Any Witches Here?- Part 17.

[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..
This is the 17th thread- anyone looking for a deep dive into juicy magical topics may like to browse previous threads.....

It is a long list!!

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
www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4435233-Any-Witches-Here-Part-16?page=40&reply=118807589

Thank you hilarious

Sending uplifting energy to you VioletCharlotte and EmmaH2022, I hope you are feeling a little brighter this morning. I know the darker months can be challenging. I have a candle lit this morning for my sisters. I hope the weekend brings healing.
Over the years it has helped me to reframe the dark months. Our society is busy and well lit and expects full engagement at all times of the year. As winter approaches our bodies and minds enter a gentler time, our mood shifts, we turn inwards and feel a little more melancholic and introspective.
I am not trivialising depressive illness- I know it can be a devastating condition, but I do think that we are tuned to lead a slower pace during the winter months.
Our ancestors would have understood that, and with little artificial light or heat then evenings would be spent around a fire, story telling, singing and sleeping more. A time for divination, and deep diving into shadows,
I think there is a problem when modern life fails to recognise the cycles of the spirit, and demands the same level of output and activity during the winter, when in fact we should be nurturing ourselves in the soft shadows. That dissonance manifests as discord.
You sound busy as ever hilariousnamehere, I am not too good with manic schedules. I hope you have time to pause and rest.
It is a stormy day here, a wild wind is battering rain against the window I am grateful only to have one essential trip to the local town today, but that will take less than an hour.
Have an enchanted day friends.

Thank you speakout

EmmaH2022 sending you a big warm hug of energy. I hope you're feeling a little better this morning. Our cosy witches kitchen is a safe place to drop into when you're feeling sad or lonely, there's always friends here 🧙‍♀️

Wise words Speakout I agree that modern life makes it difficult to follow the natural cycles of nature and hunker down during the darker months. I'm finding it much easier now I work from home. I used to really struggle with SAD when I worked in an office, going to work and coming home in the dark. I used to have a light box on my desk which helped a bit. I even used to have the occasional sun bed, not great for your skin I know, but I figure that it doesn't hurt too much now and again. It really made a difference to my mood.

I'm in the hairdressers at the moment getting my colour done ready for my weekend away. It's bright and sunny today so hoping it'll stay like this all weekend.

VioletCharlotte I hope you have enjoyed the afternoon having your hair done. A new style or colour can give us a boost can't it.
I usually have a few sunbeds over the winter months, that perks me up too. Not great for the skin ( although I place a folded t shirt over my face and neck area to protect it) I think it is good for the immune system and gives us a shot of vitamin D too.
Interesting to read of your woman's circle- I was touched at a deep level at my last group. Maybe 9 or 10 women-strangers- sharing the deepest parts of themselves in a safe sacred space. It was humbling, moving and very healing.
I look forward to the full moon on Sunday.
I have just finished a hot chocolate after shopping and putting groceries away.
But seem to have lost 3 large potatoes. They were unbagged, I remember putting them into the trolley, but have disappeared. I have retraced my steps- car boot, fridge, shelves, checked the empty bags. They have vanished into thin air - and it amuses me to think of three large potatoes lying in the wrong place.
If they are around they will make themselves known in a week or two, rotten potatoes have an indelicate fragrance!

Thank you Violet

I'm the same as you, ten years ago I'd have said I have SAD. Then I worked more evenings and now mostly work at home - much less SAD, negligible really, though I do use a bright light all day on the dark grey days.

speakout it is so weird when stuff like that happens - and it definitely does. Stuff does vanish.

Just realised it's full moon this weekend, for some reason I didn't realise that. Next year I am planning to go on full moon walks in the countryside in summer, now I know it's a thing.

Sorry! I seem to have dropped off, DD had a really bad case of tonsillitis so I’ve been busy looking after her and completely forgot about this thread. But we’re on the mend now. I had a dream about a little boy running into my arms the other night and he told me his name (not a name we considered before), and now I’m convinced we’re having a boy. Have any of you experienced anything like this? It was surreal.

@speakout we have a shed on our permanent mooring, so we store things there but really we just live quite cluttered, which I like. We have planters on the windows, we used to have some on the roof but that’s now got solar panels so we can’t fit them anymore.

@msreid wow! You grow so much that’s incredible, I’m in awe!

Sorry if I’ve missed anything important from everyone, I’ve just skimmed quickly, but I will try and catch up properly when I get the chance

Full moon blessings to you all. I'm away at the moment, staying by the sea. I've been hoping all day that the clouds would part and I would be able to see her, and here she is 🌕

barefootnomadmam I hope your DD has recovered, tonsilitis can be unpleasant. What a powerful dream to have, real sould connection.
VioletCharlotte I love that photograph- what an atmospheric scene.
I fell asleep last night with my curtains open- bathing in moonlight. The moon was so bright I could have read a bood by the silvery brilliance. I fell asleep very quickly and slept a deep sleep full of dreams. I know some here struggle to sleep well under a full moon, I think the energy affects us in different
We are promised some sunshine today, so will make good use of my new washing machine, and some moon water I made last night.
I have been busy all weekend working, so today shouldn't be too hectic, and I have bought myself some new candles and incense to lift my working space.
Curry for dinner later, I am enjoying squash at the moment, and I think the sweet flesh partners well with a spicy curry.
I hope the full moon brings everyone a release and positive manifestation.

