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 for the book info @Elphame, shame about the proof reading.

Speaking of books I stumbled across, and was drawn to Gemma Gary’s ‘The Black Toad’, I think I might treat myself. I have a dim recollection that perhaps you mentioned this/other books of hers early in these threads. A west country witching theme today!

I have the Black Toad on my own shelves. Gemma Gary writes some very interesting books and I do like her work. The only thing to be aware of is that it is her "spin" on West Country craft but that is true of any author - so much has been lost that gaps have had to be filled to make a workable system out of what remains. It's certainly happened in my own tradition.

I'm currently reading "The Light of Britannia" OMG - it make the White Goddess look like easy reading. I've come close to flinging it across the room several times now but it has given me one or two nuggets of thought amongst the dross. I guess I will plough on a bit longer

Morning everyone
Love that poem @speakout . I’ve enjoyed reading all the posts and pictures . I haven’t posted much but I have been here by the fire . I hope no body minds if I ask for healing and strength today at the 8am candle . Dh has tested positive for Covid and he is vulnerable . I really really need to stay well myself so I can look after him and my ds who has Aspergers and doesn’t cope too well . Dh is currently quarantined in the spare room . I intend to meditate today to try and dispel some of the crippling anxiety I feel right now . I wish you all a calm day and that you all stay well and get through this tough time .

Elasticatedwaist

I am sorry to hear about your OH, your anxieties are understandable.
I will send healing energies with my 8am candle, and calm for you too.
I hope he is feeling better soon.

Elasticatedwaist I’m really sorry to hear that too. Love and healing energy coming your way from me as well. Take care of yourself as best you can, our energy is behind you

Elasticatedwaist I am so sorry to hear that. I hope he is feeling better soon.

If it's any help a friend of mine who ticks all the boxes on who mustn't catch Covid unfortunately did. We were all very worried for her but she recovered without needing any professional medical attention.

Hello all, I'd love to join you.
Hopefully, I can keep up this time, I did comment on some earlier threads but quite a while ago.
I'm just starting out with some simple spells, passed down from my family and ancestors, there's some weird and wonderful ideas.

Can anybody tell me if there's a name for the things you make in hessian bags and wear on your person?
I've always worn one but never known it's title.
We put lavender, a gem of some description, a small stone and maybe a charm or gold coin.

GypsyLee

Lovely to see you again, glad you dropped by. It's a cold and blustery day here, I am hunkered down in my burrow.
I think there are several names for such bags, a mojo bag, charm bag, spell pouch, magic pouch, medicine bag etc.
I think the intention is more important than the name- I think it's a lovely idea.

Aw, thanks for that.
I just used to be asked if I had my bag, when we were going out
My mam or one of the elders would always shout out.
It wasn't very popular at school or church though, and i'd get a few looks here and there.

Hey, something I'd like to share with you all.
January is called Iveskero in Romany and is the month of the snow.
As a race we tend to be Christian in name but not in deed. Over 80% of us still have Biblical names.
Christmas eve is quite morbid as we remember the dead. My family think it's macabre and don't join in.
Much of what we hold dear comes from various philosophies and faiths.
We pretty much all tell fortunes, counsel, palms and tea leaves.
Not as a business though just for ourselves.
Although, I'm hoping to start one soon, but it won't be conning anyone or pretending to have super powers.

Thank you for sharing that GypsyLee. I'm always interested in hearing about other cultural magical practices.

I'd call your little bag a charm bag but there are many other names for it.

Thankyou for the healing energies and positivity kind sisters . Although myself and ds are also feeling a little unwell now too I am calmer and hopeful that we will soon be over this . Thank you @elphame I am glad to hear that your friend is recovered 🙂 It’s very blustery here today , I am intending to write a gratitude list and do some reading in front of the fire . I was gifted some lovely books at Christmas aswell as a leather journal and fountain pen so I intend to make the most of them . Hope you all manage to stay warm and cosy and have a good day 🙂

I hope you and ds are better soon.
It's very windy here, too. We are Greater Manchester.
I love the sound of your journal and fountain pen. I think it's a shame that so many people just take notes online, there are some beautiful journals and diaries.

@speakout that’s a lovely poem we are all thawed out here now lovely to see green again I’m sure the wildlife must be relieved, more frosty temperatures forecast for later in the week I think

I’m after a good beginners spell book any recommendations? Something light and easy for a newbie?

