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.

Good morning sisters,
It’s good to start the day here with your beautiful energy and a strong Yorkshire tea!
There’s some lovely cards in those links and I’ve been looking at the Hannah willow diary too. Now I would like an almanac as well! Like speakout there’s November birthdays in our family so thinking about Christmas tends to happen after that. Although this year I plan to keep it as simple as possible and won’t be doing much celebrating until after the 25th. Violet your card exchange idea is lovely and I’d like to take part too.
It’s cooler here this morning, still cloaked in comforting darkness, it’s nearly time to leave my comfy nest and start the day. It’s definitely still feeling autumnal here, although I can feel the wheel turning. A rose and patchouli ‘spa shower’ (I wonder how many of us now do this since you first shared the idea speakout?) then outdoor work to start the day. I always feel better for fresh air and physical movement, feels like a good start.
Wishing everyone a magical day with much gratitude for the divine energy everyone shares here

A beautiful autums scene Aerwyna, the trees are really shedding now here too, and todays blustery wind will be pulling and swirling leaves everywhere.
It's a chilly start too, bracing yself for a shower, it's quite a thought to take off my nice warm pjjamas!
No yoga today, some muscle pain from a hard session on Tuesday, and I have things to catch up on today anyway, a trip to the recycling centre and having my car picked up for an MOT and service.
I have work to do, but one of those lovely slow flow days with lots of candles and witchy music playing. I am always happy when I am in my burrow tinkering around with magic!
If anyone else would like a yule/christmas card drop me a pm- I would love to send one- it's a beautiful idea VioletCharlotte. A physical card carries such a spark of energy!

Good morning everyone!
Has anyone managed to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, I haven't but I had a perfect view of the full moon last night. I'm feeling a lot more 'normal' and settled already. I've felt odd lately, like my mind is scattered in too many places and I'm lost, and trying to find my way through it all and get back to myself.
I had a lovely experience last night, i noticed a few flickering lights dancing around the ceiling, then an amazing feeling of peace and happiness washed over me. My house has a lovely atmosphere generally, but this is the first time I've felt anything so dramatically. It felt like a warm hug! I feel the need to put out an offering or something like that for whoever it was.
Happy Friday woohoo x

We are still discombobulated here, but then the house is in major disruption and chaos due to rennovation work prep and anticipated work next week.

The moon was so so pretty last night.

I love that you had such an amazing experience last night Woolyminded

I love this time of year. I am not an early riser so really appreciate being able to watch the morning sunrise with a cup in hand and just reflect peacefully for a moment.

How is every one this morning?

Hills I like this time of year too. I enjoy the darker evenings and being cosy indoors with the fire and my candles.

The moon was so bright last night, as usual on a full moon, my sleep has been affected the last couple of nights...lots of crazy dreams!

It's been another long week so I'm relieved it's Friday and looking forward to relaxing a little over the weekend.

I was up late and a couple of times in the night and the moon was the most beautiful thing last night!

Wishing you magical weekends x

As usual I slept like a log under the gaze of the full moon. Also did a wonderful full moon release meditation this morning. I feel a lot lighter.
I am off to my daughter's today she is tired after a busy week, so I will swing by and take her some food, help tidy her flat and take away some laundry.

Thank you all who pmd me with their address- I love sending christmas cards!

Speakout i hope you are able to suitable spoil dd.

I slept terribly and have absolutely no wish or abilty to be up and going. So i am hermiting whilst looking into and considering what i would like to do to mark the solstice. Except i got distracted and went down a folk magic side path.

But the luxury of still is coming to an end and i do need to get going.
I hope that you all get some time for some focused practise time this weekend.

@moregarlic I was a little apprehensive about being in a crowd as I have only been with people I already know up to this point.
It was actually really wonderful, I think a major part of this was that we were all there to see this marvellous musician play and so the energy was fab. I felt quite like 'me' to be honest, and any worries I had about being able to socialise and make conversation rapidly dissolved. I was very tired the following days, but I feel my soul has been energised.

I have messaged those of you who expressed an interest in swapping Yule/Christmas cards but if I have missed anyone (the thread moves quickly!) then please get in touch.
I have felt quite saddened in recent years by how this tradition has dwindled. In one respect I am lucky to have a large extended family so do still have a reasonable amount of cards arrive. A few are from friends who still uphold the tradition of a letter or a few words inside too.
I have such fond memories as a child of strings and strings of them adorning the walls in our living room.

I'm currently stewing down the quince from our tree to make jelly, and am going to infuse one jar with chilli flakes. I do like to have a little spicy jelly with a baked camembert and some rustic bread.
Usually I have a huge rush of feeling Christmassy in September and then lose it by mid November. This year though, I was so busy in Sept and really had my mindset in Samhain through October that I feel I have hit the festive feeling just right this year! I have mincemeat to make and probably this week a small fruit cake.