Hi all, I am a lurker enjoying all the wonderful posts.

Welcome MidnightConstellation glad you have joined us.
I love your username!.
Such a beautiful autumn day- I will be putting out my besom into the porch today, it is a huge full sized broom, but I have adorned it with beads, ribbons, shells, crystals and some tiny fairy lights entwined within the twigs.
I may cook a crumble to have after my curry for supper- I like to add
crushed hazelnuts to the topping, for extra crunch and nutrition.
I love this spooky time of year- I feel quite at home and come out of the broom closet without eyebrows being raised!

I felt compelled to go to the woods today. I spent a slow two hours walking, standing, talking to the trees. I hugged several and rested my forehead on the bark, and got a defnite feminine or masculine energy from some.
I found some rubbish (unusual for this woodland, it's a reserve and people do tend to keep it tidy) so I picked it up and I really think the land thanked me - because a few more steps and I saw my first ever fly agaric. I actually cried. I was so emotional, and I thanked the forest for such a gift.

queenrollo how magical- thanks for sharing that special time.
I am a tree hugger too, and yes- they all have different energies.
Can be very comforting, energising or inspiring.
And a beautiful photo of the fly agaric. You have lifted my evening.

Wow Queenrollo how exciting! I found a toadstool/ mushroom yesterday, not as magical as yours though! I love to hug the trees too, or just sit at the base and rest my head against the trunk. There's something so reassuring about their strength.

Back home after a lovely weekend away. I can't help wishing I lived nearer to the sea, I felt so calm after walking on the beach and swimming made my body feel alive and tingling with energy. It's nice to be home though and I'm looking forward to curling up in my own bed.

VioletCharlotte there is something quite magical about mushrooms and toadstools isn't there.As a child I always imagined them to be some fairy dwelling. Even now they excite me- I often see fairy rings in my front garden.
I am glad you enjoyed your weekend, yes, always lovely to curl in in your own bed. The familiar is very comforting.
I do live quite near the sea,
at 10-15 minute drive, but don't tend to visit as much as I could. I do see the sea several times a week as I drive past,
perhaps living so close has
allowed me to take the sea for granted. Sometimes I drive down and park up, wander along the strand and do some beachcombing, but only a few times a year.
Every landsacpe has magical
qualities- whether it is a river, woodland, mountains, marsh. I am lucky to live just next to a river, deeply gorged in some places, and thick native woodland running its whole length- I tend to dip into that when I need some water energy, only a two minute walk from my home.
Just about to start my day, coffee finished,time for a hot shower and pamper process!

Morning sisters, I hope you're all having a good start to the weekend. I'm just back from my Saturday morning yoga class, a combination of flow and restorative, my favourite class of the week. I drifted home feeling relaxed and happy. Browsing Mumsnet with a coffee before starting the housework.

It's feeling very autumnal now isn't it? The leaves are turning, a beautiful show of red and gold. I love to kick them when I walk and hear them crunch. The temperatures dropped this week, although it's bright and sunny today.

Pilates this afternoon, then some kitchen witching. I'm planning a sweet potato curry for dinner. I've also got a craving for treacle tart!

VioletCharlotte your day sounds lovely, yoga, pliates and treacle tart. Yum.
Yes the autumn colours are magnificent at the moment, quite windy here with squally showers, so I daren't put out laundry.
My front porch is quite large and faces south, it gets warm I have found it perfect for drying clothes, with the window ajar.
Otherwise a quiet day here.
I did receive a gift through the post from my lovely niece- she bought me this book- perfect for a cosy afternoon reading.

Felt the need to reconnect today. Smudged the summer house and wreathed myself in healing smoke. Then some gardening and composting,and started some rosemary oil fir Christmas gifts. A hedge witch sort of a day and feel back on track

Autumnal witching

Oh, I've just had a chance to check back in and what a treat - gorgeous photos and thank you for sharing @VioletCharlotte , @queenrollo and @dementedma 🥰

@speakout I absolutely love Sharon Blackie - have a copy of If Women Rose Rooted waiting for me to have a few hours to dig in properly. That one looks intriguing, would love to hear your thoughts when you've read it if you're happy to share!

Manic here as ever but feeling slightly less overwhelmed today - I managed to get my email newsletter rejuvenated, a task which has been nearly two years in the making - and it is such a weight off my shoulders! Now I can go back to sharing my magical life (and relevant stuff about what I do and why they signed up, of course) without having to tackle 83 different tech updates before I do each time.

I've really missed writing online - I've been doing it for nearly eighteen years, and writing has always been a huge part of my magic, but covid stole my reading and writing mojo and it's taken some time to get it back. So I am a tired but happy witch this evening!

