Any Witches Here? Part 14.

[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.

Trying again for the cat photo

@TotoAnnihiliation

Trying again for the cat photo

Alas, The Invisible Kitty...

No, seriously, it might be my outdated tech.

Fingers crossed 🐈‍⬛

I see a beautiful black cat! 😍

@speakout thanks for your reply, it's nice to know I'm not alone. I appreciate what you're saying and I agree there are some areas, like women's rights, where we've collectively come a long way (though we still have a long way to go imho). But there are some topics we face today that I find incredibly concerning (everything from wealth inequality and the way we mine a finite resource like earth as if it's infinite to cancel culture). But - and I hate this saying - it is what it is. All I can do is play my part in affecting change and try and live from an energetically vibrant place (which means avoiding the news).

@wheresmymojo welcome back! I recently did this with a family member at their new house, we did a sage cleanse and then we filled the house with uplifting music and symbolic items like family photographs, bunches of wildflowers picked from the new garden etc. Oh, and we had a cheeky toast too! It was a lovely experience and they are very happy in their new home.

@Aerwyna I'm pleased to have cheered you, it's all true! I always get excited when I see you have posted. I'm sorry to here you've been feeling a bit anxious lately, I hope it eases soon. Hoarding books definitely doesn't count.

@TotoAnnihiliation what a stunning cat!

I've picked up a cold from DD so I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself. Lovely to sip on local honey and lemon with hot water though. I hope you all have a restful evening ahead of you.

moregarlic I think you are very wise. I don't mean to trivialise or diminish your feelings- I hope it didn't come across that way.
The world does face some significat challenges, but it's about finding balance ( as ever) on a personal level. What you say about living our lives in an energetically good place makes a lot of sense.
And it isn't about hiding away- it's being realistic about our own part and doing what we can.
Otherwise we could be swept away on an ocean of tears.
My own personal circumstances have forced me to dig very deep in recent years and I have decided that hope is so very valuable. And now I have that flame of optimism I refuse to part with it!

Good morning, popping in for a quick cuppa. I've been away for a few days and haven't been online much so looking forward to catching up on all the posts.

Cornwall worked it's magic as always, I feel like my batteries have been recharged! It's lovely to be home though. I'm hoping for a quiet day today, lots of laundry to do, maybe a bit of tidying in the garden. Sending blessings to you all for a magical day.

VioletCharlotte I am glad you had a good time in Cornwall, it sounds a magical place.
It's been quiet in here of late, I know we have busy lives. I have been working and catching up on housework. I may have a few days off work this weekend the weather is set to be good and DD is coming over. Her Saturday job has finished competely- it's term based and she graduates this summer, with hopefully a "proper" job to come, although no luck so far. It has been bittersweet for her to leave she has been a student at the dance school since she was 4, been through so many exams, shows, exciting and nerve wracking times, then teaching there part time for the past few years. Her car was full of cards, flowers, gufts, champagne on Saturday. She will miss it a lot.
Off for my spa shower to get ready for yoga and a magic infused day.

Good morning, kindred sisters.
I've been enjoying reading about all your various cleansing techniques. My current space clearing ritual involves opening all the windows, having a good dust/recycle/clean etc, then light some incense and a candle. It really does rebalance the equilibrium, though all you ideas are great and I may incorporate them in the future!

I was off out early for some bits - shopping is so much nicer the quieter it is! Then came home to feed the Robin chicks. They won't be here for long and I'm really enjoying marvelling at their beauty, how quickly independent they become, and how they just know how to 'be' - no hand-wringing (wing-wringing?!), no resistance, no complaints, they are just effortlessly part of nature's dance. I try to take this simplicity with me in daily life, but it's so easy to fall into our conditioned ways of thinking!

Hope everyone is kissed by summer magic today xx

Well I’ve just lost a long ramble to the- frustrating but maybe not a bad thing-I’ll try and be more succinct!

Toto thank you for the picture of your grandmother’s cat. He is such a beautiful boy, his energy is regal and feels full of wisdom, that of a familiar.

AnotherCrazyBirdLady your account of the robin chicks has brought me joy- thank you. I love this: they are just effortlessly part of nature’s dance I think there’s a profound yet simple lesson in there for us all. I have been noticing the impact of conditioned thinking too and a commitment to this way of being feels like the perfect antidote. Beautiful, thank you.

speakout It’s good to hear of your plan to take a little time off with your DD this weekend, I wish you both bright solar blessings for this time together. Such a time of shift and change for your DD. The image of her car full of gifts and cards full of the energy of love and gratitude and representing the era of such a significant era in her life is poignantly beautiful. She has a wise companion in you to help guide her through this cycle of completion and renewal, I know you will bring brightness and comfort to this time of transition.

