiet space, or as part of a meditation or Tarot practice.

gives our subconscious a chance to speak up. I love the way you describe this speakout, wise words as ever, and such a powerful practice to adopt.

I’ve struggled to find words of expression of late, which can sometimes feel like loss because it’s something that’s previously felt like it’s ‘come naturally’ to me. (I know I still ramble in but it feels like a loss of flow!) So this idea of finding one as a mantra or focus is very valuable. In the meantime I’m treating myself with as much compassion as I can find and accepting that all phases in our lives serve purpose.

It is an Amanda Clark picture Luna, I share your enjoyment of her work. I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling despair and hope you can at least find a pocket of relief in your day today.

I loved the equinox energy here yesterday and like speakout felt very happy to see both old friends and new

I was also interested in the learning/working styles discussion. I’m another one who benefits from shifting tasks/switching environments every few hours. I find I can give each task more of myself if I do this.

Spring blessings to all for a sense of growth and positive change 🌱

I know some of us will have seen this already but I liked these thoughts on the sense of hope that spring can bring so wanted to share them here:

*Spring tells a story, about the being who visited the darkest depths. Opening themselves to the blackness, laying down in it, absorbing it, letting go & remembering.
Feeling the wild ancient whispers shape their dreams.
Letting mineral, mycelium, root & bone, the dark & mysterious matter nourish them.

And as the light returned to the land, this being returned, shining in golds & greens, pinks & blues.
Medicine in abundance held within their heart & body.

This story of recovery & growth is being whispered, played out & sung between the tree & plant beings, the four leggeds, the winged ones, the no leggeds & the many leggeds all over the land.

This can be a wonderful time to really know that as beings of nature, this story is known within you too, this ability to grow well, to come alive & to inhabit your medicine after the darkest night of the soul.

We are always being given shining examples of how to move through things by the natural world around us. We are always being shown an outward example of how we can move within ourselves.

The thing is, the natural world around is in touch, still intimate with the wild natural making of the world. Love. Love of self & love of the greater whole. The desire to bring balance & goodness.

So you could say, it’s relatively easy to glow, bring colour & medicine because the Nettle, Oak & Dandelion haven’t taken heed of the toxic stories that can come from a humans mouths about weeds, boring nature, nowhere land & the need to be tamed.

How sad it would be, if plants refused to flower, or flowers refused to smell or the trees didn’t bear fruit, nut or seed because they had been taught to be ashamed of their shape, energy, wildness or personality.

Any of these beings, without self love, or self care, would whither, & this would be a great shame to the world around, we would lose the medicine of so much.
Yet this feels so present in much of our modern human ways.

To have become so ashamed of who or what we are personally, that we are not letting ourselves flower, bloom, be magical, fully alive or golden.

So many are not bringing their unique medicine into their own lives or the greater whole; the tapestry of nature, of life.
—————
• Words by Brigit Anna McNeill •*

www.facebook.com/562976081/posts/10157530717846082/

@speakout

GoLightlyontheEarth The intention in this context is a word phrase used as a mantra to make our day a little easier. We can remind ourselves of the intent throughout the day as we move though our activities, meeting challenges, dealing with others. Choosing this intent more passively gives our subconscious a chance to speak up. We simply create a space for a word or a phrase to bubble up - or float down from the subconscious mind. So at the start of a yoga practice I usually spend a few minutes with my eyes closed to focus and find my centre. At this point I used to choose an intention, for the practice, and for the day. Usually a phrase or a word, maybe " ease", or "work with flow", "open my heart", "heal", "calm" etc.- but that would be deliberately chosen. So violet- I think ( apologies if is was someone else) suggested that instead of deliberately choosing a word we think we need, we instead create a space, a small place to accept a word that comes to us without an awareness. Some amazingly helpful intentions have come to me this way, not always the things I think I need, but the energy I really do need! You needn’t practice yoga to do this, just a few moments in a quiet space, or as part of a meditation or Tarot practice.

I love this. Thank you, I will use it.

Aerwyna

So beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

I can understand your feelings regarding loss of words- an interruption to flow of creativity.
You are wise to focus on self nurture.
I work in a creative job, and often have times of blockage.
Rather than pressing though trying to push thing I take a sideways step- spend time in nature, speak to some horses, walk through the forest.
De focussing and allowing the energy time to form again.
You are so eloquent- your words will start to flow again soon.

