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.

Adding my voice to the chorus of treasuring the weird and not giving a fuck about being normal any more

Oops meant to preview and hit post I'm attempting to restore some order to my home today and it's hard going - but trying to keep the intentions of space and calm and peace in my mind as I do it rather than resenting spending time tidying up!

Loving hearing about all our altars and collections and what they mean to us. I have just switched my altar around for January - like some of you, I have collection spots and mini altar spaces all over the house (and live alone so no issues with clashing) but my main altar lives on my dressing table and has a permanent collection of precious-to-me objects, plus something to represent each month, a candle, and space for crystals and talismans depending on what I want to focus on. January's figurine is a little winter fox I found just before Christmas. Attempting to attach a photo :)

@hilariousnamehere

Adding my voice to the chorus of treasuring the weird and not giving a fuck about being normal any more

I’m loving this energy. Brilliant

Lovely to see your altar hilarious, thank you for sharing it with us. Your winter fox is fabulous.

My ‘main altar’ is also in my bedroom and is a collection of objects that are meaningful to me and feel like they hold power. Also like others, I have various collections dotted throughout the house too

Hilariousnamehere I love your winter fox and now I want one too! Foxes are very special to me and I've got various foxy ornaments around the house. My main altar/ surface is in my bedroom too, I've got a collection of special objects, crystals, a hare, a crystal ball, treasure ld photos. I've also got other collections around the house too (which seems to be a common theme!)

Loving the conversations in our busy kitchen today.

Hills you are a better person than me for remaining composed in that situation, if anyone had verbalised that tripe about a multinational corporation "tithing" in my hearing I'd have collapsed in a fit of giggles in front of them.

It goes hand in hand with the transparency thing as we grow in years and wisdom. There are many reasons to be opposed to the ethics of large companies worldwide, but the reason you were given has tickled me pink

Hello and welcome to our new sisters and those who feel more comfortable just watching for now, it's lovely to see all of you, can I suggest you take some time to go through our previous threads, dip in and out as you feel the need. There's so much to learn about different pathways and about us too, our customs and phrases that probably mean little to anyone outside of our kitchen here in the best area of cyberspace, like the 8's and our latest addition, the Cauldron of Intentions.

I'm being called to do something much less interesting than spending time here, so I'll fly off on my broomstick and drop by later.

< exits via the open window, doing loop the loops on the way, sprinkling stardust ... >

@BlankTimes thank you. I have taken my ritual bath and cleansed my alter for the new moon, and now I'm starting reading from thread 1. See you in 16 threads!

puts on coat and warm hat and heads out

I love all the recent talk of embracing your inner weirdo and learning to give less fucks. I’ve entered a new decade and a new phase of life (motherhood) in the last few years and definitely feel that shift that way.

A couple of ideas I’ve enjoyed that others might:

• yesterday when I felt overwhelmed with projects and ideas, so I drew up a circle split into eight with all the important aspects of life as one segment each. I graded each segment and it made it very easy to see which areas I needed to prioritise and work on. It sounds a bit clinical written down like that, but it’s really helped give me clarity.

• the highly sensitive person by Elaine R. Aron. I think a lot of you might resonate with this book.

Wishing you all a fabulous day x

I have woken to this new moon energy crashing herself into Capricorn-feeling much refreshed, and just had an early long but very uplifting and encouraging conversation with a family member who has been struggling for some time.

