Any Witches Here? Part 15

[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.

Oh Queen.

I feel much the same way about the crossroads of my own life. Big decisions looming and no easy path. Well done on being kind and understanding to yourself. There is good and bad in decision and every path but the pressure of decision making can be crippling. Sending you guiding winds and reawakening breezes to help you on your way.

And thank you Speakout. I was feeling like the worst cat owner
because all my instincts were she was fine, but I’m keeping on her lead again for the mo’ if anything just to avoid the small talk. Actually made it to the park with her for the bluing this morning, encouraged by Hills wishes for us to feed our souls.
I took time to make a corn doll, read some of my book. Did not sit up all night scrolling and woke up before dawn. I should definitely be getting busy but instead I find on the sofa with a warm chai.

Blessings

Ooh triple cross post. Fancy us all bumping into each other like this

Lovely to sit amongst friends with a morning tea, read your wise words and feel such loving, supportive energy.

queenrollo I would echo the wise words of our sisters that if you can sit with it for a little longer I think the answer will come. I’m a bit of a wrangler/overthinker myself and know that I rarely find the clarity I need until I can side step into a different energy for a while, then the answer comes. It feels to me like I’ve done the ‘work’ in thinking it through, weighing it all up and lightbulb moments like the one you’ve described really help click things into place. All vital ingredients added and mixed, ‘baking time’ is what’s needed now..

speakout thank you for the info about storms yesterday, I hadn’t realised that and it made it feel all the more special. I spent a happy 15 minutes or so outside, putting out bowls to collect storm water and breathing it all in, I was soaked to the skin and smiling broadly. It’s a good job I don’t care what the neighbours think of me!

Suzy best wishes for your new job this afternoon, I hope all goes well and that you feel the excitement of a new path ahead. I do think September is a fabulous month for manifesting. Don’t ask me why! it’s just been my experience, I always find this time of year so full of promise and possibility.

I’ve loved reading about the dressed wells, corn dollies, foxes and cats, musings and sharing of practices/perspectives. As BlankTimes said on an earlier thread, it’s such a rich tapestry we weave here, thank you all for bringing such beautiful intricate detail. I never fail to feel inspired here.

My DS is away on holiday at the moment and I’ve been receiving photo updates of beautiful wild places, animals, stone circles and ancient burial grounds, accounts of his wild swimming adventures. It makes me smile and occurs to me that I am more delighted by his enjoyment of these things than any of the standard markers of ‘success’ in life. He would not say he is at all ‘spiritual’ but I love it that these connections seem to be in his blood.

I’ve been awake for hours and have a long day ahead. My head’s been buzzing with thoughts and ideas, anticipation of new starts, my mental ‘to do’ list that I wanted ticked off this week and of course the week is passing. I think I’ll need to adopt a ‘good enough’ attitude for the rest of the week. I can’t always meet the standards I set for myself which seems counterintuitive to say the least! I have a sense that the expectations I set for myself are reflective of the discussion Violet and speakout were having yesterday, so perhaps I’ll need a ‘fuck that’ footnote to my jobs list before today is done

Love to all for a magical day

Hello 👋

I hope I can join this group?

I am relatively new to this way of life. I was raised as a Christian by strict Christian parents...Started practicing paganism a couple of years ago which didn't go down well

I also loved the storm last night. I cleansed my crystals in the rain water and just stood there for a few minutes just breathing it in...magical!

Cerridwen83 a warm welcome, have some tea and a sit by the fire.
Your storm sounds wonderful, heavy rain here overnight but no thunder. The cool air is very welcome.

Aerwyna i have been working on accepting 'good enough and finished is better than perfect and incomplete' I am a perfectionist at heart and finishing touches are something i struggle with cos I want perfect, but ultimately I have had to understand that perfection is sometimes the thief of joy. Going to be honest, it is really hard work working on this.

Welcome Cerridwen83

I have a discussion about a new job this weekend and I am not sure how to play it. It is a lovely little job but it requires a lot of training and whilst it would be something I enjoyed in the short term, it would not be one i would want to stay in the position long term (not enough hours and looking for a carer rather than a little job iyswim). I am going to go find out exactly what is involved as I do have some questions, but i know how soul breaking it is to plough hours and hours of training into someone who doesn't stick about long enough to really make the effort worth while. My gut says i need to be honest, my head says i need to look after my own interests. I need to ponder on it a little. However, I suspect my gut may win and then at least they have the choice.

