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.

Hello again sisters for all of you who have given me some wise words and comfort.

@speakout your words brought me peace. Thank you.

@BlankTimes thank you for your contribution as well, by the way your tray bake looks gorgeous...

Today is a cold and chilly day but the sunshine is peeking through the trees outside my window.
I'm currently working from home and just enjoying some herbal tea whilst watching the squirrels run around the garden 🙂 They're trying to find as many nuts as they can in these last few weeks!

Sending you all peaceful vibes and wishing you all a magical afternoon.

Evening sisters.

Thank you so much for all your lovely words and healing energy. I've had a quiet day at home, with my youngest DS for company. He's full of cold but - maybe more importantly - he also was very clingy last night after he found out I had been in hospital all day. It was clear this morning he was unsettled by it still so I made the judgement to keep him home today and nurture him fully.
I genuinely thought I was having a heart attack yesterday morning and I know my husband was worried as he waved me off in the ambulance. I am really very much a stoic person when it comes to health issues, not generally very panicked.
On reflection today I have been harbouring a lot of stress, I have just been glossing over certain problems. Some of them are beyond my power though and I think it is these which are causing me most concern.

I really MUST now up my self-care and in particular meditation and coping strategies.

I had an early night last night and am doing the same tonight.

@queenrollo, you are wise in dealing with your self-care proactively, and sleep really is a healer. I remember the first time I had a full-blown panic attack, it came from nowhere and like yourself, I honestly thought it was a heart attack, I was terrified. As soon as I had recovered I decided things had to change drastically. I hope you feel better very soon

Very wintry weather here! I had to do some shopping, but thankfully missed the worst of it. We really are plunging into the dark season here, and I just want to hibernate!!
Blessings to all, may your paths run smooth and sweet x

This thread moves so fast- it is always a pleasure to open up this thread and see so many heartwarming, heart opening tales of life and magic, woes and delights.
Just hunkering down as we have a red weather warning of severe gales and storms in the North East here- wondering if I should secure things in the garden. Blanktimes thanks for the links to the EFT, that’s really useful- I have tried the technique a few times and it seems effective for me- great to have another tool in the box!
Cerridwen83 I love the sound of your garden. I have had time to replenish my bird feeding tree today with nuts, suet cake and some leftovers. It’s a cherry tree, but I have quite a few bird feeders, nut baskets, I hang what I can from the branches. Even when the tree has lost its leaves in winter it is a hive of activity as birds and squirrels visit for a meal and some shelter. In my mind I think the tree is quite proud to be such a haven!
Queenrollo I am glad you are feeling better, quite a scare, so sweet that your DS has such empathy. I think keeping him off school for reassurance was such a loving thing for you to do for him. You are showing him your resilience, and he will add that to his toolkit too!
It is so hard when we have difficult situations that we can’t change, I understand some of the struggles. I work so hard to carve out joy in my life, to banish the guilt that may come with that, to quell anxiety and rumination. Self care does play a big part, but recently I have been exploring ideas of radical acceptance and active acceptance.
Things have been hard for me lately, and part of that lies in the fact I am a “fixer”. Sometimes that isn’t enough though and it doesn’t always work. Frustration can lead to stress and anxiety and severely impact out mental and emotional health. This week I feel a great opening and understanding of this. I will always be willing to help and support, but I don’t always have that control.
I do have control over my responses however- that is a place that I can change, I feel a great resolve to move forward with a lighter heart and greater compassion for myself. Worrying about difficulties does nothing to change them- sometimes we just have to let go.
We do what is in our power, and always be available to support and help, but then give ourselves permission to set things down.
It’s also good to have some time to myself- I am having a few days off. Did some housework, but all the fun things like putting new candles out, refreshing flowers, dusting, stuff that tends to get ignored during busy times.
Dinner is in the slow cooker, just about to prep some Hasselback potatoes ready for the oven.
Not a night for broomstick flying!!

Goodness, it's a wild and windy night! Today's rain came as a bit of a shock as it's been so dry this month. Speakout I saw the weather warnings for Scotland and wondered whether that was your area. Bunker down indoors and stay warm! Are you expecting snow?

Queenrollo I'm so pleased your feeling better and really glad you're focusing on self-care. Your little one sounds lovely, I used to love those days at home with the DC, snuggling on the sofa and watching TV and reading books.

