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.

Gosh I’m such a slow typed there were more replies before I posted.

Sorry you’re suffering @queenrollo hormones are such a lottery. Probably not the right thing for now but I have found pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) to be love changing for dealing with pain.

Why do you put thyme in children’s baths @Fastancurious ?

@Hekatestorch thank you so much, I always thought it was later in the spring, but it certainly seems like beltane. There was always an alter full of rowan brunches, flowers and candles too. Hair combing could be unrelated, as there was often a day to do or not to do something.

@suzyscat thank you, how could I forget washing my face in the morning dew! Mum also used to say if it cannot be gathered add a little milk to the water and use that instead.

I use thyme in bath water to to clean away negative energy and to promote restful sleep. It has many other uses, especially in combination with something else.

Hello lovelies. Requesting tips again - for peace, stress relief and most of all digestive relief for my beloved but continuously sick (vomiting, suspected IBD, really weird changeable poo issues) pair of cats? I am in also continuous consultation with the vet but eight weeks of an exclusion diet later I think we're worse than when we started and my stress and anxiety levels are through the roof :( anything you might know of that might help them, or me, but mostly them - please throw at me!

Hilarious so sorry to hear about the cats. You've probably tried all of this, but just in case there's something you've not thought of, as they both have the same symptoms, do they go out? and with that, are they encountering or standing in, or brushing past then licking off, or eating something they shouldn't?
My instincts tell me it's a reaction to something in their environment.
Garden or house-plants, pollen or sticky ooze or seeds like cranesbill or cleavers that are hard to get out of their coat? Air fresheners, plugins or sprays. Where do they drink if they are outside, is there a contaminated watersource? Mine prefer an old saucer with rainwater and mould if I forget to empty it before they get there.
Are neighbours using creosote, weedkiller, slug pellets, fertiliser, ant killer powder or anything else "keen gardeners" put on their land and plants and fences?
Are you feeding them wet food then removing any leftovers Sometimes if it's warm, leftovers can go off.
Indoors are they licking wallpaper (the paste contains fungicide) or paint, both gloss and emulsion.? Chewing houseplants? I can't have any, ours nom anything that grows indoors, but oddly (or in a feline way) leave everything except fine grass alone outside.

For stress relief, one of mine loves dried catnip, the other loves dried Valerian root. Just a little sprinkle of either in their favourite resting place can make them very chilled after a short period of being totally stoned silly.

Valerian root is also very good for calming people, although most object to the smell. Too much makes you wired, start small! If you can get past the smell and enjoy the taste, which is very different, then try it for yourself. If not, a blend of valerian with other herbs like Pukka Nighttime tea is good.

Trenzalor I always wondered why Melody wasn't more widely-known, I think hers is the best reference work of its time, but it was only ever mentioned in new-age type circles.

Queen have a look at the soource of your HRT, some, Premarin, is made from PREgnant MARes urINe.

Thanks to everyone for the info on RC practises, I had no clue at all.

Fastancurious the practises you asked about i have come across at some point. I can't remember where though at the moment so I will probably randomly pop up with the information if i do remember at some point.

This morning is hard. There is the feeling that the truck of all the work of batch cooking yesterday has hit me hard enough to knock me out for a few day. ds has been using nail varnish this morning and I am finding the smell unbareable. I just want to crash and go to sleep. but it is a work day, so coffee and pain killers will have to do.

@hilariousnamehere do the cats go out? I am afraid I don't have cats, but I can ask a friend who has had them their whole life. I am wondering the same as @BlankTimes, is it something they are ingesting small amounts of (either inside or outside) that's not part of their food?
I do hope it gets better for you all soon. I also second valerian root. Its incredible. Just takes a while to get past the smell.

In regards to the not combing hair, I have had a chat with a a couple of acquaintances, Non know of anything specifically. However (and please bare with me) many caltic/pagan/ancient communities felt hair was very magical. Braiding it, washing it, using it in ceremony, cutting it, growing it was often all connected with some sort of ritual or ceremony. We wondered if not doing anything with the hair on a certain day was connected. A day without magic, if you will. Either a day to rest your energies or a day to where magic or ritual (for whatever reason) should not be performed.

I may be completely wrong. But that's what we came up with

BlankTimes thank you, I'm aware of Premarin and it's origins. It's rarely prescribed these days in the UK as other forms are preferred by the medical profession - and they also (rightly) meet a lot of refusal from women to use it.

I feel absolutely wrung out this morning. I do have some unavoidable errands but other than that I have a day on the sofa planned. I'm going to get under a blanket - specifically the stashbuster that I am currently crocheting.
I am clearing out my wool by using it up as I need to streamline my craft stuff. However I need a new scarf and hat for this winter and rather than buy one I have ordered some wool with a sparkle running through it so I can make myself something that will help reflect away energies I find draining.