My brain is deep in research for the next step for my long term carer goals. But i need new employment asap as my current contract is nearly over, and i really need the new job in place before it is.

I took a long walk and came home with a pocket full of treasure. Completely autumn vibes - small conkers, an acorn and some beach nuts. It was soul feeding and needed even if i am now a little achy and sore.
May your days be gentle.

It makes me smile and occurs to me that I am more delighted by his enjoyment of these things than any of the standard markers of ‘success’ in life. Absolutely Aerwyna I totally agree. I am happy at my childrens "success" when it happens, but I am prouder of who they are.
They may have a large house, a well paid job a fancy car, but far more important to see them turn out humane individuals, with a strong sense of fairness, a good grasp of themselves and willing to listen and help others.

I remember being asked of my dreams for my children when they were small, and had two ideas that I felt were dear- strength and humanity. If they can find peace and happiness - no matter what that mean to them , then that is great.
HillsBesideTheSea seems a lot of energy surrounding new jobs, goals and decisions around at he moment- I hope your path forward will become clearer after the discussions.

I have been clearing out an old chest this afternoon, all my personal stuff. I found a lock of my DSs hair from when he was a baby in a little silk pouch, lots of candles, a grimoire I used in 1983 christmas decorations, more decks of Tarot cards than I remember, candlesticks, trays, gifts I have been given still in packaging but never used. I have filled a bag for charity, kept and sorted all my precious things and filled a bag for recycling.
It feels good to loosen up the soil around my roots!

@speakout

It makes me smile and occurs to me that I am more delighted by his enjoyment of these things than any of the standard markers of ‘success’ in life. Absolutely Aerwyna I totally agree. I am happy at my childrens "success" when it happens, but I am prouder of who they are. They may have a large house, a well paid job a fancy car, but far more important to see them turn out humane individuals, with a strong sense of fairness, a good grasp of themselves and willing to listen and help others.

I remember being asked of my dreams for my children when they were small, and had two ideas that I felt were dear- strength and humanity. If they can find peace and happiness - no matter what that mean to them , then that is great.
HillsBesideTheSea seems a lot of energy surrounding new jobs, goals and decisions around at he moment- I hope your path forward will become clearer after the discussions.

I have been clearing out an old chest this afternoon, all my personal stuff. I found a lock of my DSs hair from when he was a baby in a little silk pouch, lots of candles, a grimoire I used in 1983 christmas decorations, more decks of Tarot cards than I remember, candlesticks, trays, gifts I have been given still in packaging but never used. I have filled a bag for charity, kept and sorted all my precious things and filled a bag for recycling.
It feels good to loosen up the soil around my roots!

I really enjoyed reading this

Thank you so much for adding your thoughts to my musings on choice.
I don't have a deadline, in fact I don't really need to make choices at all in as much as this is simply about filling the void I seem to be rattling around now that I am not Home Educating. Aside from school runs, my time is my own.
It really is about me feeling the need to carve a 'new' identity for myself and have a focus other than the work of being mother/wife/housekeeper.
My DH is supportive of whatever I do and just wants to see me happy.

Today I threw myself into cleaning - both physically and to get the energy of the house flowing better again. Now my youngest DS is back at school and DH mostly in his town office I can properly clear the stagnant energy of us having been home so much because of the Covid situation the last 18 months.

I also agree about what dreams we have for our children. I want my children to find a path that brings them happiness and contentment. At the moment for my eldest son that is lots of time alone (he's an introvert) and teaching himself Japanese. For my younger son it's Cubs and devouring history books.
I was a great disappointment to my own dad that I 'wasted' my Grammar school education and didn't complete my A Levels and go to University. It took him years to acknowledge my achievements (running my own business and paying mortgage at 21!) and I never want my children to feel that burden of expectation.

Good Evening All and welcome @Cerridwen83. We have been stormless here. We had a 5 minutes shower. But not enough to even water the plants so I have had to do it.

The sunflowers do take alot (one is 14ft) so we are trying to use collected water only. Except we don't have much left. Hopefully we will get a downpour soon.