I was listening to a radio show yesterday about the age of the Great Turning. Just as humankind has moved from hunter gatherer to agricultural- as civilisation has “progressed” bringing with it he industrial revolution which has set us on a track over the cliff some suggest that we are at the start of a new social revolution- the Great Turning, which will will happen at great speed through necessity as we pull on the emergency brakes before we destroy ourselves and leave the planet in an assaulted state
www.ecoliteracy.org/article/great-turning
It was being suggested that this will not be a slow process, it will be done in a very short period of time, just a few years,and far from the doom and gloom of plastic pollution and global warming there is huge reason for optimism. Although we are facing an Omicron Tsunami, many scientists are now thinking this is the final scream of Covid, Delta is being wiped out- almost gone in London and South Africa as Omicron is such a fierce variant to other strains, yet relatively mild in most cases and leaves people immune to other strains. Omicron will protect from more deadly variants even in countries too poor to afford vaccines.
The Great Turning if you buy into it will see a shift in societies, power structures, the breakdown of patriarchy, women rising to be listened to, to have opportunities to share their power and skills, rekindling sustainable living practices and knowledge long forgotten. Not a move back to prehistoric times, but a move forward, using communication and technology, with mindfulness and fairness to heal ourselves and the planet. I will find a link to the radio show if anyone would like to listen.
Phew- a bit of an eco political rant this morning, but ideas that I have found inspirational. I know a lot of this is already being explored, renewable energy, growing willow for fuel, chlorophyl solar banks, re-greening of spaces, permaculture etc, but some powerful concepts.
Having a house cleaning day today, OH back to work tomorrow as am I, so nee to get the house in an organised state. No yoga today, but I will be mopping floors, cleaning and cleansing, so lots of body movement. Off for a lemon balm spa shower.
New moon blessings dear sisters,

@speakout that sounds very interesting - do you have the name of the radio show so I can learn more? By the way I think you might really enjoy the book I recommended above x

Good morning sisters.

I have an altar in my bedroom which I change probably monthly although some remains the same. I start with crystals or plants and shift around some things. At the moment I have a spirit card in a stand, protective crystals and candle around that and then a bowl of crystals for prosperity. There are random dishes of seashells and often other things as well. Also two large plants and two smaller.

@WrittenInGold I’m reading old threads too - I think I’m on mine now! There’s lots of good ideas and book recommendations throughout - enjoy!

I hope everyone has a lovely day. I’ve school work to do, but I shall probably break it up with more enjoyable reading!

pours a chamomile tea from the kettle on the communal aga

*nine

Good morning, sisters!
I, like most, have many 'mini altars', but also a main one on my hearth containing some of my favourite pieces to work with. I also have a few 'hidden' ones - unassuming objects that I have charged/blessed, sometimes tucked away out of view, sometimes in clear view, but looking like an ordinary object. I am proud to be a Witch, but some workings are not for prying/judgmental eyes, and I like to keep some things very private.
Well, I am off now to perform some of the most mundane magic - housework! Never used to enjoy it one bit until I realised how easy it was to weave little charms as I go, and the clearing of old energy is so very satisfying!

Blessed Moon-day, sisters x

Speakout I'd like a link to the radio show please. I read something very similar this morning myself, but annoyingly I can't find it now. The essence of the article was that this transition is happening quickly and the role of 'light workers' is to lead the way into this brave new world. It's an interesting concept.

I'm feeling refreshed too after a restorative sleep. I've been to the gym this morning, this afternoon I'm meeting some friends for a walk and yoga this evening. I feel at my best mentally when I'm physically active, I've resolved that I'm not going to let work get in the way of exercise anymore and be disciplined in finishing on time.

Blessings to you all for a magical day.

Good to hear of all this new moon energy.
Still a bank holiday here, so gyms etc still closed. I have started Adriene's new release on youtube, called Move it's a new 30 day release. Quite short too, less than 30 minutes. For anyone thinking of trying yoga for the first time it's worth a go, although I would suggest aimed at audiences who have some degree of fitness- she expects planks and down dogs. I know for some especially starting in the older years or a low level of fitness it may be a challenge- but don't be disheartened. One of my yoga teachers has started running classes at a sheltered housing complex, one of her students is starting yoga for the first time at 94, and improved enprmously in 10 weeks, gaining strength and flexibility. Very inspiring.
I have been sweeping, mopping, laundry, so an active morning, just having a sit down with a coffee.
Annoyingly I can't find the radio show about the Great Turning. I borrowed my OHs car yesterday and don;t really know how to use the radio, so ust end up randomly pressing buttons until I find something interesting. I thouht it was Radio Scotland, but I have listened online to the show that was on when I was in the car yesterday and it's not there. So I don;t know which stattion I was listening to! Huge apologies. If I do find it I wll post the link.
Interesting that the Silver Spoon Project is working alongside The Witches of Scotland campaign, www.witchesofscotland.com/
The two year legal campaign has been passed in the Scottish Parliament who will now be issuing pardons for the many women murdered by the state.
The ideas of the Silver Spoon makes so much sense when we frame it though other odeas such as the motherwound. The ancestral damage and fear which persists even today as women are told to be kind, compliant, kind. Just a few hundred years ago these behaviours could literally save lives and keep women safe.
But they persist.
And not just modern day witch trials, but those going back much further, silencing women through threats and violence kept them subjugated and compliant.
We live in lucky times and in a lucky society here where women can loosen their binds. Binds which kept them silent, safe and downtrodden. We can speak up and speak out, refuse to accept the status quo.

