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.

EmmaH2022 I hope you are feeling a little lighter today, as we enter a sunny weekend.
I have just been out to wash and vacuum DDs car, she has left it with me for the as she has gone to a festival for the weekend with friends- they have made the sensible choice of staying in a hotel though! It will be pleasant for her to pick up her car clean and a tank full of petrol. It gives me a lot of pleasure to support my kids this way. Does anyone else feel like that? My DD is fiercely independant, will not accept gifts of money, so I help in other ways. There was also a bag of work uniforms on the back seat, so I have laundered them too, and filled up her snack box in her car. She works such long hours and is often too exhausted to think of food after a long shift, so I made her a snack box full of ready to eat stuff- some healthy, some not so healthy!
The clouds are clearing- looks like being another bright sunny day.
I have been looking at summer clothes as I may get a trip abroad soon, ordered a lovely pair of cool loose trousers, I love them- but no pockets!!
Why do so many women's clothes have no pockets?
These are casual trousers, not a tight fitting evening gown.
I am sending them back as a point of principal! I don't think I have ever seen a pair of men's trousers with no pockets.
I am having a pause and a coffee to regather my energies, I like to have mindful breaks in my day, marking the ending of a specific task before I move on. Lots of little breaks, but short especially during a working day.
I am also mindful of the type of activity I choose to do- is that just me? So if I have done something energetic like changing bedding or hoovering then my next task will be something sitting, ordering online or some crafting with a tray on my lap. I work on the floor a lot too, I am very comfortable at ground level!
Just about to do some Tarot work, then off to Body Balance to centre myself.

Have a magical day sisters.

Morning Speakout

i have thrown the windows open on the north side of the house for an hour to get the air moving. It is going to be hot and stuffy later

Speakout I have seen it said that pockets were removed from women's clothing to stop witches secreting magical things about their bodies!

Hot and sunny here, and it's my son's school fair this afternoon. I have no desire to go, but in reflection of your talking about motherhood and what we do for our children - I am going because it means a great deal to him.
I think the things you do for your adult children are heartwarming, and how I aim to be as a mother myself. My 16 year old is not terribly receptive to me these days (not in a bad way, and not just me. He's is introverted and very much his own person) but I bought him cake last week, a type we don't really enjoy as a family but is his favourite and he texted me his gratitude.

I was asleep my 10pm last night and my DH got up with youngest this morning and I did not wake until 10am! 12 solid hours sleep which my body very clearly needed. It was full of vivid dream too, and I feel lighter this morning. My brain clearly needed the processing time.

It is a day for open windows HillsBesideTheSea- I have all mine open too, a pleasant through draft of air. I am an avid window opener, even in wintertime. Makes such a difference, even if it is just for 10 minutes on a cold day.
Freshens the atmosphere, and invites in clear clean energy.

queenrollo cross post!
That idea of no pockets in women's clothes rings a bell- thanks for the reminder, makes me even more determind to seek out clothes with pockets, or even sew them in!
I think 16 is a challenging age, no longer a child, not quite an adult, hormones flooding the brain, changing body, having to navigate new territory, As parents too the territory can seem like being in a strange land with few signposts, working out new terms, new boundaries, how long to stay out at night, alcohol, all that comes with unfurling the lead.
Easier when they were six, knowing where they are, home and in bed at an early time.
I think things get easier in the later teen years, certainly was a time when our relationships deepened as we started to relate adult to adult.
I am sure you have good times to look forward to.
I love the fact you bought a cake for him even though not the family's favourite- that was a kind thing to do, and I am sure he noticed.
That's the kind of thing I do with my DS too- I make sure I take note of his interests, and take time to be curious about his world- even though going to see a movie that I wouldn't have chosen. I know the appreciates the effort I make to share in his world.
I am by no means any expert parent- I misjudge and make blunders a lot!

I am having a bash at making some home made cat food today.
My moggies never seem very happy with the food I buy, and doing some research finding out that all but the expensive commercial foods are bulked out with filler, vegetables, grain- none of which cats should be eating.
I think I am able to make cat food more cheaply than the posh foods. The internet is fantastic - I have been learning about taurine, calcium, and krill oil.
Not sure my kitchen will smell very good, but at least I have all the windows and doors open!

