Any Witches Here? Part 16

[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.

Solstice blessings sister.

May the longtime sunshine upon you, all love surround you and the pure live within you.

Solstice blessings dear friends. May the warmth of midsummer and the playful fae energy in the air lighten your spirits and bring joy to your days ☀

Happy Solstice everyone.

No celebrations here as I've today returned from two weeks working in Los Angeles so I'm not sure of my own name I'm so tired and craft +jet-lag is a bad combination!

I hope my friends are feeling energised with solar energy, it feels like summer has arrived here. Warm but very windy, perfect for laundry magic!
Elphame I hope you have found some rest after such a journey, lovely to hear from you.
I love the fae and sunflowers Aerwyna and VioletCharlotte - I really love when anyone posts an image or photo- thank you!
The past day or has been spent trying to get DDs car sorted. Another breakdown, was fixed 2 weeks ago, but similar problem- so RAC, breakdown recovery, first garage quoting a fortune, so second recovery truck to original garage while DD is working 13 hour night shifts right now, so have to protect her sleep, organise repair and give lifts. She is still young- first car, and first proper
job and she has just moved house- I am happy to help and take the strain for her. I have broad shoulders and know how things work!
I want to give my children the support I never had, it is a healing process. Nurturing my children also nurtures my inner child and strengthens me.
Again this evening I am in a comfy sofa with some bedtime tea, open windows bringing a soft cool breeze as my animals lie as flat as starfish on the floor.
Soft dreams.

Please send some of your cool breeze down this way Speakout It's so hot down south! I'm sitting in the garden in a shady spot, its almost like being on holiday.

I love hearing how your nurture your DD Speakout. On this site there seems to be a view shared by many that DC should be fully independent once they reach 18. I find this strange as it's fairly well documented that the brain isn't fully developed until we reach 25. I feel that being 18-25 is one of the most challenging phases of life. After spending years at school where you have the comfort of a routine, familiar surroundings and people around you, you're suddenly spat out into the world and expected to just get on with it. It's no wonder so many young people struggle with their mental health. Like you, I try and nurture my boys as much as I can, although I'm careful to balance this out with making sure they do their bit around the house as I'm very aware of not wanting to create issues for any future wives or girlfriends.

I hope you enjoyed Los Angeles Elphame. Was it a work trip or a holiday? I'd love to visit California.I hope the jet lag doesn't last too long.

I agree about parenting our adult children, yes they do have a lot to deal with all of a sudden, and it can be daunting- rental agreements on flats, buying cars, dealing with service providers, insurance, banks, credit card companies, interviews- it's all quite a juggle.
Hard enough for me as a crone, never mind a young one suddenly dropping into the adult world.
You are so wise about the balance- exactly what it takes. They need to learn and that means not doing everything for them, but a light touch on the tiller, and having support when they struggle- like car breakdowns.
I am very mindful of supporting and guiding my adult children- I was kicked out of thee family home at 18 given zero support from my parents- and made a lot of bad choices because I didn't know how to adult.
My OH was in a similar position- he was kicked out at the age of 16, and again really struggled - even to find somewhere to live, and he was still at school until he was 18.
It is important for me to give that extra safety net for my own kids that I never had.
So warm today, no cool breeze, it is overcast and muggy, feels like thunderstorm weather!

Hi everyone
Anyone fancy a brew?

Since I posted before, about negative male energy, there has been a lot of it in my life. I have at least worked out why, and who I need to avoid. There has been an ugly confrontation, but it was necessary. I just hope he leaves me alone now.

But it is draining and sad to have to do this sort of thing.

I said I would try to nourish myself with a little daily practice and I haven't. Feeling a bit stuck, as if normal life is taking a lot out of me.

I am seeing friends tomorrow, Tuesday and Wednesday. I hope that will help.

@EmmaH2022 Just settled down with my cocoa.