Violet it’s lovely to feel your bright energy, recharged from time away and the company of a good friend. The perfect tonic for a busy working life, so important. I hope you had a peaceful day’s pottering.

I have been thinking about ‘time off’ these last few days. I’ve noticed that since changes in my working life have meant in theory I have more time, my mind has some discomfort with this.

Despite my intentions to ‘take time for me’, my thoughts are prone to processing the day as a kind of ‘jobs list’ - ‘This, then that, whilst getting that done’ etc. In a society where stress is so often worn as a badge of honour I guess it’s hardly surprising that these patterns are so ingrained.

Interestingly I was more likely to actually take time for myself when I was busier with work and in my mind doing something more ‘worthwhile’ than I currently am. Which leads me to wonder whether despite my awareness and what I thought was a firm commitment to being subversive in the face of oppressive ideas about ‘worth’ I have been applying these same oppressive ideas to myself to my own detriment.

Utter nonsense of course and conditioning I guess many women are familiar with too- the expectation of always being ‘on’, often no defined end to our working day as we switch from paid work to unpaid domestic labour, even when we are aware of such issues.

We’ve often discussed it here but this has given me a new and pertinent reminder that acts of self care, time for ourselves, doing what we enjoy- however we frame it, is essential for wellbeing. Our sense of worth in the world is often caught up in what we do- our job title or what we do for others (our function and ‘usefulness’?) but really it needs to come from within to be sustainable, these external factors are fragile and fleeting in the scheme of things after all. Back to the locus of control..

So I am committing again to ensure magic is infused throughout the day, have a new resolve to give to myself that which brings pleasure and true nourishment and two fingers to the patriarchal bullshit thought patterns about worth that I now see have been weighing me down of late!

I tried some beginners yoga yesterday, my body felt bulky and not very malleable and I’m sure my moves were clumsy- nothing like the graceful poise of Adrienne on the screen in front of me or the images I have in my mind of my well practiced yogi friends here! But it felt good to start something for me, give my body the message that I do care and want to nurture it, despite much evidence to the contrary of late! Small steps and all that..

I hope everyone is able to show themselves the unconditional love we all deserve today. Whatever you’re feeling, you are worth it

The river has been calling me for a few days now. I always stop and say hello when I’m passing but was overdue a purposeful visit. So this afternoon, having received two notifications of people doing sponsored swims, my YouTube jumping to a clip of Jonna Jinton doing one of her ‘ice baths’ and walking into the kitchen to hear REM’s ‘night swimming’ on the radio I decided I’d better listen and get myself down there!

It was so wonderfully nourishing to walk in the woods and swim in the peaty soft cold water- light rain began to fall and the place felt alive with fae energy. I was gifted the most wonderful river bank treasure and feel calm and renewed. A lesson in listening to what my heart wants to do. River energy for anyone in need of it

Aerwyna your first post really spoke to me, I could have written bits of it myself. You've managed to beautifully articulate a lot of the thoughts I've been having myself the past couple of days about time to myself and feelings of guilt and needing to be busy. I feel like I've forgotten how to switch off after years of working hard and juggling family life. I've caught myself looking for things to do and making myself a list of jobs for the week, rather than enjoying a well earned break.

Your post has helped me make sense of what I was thinking and I feel less alone, so thank you 😊

I'm so glad to hear you're giving yoga a try...I have to warn you though, it's very addictive! Thank you too for the river energy, I loved reading about it, I could almost feel the cool, restorative water.

AnotherCrazyBirdLady the robin chicks sound adorable! I love to watch birds too. There's a pair of swans and cygnets near to where I live and I love watching to grow. My cleaning ritual is very ,I have like yours, sweeping away any negative energy and letting the fresh air in. I also like to use essential oils on the pad of my steam mop, it makes the house smell lovely.

Speakout goodness, it's hard to believe your DD is graduating! If I remember right, she was only just starting out when the threads first began. I'm sure it must be an exciting, yet emotional time for her. The next phase of her life about to begin!

Gloomy and atmospheric here today - I like it!