Thank you speakout, you are so kind- it feels good to be understood and a blessing to feel so supported.

Your words are wise, I love this:

Rather than pressing though trying to push thing I take a sideways step- spend time in nature, speak to some horses, walk through the forest.
De focussing and allowing the energy time to form again.

I get frustrated sometimes at the time needed to ‘re-grow’ the energy but know it’s necessary. We can’t force growth cycles of any kind..I love the idea of side stepping and your description of it here warms my heart. All the things I love too! These moments are necessary for growth and healing aren’t they, time well spent.

Funnily enough, I often doodle- no works of art, just something enjoyable to do- another form of expression that gives that feeling of flow. A desire to do anything tends to be about the feeling it gives I think. So to focus on other things that feel like flow right now feels good and restorative

Speakout I'm so pleased that the idea of letting an intention drop in works for you. It's something I've learned through yoga. At the start of a practice, when we set out intention or 'sankalpa',my yoga tecacher asks us to visualise dropping it into a crystal clear lake, like a pebble. By allowing a word to drop in, we focus on what we really need at that time, rather than what we think we need.

Like Aerwyna, I love your idea of side stepping and allowing the energy to flow. This is something I need to do more of, so I'll take this with me into the week ahead. Thank you!

I've spent the day painting furniture, something I've been wanting to do for a while, but have put off because there always seems to be more important things I should be doing. I'm sitting now, sipping my tea, feeling a sense of accomplishment!

Good afternoon.

Wise words flowing again I am pleased to see.

Today I have spent another day being productive in the kitchen but have accidentally managed to dye my fingers with blue berries. I should consider making tea in a little bit. However the census has caused a lot of unnecessary issues around here and I think i might need to take a few moments to check in with what was needed to be done today. I know already that i am not going to get everything done, but it would nice to achieve as much as possible.

I find these days of batch prepping hard and tiring, but I really benefit from them in the long run. So it will be nice to get to a position where I can enjoy the hard work i have put in already, when I want to be busy in the garden rather then the kitchen. As season for everything so to speak.

Aerwyna thank you

I had a pocket of relief followed by a crash.

But I often feel dreadful around the time of the Equinox. I have no idea why or if it's a thing for anyone else.

LunaHeather do you have anyone to support you in real life? I know thinks are difficult because of Covid, but having someone to help off the internet may be a good thing to do.
Most of us have struggles at some point, but it is usually always possible to find some relief, even if we can't control our life situations.
We are always here to support you, you are part of our community, so please keep posting.
Have you spoken to your GP about your situation? There are lots of routes to help, your GP may have some ideas.

Good morning wise ones! I enjoyed reading your weekend thoughts.

@VioletCharlotte I love the idea of letting an intention drop in rather than choose it.

@HillsBesideTheSea food prep is hard work but immensely rewarding through the week isn’t it? I always find I eat so much better and feel nourished if I do it. ‘A Sunday well spent brings a week of content’ is true.

@Aerwyna I really understand your frustration with waiting for energy to replenish! I’ve tried to push through it and it never ends well.

@speakout I enjoyed reading about your working style. I always aim to take breaks and mix it up too, but sometimes I end up in a bit of a trance while working.

Life feels palpably unhinged here at the moment. A series of unfortunate events has led to my parents moving in with us for the foreseeable, it could be weeks or months.

Luckily we get along tremendously and they're the type to muck in (my dad is already doing some DIY and my mind is an actual saint with the baby!), but nevertheless it was an unplanned, radical shift to how we live.

Does anyone have any advice for staying grounded / centred / sane? I’m just off to watch the video on releasing fear Speakout posted in reply to me a few pages back.

The Moon spends the day in the sign of Cancer, and we seek familiarity, safety, and quiet. This transit encourages us to center ourselves and let go of overthinking. Home, family, and familiar settings or situations appeal more than usual now. The Cancer Moon is protective and nurturing

I need no encouragement for this type of energy!

What wonderful moon energy today speakout, another one here who needs no encouragement to embrace that! Thank you for sharing it.

Violet, I’m so pleased you found time to paint furniture yesterday, and could enjoy that feeling of accomplishment. Something to be savoured I think. I felt similarly from clearing and cleaning guttering yesterday! Something that’s been needing doing for a while, so feels good to get it done.

Inspired by you and speakout, I used the ‘dropping in’ practice this morning. I was given ‘patience’. Part of the practice of acceptance that moregarlic described the benefits of so beautifully.