I have to agree with the 'what I want for my children'. I would say I have reached the peak of my career success. I have a demanding well paid job, one that I always wanted and, honestly, I don't want it anymore.

I want to spend more time enjoying the world, nature, my kids my dogs, my home, my interests. My job will afford me a big payout in 4 years which means i could retire then. So that's my aim.

I thought this was the life I wanted. Kids, but also the career blending it seamlessly (which has got easier since the kids are older). The travel, the people, the prestige (Gods I sound shallow), the financial security. But I am here and I don't feel content or like i have actually completed something wonderful. A desk job is terrible for my health too.

I grew up very poor and didn't want that for my kids. So focused on that and lost myself. Rather than 'am I happy'. I want them to focus on the happy aspect, rather than the material success.

My subconscious must have been telling me that though as I have always encouraged contentment rather than 'you should do as I did' because dd (17) wants to be an artist and ds (10) wants to run a dog rescue.

Life is funny. You get the wisdom much much later than you need it when planning your life. And as teens and young adults we don't like to listen to those who have the wisdom....or I didn't

Welcome @Cerridwen83

I think I was where you are pre lockdown but my youngest is 3 a bit earlier.

I find the Bach flower remedy wild oat particularly good for this.

www.bachcentre.com/en/remedies/the-38-remedies/wild-oat/

The description in my grandmother's books is better but I appear to have lost those pages in both. FML

My first day was great. It's working with my teacher whom I adore so I'm super chuffed to be asked. It feels a bit stressful with childcare & Covid as my dad is kindly helping but with the schools not closing it feels risky but it's so great to be doing something for myself, working towards my goals. I'm training as a forest school teacher and I feel so lucky.

Honestly any of you looking for something new for your days and your trade so consider it. I just wrote a paragraph about it and deleted it because I'm not sure it made any sense but I've found the process of being in nature and the reflective practice forest school embodies to be truly transformative.

Totally agree re children. All I want is for them to be happy, but not at the expense of others. I don't give a monkeys about the academic stuff I think children are under far too much pressure these days. I read something interesting recently about how forest school helps gifted children. I nearly skipped it altogether but decided to be thorough. Well it was fascinating. It was all about how lonely it is to be academically or developmentally above your peers and the importance of bringing together gifted children to give them a chance to explore their own peer dynamics. It made me think of how hard school can be when you're ahead of your class and bored... sorry am I getting off subject 

I also sat out in the rain for 10 minutes last night. How lovely that we joined each other under the same clouds.

So happy for the break in the weather even if I did leave my washing on the line but I got my big Christmas blanket in having it ensured it soaked up plenty of sun energy thanks for that seed @AnotherCrazyBirdLady

May you all have a relaxing and restoring night

Thank you all

Thank you Cerridwen83.
suzyscat I am glad your first day went well, it sounds like an amazing place. I agree about "gifted" children ( although I think all children are gifted in some way) they will often be ignored and become despondent or hot housed, their academic functions driven to he detriment of other personality or social factors. I think many able children don’t do well. There are some great schools of course. Super intelligence often comes with other personality or social “quirks” maybe even ASD- the stereotype of the nutty professor does have some truth! I worked in academia for a long while and saw many interesting characters!
I have woken to a thick fog, and that combined with decreasing light levels means it is dark his morning. First time I have seen that in many months at this time.
I am off to yoga this morning, a 7.30am class, I love the daybreak sessions, starts the day in such a good way. I may pick up a couple of lamps while I am out, I have a few dark spots in the house that need some cheer.
Have an enchanted day sisters.

Good morning. I've just woken from the most restful night I've had from a long time. Something strange happened last night. I went to my usual 7pm yoga class, it's quite a challenging, vinyasa flow class that I always enjoy. At the end of the class, during Savasana, tears started to flow and I couldn't stop crying. It's not unusual for yoga to unlock emotion and to become a but tearful, but I've never had anything like this before. I cried all the way home in the car and for a good half an hour at home. After a shower and light supper I felt so much calmer and fell into a deep sleep, so I must have been holding onto a whole lot of emotion without really being aware of it. I feel so much lighter after the release, although a bit alarmed at how much I've been holding on to and pushing below the surface.

Speakout I hope you enjoy your morning yoga class, a lovely way to start the day.