@Aerwyna, I'm glad you enjoyed my musings on the birds, and I loved what you wrote about self care. You have articulated so well what I am trying to wrestle with, but cannot find the words.
The world has been turned on its' head, and it can be even harder to find the real essence of who we are, and what we need. I have had to go back to the very basics - breathe, feed, move... some days, anything more is too much, but happily, most days I can work in so much more - a special meal, a new way of thinking, a new yoga pose, little things that offset the stagnation.

Ramble over, I'm off to referee the birds, they are so very feisty right now!

Good morning wise ones- just sitting down with a coffee enjoying the early morning sunshine. Anothercrazy bird lady , I am also enjoying hearing of your robins, trusting their instincts, all falls into place without overthinking. We can learn such a lot from other creatures. Aerwyna I am glad you too are listening to your heart- the river pictures are truly magical, the roots are full of the fae too!
Some really interesting thoughts about self nurture/ not switching off, I have been mulling over the ideas. Violet you express that accurately when you talk of the guilt- I agree it is all very complex Here am I on a “day off” sorting out packing materials that are stuffed behind a sofa, just about to clear out a bathroom cupboard that is full of half empty and dusty old stuff- and this is my day not working! I too find it hard to switch off, and even when I do it’s usually filled with activities- maybe a Tarot spread, painting my toenails. Much like our mothers and grandmothers we tend to use every available bit of space to be industrious. If it isn’t heavy work like laundry or scrubbing pots then even evenings would have been used for sewing or even embroidery.
What is the driver for that I wonder though- that does need some unpicking – is it guilt or enjoyment? Are humans/women naturally industrious creatures who find it hard to switch off. Maybe we are avoiding unpleasant existential feelings if we keep up the illusion of function. I have met some truly indolent people, who find it easy to lie on the sofa all day, but they don’t seem particularly happy.
I have no answer, just ruminating. My father was an industrious person, like his life rules, always enjoyed being busy, and even when not doing essential things would occupy his time with decorative woodcraft or fiddling around with mechanical things. I could see that brought him enjoyment. My mother too- would occupy her time with polishing her collection of brass ornaments- she would call it work and complain bitterly, but of course it was all quite unnecessary- except perhaps the peer pressure of having gleaming fancy ornaments.
Whether it is social conditioning or pressure I am not sure. Even things like meditation where we allow ourselves to switch off are usually directed towards a purpose, and can at times feel like a chore.
Aerwyna I hope you are enjoying your yoga- it really is a journey -try not to be harsh with yourself, and please erase those images of any yogis here on this thread from your mind- I am sure they are not realistic at all!! We all have different bodies, come to yoga from different places and for different reasons. I go to some very mixed ability classes and I have no greater or lesser respect for anyone no matter their stage, age shape or fitness. One of my yoga teachers gets quite snappy if she sees us looking at other people in the class- she talks at length about avoiding comparison- who can get their leg higher, who can keep their balance longer it’s truly about none of that. Using the drishti- the yoga focal point- teaches us to keep the gaze inwards, or down or out , reminding us that yoga is about our own journey alone, and no competition is involved.
My coffee is finished- and I will tackle that cupboard, actually without guilt. I know I will find some goodies I have forgotten about which will be my treasure, I will also have the pleasure of some clear space afterwards. So whatever the reasons for clearing the cupboard it will be enjoyable- and won't feel like work!

I enjoy the energy of days like that too AnotherCrazyBirdLady, they always feel ethereal to me.

This conversation about busyness, switching off, giving to ourselves has got my cogs turning, I agree it’s a complex one! Thank you for the very interesting thoughts and perspectives, like you Violet, it makes me feel less alone.

I totally agree it can be an ingrained pattern borne of many years of juggling all that is involved with providing both financially and practically for our families- a well trodden neural pathway which becomes our default setting. Then of course it takes concerted and sustained effort to start to carve out a new and different way of thinking/reacting should we wish to.

I’ve been in that ‘back to basics’ place you describe too AnotherCrazyBirdLady, I think some of my recent angst has been around struggling to be ok with being there which is what got me thinking about why that is.

I’m certainly happier when I’m busy and agree,speakout about the human disposition to be industrious. My mind and body are happier when occupied but I feel some strange disdain towards myself when I’m ‘lazy’ or not achieving much. So really at these times I’ll end up not getting much done except relentless list making/planning in my head- exhausting in itself! If I framed it and felt it as necessary relaxation without the stories I tell myself (be they mine or conditioned thinking patterns) around it then I’m sure it could be time more productively spent. Your wise words about enjoyment/guilt really hit the nail on the head I think speakout I absolutely think I often prefer to be busy to avoid existential discomfort as you say and can do the same task driven by either guilt or enjoyment and my energy will feel different depending on what is driving me!