Elasticatedwaist sending healing energy to you and your family. I hope DH makes a good recovery. I'm glad you're feeling a little calmer. Keep thinking positive thoughts.*

GypsyLee* welcome back. Thank you for sharing, I love hearing about traditions from other cultures and I've always been fascinated by Romany's. I would call what you have described a spell bag or charm bag. They're lovely.

Blanktimes thank you for sharing the link about the labyrinth. I've always felt a strong connection to Cornwall so I'm always interested in reading about anything happening there. I love the way he says they labyrinth is about finding yourself'.

I've had a real sense of unease today and feeling unsettled. I can't put my finger on why, possibly it's just everything that's going on. I've lit a candle and put some orange and frankincense in my diffuser to make my home feel calmer in the hope this will shift the feeling.

I felt that too Violet, saw this about the new moon and am focusing on transforming fear etc. Hope you’re feeling more settled today.

Good to see you again GypsyLee and thank you for sharing your traditions, I always find this very interesting 🙏

Hope you’re all keeping as well as can be Elasticatedwaist, great work transforming the anxiety, I know it’s easier said than done. I hope today continues in a calmer vein

Good morning sisters. New moon blessings to everyone. I hope this energy will bring new hope and the opportunity for positive changes for everyone.
I have a quiet day ahead, a few days off from work, but catching up with some household chores, washing floors, clearing out a few cupboards.
Time to get my home a little more organised.
When I am busy with work only the basics get done, so will be good to get some energy moving around the house and some cluttered spaces cleared. Always feels good when it is done.
It has been snowing here overnight, another cold morning, but that means bright light today.
Enjoy the new moon energy, I hope it touches you in a positive way today.

For anyone looking for healing at the moment- I came across this haunting traditional Navajo healing song.

That’s beautiful speakout! As is the new moon picture, thank you for sharing them.

Glad to hear you gave a few days off, I hope you have time to nurture yourself too. I think it feels good to get the house in order cleaning and clearing- it can be powerful energy shifting work. I hope you have some time to nurture yourself too.

I’m hopeful for this new moon cycle and am focusing on fresh starts. It’s a grey day here, the wind is dancing in the trees and the birds always sing regardless, very comforting.

New moon blessings to all

I thought there were some interesting thoughts here about the power of the crone and the solidarity and sisterhood of witches.

www.yesmagazine.org/health-happiness/2020/10/30/feminist-older-witch/

I will light a candle at noon to bring strength and support where it’s needed today

Aerwyna

Thanks for that link, a great read.
I was mulling over similar thoughts this morning as I strode out in my big boots, my feet felt very grounded and connected to the earth this morning.
Thank you also for the noon candle.

I thought I would pick some Tarot for our group this afternoon.

First card was the Three of Swords. My heart is with you sisters, so much is broken and painful and we are struggling in a huge variety of ways, isolated, anxious, low mood, fearful.
My heart sank when I saw that card, but then I realised it is important to acknowledge that pain, during these difficult times. Naming the beast and holding a brief vision of what we are facing can stop that energy being pervasive if we take control a little and define the boundaries of that difficulty. Like that slippery guy Randall in Monsters Inc., he was at his most fearful when he was slipping about unnoticed , but when he took form he became less threatening and easier to tackle.
I thought the Tarot card deserved a clarifier- so I pulled another- no surprise to see the Three of Cups- I felt a warmth from that- the embodiment of the energy on this thread, that energy we create that is greater than the sum of its parts. A way we can ease our troubles , creating joy for ourselves and for others in the process- magic!
Those two cards neatly showed the problem and some way that we can ease the situation a little.
Thankyou everyone for the energy you share on this thread. It is a lifeline.

Sunrise over my house this morning

Oh my goodness speakout thank you so much for the tarot pick and for such a pertinent interpretation. Really struck a cord with me. I agree, our gathering here is a lifeline and will join you in giving thanks for the wonderful energy everyone shares here.
Your sunrise picture is beyond beautiful! 💜🙏

Hi everyone. I've been psyching up the courage to say hello for a couple of months now!

Finally brave enough to call myself a witch after 15 or so years of suppressing it due to christian fear of burning in hell.

Having the most amazing time learning and experiences and would love to be able to talk and share and learn from others

Tiredcabbage

A warm welcome on this grey cold day- the fire is ever warm and hot tea in the pot.
Sorry you have had to undergo such anguish in the past, we are a friendly bunch, take your time, no need to jump into anything that feels uncomfortable.