Enjoy the solar magic friends.

Pockets were also lost during the switch to mass produced clothing because they took more fabric and significantly more time. And thus were removed because cost and time.
historically pockets weren't always in/attached to clothes and were often strapped onto the waist as an extra. But they were historically big. On the flip side i have been most impressed with the acquirement of sports leggins with pockets. 2 big enough for a phone, and one even had an additional zippered pocket on the waist band. Excellent for hill walking if you cba/can't take a bag with you and not going routes that are "hikes" iyswim.

Just catching up again.

@TurquoiseDreamCatcher your ex school sound foul. It just shows you were absolutely right to leave. Glad your union are on board.

@speakout I love how you mother your young adults; I squirrel away little ideas all the time.

I have bought a few dresses from Popsy as they have pockets and they seem a really
nice company. I’d prefer more natural fabrics but that would probably cost more! With trousers, I’m slowly going back to wearing men’s!

hello all
Hope you are enjoying the weekend.

Healing was not what I hoped to be honest - though some interesting observations. Luckily I didn't pay the going rate. It's a friend of a friend sort of thing.

I actually feel even more down now but I will credit her with honesty. False hope annoys me immensely.

Heatwave here...just got to hunker down and get through it. Very much hoping it will not be as bad as they say. I must learn to turn the air con unit on earlier in the day.

speakout interesting that you sit on the floor for some tasks. I feel very ungrounded so maybe I should just periodically sit on the floor! You sound like you are very mindful which is good, I must learn to be more like that.

EmmaH2022 sorry to hear your healing session did not go to plan, I hope your spirits lift soon. I have just come in from a barefoot walk around the garden, showered, and drinking chamomile tea.
Mindfulness is always a work in progress. Many aspects of my life are far from ideal, but I have been dealing with challenging situations for so long that I have reached a time that my life must be paramount.
EmmaH2022 I wish you and my sisters a restorative evening.X

Good evening sisters. It's incredibly hot here today, the Sunday just starting to go down and it's now pleasant enough to sit in my garden. I'm enjoying a rare gin and tonic. I don't often drink, peri menopause has left me with a very low tolerance for alcohol, but I'm enjoying the holiday vibe!

I've been out today to a farm park with my niece and nephew, good fun but left me feeling rather relieved those days of entertaining small children are begin learning me. The farm was good though, with lots of focus on the well-being of the animals, growing organic crops, etc

EmmaH2022 I'm sorry you're healing wasn't what you expected. Don't be too disheartened though, I think sometimes when we're really stressed and tired, we can't relax enough to enjoy the healing, but we still benefit. Drink lots of water as your body will be flushing out toxins, you may feel worse for her next couple of days, so be gentle with yourself, but up should see a shift. It could be that you need a few sessions. I went to a sound bath last night and didn't really enjoy it, as I couldn't relax and get comfortable, but I know it was still beneficial.

Speakout I love hearing about you nurture your DD. She works so hard, it's lovely that you can do things to make her life a little easier. I like to do little things for my two too.

Queenrollo I agree with Speakout that 16 is a tough age! I saw a huge improvement in my two once they left school after GCSEs and went to college. I remember how difficult it was negotiating the teenage years myself. Nowadays it's even harder, i wouldn't like to be a teen now. We had a lot more freedom in the 90's.

Good morning everyone

I forget how a heatwave can be nice for others, due to the crazy nature of my boiling flat. The sun must be so welcome to many.

I was out in a nicer neighbourhood last night. Being in a normal place of an evening, a place that isn't hitting 33c+ , I remembered what summer is like for many, especially if you have a garden. I must hold on to the thought that one day I might live, or have access to, somewhere lovely.

It was a lovely night, a cat tried to follow me to the bus stop, which was very welcome. Then I saw a fox while I waited for the bus. Made me feel much better.

It made me realise that I have to put a lot of effort into mindfulness now, especially as I think peri has made my ADHD tendencies worse. It seems mad that it's possible to forget to do things that lift you but I have forgotten quite a lot lately!