@HillsBesideTheSea I hope you recover quickly and feel better soon.

Thank you @BlankTimes and @Hekatestorch 💙 they do go out in the day, but frustratingly we just did two weeks at my mum's, in a flat where they don't go out and there are no houseplants etc either, to help with the exclusion diet trial and my sanity and nothing changed :( the only real difference at home is they're still obsessed with eating grass every day - have been since kittenhood, but vet and I agree it's better they eat it from my garden than go searching elsewhere for it. No plants or other toxins at mine, I am properly neurotic about my fluffy idiots and won't even have safe cut flowers in the house

The food that is helping one a bit gave the other one the runs, but so far neither of them will use the microchip feeders so it's stressful trying to keep their food separate when I have to leave the house.

Really good suggestions though, thank you! And valerian is the weird smelling one in my pet remedy plugins but I'll look into getting it separately :) thank you both so much!

It's a beautiful morning here. When I took my dog for a walk earlier, it was misty and the sun was just coming through. It made me smile to see all the children on the way to school for the start of the new term and brought many happy memories of my own DC and also my own school days. Good luck to everyone with DC going back today, and of course to those of you who are teachers.

Hilariousnamehere sorry to hear about your cats. It's strange that both of them are sick - as Blanktime has suggested, it sounds like either something they've eaten or something in their environment. Has the vet done any blood tests? Do they have a habit of eating nasty things? My dog fairly regularly gets an upset stomach as he insists on eating terrible things that he finds in the bushes (typical spaniel!) It might be worth trying some Pro-Kalin, which is a probiotic paste you put on their food, it always works very well for my dog. You can get it from Amazon. If that works, I would then suggest daily probiotics.

Hills well done on all the batch cooking! Sounds like you worked incredibly hard. I hope work isn't too tiring today and you get a chance to rest properly later.

Queenrollo sorry you're feeling wrung out, a day under a blanket sounds exactly what's called for. I love the sound of the sparkly scarf and hat. I always say I'm going to learn to knit and crochet but I never quite seem to get round to it.

So much energy on this thread and so many interesting posts. Apologies for not replying to everyone, but I've really enjoyed reading your posts.

Love and blessings for a magical day

Morning magical ladies,

My you have been busy batch cooking. It smells delicious in here.

I was introduced to Valerian with the warning it smells like cheese feet but you just have to get passed that!

Passionflower tea is very good for anxiety. I had planned to plant borage (and various things for anxiety) but struggled to find borage seeds. The following spring lo borage appeared already. It comes up every year and sort of slowly meanders across the "lawn." There's abundant lemon balm too (eager beaver mint family) so I suspect a precious tenant was a similar soul.

Good luck with your decluttering @Hekatestorch that sounds like some top level bargaining. I'd love our kitten to sleep with the kids because my cat went everywhere I did but she's a tiny warrior wild cat, such a beautiful temperament, so patient with their over enthusiastic love but far too zesty when she decides it's playtime.

Her dry food is a probiotic called a crumbles. As someone who has a lot of gut problems and intolerances these days you all have my sympathy. 

I hope your blanket day provides the restoration you need and more still @queenrollo I love a wool based craft but my crocheting is beyond hopeless. I even did a class last year to know avail but later realised you can buy second hand crochet blankets on eBay and so am still drowning in random wool. I did manage to knit my children's stockings though and I'm very proud of those.

The settling into autumn and back to school vibes is one of my happiest nostalgic places. I always think of dark London streets with glowing amber lights, my old school building warmly lit, the smell of pencils and chestnuts and of course the changing leaves and abundant acorns. A misty morning is actually my favourite type of morning.

Anyone here worship the Greco-Roman deities? I do and have big interest in historical witchcraft and worship Diana Trivia, the goddess of witches.

Hi priestessfaustina and welcome. Help yourself to tea and a beanbag by the fire.

Worship of any one or any thing isn't any part of my particular practise, maybe someone else will be able to relate and discuss that with you

Good morning all. I hope you are all well. I am up super early. Just having my coffee in the garden enjoying the dark.

I meed to get some work done and then going for my first every facial. I decided I really should listen to those runes (after the candle incident) and look after myself more. I am quite excited. I was inspired by this thread to do this. So thank you again.

@priestessfaustina I worship 3 greek goddesses and one Greek God. In a fashion. Its something I am still working out.

I am trying to find a way to explain it. I don't worship them as the ancient Greeks did, though I do incorporate some of those practices. And look to those practices if I need some guidance.

I believe that the gods I worship are the personification of the aspects of my craft and religion. So Hekate is one of mine (closely aligned with Diana). I worship her and all her aspects and look to her to guide me in my study of herbalism, the liminal world, strengthening my craft, torch bearer and teacher. Another one I look to help me understand and work with the cycle of the year and joys of the seasons and the acceptance of the cycle.