Hills, well done getting all that batch prepping done, a gift to your future self. A season for everything, as you say.

Luna I’m so sorry you’re having such a difficult time right now. I would echo speakout’s wise words about seeking support. I know I’ve found the act of seeking support freeing in itself before. Just to acknowledge and share the burden can bring a little relief I think. Step by step things can start to feel lighter when we acknowledge our needs and take action for ourselves. I hope today is a little lighter.

moregarlic, I’m sorry to hear of the upheaval but glad you all get on well. Still, it’s a big change and I think you are wise to seek grounding practices. If it were me I think I’d be keeping it simple, mindful moments to yourself where possible, short grounding meditations and visualisation around a protective bubble for your own energy.

Thank you for your wise words on frustration, you are so right about pushing through. As Hills said, as season for everything. Just as we can’t force flowers into bloom before they are ready, sometimes we just need to be in the germination stage don’t we!

I hope everyone can find peace in their day

@speakout

LunaHeather do you have anyone to support you in real life? I know thinks are difficult because of Covid, but having someone to help off the internet may be a good thing to do. Most of us have struggles at some point, but it is usually always possible to find some relief, even if we can't control our life situations. We are always here to support you, you are part of our community, so please keep posting. Have you spoken to your GP about your situation? There are lots of routes to help, your GP may have some ideas.

Thank you

I don't have any regular support that works for me, no. And I have tried everything but lockdown has changed all that. Thanks for asking though.

Tbh posting here is my relief so I hope you can tolerate me even if I'm not magical!

moregarlic Important to stay grounded isn't it especially when living in a busy house.
I don't get as much solitude as I would like, and work hard to carve out space and time for myself, stay protected and grounded.
There are so many ways to accomplish that- have a think about wat works for you.
I have lots of ways personally, but we are all different.
Aerwyna so glad you tried that technique Violet has shown us, and what a message dropped into your lap!
My word that dropped today was "accept"- and it is exactly what I need today!!
Another way we can give ourselves gifts.
Talking of gifts I have bought myself another Obsidian pendant, I have quite a few now, I love the protection it brings, and the support it gives to mainatining boundaries. Perfect when I need to venture out to the supermarket!!

Luna I’m sorry to hear that lockdown has put a stop to you finding support that works for you. I know it can a tough exercise in trial and error at the best of times.

I don’t want to derail here too much and I know that MN has specific focussed support threads for various experiences but I just wanted to share a few online resources that might be of use.

Without making assumptions about what’s going on for you and veering from the purpose of this space, perhaps there might be something of use here somewhere:

10daysofhappiness.org/

www.actionforhappiness.org/

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

reading-well.org.uk/books/books-on-prescription/mental-health

www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/

giveusashout.org/get-help/how-shout-works/

I know there have been many more practical and magical ideas for getting through tough times throughout the threads too. As BlankTimes has mentioned before, ‘Locus of control’ is a useful perspective to study if you haven’t already.

I don’t want to derail any further but just wanted to share some ideas in case they may be of use until lockdown eases and allows for more face to face support again

Loving the power of the ‘dropping in’ practice and hearing how appropriate they are for us all.

Lovely to hear of your obsidian gift to yourself speakout, I’m also working on protecting my boundaries having felt the effects of situations which infringed them. I like to use symbolism in this work too. Along with my physical cleaning and clearing yesterday, I used salt at the boundaries to my home to reinforce this intention.

I saw this and thought of the tarot discussions we’ve been having here of late, thought it might be of interest to some of our friends here, it’s a webinar about intuitive tarot reading:

www.biddytarot.com/webinar-mtcm/

Moregarlic
My advice would be grace especially to yourself. No being cross for things /you feeling /reacting because they are not what you "think" they should. Sometimes things are what they are, good bad or ugly and if you tell yourself you are a bad person for something like wishing your own space back, you can make how you deal with things harder iyswim? Transitions like this, especially unexpected ones, can be hard, really hard even if it is not a bad thing in the long run/short run.

I should probably hunt out some Obsidian Speakout have very much been missing my pendant that went missing.

I am feeling really really flat today. So much so that i took an accidental nap that has lasted the whole morning. I need to be out in nature and away from the house but unfortunately things being what they are I cant really go sit in the hills with a book. Especially as I can't justify "excerise" for a good reason to be there. I wouldn't be getting out of my car.