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Philosophy/religion

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

Any Witches here? Part 13

983 replies

speakout · 26/12/2020 08:56

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.

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outofthedarkness · 31/03/2021 13:29

I love the photos speakout Thanks for sharing. I'm going to meditate on them this afternoon after a dreaded meeting starting in 5 mins. I'm going to picture myself slowly and without purpose floating to Fidra and the treasure which awaits me there like peace, quiet, harmony, joy and rays of sunshine. Thank you for the inspiration!

moregarlic No in reality I live about an hours drive from the coast. I go there often though for walks and to recharge or contemplate something. On one such journey I recorded the waves which I can play back in times of trouble and they seem to calm me. There are also lots of various recordings on Youtube with waves, waterfalls, rainfall, etc. Very helpful in a pinch to calm the mind or spirit or block out noise. I love the idea of redesigning your outdoor space. Sounds like a fun project! I'm going to have a look for a rose candle today. Sounds lovely.

queenrollo I hope you're feeling better after your injection.

Rhubarbarbarb · 31/03/2021 17:14

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BlankTimes · 31/03/2021 19:35

Rhubarbarbarb

There are ways to bookmark a thread, please do that or at least try a short comment instead of the rather rude .

speakout · 01/04/2021 06:57

A wet overcast morning- but no matter.
Although we live though challenges we can take comfort and inspiration from soul food all around us.
For me last night is was my dreams, building a home deep in the forest, one wall was a huge tree altar carved with images of all life .

The she was there helping me lay the floor, having patience with my indecision, encouraging me to make beauty simply for my own soul with no mind to pleasing others. Reminding me of a sacred path..

We get so bogged down in the day to day we can forget to look deep.
Yesterday I saw water and air, the dance of the sea and the sky.
Today I will seek out earth. A trip to the forest to ground and fill.
A muddy walk and fill my lungs with the scent of soil and growth.
Work can wait another day.

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Aerwyna · 01/04/2021 07:56

That is so beautiful speakout, what a deeply nurturing dream, soul restoration with the goddess. I love the way you are connecting with the elements to tend your roots too-the message of deep self care and sovereignty, just beautiful.

I’m also delighted to find so much water magic on the thread and hear how healing this is for everyone. Such a powerful force that imbues your words with healing energy, in turn soothing those of us reading them. It warms my heart and puts a big smile on my face to hear of my sister’s wild and intuitive connections with the elements. You’re all very inspiring. Thank you for all you share, it is such a joy to come here and read everyone’s posts.

My word yesterday was bold. A call to action to shift some tasks that needed doing, be confident in my abilities to take the right steps. Today I have ‘safe’ which feels comforting and reassuring. Again, thank you to Violet for this powerful and enriching practice.

I’ll be lighting my 8am candle in celebration of all the beautiful souls who gather here and make this such a wonderful space, also sending healing and comfort where it is needed.

Wishing everyone a magical day

moregarlic · 01/04/2021 08:09

@speakout I can’t tell you how happy it made me to see you’d been to the coast - what lovely heritage and photos too. Like many natural environments I always find the sea very restorative, but uniquely cleansing too. I think it’s my “happy place”. Your dream sounds magnificent, a home built around a tree! I like your message of finding beauty in the mundane too, I think it’s one of the best ways to become more grateful which, for me at least, is a key component of happiness.

@outofthedarkness what a wonderful idea! Thanks to you, I paid special attention to the sound of the waves last night and I found it a very grounding experience.

@Aerwyna as always your words are a treat to read! Like you I’m finding a lot of strength in the word practice, so yes thanks once again @VioletCharlotte . I’m pleased it helped you align your thoughts and actions yesterday, it’s such a powerful tool.

The sea mist came in thick and heavy on my evening jaunt yesterday. I didn’t feel it was safe to go in (we couldn’t see the conditions and if we walked unknowingly into a rip we’d have a hard time being found) so we took a dip in a large waist deep rock pool which was fun in its own way. I had to share a picture of what an intense scene it was from the shore. What mad surfers!