I feel that when looking at most culture, many gods and goddess can be found throughout them all. To me, while the Greek pantheon gives me a focus point for my work and worship. They are all just aspects of the wider Goddess/God energy. And those personifications just help me focus and connect in a more specific way. I usually call on a particular aspect of them, for my work. Or use a certain aspect to further my study.

I read all sorts about different cultures and enjoy finding my own goddesses and god in the stories. Stories so similar, I feel they must be the same energy just with different face for the people in the culture. Its like reading history, looking for someone you know to pop up.

So it's like I believe in Goddess and God energy or the source, if you will. But feel drawn more to certain aspects and use the Greek pantheon and myths to focus and understand those aspects and further my own work and knowledge.

I don't think I am explaining well. I know what I believe in my head. Its hard to put into words.

Oh and while I am drawn to further Gods and goddesses, especially when I was younger and looking at different types of work. I am always more drawn to the Greek representation of them.

My grandfather is half Greek, I have been drawn to Greek mythology and history my whole life, so that makes sense to me.

Wow this thread is moving so fast, hard to keep up! Welcome priestessfaustina to any other newcomers I may have missed. New moon blessings sisters.
I do sometimes work with deity, and happy to work with an eclectic mix, from Demeter and Kali to Kuan Yin to The Cailleach. The she has many faces.

I don't worship deity though, in fact I would call myself an atheist.
Hekatestorch I hope you enjoy your facial. I have another booked for next month and been motivated to care for my skin a little better at home too.
I am having some time off work for a few days, I am in need of some rest and self nurture- which in my case will often involve pottering!
Not heavy duty stuff like clearing out cupboards, but more to do with changing my altar, making my environment look better, all the fun little things tha I often don’t have time to do.
I have cleared out all my monster tomato plants from the front porch, washed the windows and woodwork and cleared space ready for autumn decorations and Mabon.
Have an enchanted day dear friends.

I read all sorts about different cultures and enjoy finding my own goddesses and god in the stories. Stories so similar, I feel they must be the same energy just with different face for the people in the culture. Its like reading history, looking for someone you know to pop up.

I love the way you describe this Hekatestorch, this is how I relate to deity energy too. For me it’s quite archetypal, Jungian. When a particular deity comes into my experience there’ll be a specific type of energy it’ll be good for me to embody and work with for my growth and development.

Like BlankTimes, worship is not something I relate to because to me, that represents a hierarchical relationship, as evident in Abrahamic religion. Servitude as opposed to empowerment, and my path is very much about the latter.

I’m enjoying a tea outside as well this morning. It’s been so hot these last few days and these cooler hours feel fresh and welcoming to me. I’m
savouring it.

Suzy your description of autumn mornings is just wonderful and I agree with both you and Violet, misty mornings are an absolute delight. I like both valerian and passionflower in tea and I’m very much enjoying hearing your knowledge of herbs.

queenrollo, I hope you feel a bit better for time under the blanket with your magic crocheted into it. It sounds like the perfect tonic. I’m not particularly crafty and love hearing about everything others make and the energy infused within.

Hills your batch cooking sounds wonderful, a nurturing gift for your future self. I hope yesterday wasn’t too testing and that you feel better today.

hilarious I’m thinking of you and your cats, hoping you can get to the bottom of things soon. Just a thought- the plug ins- did they go with you to your mums? I know these things a good for settling cats but it might be one more thing to try eliminating temporarily just in case?

As Violet said, there’s so much energy here and fascinating conversation, I’m sorry not to have joined in with each one. I’d happily be here all day doing that but should probably get on while it’s cooler. I’ve been struggling for motivation with ‘mundane’ tasks of late but can feel a spark of oomph so I’ll make the most of that now!

I’ll be lighting a candle at 8 to bring comfort and support to those of us who may need that.

Goddess blessings for a bright day

Cross posted with you speakout, it’s good to be hear together, starting the day. I’m pleased to hear of your plans for pottering, your plans sound nurturing and I can imagine how wonderful your altar and Mabon themed porch will feel, full of your powerful energy. Very inspiring, thank you!

Aerwyna we must have been writing at the same time. Thanyou for your kind words, and may your day be bestowed with bright new moon blessings for fresh beginnings.

@Aerwyna LikeBlankTimes, worship is not something I relate to because to me, that represents a hierarchical relationship, as evident in Abrahamic religion. Servitude as opposed to empowerment, and my path is very much about the latter

I think that is such a valid point and does make me question how I word my prcatice and religion.

I describe it as worship, but never felt servitude to my goddesses and gods, so it's not the right word.

Its more of a mutual relationship. I give offerings, light candles and sit and commune with them to strengthen the relationship. Not because if I don't, there will be punishment.