I think what I realised yesterday was that I was carrying a whole load of daft ideas about my worth being attached to what I achieve, be that paid work or domestic unpaid. So if I work hard and make a difference then I somehow deserve nice times/‘indulgence’. I’d like to shift that thinking and see time spent doing what brings me joy as a baseline productive thing to do as opposed to something I have to ‘earn’ in some way- I didn’t even realise that’s what I was doing, but as is often the case when
with realisations, I can see it from a different angle now. So that’s the plan anyway- a shift in perspective to open my heart to more joy. Whatever it is the crux seems to be about what energy is in the driving seat.

Yesterday’s activities really helped with this and I have promised myself that I’ll keep a swimming bag in the car so if I happen to be working near wild water I always have the option to go for a dip- a sure fire way for me to quickly switch my mood so a very valuable kit to carry around I think!

I love that my sisters can share the joy of this, feel the cold water and see the tree root fae! So wonderful to be able to share with kindred spirits. I’m still a little blown away by my shift in focus around unconditional self love followed by the gift of what appears to be rose quartz by the river- I can’t tell you how excited I was to find it and will be using it for heart healing work.

Thank you Violet and speakout for your support and encouragement as I dip my toes into the world of yoga. Your words about comparison really spoke to me speakout, thank you. I will continue my journey knowing that this is precisely the point.

Wishing everyone a magical afternoon in which joy takes the driving seat

I think what I realised yesterday was that I was carrying a whole load of daft ideas about my worth being attached to what I achieve, be that paid work or domestic unpaid. So if I work hard and make a difference then I somehow deserve nice times/‘indulgence’. I

That's a hard nut too- and tied in with so many ideas of women being slovenly/ big protestant ethic there too- for me especially growing up in Scotland. Frivolity and self indulgence were seen at best a waste of valuable work time, and pleasure seen as a vehicle by which we may be tempted by satan's sweet fruits.
Keeping busy in non nurturing way retained an element of austerity whilst still allowing a creative outlet.
So sewing, knitting and embroidery were seen as wholesome because they were work related- and of course suitable for women lest their giddy and hysterical energy found a more destructive outlet- like getting into politics for instance.

Such a fascinating topic- thanks for raising the subject Aerwyna .

my worth being attached to what I achieve, be that paid work or domestic unpaid. So if I work hard and make a difference then I somehow deserve nice times/‘indulgence’.

I also wonder how much of that is human nature- instinct - like the robins.
The idea of satisfaction and rewards has no doubt been hi jacked by mr commerce, but perhaps part of who we are.
Animals who store and hibernate for instance, perhaps their rest is easier and sleep deeper knowing that they have put in effort as gifts to their future selves. The world of reward charts, education, paid work has latched on to that human facet, deepened and twisted it- and you are right to question the whole mechanism I think, but perhaps hard to disentangle! Especially when it spills over into ideas of self worth, how we are perceived by others armouring them in order to judge. Who hasn’t been asked at a social occasion “ what do you do?” People are often not so interested in your activity but where they can place you on some social strata judgement scale.

Hello sisters! I've been unexpectedly absent again, with just an insane amount of running around and work, but have come to the end of that and am now back to a normal level of busy, which is lovely. So checking in and catching up!

I started my ADHD meds today, and am feeling pleasantly calm and much less freaked out than yesterday, when I was just worrying about everything. We'll see how this goes - I might need a dose of magic to go with the meds!

Met some friends yesterday at my favourite shop and fell in love with Rae Beth's Hedge Witch book - have any of you come across it? It's the one that is a series of letters to apprentice witches and it is just the most soothing, inspiring thing I've picked up in ages. Bought it o the spot and am looking forward to diving in a bit more when I've finished my work for today.

I'm loving all the discussion about being busy and driven and on the go, and where that comes from, and questioning it - it resonates a lot with me as I find it hard to do nothing, yet also crave just being, if that makes sense?

And self worth is one of my pet subjects, I think we're taught to look outward for it - to our work, our clothes, our body shape & size, our homes and possessions. Except it has to come from inside, doesn't it? From who you are and what you value and knowing yourself inside out - but moving from one to the other can be a journey and a half.