I’ve been thinking lots about the word witch and what it actually means lately. Though I love the bones of this thread, and identify with so much within it, I still don’t consider myself a witch. I think part of my deep inner conditioning thinks of witches and thinks of cauldrons, broomsticks and wands! (Which I know can be involved in practice). Sometimes I think I just love nature and ceaselessly believe in the power of the universe. But certainly, I am adamant we don’t know everything.

Ps. My word of the day is ‘exquisite’. Once again my inner Taurus is happy!

Any Witches here? Part 13
queenrollo · 01/04/2021 08:19

Morning sisters.
I feel much better this morning, aside from an incredibly sore arm. The nurse who jabbed me did say it bled a little and so to prepare for bruising, though none outwardly the muscles from shoulder to elbow are not happy!

After two days warm enough not to light the Rayburn it is decidedly chilly again this morning so I've got it going. I think I will make the most of it and indulge in a little kitchen witchery later on.

moregarlic · 01/04/2021 08:30

I added the wrong photo to my last comment! Here are the mad surfers.

@queenrollo I'm pleased to hear you’re feeling better today.

Any Witches here? Part 13
speakout · 01/04/2021 09:28

queenrollo I am delighted to hear you are feeling a bit better. Your day of kitchen witchery sounds just perfect.

Aerwyna it is lovely to hear of your daily mantras and how they support you. Like you I am enjoying a lot of support from them.
My word today is "listen"- which is exactly what I plan on my forest walk.
"safe" does indeed sound very comforting, it brings relaxation, a feeling of security, a time to let down our burdens. Enjoy that feeling!
moregarlic I was thinking how beautiful that first picture is, very ethereal and full of otherworld.
The second photo is wonderful too, I love the way the surfers are captured in the corner, brings a light touch of humour to s serene scene! I think you were wise not to venture further, to trust your instincts- a dip in the pool sounds just the ticket.
I am interested to hear your thoughts of using the word witch. I know many of us on this thread don’t choose to call themselves a witch- I understand that.
For me it is a way of reclaiming that which has been lost to women. The word witch has been tarred and tarnished and is even used as an insult.
You are right it evokes images of ugly women with warts on their noses, all the stereotypes, caricatures, evil, crazed, that we have been fed as children and over the centuries.
I rarely tell people that I am a witch in real life, but I don’t hide it ( from most). In some ways I would like to think I maybe cause people to at least ponder for a moment as to what that term really means.
As we give light to the dirty and dank corners of patriarchy perhaps the idea of witch also needs some re-examination.I know for many this may not be political at all, not their battle, not their door, but if I can rattle those foundations then I will!

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Sabel · 01/04/2021 09:31

Loving reading about the experiences you have all had with the sea recently - that is at the top of my list for trips now we are no longer so locked down!

I loved your words particularly moregarlic, they could be my own words, they resonated so much - "Sometimes I think I just love nature and ceaselessly believe in the power of the universe. But certainly, I am adamant we don’t know everything."

After a tough few days - maybe the full moon at the weekend, maybe the adjustment to the clocks changing, I feel fired up again today, so hope you all have a day filled with good energy. queenrollo, glad you are on the mend, sounds like a great plan for the day Smile

Sabel · 01/04/2021 09:34

Cross-posted with speakout and just read your wise words: "As we give light to the dirty and dank corners of patriarchy perhaps the idea of witch also needs some re-examination"

So true - and not just the patriarchy but the whole structures of organised religion which are such historical cornerstones of both the patriarchy and persecution and belittling of the feminine. One of the many reasons I love this thread so much...!