My DH is out now assessing the apple trees for winter pruning. The light is remarkable out there, but will soon start to fade. I am also somehow dodging my SAD this year and think that embracing the cosyness the dark evenings brings is very helpful in that regard.

Blessings to you all for the weekend you desire x

queenrollo

Glad you had a great day- sounds a very uplifting experience.

Your quince jelly sounds amazing- I love all that sweet/savoury/chilli mouth dance stuff too!

I had a lovely afternoon with my daughter, her flatmate is away until Monday, it felt good to stock up her fridge , make her lunch sweep her floor and do some caring for her. We snuggled up on her sofa under blankets while I kept her feet warm- and watched a movie.
Like me though she enjoys time alone too, and was planning a Thai meal delivery for dinner and a chill evening. She is resting before three night shifts in a row tomorrow, shifts are so long- 13 and a half hours, with a 45 minute commute each way, so she barely gets time to shower and sleep. I feel better knowing that she has meals and food to take to work for the next few days.
She may be 21 but we never stop being a mother do we!!

Just relaxing myself too now just a brief candle making session, waiting for them to cool as I know I will have a hectic week ahead too.

I accidentally came across a crystal healing therapist very close to my house and booked myself in. I do love it when things are found without seeking them. I had a session this morning and I do feel much calmer for it, I have felt completely drained for the rest of the day and I am planning a very early night tonight!

I pressed send before I finished my message. I told the therapist that Mini Toto had been playing with my crystals the night before, she has encouraged me to buy some for her as children are intuitive.

Do any of you know if websites where the crystals are ethically sourced?

TotoAnnihiliation

How amazing.

I know crystal ethics is a huge thing.
I know there are quite a few UK mined sources- I have no links though.

Hills I meant to say thank you for the immunity boosting suggestions. We've ordered a cocktail of supplements - vitamin C and zinc, elderberry syrup, turmeric capsules and probiotics so hoping this will help. DS is feeling better , but he's still very run down and low.

Queenrollo I love the sound of your Christmas preparations. Spicy jelly with Camembert and crusty bread sounds delicious! I'm starting to think about food prep. I like to make mince pies and sides like stuffing and red cabbage in advance to put in the freezer.

Speakout lovely to hear about your cosy afternoon with your DD. She must get so tired working such long shifts, it's good that your able to nurture her a bit and make her life a bit easier.

Toto your session with the Crystal healer sounds fabulous! I'd love to hear more about it when you have time.

It's a beautiful day here, cold, but blue sky and sunshine. I've been awake since 6, and have been busy with laundry and food shopping. I'm looking forward to a long walk in the forest with my dog this afternoon.

Sunday blessings to you all.

A beautiful day here today too Violet, like you I’ve been catching up on tasks that need doing. It’s been good to spend a bit of time outside too. Like you and queenrollo I’m also thinking about food! I’ve let cooking slip to a quick and easy level recently but really fancy a lentil cottage pie today so I’ll be making that soon along with some quinoa salad for lunches at work. This talk of Christmas food is making me want a baked Camembert with crusty bread and mince pie though! I hope your DS soon feels a bit brighter, it sounds like you have an arsenal of immunity boosting stuff on the way.

toto I don’t know about ethical crystal suppliers either but do know there’s treasure to be found on our coastlines- quartz, agate, probably others. Also I think Blue John is a mineral that can be found and is mined in the uk? I’m no expert! Lovely to hear how you enjoyed your session.

speakout, I think the nurturing you have been doing for your DD is wonderful. It’ll make such a difference with her busy schedule and so good to spend this time together too. I hope your evening was relaxing and brought some replenishment ahead of your own busy week.

Hills your folk magic side path sounds like an interesting place for a
meander. I hope you’re able to get some better rest tonight.

Wooly what a beautiful experience. A blessing to feel that warm hug feeling. I like your idea of an offering of thanks. It sounds like you’re in the right place!

Love to all and wishing you a peaceful evening

Everything is so delightfully frost kissed this morning. I yearn to be able to be outside and walking, But as a responsible grownup I need to complete the house prep ready for building work to start tomo. There is still a lot to be done.

I walked my son up to Cubs this evening and the moon was so low in the sky. On the way home I crossed over into a field for a better view and I really needed that time with the moon. On the way back down an hour later to collect him it had moved higher in the sky and was cradled by the most amazing lunar halo.