Sorry to learn about the tough confrontation today; seems like it was necessary. Binding and banishing all round.

Very late Litha blessings from me - I am running to stand still but have promised myself witchy catch up time at some point tomorrow 🧙 hope you're all ok!

EmmaH2022 well done for standing your ground.
I felt overwhelmed yesterday by male energy, found the tears falling in the middle of the street.
I was still mulling over the events in the USA as popped my local small town for an eye test. I arrived in the middle of a huge orangeman's walk. 4000 men parading in military style uniform, playing whistles and drums, holding anti catholic banners. The energy was hideous- of supremacy, domination- the music was snarling, agressive as group after group of white men from orders and lodges marched past heading to catholic areas of town to show their strength. It was ugly, crowds were clapping and cheering, and it made me wonder how much headway women are actually making at all.
Reminders that male supremacy is still king, and I arrived at the optician with tears in my eyes, for all those that are trampled underfoot when white men claim top position.
The marchers have gone, but not before a few fights afterwards, discarding empty bottles and cans, and using a children's play area as a massive outdoor urinal.
Thankfully this is not a regular ocurrence.
But I came home to my family, the gentle sensitive energy of my OH and
adult son.
They treat me with respect, trust my judgement, value my intuition- there is male energy that is wholesome. I am glad I have that at home.

I mean if you break the orange men marches down to the basics - we killed your people and we are going to march through your area reminding you that we are in control and can do it again. We haven't really come any further. The right for this march to carry on is still being justified. The original trauma and all the added on trauma is brought up every march. There is no chance to heal the past, right the wrong etc. If anything it has got worse. The whole dang situation has got worse.
And the power dynamics have got more extreme in so many cases.

The fae energy was mischievous in my life this solstice and i have a whole load of stuff to deal with as a result. There is a whole load of resentment and problems that is bubbling up and being tricky here. I wonder what it is that is needing to be changed as it seems that there is a whole heap issues when i am missing the obvious hints i need to make changes or being reluctant to do so.

If you ever get the change to sit on a hill to watch sundown and sunup for the solstice i do recommend it. It was very calming, energising and totally needed.

I wish i had that more wholesome male energy at home, but that is not the case. It has got to the point where home is where stuff is stored, i sleep, and i look after others who resent it, and spend as little time as possible there.

speakout I'm sorry, that sounds grim. And what a day for it to happen.

I hope no one gets angry about this, but mention of "white men" always worries me. I am not white btw. Damaging male energy is definitely not limited by skin colour.

I am lucky to live alone but the local area has turned ugly very fast. Or perhaps I am finding it harder to deal with as I get older and the overpopulation of the area (London) accelerates.

I need to start creating some rituals for focus and comfort. I haven't got much time till Thursday. I know I ought to make the time. I will post this here as a reminder to myself to do it, and in case anyone else likes it.

Tanks for that EmmaH2022, the video looks good- I will give it a try.
Sorry you are finding the place you stay stressful.
London has many attributes, but i am not good with cities.
I lived in a city as a young adult- until my late 30s, and I really enjoyed it, but moved back to the country when my kids were born so give them sapce and air.
I have no desire for city life now. I like the slow pace, the safety, the quiet. I live in a cul de sac so only a coule of cars a day pass my window, and I have acres of woodland in every direction.
HillsBesideTheSea sad to hear your home situation isn;t great either, it isn't always possible to change some circumstances, we must work towards minimising the impact on our spirit, and protection.
Sending calm energy for a peaceful Sunday.

I love where I live, such a peaceful village. Except for one resident who I am hoping the Housing Association are going to move soon. Nearly 3 years of anti-social behaviour from him, not directed at us but when you live somewhere this small and quiet you can't help but be impacted by it.
The house next door will be on the market soon (my lovely neighbours of the last 13 years died within 8 months of each other) and so I am going to start manifesting good neighbours! It's been so peaceful but with it having 4 bedrooms we are bound to get a family with children so I am a little nervous of the impact that might have. If I could afford it I would buy a house in the middle of 10 acres!