Suzyscat forest school sounds wonderful. I wish this had been an option when my children were young. DS1 in particular would have thrived, he really struggled with mainstream school.

Hekatestorch You get the wisdom much much later than you need it when planning your life.
This is so true, I look back now and there are so many things I could have done different. I don't have any regrets though, as all the decisions I made led to me having my children. I could have had a better career, more financial stability, etc, but I would always choose them. I've never pushed my two academically. I was pushed and it led me to rebel when I got to 18. My focus has always been on wanting them to be decent human beings, in particular being respectful and kind to others. Aerwyna I loved hearing about how your DS has been sending pictures of the wildlife he has seen. It warmed my heart yesterday when DS2 was telling me about the wildlife documentaries he's been watching, he has such compassion for animals, which to me matters so much more than qualifications.

Hillsbythesea lots going on for you at the moment. I'm sure you'll come to the right decision. My instinct would be to say to take the job. Although you're not intending to bet there long term, you haven't got anything lined up right now. If you say no, then others will go for it, who may very well also need lots of training and move on quite quickly. Its just work at the end of the day.

Cerridwen83 welcome Your storm sounds magical. The air is much cooler here this morning too which is such a relief.

Thank you for the advice VioletCharlotte

Morning. Crawled out of bed at the time of arse crack of a sparrow. 3am is not morning, but it was the only way to beat the head and get pies made before work. It is done, i am extremely tired but relieved as i have been fighting the temp to get this job finished.

I hope you have good days. The teapot is full and and ready for those in need

Good morning, all.

Yes yes @Hekatestorch and @VioletCharlotte - the wisdom I have attained now would have been invaluable when I was younger! Though I sometimes do wonder if the wisdom came because of my 'poor' choices?

No storms here - we were promised a few rumblings, but very rarely do they materialise, so I have been enjoying the gentle rainfall on my tomatoes instead.

I am planning a gentle day of cleaning and freshening up the energy in my home, then I shall cook a huge pan of vegetable stew for the weekend. Hope everyone has a peaceful Friday filled with blessings x

VioletCharlotte what a release! Like you I on occasion become tearful during yoga- it works on such a deep level doesn't it. I can understand your alarm.

I had this a few weeks ago when I had an unplanned one to one yoga session ( I was the only class member who turned up). It was intense, and towards the end I couldn't stop the tears from flowing, and I too cried in the car on the way home.
I think these are good experiences, the release can be huge.
I am glad you slept well.
My usual yoga was on holiday this morning so we had a replacement - but it was a body balance class. I have done a lo of body balance in the past, but not for a couple of years since deepening my yoga practice.
It was very enjoyable though.
I hope Friday is flowing well friends.

@VioletCharlotte I have cried during a yoga session, and it was one of the most beautiful things that has happened to be. I felt like the inner me and the outer me really connected. This was after a healing session where I saw beautiful white and violet colours. My yoga teacher told me that was chakras being cleansed.

Sorry I haven't replied to everyone else. The first week in my job has been interesting. I'm absolutely ok, but there are some political things going on. Lots of strange energies in the building. I want to look at protecting myself, happy to take suggestions!

Dropping off some gingerbread by the aga for now.

Thank you sisters, it was an incredibly powerful release, I hadn't realised quite how much I was bottling up. It seems to have unlocked some of the blockages that have been preventing me getting on and doing things. I need to write a personal statement for my application for a masters degree and have putting off for weeks. Today my creative juices were flowing and I managed to get it 90% written - result!

I've just been told that the yoga and meditation workshop I had booked for tomorrow has cancelled due to a problem with the venue, which is disappointing but can't be helped. Instead I'll do my usual Pump class followed with a sauna and steam.

Speakout I love Body Balance, for a long time, I used to go every week, but they changed the class time and I can never seem to make it anymore. I love the music and the way it's choreographed (not so keen on the abs bit!)

Toto your experience sounds incredible. I'm so glad you were able to really let go during your class. I didn't feel comfortable to do that yesterday, it was such a big class. I held back my sobs until I got in the car! I'm glad you're ok after your first week. Work relationships can be tricky, there's often a lot of tension and things going on under the surface which more sensitive types pick up on. We've talked about this on these threads before, way back, and lots of good suggestions were made. I remember someone saying they wore shiny clothing or jewellery to reflect back any negativity. I would suggest visualising wrapping a golden cloak of around yourself every morning and asking to be protected from any unwanted energy. When I was in the office full time, I always used to have a shower as soon as I got home from work, the act of washing away the day seemed to help wash away any unwanted energies I may have picked up. I'm sure others will have suggestions too.

