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Philosophy/religion

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Any Witches Here? Part 16

989 replies

speakout · 25/12/2021 11:13

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.

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Thread gallery
88
speakout · 25/12/2021 11:16

Just realsised the last thread is full!!

Merry christmas everyone.

Here are links to our pevious threads:
Here's a list of our previous threads, do have a look through.

Part 1 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3241689-Any-witches-here?pg=1

Part 2
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3338025-Any-Witches-Here-Part-2?pg=1

Part 3
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3366411-Any-Witches-Here-Part-3?pg=1

Part 4
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3404406-Any-Witches-Here-Part-4-Edited-by-MNHQ?pg=1

Part5
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3437092-Any-Witches-Here-Part-5?pg=1

Part 6 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3482023-Any-Witches-Here-Part-6?pg=1

Part 7 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3520269-Any-Witches-Here-Part-7?pg=1

Part 8 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/a3568622-Any-Witches-Here-Part-8?pg=1

Part 9 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3637696-Any-Witches-Here-Part-9?pg=1

Part 10
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3726266-Any-Witches-Here-Part-10

Part 11
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3850635-Any-Witches-Here-Part-11

Part 12
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/3997761-Any-Witches-Here-Part-12
Part 13 www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4116107-Any-Witches-here-Part-13
Part 14www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4213962-Any-Witches-Here-Part-14

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4328830-Any-Witches-Here-Part-15?msgid=113505801

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HillsBesideTheSea · 25/12/2021 11:18

Thank you for the new thread Speakout I hope your day is going smoothly and enjoyably.

speakout · 25/12/2021 13:31

HillsBesideTheSea - dear sister- I feel for you. but please treat yourself with compassion. Of course we have have to treat others woh compassion too, but if people start demanding, then you are uner no obligation to comply.

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Trenzalor · 25/12/2021 14:12

Hello sisters. I’m currently sitting on the sofa full of the wonderful Christmas food. The pudding is making a racket steaming and I am enjoying a day of no expectations now which is lovely.

Yuletide blessings to you all.

speakout · 25/12/2021 14:24

Trenzalor glad to hear your day is going well.
We will eat around 6pm- no children here.
Wonderful to watch my DD building a Harry Potter lego castle on the floor surrounded by lego bricks after caring for small children on life support all week.

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queenrollo · 25/12/2021 15:52

Afternoon all. I have to say I always find Christmas Day very 'flat'.
We had a wonderful couple of hours opening presents this morning (we take our time over it) and I remain full of gratitude at how thankful and appreciative my children are for everything they get - even the one or two items which realtives gift which don't quite hit the mark!

But with no relatives or friends to visit or coming here I always find it a day of strange energy. I've spent an hour in a bath listening to a Molly Roberts podcast and cuddled up on the sofa with my cats. Just now prepping some stuff for dinner, which we will eat at about 5pm.

speakout · 25/12/2021 18:21

queenrollo same hree.
Struggling with emotional difficulties.
May need to resort to wine.

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TotoAnnihiliation · 25/12/2021 18:59

Hello sisters, I fell off the other thread with the stress of moving house and demands from a demanding job.

I've done some soul searching, I've given myself permission to leave my job without feeling like a failure. Little Toto, DH and making our new home a safe and calming place are now top priorities. However, I need to put myself first as I've been pouring from a half full jug for some time.

I'm going to read through the last thread to catch up with you. I have thought about you all often and I hope this winter has brought you warmth although the weather outside is cold.

TotoAnnihiliation · 25/12/2021 21:00

I just caught up with @VioletCharlotte's account of the female flying reindeer. It's stirred something within me, I would like to think it's a connection to ancient times. Thank you for sharing!

Trenzalor · 25/12/2021 22:03

@TotoAnnihiliation I’m a teacher as well (I think you know this anyway) but am also a union rep if you w at to chat about anything over PMs?

TotoAnnihiliation · 25/12/2021 22:34

[quote Trenzalor]@TotoAnnihiliation I’m a teacher as well (I think you know this anyway) but am also a union rep if you w at to chat about anything over PMs?[/quote]
Thank you. I think I'll take you up on that. Bless you 💕

speakout · 26/12/2021 07:21

TotoAnnihiliation I think it a brave decision to make a bold jump like leaving work to become a SAHM.
It was impossible for me to continue work when I had my babies, my job had very irregular hours, uplanned overtime, I couldn;t just leave at a certain time, - I worked in scientific research and if a synthesis or experiment hadn't completed in the expected time, I couldn't just switch off and walk out, and these events were unpredictable. I had zero family supprt, OH travelled a lot with work, was often away for days at a time, so something had to give,
I gave up work. I emjoyed being a SAHM there was a good community of other SAHMs in the village, so I didm't feel lonely.
When my youngest was 3 I started a little business selling used books online, I earned enough which meant I didn't need to find a"proper job" and gave me lots of flexibility to fit in with children and school.
It also gave me confidence to realise that earnig money can take many,shapes, and I never did go back to te workplace. I dabbled for a few years wit other online revenue streams, while still selling books, until develeoped the business I have now, It grew fast and soon overtook my bookselling, so I stopped the books and now focus on just the one income stream.
If I had not taken a leap of faith all those years ago I would not be in the fortunate position I am now, earrnig twice what I would have if I had stayed in my scientific job. and would have been ground down by working forr an employer.