I really hurt my shoulder last Sunday, all I was doing was cleaning! I inflamed all the tendons and it is only just calming down now. I feel frustrated at not being able ot clean or garden as much as I would like.

There's been some odd energy the past few days. I'm feeling rather drained by it all to be honest. This year seems to have been one of constant challenges so far, in my personal life, as well as on a global level. It feels a series of constant battles against adversity and trying to look after the people around me. I met with a friend yesterday, who talked about how what the world needs right now is for spiritual people to shine their light, and for women to come together and rise up. She's right, but I'm finding it hard right now. *

EmmaH2022* I'm sorry to hear about the confrontation. Go easy on yourself over the next few days, it can take a little while to shake off the after effects of this kind of behaviour. I hope you are somewhere safe and have supportive friends or family around you. I'm sending you some healing energy.

Speakout your experience sounds hideous, I find these kind of displays of toxic masculinity terrifying. Blatant displays of dominance and control. I'm glad you're safe at home now with your OH and your son.

Hills it made me really sad to read that your home doesn't feel like a place you want to spend time. That's not right :( Is there anything you can do to change that situation? Sending you solidarity. *

Queenrollo* yes, I'd quite like to live in the middle of nowhere too. All my neighbours are ok, but I get fed up with the cars and vans everywhere. There's a lot of building work going on too which is annoying. My best friend lives in the countryside, surrounded by fields and woods, yet only 15 minutes from the town centre and all the amenities. This would be my ideal!

Hope your shoulder is feeling better queenrollo- I understand your frustration though, I have limited patience for my own illness or injury.
VioletCharlotte your friend sounds lovely, and I too agree with her.
I have managed to have a calm day yesterday, doing a lot of work nurturing my inner child- the results are leaving me calm, strengthening my boundaries and joy within easier reach. All a work in progress of course- I still have moments!
I am having Gestalt therapy at the moment, and the theme of caring for others is one I am trying to unpick.
I question my reaction to fix, support and serve others- often grown adults who are capable of caring for themselves.
Of course a certain amount of caring for others is important- and something I often enjoy but I am shining a bright light on my natural impulses!
Chaotic weather here, bright sunshine interspersed with torrential rainstorms.
No good for laundry but my plants are loving it!!
I think houses often call for compromise- unless we are very rich, we have to accept some downsides of a property.
My location is amazing, but my home is a 1970s construction- pvc windows etc- so not the prettiest building- upside is that it is very spacious and cheap to maintain.
My garden is small- big enough to dry laundry, a seating area and some planting space. Would be lovely to have a veg patch, but have to be content with a few fruit trees and herbs.

Having a quiet day, about to pop out to the post office and buy some groceries- I may have time for my favourite charity shop also- so a pleasant easy day.
Enjoy tonight's dark moon sisters, an ideal night for deep diving, soothing the soul, digging for treasure!

Hope you get time for your charity shop browse @speakout ive been popping in to the ones here in my new village weekly and enjoying my little treasure hunts. Last week I bought 2 little egg coddlers. They are really pretty. Didn’t quite know what they were for at first having never had a coddled egg! I love not knowing What I might find !
i will be embracing the new moon, lots of cleaning and laundry blowing on the line for me today and I have my sage to cleanse with later. I am looking for work at the moment and my husband needs some things to change for him at his current job so I shall be setting intentions around that.
I have also promised my dad an apple pie so hopefully I can fit in some baking today too.
Have an easy day everyone.

I just arrived home from errands and the For Sale sign has gone up next door. I admit I cried. Mostly because the old couple that lived there were so lovely, we often chatted. One of them had no voice due to surgery but loved that I had patience to spend time with them, and of course they adored watching our little family grow. And as they both were ill/died during Covid restrictions I felt frustrated that we could not help as much as we usually would and we didn't get the chance to go to funerals.
But time marches on and change is inevitable. I shall set a spell to manifest good neighbours in their place (a witchy friend would be incredibly wonderful!)

