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.

technology and i are not playing nice today.

Can I add back the sentance Speakout thank you for mentioning your treat. It is a timely reminder I needed.

I also enjoyed this post from Tylluan Penry about being patient with
Equinox energy, how it can feel unsettling as it ‘pushes and pulls for balance’ wise words I thought

www.facebook.com/1436840218/posts/10225304823594395/

It's good to hear about intentions dropping in. It's such a powerful practice. My word for today is 'mindful', very pertinent for me as we embark on a new week. Last week I got much to caught up in work and became quite overwhelmed. I've written the word on a post it note and stuck it to my screen as a reminder that I need to be mindful about looking after my own needs. As a result, I've cleared time in my diary every day to make sure I get a break and today went out for a midday walk in the sunshine.

@LunaHeather I'm so sorry to hear how you're feeling. You've had some good advice and of course you have support from us all. To add to the suggestions from Aerwyna, have a look for NHS talking therapies or 'IAPT' service in your area. There are lots of options for different types of therapy and self-help and you can refer yourself without having to go to a GP.

Aerwyna thank you so much for the post about being patient with the Equinox energy, I look forward to watching the video when I finish work.

Speakout your new pendant sounds lovely and perfect for what is needed right now.

Hills I'm sorry you're feeling flat. I find it hard to feel motivated at the moment too, although the sunshine today has helped my mood. I hope you're able to get out into nature in some way, even if it's not exactly in the way you would like.

Pleased to hear of you taking care of yourself Violet and that you got out for a walk in the sunshine. It’s often when we feel we have the least time/motivation/energy for looking after ourselves that we need it most isn’t it. Your plan sounds wise, I hope you can have a relaxing evening.

I’m interested to notice energy themes in our words for the day- accept, mindful, patience all speak to me of the stillness and balance of equinox energy. A few moments ‘practice’ to start the day can yield very positive results I think

I’ve found the posts on the equinox very helpful and they are making me reflect on the changes in the natural world in a different way - spring is always a magical time but I am loving the perspective your posts have brought, thank you.
Speakout, I would be interested in the link to your shop if that is still available? I know you don’t post it on here but if you wouldn’t mind PMing it to me I would appreciate it!

If any of you are missing the sea as much as I am, you might like this mediation. I've been listening to it the last couple of evenings before going to sleep. The sound of the waves breaking in the shore is gorgeous.

Sorry I've been quiet loves - stormy equinox energy over here. Saturday was dreadful, Sunday slightly better and today has been much improved by the emergence of my first set of polished tumbled pebbles since I was 8! (Bought mum a machine for Christmas so this was our first attempt together and without Dad).

I'm adding some to my altar because although not technically crystals, they are full of memories and emotion.

Thank you for the meditation Violet, I am missing the sea terribly.

Luna and moregarlic and anyone who needs it, sending strength and support.

Also loving the discussions about working styles, I'm in the process of ADHD assessment/diagnosis and am finally starting to understand why I work in a way that makes perfect sense to me and means I get superhuman amounts done, but terrifies normal people with its chaos

hilariousnamehere your tumblestone project sounds a lot of fun!
VioletCharlotte that is a soothing video- the photo image brings back a lot of memories for me.

Aerwyna some interesting thoughts about the equinox. Balance is an ideal to strive towards, but not always easy to accomplish. I hadn't watched anything from Tylluan Penry for a long while, pleased to see she has a couple of new you tube videos.

@Aerwyna thank you - I think your wording “simple practices” is pertinent! I love the idea of a visualisation too. I got dragged into their upheaval on the weekend (not their doing) and I have been exhausted. I love the way you write by the way, you’re very eloquent.

@HillsBesideTheSea thanks I really needed to hear that. Funnily enough before they came I was working on a radical acceptance practice and it’s actually serving the situation quite well! I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling flat. I am at the stage where I think it’s now been a year and looking after your mental health has to be factored in. I really do think you should do what you need to do to get through.