Cerridwen83 we get loads of squirrels where I live too. They drive my dog mad, he stands at the bottom of trees barking at them! I can't put food out for the wildlife unfortunately as we have so many cats living locally, I don't want to attract the birds in case the cats get them.

I'm relieved it's Friday. It's been a busy week, I'm tired and enjoying getting cosy indoors with my candles and the fire. I'm looking forward to getting an early night as I want to be up early tomorrow to go out Christmas shopping before town gets too busy. It sounds like we're all rather exhausted, it's such a busy time of year isn't it? Look after yourselves sisters.

I hope everyone made is safely through the storm last night. Safe now, although my cat managed to escape last night as my OH was securing things in the garden. She is very disturbed by wind and becomes a wild thing. We lost her once before in a storm with almost fatal consequences- she was hit by a car and found by the side of the road.
She did eventually make it back this morning, looking a little shell shocked, tired and hungry. After a big breakfast she slept in a cosy warm spot for most of the day.
I have had a good day, body pump then a little Christmas shopping- although realised it was Saturday- and ended up having a coffee and a Danish in Ikea! Not a fan of battle crowds, queues at the checkout or busy car parks! So came home and finished packing a Christmas parcel for relatives abroad- which was very enjoyable, craft paper, string, uplifting music and candles.
It is so good having time off work. I have managed to do lots of little things that I have been postponing for ages, and have rest too.
DD is coming over tomorrow and would like a full Sunday roast- OH usually does that but he has been called out on emergency to repair systems at big wind farms tomorrow with work. Not the actual structures- he has no head for heights lol, but some of the physical damage to turbines has caused IT systems to crash, servers to need attention, things to go offline, he will crank things up and get stuff chugging again. TBH I don’t actually know what he exactly does, but like everything these days IT seems essential!
Set for an easy evening after quite an enchanted week, just sitting quietly giving myself compassion and recognition that I and all my powerful sisters do to keep the world turning in a loving way.

Goodness Speakout I'm so relieved your cat came home safe and sound. She must have been terrified out in that storm. The wind is so unsettling for animals, my dog doesn't like it either. We had wind and rain last night but nothing like people have had elsewhere, I hope everyone is ok.

I didn't go to Body Pump this morning, my knee has been playing up recently when I squat so I thought I'd better rest it. Instead I braved the shopping centre to do some Christmas shopping, it wasn't too bad first thing, but it soon got very crowded so I made a hasty exit!

This afternoon I treated myself to a manicure. I'm making an effort to look after my skin and nails better, my hands get so dry in the winter. Its so cold all of a sudden, the temperature gauge in my car says 4 degrees but the wind makes it feel so much colder! Glad to be home now in the warm, cooking vegetable chilli for dinner.

VioletCharlotte I am in admiration of your measured attitude. I love the fact that you are caring for your skin and nails- the winter has a bad effect on mine too, I get very dry skin, chapped lips, all in neeed of moisture and nurture- you are wise to do this.
We all have beautiful strong bodies, skin, hair. No matter the age, the condition, smooth or lined, stretch marks, pouches or padding- all is sacred and worthy of a salve or coconut oil rub. I am glad you atr tending to yourself. And it needn't cost much money- I am a fan of Lild pure coconut oil in a jar costs £1.65 for a large jar, and is perfect for eating, but as a body moistuiser, lip salve, great for dry hands and feet. I rub my feet with a large dollop every morning!

Morning!
Well life is just not going to plan at all lately. A lesson (an ongoing one it seems) in learning to flow better?
We had our first child-free night since early 2020, my son having a much wanted sleepover at his grandparents. But the weather meant that our grown up plans of driving to another city for a gig were abandoned. We salvaged some of the evening by going for dinner, were home by 8 (we could only get an early table at such short notice) and then I'm afraid I did go to bed at 10am very tearful - at yet another night sat in front of the TV at home. It felt like such a waste and I am so desperate to do some actual socialising with other adults.
It's not even that I need to be in the kind of social whirl I was pre-pandemic. But I do need the odd highlight of socialising to keep me going, and my trip to London the other week showed me how much more energised and soul happy I was for it.

I was awake early this morning, have lit the fires and some candles and trying to shake myself out of the residual sadness that sits with me after yesterday.

queenrollo sit with us sister. I can hear things are hard right now- but we care here- we are all real people behind this thread,a dny your well being and mood matters to us.
Sound off, cry, rage- we are all here to support you. XX

I will light a candle to bring you comfort, to ket you know you are not alone. X

I am sorry your plans did not go to plan QueenRollo, I agree with speakout and she says it better than I ever could, so what she said^^!