Today has been difficult and I need nurturing. You know sometimes when the self-care isn't enough and you want a soft soul and body to envelop you. I need my Grandmother tonight.

queenrollo

I hope you find some comfort last night. Even the strongest amongst us still need those times of soothing and neing able to put dow our heavy loads. I have had a similar week, some very dark and difficult moments.
I feel much clamer since the release of the full moon and ready to pick up the reins again.
Aerwyna I know what you mean about food. Sometimes I love cooking, but at other times I really have no enthusiasm and it is just a case of putting something on a plate. I always try to have a heakty breakfast- frozen fruit is great for that, I always have a cup of blueberries or other fruit defrosted and mix in with my morning granola. Aldi frozen fruit is really good, a good range, great quaity,and they have some new mixed breakfast toppers, I am using their Harvest Morn one - Banana, raspberry, pumkin seeds, chia seeds, blueberries- no sugar or other nasties. £1.49 for a bg bag, and handy when I don't have the inclination to chop fruit and want an easy healthy breakfast.
Your lentil cottage pie sounds delicious.

Cooking for four people is hard, everyone has such different tastes. No one eats at the same time, and I find that my own desires are compromised because I donlt have the time or energy to cook something different for myself.
My elderly mother would love on chicken nuggets and chips if she could, dislikes salad and vegetables.
I dis make myself an aubergine bake last night, with pine nuts and a tomato sauce with plenty of garlic, cinnamon and oregano.- it was an effort to make that just for me though- as I still had to make alternatives for the others.
A busy morning- off to yoga, then have a scrap merchant coming to pick up my old car- it has failed its MOT and not worth fixing. I then have a facial at the beauty salon at 11am- so not all bad!!
Then an afternoon of work, but at least managed to pack in some good self care this morning!!
Have a magical day sisters!
If anyone else would like a christmas card- let me knowX

Sorry about all those typos!! Just awake!

How interesting to read about your approaches with food. I have to say, it’s part of the appeal of fasting too. Less cooking! I love cooking, but not too much. It’s nice to be excited about ingredients again. A few health issues led me to do a deep dive into nutrition this year and I’ve learned so much and radically altered my diet for the better (for me). It’s reminded me that food is very powerful.

@queenrollo I loved reading about your moon encounter, it sounds like just what you needed. I’ve just finished reading Lunar Living and am trying to pay more attention to our beautiful moon. I hope today is easier.

@speakout sorry to hear about your challenging week. Even having to cook multiple meals sounds tricky enough! Your aubergine bake sounds glorious and well worth the effort.

I have similar issues with food. It has become so functional in our house, partly because of different tastes to cater. My youngest son though is quite adventurous and will at least try new food. I do a simple lunch of mushrooms fried in garlic butter and herbs, served with a lovely piece of toasted bread (and a handful of salad if I have it). He actually asked to help prep and cook it the other day, and then as he has never eaten mushrooms he tried it. He didn't like it! But he did actually eat several mouthfuls to be sure.

The other weekend I made an aubergine and tomato sauce layered dish from one of the Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall books. It needed some preparation to build but was so delicious and made me realise that carving time out to cook beautiful food is something I need to get back to.

I am feeling much brighter today. Have carried in logs/coal and just sorted out the chicken feed. I have a sneaking suspicion we will have them back in lockdown soon, so need to source extra bedding and enrichment toys for the enclosure. I am not looking forward to it, one girl in particular does NOT like being closed in and last year bullied one of my other hens (to death )

Now having a cuppa and then ned to get ready for a dentist appointment!

queenrollo

Your food sounds amazing.

I have no children in the house, but different demands/ timings etc.
Meal time are vastly unprectictable as has to be something that can be haeated up easily.
TBH I feel like throwing in the towel on the food front sometimes.

The moon was incredible last night! I went to a yoga class, the stuff where we practice is wall to ceiling glass in three sides. It was only black darkness outside so all we could see was the moon amid the stars, really magical 💫

Speakout I sympathise with your cooking frustrations. I'm vegetarian and mainly plant based so enjoy filling for myself but DS is a meat eater so we eat totally different things.

Queenrollo your food sounds amazing, I might have to make garlic mushrooms for lunch now.

I can sympathise with the food issues. We have 3 anaphlatics in this house, to completely different things; and just to complicate it they are competing allergies. On a good day I cook 2 meals for tea, on a bad day it is 4 versions of the same thing.

I hate cooking sometimes and use batch cooking so that I can reduce the everyday load. Tbh it really can be a fab strategy. So it means whilst the people tonight are having cottage pie, I am having sweet potato soup. I have anaphalaxis to nightshades and can't even have gravy granuales so cottage pie is just a no go Both meals came out of the freezer. Which is a good thing because there are workmen doing the building work today. And i just want EVERYONE to get the fuck out of my house, but know it needs to be suffered whilst they get the stuff done.

Actually i should say that the batch cooking actually increases the joy of cooking cos i can spend one day working on a big batch of something and totally zone. And it does free mindspace and time for the duration of the batches etc. It is coming up to batch cooking time on a few meals but not yet. Not til the building work has been done. Then the kitchen and kitchen dancing are mine