Last car boot sale of the year with Mum tomorrow, and I too am revelling in spooky season - I never really hide my pagan/witchy ways but it's nice to be able to do things like wear pumpkin cat leggings and bat hairclips to an awards dinner without raising any eyebrows, because it's October 😂

My photo contribution is not nearly as atmospheric but I hope it makes you smile - I acquired two life size corvids in Wilko of all places - originally and still intended for a shoot I have in mind, but they appear to have taken up residence on my bedroom windowsill and they make me smile every morning 😂

I went to my first funeral since Dad's in 2017 on Friday - for a much loved great uncle. It was a lovely service and a celebration of a long life very well lived, but has made me think some more about my own funeral plans. I have some instructions like music choices and bright colours, but am now pondering the rites and rituals that go with death, and where I might look to find some non-religious inspiration. I have two celebrant friends who will be getting emails next week, but if any of you have any ideas or resources you know of I'd love to know. And I hope I haven't upset anyone with the subject 🙈

On a happier note, although I didn't get a photo of it the full moon was absolutely bewitchingly beautiful - I had to stop the car on the way home and stand in a field and just bathe in it. It's fortunate I live in a village where eccentricity is the norm or I suspect I'd run into awkward situations more often!

Lighting a late night candle for my sisters here and I hope you're all currently sound asleep 💙

I love your photo dementedma- captures a magical moment.
It has been very story here since yesterday, and still blowing a hoolie outside, still dark but I can hear the rain battering against the window.

Those are wonderful birds hilariousnamehere, very life like- I also love your placement- I get a lot of birds in the house, they come in to eat cat food, and get confused, my own cats will be found cowering under a cushion.
Losing a loved one is hard, OH and I often joke about the type of funeral we would have- including but not limited to- a game of bingo at half time, silent disco, a roulette table taking bets in the corner, tombola, karaoke. Music to include Nellie the Elephant, Mouldy Old Dough by Lieutenant Pigeon and Baby Shark, complete with actions.
And as the years go by we are actually considering some degree of irreverence, humour has played a large part in my life- even during the darkest of moments, and it would be fun to recognise that.
I have yoga this morning, never ceases to amaze me how many people are keen to come to a yoga class early or on a Sunday morning.

I will have an oatmeal bath this morning, my skin feels in need of nourishment, still a little dry after my week in the sun.
I have been slightly obsessed with oatmeal this week. I am always a fan, but now cold weather is here I have been making porridge most mornings, with oatmilk, and trying lots of different toppings, all types of fruit, nuts, maple syrup, seeds, berries, almond butter, cinnamon, whetever takes my fancy.
I look forward to breakfast already- although it can wait until I have finished yoga.
Have an enchanted day dear friends. XX

I’ve just finished catching up after weeks of non-stop schoolwork taking over everything. We’re expecting Ofsted and I’ve tried using my cards to predict when they’ll show but all
I’m getting so far is days identified when all the children seriously struggling with MH are going to be triggered! Ofsted date still in the wind I think.

I did some gateway meditation this morning and although it didn’t work exactly as I thought I believe I did get taken to some ancestors in the Caribbean. Cowrie shells were very important, one ancestor was found dead covered in the small ones (in what I saw) and her daughter had to take a large cowrie shell as it “held the stories of the ancestors”. Google tells me small cowrie shells were used for divination amongst other purposes (I recognise my subconscious may have read this previously and filed it away) but I cannot find anything about large cowrie shells holding the stories of the ancestors in Caribbean, Taino or West African culture. Very interesting. The veil is definitely thinning.

I hope everyone is well despite the shorter sunshine hours. I definitely agree with @speakout that our ancestors would have hunkered down, eaten what they could and slept more. There was less agricultural work to do at this time of year and most of the animals would have been slaughtered and smoked to save feeding over the harsh winter months.

I am a tree hugger and toucher too. I find if you let them, they love to communicate. Some of them have been ignored so long though, they don’t know how to anymore. They don’t work at our speed of thought - much slower - so I find you get mostly one sentence if you give them time. It’s possible to build relationships with trees as well. I used to talk daily with a cedar tree on the way to my daughter’s nursery.

I have several of these in my garden and assorted mushrooms!

Seeing these fungi makes me think of the artist Margaret Tarrant, bringing feelings of nostalgia and enchantment. I has some books of her prints as a child I remember pouring over the drawings devouring every little magical detail, I could spend hours looking at her work and immersing myself in the scene.

"Still blowing a hoodie outside" Speakout I said that to yesterday and the person I was speaking to looked at me blankly as she had never heard that expression. Is it Scottish? Now I'm wondering if I picked it up on here!

I've just been done a rabbit hole looking at Margaret Tarrant pictures. I didn't recognise her name so googled and was instantly taken back to childhood. Like you, I used to sit and look at them for hours.

MidnightConstellation your garden sounds like a magical place!

Trenzalor yes, I've noticed that the veil is thinning, I've had a few experiences over the last few days that have made me smile, my ancestors finding little ways to remind me that they're about. There's certainly a Samhain feeling about, the air is beginning to crackle!

I went for a lovely walk through the fields and woods with my friend today, we walked over 10km, happily putting the world to rights! I'm feeling relaxed now after a Sunday roast, I dont do one very often as it's a bit off a faff for just me and DS, so it was a real treat!