EmmaH2022 sounds like you had a lovely evening and how fabulous to see a fox. I don't really like the heat once it gets above above 25. I am lucky in that I have a garden, but it's south facing with no shade so I can't use it for most of the day. The power tools are out in force this morning, I have my headphones on and trying to block out the noise, but inwardly seething!

I understand totally what you mean about ADHD and putting off doing the things that will make you feel better. My DS2 was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and is struggling with anxiety. He has all the tools he needs, he knows to feel better he needs to get out for walks, go swimming, eat property, follow guided relaxations, but just doesn't seem to be able to put any of it into practice. It must be a challenge to be neurodiverse in a neurotypical world. The flip side for DS is that he's incredibly creative and can hyper focus if he finds something he's really interested in - is this the same for you?

Violet yes, power tools and noise generally are a huge problem now. I found them a problem in my 20s but now the noise has really increased. Someone said, last night, that some people literally can't endure silence or quiet. I guess he's right.

Re the mindset, tbh I am so detached from myself I don't know the answer! I get stuck online mostly, which is dreadful. Trying to concentrate on something constructive is a goal now.

I don't put off the things I think will help. I now literally forget them.

I'm not people oriented and I find the amount of dealing with people that is required to get through an ordinary day, to be quite overwhelming. It would take about a month of a silent and solitary retreat to properly regroup, I think!

I have found that peri has made my ADHD and my hypersensitivities much much worse Emma I have withdrawn more from the world to cope with the increasing challenges of a noisy world. Although i did have a good swear at the new tumbler dryer that HAS to beep to tell you it has finish. Demanding cunty twat that it is. Why does everything! have to beep or make noise these days?! should come with an option to turn that off.
Also not a hot hot weather lover. 22C will do quite nicely thanks. I am hiding in a north facing room with iced tea and contemplating a cold bath and regretting not having any ice in the freezer. Too flecking hot for me.

There is a badger set on the path that i often walk, and often walk around dusk. It is fabulous to hear them chatter, even seen a number of badgers. Love seeing the bats, owls and foxes too just not when the bloody foxes are tearing up my garden! I find i am seeking less and less time around people and more and more solitude. But that also might be as a result of the stress that resides at home.

Hills sorry your home situation is hard.

How lovely to see badgers though. I've never seen one in real life. Never seen a hare either. I have hare ornaments because I'm attracted to those. Not sure what that means.

Hares are steeped in folk lore and mythology. They herald the spring, are shape shifters, mystical, sacred in many old religions.
Probably the original easter bunny.
I have fox visitors to my garden also, such beautiful creatures.
Pretty warm here too- outside is 26 degrees right now.
It's help yourself tacos for dinner, with pico de gallo,
meat, beans , jalapenos,salad, guacamole with refreshing lime and coriander.
Just about to settle down with some peppermint tea.

speakout perhaps something in me was attracted to all that.

mum is an owl person. We've all got something, I think.

Any reliable ways to rid oneself of negative energy? My other half just asked me and I need to find something I think will work for him.

Set for another sunny warm day here, temperatures probably won't get above 25 degrees here- I have sympathy for those of you in the south, especially if you don't have a garden.
I am up super early today, after a very early night, it is so good to be up with the dawn chorus.
Trenzalor you are asking about getting rid of negative energy.
I can think of a few ways- he can choose one that appeals.
The coming full moon this week is a time to release and rid bad energy, spellwork around that time would be powerful the nature of that work would be personal to you and your OH. Moon bathing on the day of the full moon, have windows open so the moonlight falls on the body.
Some non spell work could include grounding outside, or in meditation- there are lots of really good youtube guided mediations for your specific purpose.
Take a bath with some herbal bath salts- you can prepare the salts and infuse an intention into them. A shower would work well too- someone suggested a body scrub, again lots of recipes online with salt/sugar/honey/essential oils. I saw an image of someone using a huge rosemary branch hung up near the shower head, I though that looked amazing.
A body of wild water will wash away negative energy, the sea or a river.
You can prepare tea or food set with a magical intention, or you can cleanse a physical body with incense or smudge smoke.
I am sure there are lots of other ways, but just a few off the top of my head, I would be keen to know other ideas too.
I am off for my morning shower, I bought a new set of shower steamers from Etsy handmade by Ruby Sapphire, they look and smell amazing. today is "Refresh" with Peppermint and Lemon. I like to lay out my clean clothes in the bed and have a coffee ready after my shower. I light my candle ( Lime Basil and Mandarin at the momnet) play some music or affirmations while I dress. Then some meditation or Tarot work- or both if I have time, before I am ready to start my day.
My mornings are becoming more ritualised as the years pass, an act of magic and self soothing, l like to start the day feeling calm and grounded.
Have an enchanted day sisters.