outofthedarkness · 01/04/2021 10:15

I've been thinking about the word 'witch' and how it resonates with me. I think I have a somewhat child like view of 'good witches' and 'bad witches'. Those who are more nature focused, helping people, fine tuning their minds to listen to spirit and live harmoniously with others and within the world. I think of this more as the 'old ways', women who knew what plants to use for which ailment and used keen intuition to interact with those around them. These women have patience, wisdom and a kind heart.
Then there is the darker side of witchcraft, those who seek to make money off other's by selling things like love potions and hopes and dreams that can never be fulfilled or at least not rightly so. Unjustly cursing people and places. Their presence feels ominous. I guess in simple terms those who use their skills or knowledge for evil or selfishness rather than good and selflessness. Not sure if that makes sense, but you've given me something to think about today so thank you.
moregarlic I love how that second photo plays with perspective.
I think that will be my word to reflect upon today: 'perspective'.

speakout · 01/04/2021 11:18

Sabel

Oh absolutely, I very much include Abrahamic religion within the structure of patriarchy it is the rotten part of the core.

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speakout · 01/04/2021 11:24

outofthedarkness

Your words are very interesting.
And when we start unpicking like this we find the story very complex.
The ideas of good witch/bad witch virgin/whore, I would suggest are also patriatchial terms- the idea of the battle against light and dark, good forces against bad.
Witches are just people, and like people never so polarised.
We are all shades of grey, and I don't see witches as any different.
In fact I refuse to be defined by the idea.
I have been asked if I am a white witch, I either reply that I don't accept such ideas, or that like the questioner I am grey.

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HillsBesideTheSea · 01/04/2021 13:09

There is a lot of debate over the racial implications of white magic vs black magic. It is a touchy subject for some. Cultural differences between white practices being ok vs black traditional practices somehow being bad and thus really not accepted. I dislike the colour attachment. I prefer to respond about good intent and bad intent rather than colour if questions. It sits better for me. Witches are human, they can be good, bad or plain ugly in their intent.

The issue with magic is that it comes with it perceived power, and with that perceived power the presumption of the opportunity of control. This presumption of opportunity of control leads to fear in those that fear what they do not understand as they assume it will be taken advantage of, and leads to others who are looking for opportunities to exploit people feel like they have the opportunity to do so.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Every area of civilisation have people looking to feed their egos and need for a power trip. Witchcraft is an aspect of civilisation. Also civilisation has always feared what it doesn't understand.

The problem with fear is that it makes people very easy to control. It will always be harder to influence someone who is happy and content. By inducing fear in society you can manipulate it far more easily into a specific way of thinking. Governments have known this for generations and generations. Marketing companies sell the problem not the product. Such that they make the product seem needed by creating a problem that might not have been a problem until people were told it was a problem iyswim.

And it is interesting to see the shift in attitude about women from pre-Christianity, where typically they have a much more influential role in society. To Christianity where they are seen as far more problematic. If you were cynical you would almost consider the option that by creating fear in woman and their power, you would have a need for the solution provided by Christianity. Witchcraft and the persecution of witches has actually been documented as being used to specific induce fear and thus control people in England when the Christian faith was dwindelling. One of the Kings specifically wrote a paper on it and it formed the basic of one of the witch hunts. (sorry I can't remember which one or even where I came across it atm, but can have a think and hunt if you are interested in knowing more - it just wont be quick in response I am afraid. I have over extended myself)

I think a lot of people who are new to witchcraft think that it is the solution to all of their problems. But generally mundane solutions will be far more effective and in worst case situation magical workings will always come with mundane work to help the working. It is like asking magic to give you a new job but not apply to any. Magic can help but it can't achieve the impossible. People forget this and this it leads to fear of things that actually and practically are much harder to achieve and maintain. It takes a hell of a lot of work to curse and maintain a curse, people are just not so likely to do this.

The power of suggestion is strong and people underestimate it greatly. If you fear that someone will curse you, you are much more likely to believe that someone has if things happen that are not as you deem beneficial, and you are more likely to jump to this conclusion than someone who doesn't believe it is possible to be cursed by someone and might put it down to bad decisions/timing/luck.

(sorry long and rambley and a bit abrupt - work interrupts)

speakout · 01/04/2021 15:01

HillsBesideTheSea

How is work going- I meant to ask!