VioletCharlotte such powerful work! Gives me tingles listening to what happened.
My pump class has been cancelled today, and last night considering alternatives decided to book myself into one of the posh but pricey yoga classes at a private centre in the town. Lots of places available as I went to bed last night, but woke up to find it is full.
But I will accept that is the best option for me- I have worked hard in yoga this week, so will be content with a 20 minute session at home on my mat.
Just given myself a facial, I recently wrote a sparkling review for the young beautician that gave me a treatment, she was wonderful. She said she was so uplifted, her boss has called her into the office to show her the review and compliment her on good work.
So as i was leaving my beautician gave me lots of free samples and trial sachets of very posh expensive products. I have been using them with gratitude all week, my skin is glowing!!
I have lit a candle to bring upliffting posistive energy to all my dear sisters.
Have a magical day!!

I'm so far behind, I'm reading but haven't had chance to stick my oar in, which is probably a relief Thank-you to everyone who has contributed some amazing ideas and discussion topics and a big hello and welcome to everyone new.
Speakout I'm a Rupert Sheldrake admirer too, he's taken a lot of stick over the years but I think there's something in his Morphic Resonance theories, they're not so far removed from the Akashic Records. If you look at inventions, a modern but pre-internet example is things like the invention of Radio, then Telephone, TV etc. there were several people around the world working on that, it's almost like if an idea is 'strong' enough, it's distributed to several people so if anything happens to the person who is strongly promoting it, then there are a lot of 'backup' people who know nothing about each other, but can carry on that work. Almost as if the world "has" to have these things at this time.

Love all the releasing at yoga, it happens a lot with Reiki and EFT IME and no doubt others, it's a great thing to be able to let things go and follow your Path without dragging a heavy load behind you.
All very pertinent for the upcoming Equinox.

Energy-awareness in the Land and ourselves always seems to be very strong as we head towards Equinox. I'm pleased to share this journey with all my sisters. May your days be magical and your nights too!

Currently in the woods collecting items for Mabon. Nature is so beautiful right now as the wheel begins to turn once more!
Sunlight filters through the trees and the leaves are a gorgeous shade of gold and orange as they fall.
I hope you all have a blessed weekend.

I’ve caught up with the week! Greetings everyone!

The first two weeks back at school are always awful but I know it gets better so I’m holding on to that. I have a delightful class with no behaviour issues (amazing!) - maybe it was all the smudging!

Do you remember I wanted a raw crystal lump for my desk? I couldn’t decide what to get so have been waiting for it to turn up. Today, I took a much needed day off from school work and went to a local town I adore. It has no crystal shops but there was a random market stall and there was a large lump of Rose quartz at a very good price. Rose quartz for the classroom it is! The man running the stall had a lump of moldavite in a lovely tree shaped pendant so we had a talk about moldavite as well. Inspired by previous chats I also picked up a piece of malachite.

Have a restful weekend everyone.

Sounds like a great haul Trenzalor often what you need crystal-wise turns up in the unlikeliest places.

Rose Quartz is lovely for a classroom, a nice steady calm.

Besednice moldavite is formed into the 'tree' shapes as it returns to Earth, I always find it very sparky to hold, as are all tektites for me.
Unfortunately, moldavite is often faked, here's a good guide for anyone not too sure if they're looking at the real deal.
www.stonesoftransformation.com.au/blog/the-best-guide-on-spotting-and-avoiding-fake-moldavite/

Malachite is lovely too, both green and pink stones are said to work with the heart chakra. Sometimes they come together like watermelon tourmaline.

DD's just sent me a couple of pics of some wild mallows I picked by our side door an put in a pot on the kitchen windowsill with one remaining anemone from a posy she was gifted last week.

There's also a couple of pieces of selenite, quartz, smoky quartz and some cut glass paperweights which fill the walls and ceiling with rainbows when the sun hits them.
Just ignore the egg-box! I tend to move things out of shot before taking a photo, DD's a point and click girl.