I’m enjoying the new moon energy and everyone’s inspiring posts. Thank you for all you share.

Clearing energy here today- it feels good to blow the cobwebs away, fresh air blowing through the house as I’ve cleaned. It’s a marvel what a difference it makes to the energy- I’m one for throwing open the windows in all weathers!

Some fascinating thoughts and ideas here today. I haven’t had a chance to listen yet but there’s a video here about the Great Turning, I’m looking forward to learning more

greatturning.net/an-intimate-discourse-with-visionaries-of-the-great-turning/

I love your reflections on the Witches of Scotland campaign and silver spoon project speakout, your grit, fight and ongoing commitment to justice for our sisters past. I agree we are lucky to live in these times in so many ways and the energy of not putting up with the status quo feels so pertinent.

Inspired by our new friends I had a read back through some of our old threads earlier today. I very much enjoy visiting our past selves. Interesting that towards the end of 2019 many of us sensed big changes coming, there certainly was something in the air…

Wishing everyone a peaceful evening. I’ll light a candle at 8 with the intention of welcoming the new beginnings of the new moon, bringing us a sense of hope and possibility where it is needed

speakout I was going to the 30 Day yoga with Adrienne and I couldn't manage yesterday's at all. Far too many poses like plank and downward dog, for sustained amounts of time gave me agonising pain in my wrists. I am suffering today and having to completely rethink. I might have to default to doing my own from her existing videos.
I read through the comments and others echoing my thoughts that it is really not 'beginners' yoga at all - and I'm saddened to say there were some quite dismissive responses. I'm sure it's not what Adrienne herself would wan to see.
I also didn't feel the poses were very adaptable to for the less able.

I have had an emotionally very challenging day thanks to my teenager. Some aspects of motherhood are so painful. I'm in that limbo of him still being my responsibility but he is essentially a man rather than a boy. He is making bad choices, they could have long term implications and his other parent does not agree with my concerns.
Today he said something to me, which while he did not say it to deliberately hurt me, it was deeply wounding nonetheless.
I am full of gratitude for a particular friend who was there for me this afternoon to offer her own experienced perspective.

Aerwyna thank you for that video, perfect for me to watch as I do some slow work tonight packing incense. Like you I am a doors and windows open person, especially when doing big work like washing floors, hoovering, changing bedding.
It was throwing down a torrent today and gales again, but I had every door and window open as I worked- I really wanted a big energy change in the house after this festive season.
I too will light a candle at 8- big changes are a coming I feel.

It's a shame Adrienne's 30 days of yoga is tough for beginners. What I used to like about it was that it was suitable for all, I know for many people, following the 30 day programme kick started their yoga journey. I didn't complete it last year, I found some of the classes were just too long (45 - 50 mins). Fine in a class but it's hard to maintain focus for that length of time at home with the distractions of DC, pets, etc.

My yoga teacher tonight made a comment about how yoga not only improves our lives by helping us be physically more healthy, it also improves the quality of our lives by changing the way we see the world. For me, this summed up beautifully everything I love about yoga, holistically, it's the best thing you can do for your mind, body and sport, so yoga teachers really should do what they can to make it accessible for everyone.

Aerwyna thank you for that video, I'll look forward to watching it this evening. I smiled at your description of throwing open the windows and doors when you're cleaning, I do this too. DM thinks I'm mad, but I remember my Nan doing exactly the same. There's something so cleansing about filling the house with fresh, clean air.