@VioletCharlotte I love how your intention translated into a real life change. Sounds silly but how do you ‘wait’ for a word to come to you?

@hilariousnamehere your tumbled pebbles sound so nostalgic! What else do you have on your altar (if you’re inclined to share of course!)?

Does anyone have a recommendation for an astrology book for beginners? I’m intrigued after our chat the other day. I’m a rising and sun Taurus and a moon Scorpio moon and it feels like a world of contractions I’d like to unpick. (Maybe when life is less chaotic).

I hope you all have a peaceful day. I’m going for a walk with a friend later, I’m so excited. These bizarre times certainly have highlighted what’s important for me.

Ps. Re: grounding practices, I have to once again thank @speakout for creating and nurturing this space. It’s one of my favourite corners of the internet and coming here and just reading always makes me feel more grounded. I find you all so inspiring.

moregarlic

Your words are so lovely. Bright blessings to you dear sister.

I love the sound of the tumble stone project too! hilarious
they are full of memories and emotion sounds perfect for your altar. I love using beach/river stones instead of bought crystals, I have so much beach/river treasure and have been thinking how much I’d enjoy having a tumbler too!

speakout I agree, balance can be savoured for a moment or two but everything is always in flux so it’s always work in progress. Makes me think of you wisely saying before that ‘the work is in the wobble’. This past year has taught me a lot more about finding some semblance of inner equilibrium in spite of external factors/ things outside my control. A challenge to dig deeper and a valuable lesson.

Sabel I love that about this place too- the way everyone brings a unique perspective that makes for a rich tapestry of ideas and understanding- always inspiration and food for thought.

Violet thank you for sharing that meditation, I always love to hear the sea so I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it too!

moregarlic you are very kind, thank you. I’m a big fan of simple practices! I like to have something I can do or visualise at any given moment that feels like working towards a positive shift. I can’t help with a book but I know that the website speakout shared gives more information on the different aspects of our own personal astrology.

And yes to this being a grounding place! I’m very grateful for this too. I love the way everyone shares thoughts and ideas, the vast amount of collective knowledge, the energy of openness and learning from each other, the lack of hierarchy, and perhaps most of all the collective commitment to maintain the uplifting yet grounding energy of our gathering through the way in which we communicate with each other. I think it’s the intent we all bring- to listen, to learn, to share ideas, to be open to new perspectives, to change and grow.. energy magic in practice!

Speakout. I found myself nodding in agreement with your words about balance. When we find balance in our lives, it's truly wonderful, everything just seems to flow harmoniously. Alas, it doesn't seem to last very long before something comes along and tips the scales! Being aware of that though is what matters. If we know that certain areas of our lives have a habit of taking over, we can consciously seek to correct the balance.

Hilariousnamehere sorry to hear you've been experiencing some turbulence, but your tumble stone project sounds exciting. I love collecting pebbles and always come home with them every time I go to the beach.

Moregarlic you asked about waiting for a word to come to you. It probably sounds a bit weird,but I just ask. I try to take a few moments every morning to do some breathing exercises. During that time I'll ask 'what is it I need to focus on today.' The first word that pops into your head, no matter how odd it may seem, is the word for you. If you have to think about it, this is your mind rather than you intuition. This morning I was given 'rich', which I was a bit puzzled by (certainly not a reference to the state of my bank balance!) But I've held onto it throughout the day, and as I was out walking this evening, looking at the daffodils and listening to the birds, it dawned on me that I was being reminded of the richness of nature.

I can't remember who it was, but someone a while back mentioned Pilates. I just wanted to say thank you, as that reminded me of how much I used to like Pilates, so I've got back into it again. I'm really enjoying it and it compliments yoga well. Off to start my Zoom class!

I am glad you have got into the swing of it again. I have not yet managed to find a rhythm with it!
However, i am now best friends with tape and a foam roller. Now all i got to do is figure out what is just above knee height that I keep walking into. Got a cracking series of bruises.