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HillsBesideTheSea · 01/04/2021 15:35

I am glad for the job.
I am working for qualifications to change the job. I will be sad to leave but it no longer meets my needs. And sometimes it is right to work for change in the long term. And I am finally at peace with this decision. I should have made it a couple of years back but I wasn't there iyswim. It is hard to leave a job you enjoy.

HillsBesideTheSea · 01/04/2021 15:37

The King / paper on witchcraft/witch hunt. Was linked to the tale of a girl who accused her family and others of witchcraft. The family were killed as a result and then later she was herself accused and tried for witchcraft.
It was in the Lancashire/Yorkshire type area.

HillsBesideTheSea · 01/04/2021 15:44

King James I (england)/ VI (scotland)
It was the Pendle Witches and the child accuser was Jennet Device

Link

speakout · 01/04/2021 15:58

HillsBesideTheSea

I have read of the case before- thanks for the link.
Makes for some sad reading.

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VioletCharlotte · 01/04/2021 19:22

Hello, I'm playing catch up. Despite my intentions, work took over again this week. I'm very much looking forward to the four day weekend and a much needed break!

Fascinating discussion as always. I have noticed that witchcraft seems to be quite fashionable at the moment, with many young women on social media describing themselves as witches.

Thank you for all the wonderful sea energy, I'm longing to get to the sea so I'm really enjoying seeing your photos and hearing about your beach trips. I have a week off coming up in a couple of weeks and will be heading to the coast for the day, I really can't wait! Until then, I'm making the most of the good weather and being outside in nature. The two big trees at the front of my house have just burst into blossom, it really brightens my day to see them when I open my curtains in the morning.

Blessings to you all for a peaceful and relaxing bank holiday weekend.

speakout · 01/04/2021 19:42

VioletCharlotte

Glad to hear you are enjoing the blossoms- me too, it lifts the heart.
There were several woodpeckers on my forest walk this morning- they seem very prevalent this year, such a solid comforting sound.
Witchcraft and goddess awareness does seem popular with young women- I think that's a good thing. Even though it is seen as a fashion or a popular culture concept then it is good. Young people exploring paths, questioning , to be encouraged.

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HillsBesideTheSea · 01/04/2021 20:42

I found the path when witchcraft was popular back in the 90s yeah ok I be old, I am starting to accept that I am not 20 anymore It comes around bringing fresh people to the craft, it will become less popular again too.
I find the fact that witch = female only very hard. Traditionally it was not gender specific. But yeah. Tis what it is an probably why witch is not a word I generally chose to use, simply because it means so much different things to so many different people, simply using it means that you are probably no clearer in understanding what the person means. It's like using the word 'pop' for a fizzy drink.

Mostly I am ignoring the path of others and following my own. Cos I got to be honest, my sense of direction can suck and I need to pay attention. However, I am enjoying the fact that the revival means a significantly greater access to information to cross reference and delve into.

@speakout Where I heard about the case was through a university / college lecture video on Youtube that I stumbled on. It was interesting in its presentation of how society make up and structure, influential people and events can interact to have some hugely horrific effects. Looking at the case as an individual and it is horribly tragic, looking at it in the context of how society caused it and how it caused a further spiral of society gives it another level of horrific.

DefinitelyOdd · 01/04/2021 21:03

Hello, I'm sorry to just drop in but I've been reading some of the old threads and just wanted to say hi!

I learned a lot of my witchcraft from my Nanny - she was a fierce, loving and strong woman who taught me to read tea leaves, candle magic, the uses of crystals and encouraged my further explorations into tarot and more 'faffy' rituals (her words not mine).

I don't have anything else to add right now but thought I should stop lurking and introduce myself!

speakout · 01/04/2021 21:11

DefinitelyOdd so glad you dropped in. A warm welcome.
Always a cosy place by the fire and hot tea.
All are welcome, new faces, lurkers, those who post once in a while, those who post every day, those who just join us to read.
All part of the warm energy.
Kick off your shoes and relax.

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