Queenrollo sorry to hear of your teen boy challenges. I have two boys myself who are early 20's now, so we're over the worst (although they still have their moments!) How old is your DS? I'm so glad you have a good friend to offload to, I have a friend with bits the same age as mine and I think we saved each other's sanity! I recommend this book www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Out-My-Life-First/dp/B004XZXPOQ/ref=nodl_ I found it really helped me to understand how teenage brains work and how to relate to. Sending you solidarity!

VioletCharlotte

I absoluely agree about Adriene's classes- I would suggest tooo difficult for anyone over 40 or so that hasn't done exercise for a while.
Good real life classes can be amazing. One class I go to is very mixed, some daily power yogis that need deeper and harder options, some newcomers, one or two use chairs. Some find side planks a breeze,some will not be able to do down dog, but the teacher always makes sure that there are options for all in every pose, and makes sure everyone feels comfortable eing in the stage they are at.
Yes yoga changes everything, it is a physical meditation, teaches us focus, causes us to examine our tenacity, pride, mental strength in both holding on and letting go. And most of all humility.
I always reach out to newcomers- they may feel stiff, inept and stressed they they may do someithung wrong or struggle. Yoga is a jouney for everyone, whether we have been practicing for two months or 20 years, and no one's journey is more valuable or more iportant than anyone else's.
I have been so stressed over christmas my balance goes at yoga- notmally able to hold a tree, eagle or warrior three with ease I have been dropping and unable to hold poses that are usually easy for me.
The teacher has been laughing with me, she sees the annoyance on my face, she knows how I feel she knows me well enough, we laugh together as I stumble. It will come back, but that is a lesson in humility, because the more I push to find that balance the less easily it will come and only highlights the slight impatient and perfectionist part of my nature. we can learn so much about each other through yoga practice without speaking words!

VioletCharlotte it can be so hard, sometimes I think parenting young adults is the hardest time of all. Watching them walking headlong into a situation that you know will probably have a negative outcome, yet you have little power to change that. Making mistakes is part of growth though, however much we as parents want to protect and guide, they need to learn to take their own reins, and however painful to watch these mistakes will also be strengthening and opportunities for growth.
I also think the word filter is something that many teens lack- blasting out the venom they probably only feel for two seconds and forgotten in 5 minutes, yet we are still feeling wounded a week later.
Parenting toddlers is the easy part!
I would suggest try not to dwell, our children are only part of our lives, not our whole lives. Find some self nurturing activity to remind yourself that your own welfare is paramount. XX

Hello and brightest blessings one and all! Reading all your lovely posts has given me a much-needed boost at this time of the year. I celebrate the ‘new year’ on November 1st as I see Samhain as the end of the growth cycle. January 1st is more a calendar date convention. I do love Imbolc when the first signs of new growth become visible.

I've had a quick look at the video, it's from the Findhorn Foundation.

The actual founding of Findhorn itself, the Findhorn Community and the tales of its magical lands that grow giant veg is an unusual story. It was always mentioned in an awed tone during those late night into early morning group chats only young ones can have, where you felt you were part of a legend in the making.

BlankTimes I remember those talks too, when I was 19, spirit of Gaia, turnips the size of a car, some truth, some exaggeration, talked of with reverence and awe. Always meant to visit but never did, although I have been near several times, instead prefering to stay in the Pennan Inn where the movie Local Hero was flmed ( proaby my favourite movie of all time, the music is especially hainting) with my then rather dishy boyfriend. We were both field based for work, ( different companies) so would plan business visits to research facilities around Aberdeen making sure we could book into the Pennan Inn for a night and eat the delicious local seafood, smoked mussels and oysters ( the hotel had a little shack of a smokery at the back where it smoked seafood). All rather romantic when I look back at times ike those! The movie is a little dated and cheesy now, but the ethos remains the same, the battle between the planet and oil industries. The beach scene is a classic, two men in suits " can you imagine a world without dry cleaning fluid or perspex". Do watch if you haven't seen it!
Just a little reminiscing this morning.
Must move, me empty coffee cup tells me it's time to shower and get ready, a 9am yoga class, and a full day of work for me ahead after that.
Take magical steps today dear friends.

ueenrollo

I hope you had a restorative sleep and a more positive day ahead.