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TotoAnnihiliation · 26/12/2021 09:26

@speakout I don't think I want to give up work completely. I just want to leave what is a untenable position for me, I feel drained and have nothing else left to give. I'm a believer that everything will work out with the way my path intended it to.

speakout · 26/12/2021 10:11

TotoAnnihiliation believe that too- if we can find a healthy mindset and have an open heart then often unexpected opportunities will find their way to us.

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BlankTimes · 27/12/2021 02:03

Wise words Speakout and so similar to the Froud instructions in his book about How to See Faeries Halloween Smile

Here's hoping all of the preparation stress and on-the-day non-met expectations, challenges, unexpected happenings and inevitable ill-feelings have been settled now and everyone can have at least a short time to relax - even if it is in the middle of the night!

VioletCharlotte · 27/12/2021 07:26

Blanktimes your second paragraph beautifully summed up how I'm feeling this morning! I've enjoyed the time with my family over the last two days, but feeling I've woken up feeling utterly exhausted. As I'm sat here in bed, drinking my much needed first coffee of the day, I've been pondering on what it is about sitting in a room with family members that is so tiring?! I think those of us who are sensitive to energies pick up on all the underlying emotions that are at play and I find myself constantly watching what I say, and also having to step in and gently the steer the conversation on to a 'safer' topic if things look like they could escalate!

So today I'll be seeing no one (other than DS2 who lives with me). I'm planning to go to the gym this morning for a good workout out followed by a sauna and steam, home for a light lunch then out for a long walk in the woods, just me and the dog.

Sending solidarity with anyone else who's feeling drained, I hope you all manage to find some day to rest and recharge.

speakout · 27/12/2021 08:20

I am another one feeling drained today. I did have a pump class booked, but have cancelled because I want to use what little energy I have to clear the house of christmas stuff, take down the decorations, filll up bags of (tons ) of unwanted plastic gifts for donation and clear the energy in the house. As much as I love my familly i am overloaded with people and feeling sad at the abount of waste and stuff that has been produced in my home. One family member that will go unnamed bought 200 gifts for just those in our immediate family. She bought me six body/bath sets encased in multiple layers of plastic, four kitten calenders three pairs of polyester pyjamas, two fluffy synthetic bath robes - and a similar abount of stuff for the faily that we don;t need,
Seeing these piles everywhere is making me feel quite sad, and I have an overwhelming need to pare back the house today. Of course I will pack all these things up and make sure they are donated to some place that will use them or sell them, but I am quite overcome at the uneccessary excess, the waste, the production when we have people with so little, the harm to the planet.
VioletCharlotte
I wonder if the empath within us is just too hard to bear at times. Short bursts of people is fine for me, but I can sense the pain and hurt in others. Many people don't want to try to walk a journey of healing and would be indignant at the idea that personal growth is even a thing that may enhance their lives. My mother sat all day waiting for a phone call from my sister who lives abroad- she didn't phone, text or even send a card. I know all was well because I was in touch with my niece that day and my sister was cooking a family meal.
But so much is glossed over, left unspoken. I am guessing that like many families, stuff is just glassed iover, a lick of paint and a smile painted on for the world to see.
So many are hurt or broken, in need of healing. I think many especially of an older generation would be quite offended at the idea of self improvement, instead walking down the same theadbare carpets in dusty corridors which serve them so poorly.
I happened to have a conversation with one of my mother's very good friends a few weeks ago- she phoned and my mother was out.
She seemed upset and within a short time was blurting out her problems, how she struggles with her controlling husband, that she takes anti anxiety medication, , has bad insomnia, hostile relatioships with some of her other ( adult) children. She was sobbing on the phone to me and we talked for 45 minutes.
A week later my mother met this woman for coffee and I aked how she was- not wanting to betray any confidences I mentioned that we had a brief chat and she seemed a little upset- I gave no details.
My mother became quite indignant said this woman is always happy, has an amazing life, a wonderful family and no problems. Just nodded, and I know my mother thinks I an crazy for suggesting that this woman's life is anything less than perfect.
Yet my mother and her friend spent 3 hours together chatting, how can this not be leaked out into conversation? With what is a supposed best friend. I know they spend their time talking about their church, bus timetables, church flower displays, and fuck knows what else. Just accepting of each other's faux veneer.
Again quite sad. And I think that's what a lot of families do at christmas- pretend to have a jolly time, while inside a pressure pot of sadness, fear, resentment, all the unspoken stuff.
Again all quite sad.

Just about to do a short meditation to start my day, before the big clear up!!

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WitchyBrew · 27/12/2021 09:18

Hi all Smile Been lurking on these threads for a looooonggg time but felt compelled to reply when I read Toto and Speakouts posts as they resonated strongly with me.