I feel they do try and guide me and advise me. But its like the advice of a good friend. They will give you advice, but not hold it against you if you decide another path. But also, like a good friend they are usually right.

I do feel empowerment. I feel their guidance is generally 'you need to find that within youself'. During any craft work, I will call on them to bless my work. As opposed to lend their power to fuel it. I did that once and it had some consequences I would rather not repeat.

I think its is quite jungian, if I am thinking of the right one. I have only touched on Jung, a couple of years ago.

But I think in someway, especially, with my goddesses I feel I am talking to aspects of myself. Those goddesses are aspects of myself that I am exploring more deeply.

This is why is say I worship greek gods, on a fashion. Because I haven't quite worked it out myself yet

But that's the beauty of this thread. This thread is proof that people can believe different things and look at the similarities. Instead of the differences. We can hear others points of view that sparks a thought (I definitely need another word, rather than worship for example to best convey myself), learn and grow.

This thread is such a beautiful place.

I do hope you all have a blessed day. @speakout I hope you enjoy some time to self nurture. Its such a beautiful time of year and a great time for preparations.

Hekatestorch

Some interestng thoughts. For me it is to do with the locus of power, and like Aerwyna and Blanktimes I am uncomfortable about ideas of worshipping external deity, relinquishing control.
To me deity is to do with constructs, archetypes, and mostly internal manifeststions of gods and godesses.
I will honour that inernal manifestation of the inner divine- but I see people as divine creatures.
But I think in someway, especially, with my goddesses I feel I am talking to aspects of myself. Those goddesses are aspects of myself that I am exploring more deeply. That sums things up beautifully for me .
Like Aerwyna I am deeply uncomfortable of the Abrahamic models of worship in terms of servitude, subjugation and giving up locus of control, so when working with deity I am very mindful in my practice.
Too easy to slip into the jaggy jumpers of faith constructs many of us were raised with!

I'm nodding in agreement with your posts about deities Speakout Hekatestorch and Aerwyna . My feelings are very similar. The idea of worship makes me feel deeply uncomfortable. I feel out of love Kundalini yoga because of the focus on worshiping the gods and goddesses. I believe it can be quite dangerous to believe that anyone is flawless and beyond reprisal. Like others, I work with deity as energies. If I find that a deity is calling me, I'll take time to learn about them and call upon them to lend energy to my work and give me guidance. It feels more like a two way relationship, a friendship almost.

I hope everyone is finding some magic in the day.
The temperature has shot up and feels like summer again, so I am taking full advantage of washing all the throws, cushion covers , cat blankets and drying them in the sunshine.
Great swathes of geese have been arriving all day, there are a lot of lochs, rivers and inlets near here which are winter homes to the birds. I am so happy to see them arrive.
I have been tending to my roots today in the form of some foot care, some exfolation, a foot massage, a foot mask ( on at the moment)!
I will paint my toenails and ready to go.
I find attending to my feet a really comforting thing to do. My feet love me back !

Good afternoon all. I had a lovely facial today and managed to catch some sun in my garden and amongst my sunflowers for a while. I hope you all had good days too.

LikeAerwynaI am deeply uncomfortable of the Abrahamic models of worship in terms of servitude, subjugation and giving up locus of control, so when working with deity I am very mindful in my practice.

@speakout I agree with this. As a child I was taught God was loving as long as you behave how he says. As an adult, I realise that is not love.

I see people, on social media, talking about they love their gods buy are also afraid of them or must do xyz because their God said so. For me that would be deeply uncomfortable. And it's not a relationship I would Foster.

I call myself pagan, because I have an altar to 4 deities, light my candles, do offerings etc But in actual fact I am not sure that I am. Its a journey I am on and I am enjoying.

@VioletCharlotte yes, it feels like a friendship. Not a servant to master. A mutually beneficial relationship.

I do think I need to further explore that my Goddesses and Gods are actually aspects of me. And this is just how I visualise them to focus. They are all aspects of myself, I have felt I had to hide alot.

Its such an interesting subject and I am grateful to have people to discuss it with.

I think my new description will be 'I have a relationship with ....' rather than worship. It's the only phrase I can come up with, that works.

@speakout

I hope everyone is finding some magic in the day. The temperature has shot up and feels like summer again, so I am taking full advantage of washing all the throws, cushion covers , cat blankets and drying them in the sunshine. Great swathes of geese have been arriving all day, there are a lot of lochs, rivers and inlets near here which are winter homes to the birds. I am so happy to see them arrive. I have been tending to my roots today in the form of some foot care, some exfolation, a foot massage, a foot mask ( on at the moment)! I will paint my toenails and ready to go. I find attending to my feet a really comforting thing to do. My feet love me back !

That all sounds amazing, it really has been a stunning day.

Foot care is something I definitely neglect. To my shame. I hope your feet are feeling lovely and refreshed now.