Sorry for lack of individual replies, but I read every post and I learn something from every single one - we are a remarkable group of women and I'm very glad I found this thread :)

Flying visit, broomstick veers to say

hilariousnamehere I read Rae Beth's HedgeWitch when it was first published, 20 how many years ago?

It's a really good introduction to the traditional ways.

Hilariousnamehere I'm glad you're feeling calm and hope the medication helps you. I've not come across the Rae Beth book, it sounds good though, it's a great feeling when you find a book you really love.

I'm enjoying the discussion about self worth and that connection between what you achieve and how you value yourself. I think it's something that's drummed into us from a young age- as children we're told we must 'work hard at school or we won't succeed in our lives' or 'reach our full potential'. There's so much pressure to get the top exam results, go to the best university, get a high flying job, earn a high salary. As women, we have the pressure to be thinner, prettier, better dressed. Then it's having the immaculate home, the perfect garden....it just goes on....it's exhausting! Why is there so little value attached to being kind, compassionate, honest...?

I struggled a lot with low self worth as a teenager and younger woman, and to some extent even now it's still hard to shake that feeling my worth is not attached to what I achieve.

In other news, we've just had a fabulous storm! The timing was perfect, we were just walking out of yoga, pretty hot and sweaty and the heavens opened. The rain was so cool and cleansing and the air feels wonderful and clear, I should sleep well tonight!

BlankTimes Thirty one!! It says it was first published in 1990 although I'm not sure I can equate 1990 with being more than about ten years ago?!

Thank you Violet and I hope you sleep soundly after the storm.

Oh Toto I've just seen the cat! He's gorgeous!

hilariousnamehere yes I have a copy of Rae Beth's book here, you have inspired be to leaf through it while I have me coffee this morning. I am a firm believer in books finding us, rather than us looking! ihave had some of my favoutite witcchraft books literally jump off the shelves in second hand shops.
And self worth is one of my pet subjects, I think we're taught to look outward for it - to our work, our clothes, our body shape & size, our homes and possessions. Except it has to come from inside, doesn't it?

Such truth. When we start to find self love then it all falls into place. Self compassion is crucial and yet again we are brought up to think this is a bad thing. That internal voice that critizises, judges harshly- needs to be ignored. Loving ourselves is the most loving thing we can do. Ultimately it helps others validate themselves, empowers those we love too.
I am off to my early yoga class this morning. I have been attending this one a while, it is all ages and abilities, some elderly, some young and superfit, focusiing on sun salutations mostly for an energising start to the day. I am not sure what the rest of the day involves apart from making dinner, it is good to have the freedom to decide how the day will unfold.
Magical blessings sisters.

Another one who has had Rae Beth's Hedgewitch on her shelf for going on 25 years (that can't be right!!), and I still treasure it.
Reading back on everyone's reflections on self worth has hit a particular nerve, but in a good way! I have never been 'conventional', and virtually every aspect of my life has never conformed to the norm. I used to wrestle with this such a lot, thinking I was less of a girl, a woman, a mother etc, tying myself in knots over how, and why, I choose to live my life. I am at a point where I deeply appreciate the paths I took and the lessons learned within and am starting to trust my own wisdom.

Womanhood carries so much guilt in its' shadow, and it makes me rage at times that so much negativity is projected at our sex, so many of us with low self-esteem, confidence and self-belief, purely because we are told we are never enough. It really boils my piss.
When I was young, I sometimes wished I could be a boy, just to experience life without all the added expectations and limitations. These days, I see males are being conditioned, too and it makes me worry about young boys growing up, mine included. I'm lucky in that he thinks very much for himself and pretty much hates all social media, but it must be at the back of his mind.

On a more cheerful note, I've had to escort a robin chick out of my kitchen for the second time in as many days. They're so bold and brave, and believe it or not, I can trace these chicks back to their grandfather, and remind me so much of him - he thought nothing of flying into the house, making himself comfortable, and on one memorable occasion, pooing in my OH's pint glass!

Well, rant over! I have just finished a chamomile tea, and shall potter today, tidying as I go. Magical Friday, sisters xxx

When I was young, I sometimes wished I could be a boy, just to experience life without all the added expectations and limitations.

OH yes AnotherCrazyBirdLady me too! I remember at secondary school being so envious of boys being able to take fun subjects like woodwork and metalwork. As girls we were forced to learn needlework and cookery. I remember having to make an apron in sewing class. At home I was taught to sit pretty and look up to men. I remember wishing I was male because they seemed to have all the breaks.
It really boils my piss I love that!!