I was a sahm making very part time money from online streams for a few years, basically enough to cover our weekly groceries which was great. Then in 2020 someone I had done freelance work for offered me a permanent position with a decent salary which I gladly took. However, it has spiralled, and I have been given more and more responsibilities, which on paper are great for my career, but the reality is that I'm working crazy hours, under a lot of stress, and have very little family time Sad The cherry on the pie is that with taxes and the astronomical cost of childcare where I live (non UK), I'm not clearing very much more than when I was freelance.

I've been giving it some strong thought over the holidays but am really at a crossroads. On the one hand, I would love to go back to the part time work, but on the other, I have a very promising career where I am now.

Speakout your story is very inspiring! And Toto I wish you the best of luck Smile

WitchyBrew · 27/12/2021 09:33

I have a pipe dream where I just run away from the corporate world and set up my own shop selling very niche esoteric things Grin

hilariousnamehere · 27/12/2021 10:49

Hello sisters! Hadn't realised the other thread was full, so just dropping in to say I hope you all get the rest you need over these few days. I slept for 14 hours yesterday so not a lot got done but I do feel better for it. Another gentle day today, have some stuff that needs doing but no rushing is happening!

Toto that sounds like totally the right decision and is definitely not a failure - before I went fully self employed I had 17 different jobs in 12 years and it made no difference to interviews etc - I always focused on what I'd learned from each one even when I'd left very quickly.

speakout you're so wise as always, but I hear you on the waste. We did ok this year as just me, mum and gran and our gifts were things we wanted and needed, but the extended family we used to do Christmas with are terrifying in their gifting and wastefulness, and although the money they spend is a very generous amount, it's so depressing to see it wasted on small bits of tat in loads of packaging that even the kids only look at once or twice :(

What you said about the empath overload resonates too, I think one reason I love these tiny Christmases so much is that I can cope with all our underlying sadness (we lost Dad five years ago and Grandpa 27, but it was Grandpa's birthday on Christmas Day), but with just us three there aren't any of the usual undercurrents of emotions painted over with tinsel for the day.

I'm still feeling slightly sheepish at how exhausted I am from the year, so today will be a pottering day with perhaps some planning too.

Sending gentle magical wishes to you all x

hilariousnamehere · 27/12/2021 10:51

@WitchyBrew

I have a pipe dream where I just run away from the corporate world and set up my own shop selling very niche esoteric things Grin
I would love this too! I currently sell stationery and chocolate alongside my photography so not doing too badly 😂 but with a shop full of beautiful esoteric things to my taste I think there would be a risk I'd just want to keep everything Grin it's one reason I didn't pursue my original business dream of bookselling!
HillsBesideTheSea · 27/12/2021 11:12

Hilarious - i am glad you managed to get some proper rest, I did also.

I'll be back later with more personals. I have to be out the door for dropping ds with his father in 20mins and I am not even out of bed yet. Blush So need to hustle.

TotoAnnihiliation · 27/12/2021 17:19

@hilariousnamehere

Hello sisters! Hadn't realised the other thread was full, so just dropping in to say I hope you all get the rest you need over these few days. I slept for 14 hours yesterday so not a lot got done but I do feel better for it. Another gentle day today, have some stuff that needs doing but no rushing is happening!

Toto that sounds like totally the right decision and is definitely not a failure - before I went fully self employed I had 17 different jobs in 12 years and it made no difference to interviews etc - I always focused on what I'd learned from each one even when I'd left very quickly.

speakout you're so wise as always, but I hear you on the waste. We did ok this year as just me, mum and gran and our gifts were things we wanted and needed, but the extended family we used to do Christmas with are terrifying in their gifting and wastefulness, and although the money they spend is a very generous amount, it's so depressing to see it wasted on small bits of tat in loads of packaging that even the kids only look at once or twice :(

What you said about the empath overload resonates too, I think one reason I love these tiny Christmases so much is that I can cope with all our underlying sadness (we lost Dad five years ago and Grandpa 27, but it was Grandpa's birthday on Christmas Day), but with just us three there aren't any of the usual undercurrents of emotions painted over with tinsel for the day.

I'm still feeling slightly sheepish at how exhausted I am from the year, so today will be a pottering day with perhaps some planning too.

Sending gentle magical wishes to you all x

Thank you, your advice has given me some hope. I'm getting in contact with my gp, once they open up this week and get their support in taking some time out of work.

At the moment, I'm physically broken - my body is showing stress related symptoms. I also feel like my soul is out of sync, I wouldn't say broken as the essence of me is still here, I'm not the version of me that I feel must comfortable with.

I just need some time to sit and reflect, once I have that, the answers will come to me.

TotoAnnihiliation · 27/12/2021 17:20

@WitchyBrew

I have a pipe dream where I just run away from the corporate world and set up my own shop selling very niche esoteric things Grin
I have a dream of running at tearoom/ sweet shop that is at the heart of a community.
speakout · 27/12/2021 17:43

I have been looking at Small country hotels in the highlands of scotland with rivers, moors and mountains,
Imagining curling up in front of a log fire in an ancient library, completely alone for several days,

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