speakout that sounds a great way to start the day.

I have made small steps this morning, sat down for five minutes of ...I think I will call it "reverence" to start the day.

Managed to get to 3pm before moaning about the boiling flat. I suppose these boiling evenings here might be a good time to try meditation. But I might go out tonight to escape the heat. Can't do it every night but it's looking like a very long fortnight in London.

Thank you @speakout - I think the smoke will work the best for him.

@EmmaH2022 I’m in London as well. I’m melting.

Not long - maybe a couple of minutes? Usually whilst the kettle is boiling for my breakfast nettle tea! I feel it's the regular repetition that benefits me and I'd rather spend a few minutes of focused time than half an hour of drifting thoughts and distractions.

It also means it's an achievable practice. I've tried more elaborate time consuming ones and they never lasted more than a few days.

Thoroughly enjoying the hot weather here. I went for a walk with a witchy friend down to the Marina and had lunch watching the boats before heading down to the beach itself. I'm very lucky that the temperatures in my old stone cottage never get above 20c whatever it is outside. I was actually wearing a fleece in the oldest coldest part yesterday......

Elphame - thanks. Yes, it's exactly that for me, I need the repetition in order to build habits.

Elphame similarly here my old Victorian property remains very cool in the downstairs rooms even on the hottest of days. Unfortunately the bedrooms are in the eaves so they become unbearably hot!

I have a visit from an official this morning, to discuss the anti-social behaviour incident I experienced a few weeks ago. I might add that the police closed the case without even bothering to call me, or arrange to see the footage I had. I had to chase them and the poor PC I spoke to on the phone - I chewed his ear for a good 20 mins. I am still contemplating raising a complaint but as the wheels are turning I am awaiting the outcome of the Housing Association investigation.
So yesterday I actually cleansed my front door/porch and recharged the sigil I had drawn on the doorstep some time ago.
Now that DH has taken DS to school I am going to do a little witchy protection/intention for this meeting to be a positive one for me.

Morning everyone
Thankyou for the encouragement with the sewing.
looking for ways to lift my spirits today after a difficult weekend. Myself and my husband haven’t seen eye to eye and my house continues to be a building site which I am not coping well with this last few days. I am trying to appreciate that the end result will be worth it but I’m struggling today.

Since we moved house we have been inundated with visitors and I am not the best at being so social all the time. I
not used to it . I expected to come here and spend more time quietly with my husband now that my son has moved away. My husbands relatives have suggested that they come to our house next weekend for a bbq and they will bring the food.
My feeling is that I really need a quiet weekend and if I should have a bbq then I’d like to decide when to have it, buy the food and invite the guests myself. My husband thinks I’m awful.

I don’t think perimenopause is doing me any favours, my self confidence is at an all time low. I admit I cried last night and felt quite worthless, as though I am different from the norm and don’t fit in anywhere.
i am going to try to meditate and Instil some positivity into myself this morning now. I feel quite guilty for wallowing.

@Elphame fingers crossed for a good outcome for you
@speakout your morning ritual sounds lovely I might have a look on Etsy and treat myself 🙂
@EmmaH2022 great that you saw a fox. I have never seen one despite trying ! I have recently seen a beautiful hare and some deer which made my day but foxes remain elusive for me ! hoping the weather cools too . I don’t enjoy the heat either .

have a peaceful day everyone ❤️