I have to brave the storm and snow to collect ds later. It is going to be a later dangerous one, they haven't gritted the roads and I am not sure I am even going to be able to get off the estate let alone down a motorway and a non major route bypass. Tbf I did want snow and was sulking it had bypassed us again. Can't have it both ways I guess.

We have snow here too- it snowed overnight and a bit more this morning- no thaw in sight.
I am glad I fill up all my bird and squirrel feeders yesterday, my feeding station has been in constant use today.
Just sitting doing some online christmas shopping- so much better than braving the shops- etsy has some amazing items!1

No snow here but it's bitterly cold! It's dry and bright though, so it was nice to get out for a long walk with the dog earlier. Pleased to be back indoors in the warm now.

Queenrollo so sorry your plans were cancelled, I love going to gigs too so I can understand how disappointed you must be feeling. As Speakout says, we're all here supporting.

Speakout coconut oil is a great isn't it? I like to make a scrub by kicking some with sugar and a few drops of essential oils. It leaves my skin lovely and soft.

More unexpected snow here today, I'm having a pyjama day with Mini Toto. I at the brink of exhaustion, I'm told everyone's first term in teaching is like this, I am hopeful that things will improve.

I haven't got much to contribute to the thread at the moment although I enjoy staying in touch and reading about what you are all up to. Sending blessings to you all.

I have spent a gentle day working on my materia medica. I want it to look pretty, to have purpose and serve me in my work with my herbs. balancing all those things are hard, Especially when you have a vision you can't figure out how to realise. And today i think i have figured out how I am going to achieve it. And it is Satisfying. But at the same time I am eager to put those decisions into practice and I can't because i have a 5-6hr drive yet to do today and I need to go prep the car for in case i get stuck stuff (cardboard, thermos, food and drinks, overnight stuff etc etc) and end my very restorative pj day.

Oh @queenrollo I feel your post deeply! How old are your little ones? It’s so challenging when our best laid plans don’t work out, especially when there are so few opportunities for them. This is a crazy season of life. Go easy on yourself.

@TotoAnnihiliation that sounds exhausting! I hope the weekend has left you feeling a little rejuvenated at least. Are you enjoying your new role despite the exhaustion?

@VioletCharlotte excellent work taking care of yourself and giving your body what it needs. I need to take a leaf out of your book, my lips are so chapped.

@speakout your post really resonated with me, I’m a fixer too. One thing that has helped me radically reframe things is the realisation that by trying to solve people’s problems, I’m removing some of their own agency. That really shifted something in me. Now I try and be there for people and offer support when needed, but I try and feel less personally responsible for every thing and everyone. Like it all, it’s a work in progress.

This tumultuous time we’re living through has had a funny impact on me. The pandemic brought with it, among other major life events, my turning 30, becoming a mother and losing my beloved nan. I don’t feel remotely like the person I was before. And I’m so sad, yet so deeply profoundly happy too. It’s a strange line to walk. I feel like I’ve suddenly yet all at once moved up a generation and it’s been quite startling as well as lovely.

moregarlic

I’m a fixer too. One thing that has helped me radically reframe things is the realisation that by trying to solve people’s problems, I’m removing some of their own agency. That really shifted something in me. Now I try and be there for people and offer support when needed, but I try and feel less personally responsible for every thing and everyone.

Absolutely!! I have just recently come to this way of thinking in my exploration of radical acceptance. Thank you for affirming it.

Hills I hope the long drive went ok last night, that doesn't sound like much fun on such a cold, dark winters' night. I hope you've had a more restful day today.

Toto I didn't realise this was your very first term as a teacher, no wonder you're exhausted. What age group do you teach? My SIL is a teacher so I see how tired she gets towards the end of term. I hope you're able to rest during your evenings, please look after yourself as much as you can.

Moregarlic the last paragraph of your post really made me think. I understand what you mean about 'moving up a generation', I felt like that when I lost my Nan too. All of a sudden I found myself looking after my Mum and having to make decisions as she was too upset. I felt like an adult, rather than someone pretending to be one! These are certainly strange times, I think we've all been deeply affected in different ways. I wonder how we'll look back on all this in years to come?