Violet I was feeling like that a while ago but I think it was personal stuff rather than forces outside. I hope you feel happier soon.

speakout thank you for your words re homes. Sometimes you have to remain in a tough spot.

queenrollo I'm sorry about your neighbours

I am having trouble establishing flow and I have to admit, MN is probably my worst habit in terms of blocking energy and flow. I must find a more disciplined way to benefit from it.

Elasticatedwaist I love charity shops too- in fact a highlight of the week for me.
I have an independent one near me, I love these shops that are more higgeldy piggeldy- and usually lower prices too.
My local one prices most clothes at £1, I bought a couple of lovely tops yesterday.
queenrollo I understand your tears, closing a chapter on the house next door, I am sure your neighbours' lives were made better by your kindness and friendship.
And you are right- you may get some interesting lovely people move in.
Change is always around us.
I have just finished prepping an early dinner, and having a quiet moment with some coffee.
It's so important to have little rests throughout the day. Far to easy to buzz about doing one task after another and forget to pause to replenish our energy. I know I have a tendency to do that, then completely slump by evening time.
I consciously make time to have breaks, some tea or coffee a 10 minute meditation and give myself permission to rest- I light a candle or incense, some pagan music It's all part of the flow.
The world will suck us dry if we allow it!

I love a good charity shop rummage. I found the sweetest pair of candle holders the other week. They are stainless steel, triangle shape base and exactly the right size for those little spell candles. The base is perfect for placing salt/petals/correspondences around the candle for spells. They only cost me £2 and they are by Prices. Online sales vary from £8 to £15 so I definitely feel I got a bargain.

I had a private medical appointment yesterday for perimenopause. It was worth every penny. I had questions properly answered, worries put to rest and a plan of action moving forward. The problem now is that my best approach involves a minor procedure but on the NHS I might be waiting 18 months, or I can have it privately within weeks but the cost is genuinely eye-watering and not covered by our insurance. My Dh basically says he will release the money from savings if need be, as my health and wellbeing is far more important if ever there was a 'rainy day' this is it.
So something to ponder.

Sorry to hear of your situation queenrollo, knowing that treatment is available but if you want it quickly you may have to pay. Sounds very frustrating, but good to have your OH's support.
Rainy day funds are not just for fun things, but can help get us out of difficult situations.
Is there a middle ground? Perhaps some short term treatment or medication to help your symptoms until you have have the surgery on the NHS?
If I am faced with a difficult situation I apply a little time to find clarity, rather than acting on my immediate impulse.
More often than not the solution becomes very clear if we take time, days, weeks or even a few months.
I am sure you will make the best decision- whatever that may be.

Fortunately it is a situation which is not urgent and there are options available to me in the meantime. My GP confirmed this afternoon that I am looking at 18 months for a Consultation and then a further 12 weeks for procedure if I wait for the NHS.
The full costings for private arrived today and there is a cheaper option, it will just be harder to arrange. Basically it's affordable if done in a treatment room, but they are all fully booked by other Consultants. This means my Consultant is looking at needing to use a Theatre. This is where the cost increases. I need to liase with the Secretary to see if we can get a date. Whenever this will be, it will be sooner than the NHS option!

I had to run some errands today and was rewarded with a charity shop find of a vintage brass incense burner. And a hat for a costume I am working on.

queenrollo I love the sound of your costume, and glad you had a good find in the charity shop.
Regarding your treatment- would it be possible to have the procedure done in a treatment room in another city? Would involve travel and possibly hotel costs, but perhaps be less expensive overall?

It's certainly a possibility to have it done elsewhere, so if I can't get a suitable date here then I will look into it. It's only a 20 minute thing too, and outpatients so not hugely disruptive.