I fell down the rune research worm hole today. And have been listening to youtube videos whilst studying. Can't say that I know how much i have actually taken in. But it was a very soothing thing to have on in the background whilst tackling something that felt a bit like wading through treacle.

I have been battling with anxiety the last couple of days. I have started working again (I work entirely from home) after having to take time off because of injury and surgery, and somehow have found it hard to focus and have been beset by free-floating anxiety, which comes from I know not where. I have continued looking through the tarot cards, the Strength card really attracts me (especially the lion, I am a Leo). I don't feel able to do a reading yet, and have been doing some research on dealing with the "scary" cards like the three of swords before I even start. I don't want to increase my anxiety...

Emilysquest If you're getting that bothered about using Tarot, get a deck of Angel cards, there are no "scary" cards in there.

Seriously, if exploring something outside whatever is usual for you is filling you with that much apprehension, you are absolutely definitely not ready to proceed.
Do something that uplifts you instead.

emilysquest I am sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety- it can be an unpleasant thing to deal with.
Have you support in real life to help you?
I agree with BlankTimes if using Tarot is fuelling your anxiety then I would step back for a while- it shouldnt be an unplaesant thing to do or cause distress.
There are many other ways of exploring a pagan path which you may find more nurturing and support your anxiety.
I find creative tasks helpful in calming anxious thought patterns, especially working with my hands, making an Ostara Wreath, painting, sewing, something you enjoy may distract you from the monkey mind thought patterns and allow you to find the flow.

Thanks for the advice. I feel somewhat better today. I cannot really do much with my hands right now as I have badly broken my right arm, and I am very right-handed! I cannot sew or make anything. I do have support, yes, my DH is here, and he is also mostly working from home, or very near home, right now. (My DS is also at home at the moment as he was a contact of a Covid-postive child at school, he has to stay off all week. I am sure that has not helped my anxiety, although he has already had one negative test and I am sure he will be OK).

I still like the idea of the tarot but will slow down a bit. The bright nearly full moon was very visible from my bed last night (I live very rurally and the sky is very clear), it woke me up but was also so beautiful...

emilysquest

If you still want to explore Tarot there is an abundance of youtube videos to help you learn.
Some will focus on a suit, on individual cards, look at the deck as a whole.
Maybe time spent learning rather than actually using the cards may be a good way forward?

Yes, that is definitely what I am doing, reading and learning rather than tryingto "do" anything at the moment re the tarot.

Emilysquest sorry to hear you've been battling with anxiety. It's understandable that you're not feeling yourself after what you've been through. Surgery can be traumatic and I don't think we always allow ourselves the time we need to heal, emotionally as well as physically. Please don't be scared by the tarot. There are no 'bad' tarot cards. Even the ones that may feel negative, like the Death card have a positive message. Can I ask what deck your using? Some of the imagery can be quite dark, which can be off putting to new readers. If you want to try an understand the tarot better, Laura Daligan's weekly tarot forecast on YouTube is worth a watch. She has a lovely way of interpreting the cards and explaining them in words that resonate.

Thanks for the support! I got the Everyday Witch pack which I must say is really lovely. I will watch the YouTube channel you suggest. I also watched an Australian lady, I can't remember her name right now, who was very reassuring about the message of cards like Death or the Tower...

I am not young and I sometimes try to push myself like a young person! Even after surgery. I really do feel more positive today though.

emilysquest

Glad you feel a little better- the Everyday Witch Tarot is lovely isn't it , light and playful.
Violet speak wisely about the "darker" cards though, the Death card is not often a physical passing, and can often point to the energy of letting go of situations or mindsets that are not serving us. The three of swords and the Devil all have powerful helpful messages- not "bad" cards as such.

In order to welcome the new sometimes we have to let go of the old. Sometimes that letting go is hard.

It's like knowing you need to find a new job because you are not getting the hours you need, but not wanting to leave because you like the current job and your co workers.

The end can be incredibly rewarding because we get something we want or need, but it does seem a little scary to say good bye.

morning.

You're very wise speakout!