Today was busy and stressful at work, so it was lovely to finish off the day with an evening yoga class. My wonderful yoga instructor always heats the studio so it's warm and toasty when we arrive, and it feels so cosy with all the candles and fairy lights. I'm feeling relaxed now after a spa shower and looking forward to going to bed. Blessings to you all.

@speakout I’m happy to affirm! It was actually a therapist who pointed it out to me, in terms of the victim / persecutor / rescuer triangle. She said by playing the rescuer, you deny the victim the ability to help themselves and many times keep them stuck in that role, as they don’t learn how to help themselves. It blew my mind!

@VioletCharlotte yes, that’s exactly how I’d describe it too, I feel less like I’m playing at being an adult now too. I was wondering how we’ll collectively reflect on these times too, 10, 20, 30 years from now. What do you think? I for one hope its a catalyst for a more democratic society, one in which the powerful are actually held to account and don’t routinely and brazenly lie.

Wishing you all a magical day x

Thank you for all the wise words shared here. I am mulling it all over. I too have problems with my mother but also a difficult relationship with my adult son. It breaks my heart. He still lives at home with us and has High functioning aspergers which complicates things. He often needs rescuing and I am always there to do it but then he always seems to resent me and takes his feelings of disappointment in himself out on me . I live in a constant catch 22. I’ve recently tried to focus on my own life more, it’s almost been put on hold while i pick up the pieces and try to hold things together for my son but I’ve become conscious of how fast time is moving and I’m trying really hard to take a step back and do what I need to do for me even if it’s met with disapproval. It’s not easy though is it ?
It helps me to tell myself to let go and trust instead of trying to control the outcome of things all the time.
It’s very wet and windy here but I have the house to myself today , just me and my dog and nowhere to be. It’s really lovely. I’m going to make good use of the peace and quiet by making some tea and setting up my paints for an afternoon of creativity !
I’ll probably spend a little time meditating and light some candles too . I will send love and peace to you all sisters. Hope everyone has an easy afternoon.

Goodness, this thread never fails to amaze me. I came here from some solace after a difficult conversation with my adult DS. Talk about synchronicity! I was about to jump into rescuer mode myself, but reading your wise words as made me realise I need to step back, offer love and support, but not try to fix things for him. Being a Mother is the world's best job, but also the hardest! Thank you sisters.

Wise words indeed sisters. Thank you for sharing them and for the energy of solidarity that conjures. I’m feeling blessed through sisterhood and connection this evening.

Sending love and standing in solidarity with those going through challenges. Feeling a bit weary I don’t have much insight to add but wanted to share these words that brought comfort to me. We’ve shared the picture before but it’s a lovely reminder of the hibernation energy we can tap into as the wheel turns to midwinter.

“The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close... like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.

Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism.
And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.

"Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth".

.. and then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight

Life is a gift ❤ a Happy winter to you all...

Artwork by Jessica Boehman“

www.facebook.com/groups/281886105961506/permalink/1077640496386059/

A beautiful image. Solidarity is powerful. Times for insight, times for energy, times for inspiration, and times to sit quietly and share gentle energy with some tea. Thank you for sharing those wise words.
Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.
Acceptance is so powerful, and like others I have been thinking about the deep acceptance that many of us seem to be sharing. Especially those of us in a caring role.
The throwaway Instagram culture would suggest we can create our own living situations, move, dump boyfriends, get a divorce. Life is not so simple. Especially when we are caring for loved ones- sons, parents, daughters. Elasticatedwaist you have highlighted things to astutely- go gently dear sisters.

Today i am working on loose incense and balms.
It is nice to be back in the kitchen doing some basic things, after all the chaos. I need a test run of making a swiss roll too. Never successfully managed that. So i have a few days of making the house smell wonderful. After all the solvent building work smells of late.

I hope that you all manage to find some time this week to spend on passions and joys.

Wise words and lovely sentiments Violet, MoreGarlic, Aerwyna and Speakout
Your kitchen smells divine Hills mmmmm

Here's a little something for all our sisters. I have an account with this company, BUT if I made the card more personal for you all and posted it on the thread, it would give my personal details if you clicked 'reply' at the end. No problem with that in principle, but this is open internet, so I'll say it's sent with love and magic for you all. www.jacquielawson.com/sendcard/preview?cont=1&hdn=0&fldCard=3482278&path=393919&pmode=init