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

Blowing a hoolie, not a hoodie, is a common Scottish expression

Yes, sorry, that was what I meant. My phone autocorrected it to hoodie!

@MidnightConstellation what a photo! Gorgeous.

@speakout I love the phrase, "blowing a hoolie." Regional sayings a dialect absolutely fascinate me.

Just to give you a baby update, she is 5 weeks old now and moving into age 0-3 clothes. I feel a bit sad that the little baby grows that kept both my daughters warm have now reached the end of their journey with us. I'll be keeping my favourite one to remember how small they both were.

It's half term next week. Has anyone got some suggestions of things I can do with the 5 year old? I would like to do something that involves nature. We are blessed with an enormous back garden so we aren't short on resources.

@Trenzalor just wanted to offer you some positive vibes on the impending ofsted visit. Remember what the school is panicking about is very unlikely to be what ofsted is looking for. You know you are a good teacher, just be you.

My school made us go in at 6am on both ofsted days. One of the reasons my teaching career only lasted just over a term.

@TurquoiseDreamCatcher funnily enough, I was thinking yesterday about some of the things we used to do at primary school during the autumn. My absolute favourite was collecting leaves, painting them different colours and using them to make imprints on a page. You could also collect things - conkers, acorns, leaves, sweet chestnuts, etc to make an autumn display (looking back, this was probably what got me started at making alters!)
How about getting her to help you with some autumnal cooking/ baking using seasonal produce?
I love this kind of thing, my boys were not interested unfortunately- but they did like to kick in the leaves and collect conkers!

I'm a new poster to this thread - many thanks to @speakout who invited me here after I posted on the 'Something about you no one knows' thread about my witchy leanings.

I've been having a back-read across the threads and am fascinated by your histories and different paths. I've seen that some of you are hereditary witches, which I think must be amazing and a really wonderful history, culture and legacy to have inherited. I am a reasonably new convert to this path (2-3 years), but do believe I found it at the time that was meant.

Until this point I've been completely solitary in my workings. My spirituality has always been something quite private and intrinsic to me, and was, when I was trying (but not succeeding) to follow the Christian path. Even my husband knows nothing of my interest in Paganism. But I so much like the warm, welcoming energy on these threads, and it would be really good to find a community of like-minded people who 'get' it. So I hope you won't mind if I join you here!

Thank you @VioletCharlotte you have brought back some happy childhood memories for me.

@TurquoiseDreamCatcher where did five whole weeks go?! So pleased to hear your update and sending you lots of love!

And adding my good wishes and luck for you @Trenzalor - I am in awe of teachers!

@MarieIVanArkleStinks it's lovely to have you here, the fire is lit and the magical kettle is always on :)

I'm feeling inexplicably unsettled this evening but no proper reasons why, so dinner and some journalling and an early night is what I think I'm going to attempt to fix it.

@MarieIVanArkleStinks welcome. I’m subtly hinting to my husband about my pagan leanings by adding things to my informal altar! Not a pentagram/pentacle yet (I keep those put away) as he still links that with certain evil figures! I’ve always read Tarot and had crystals around me since he’s known me so it’s probably always been obvious to him. I recently left the Christian belief after decades of drifting with it alongside decades of what essentially were pagan beliefs. I hope you find what you need with us.

@MarieIVanArkleStinks welcome! It's always good to have new friends join us in our cosy witches cottage 😊

@hilariousnamehere I've been feeling a little unsettled this week too, there's so much odd energy around, and I need to avoid the news for a bit I think! Early night for me too.

Thank you so much for your replies. Warm fires and hot kettles always sound good.

@Trenzalor, that sounds exactly like me. I have crystals, an altar and a shrine in my home and I doubt husband has a clue what they are (other than coming upon my shrine with its candles lit and commenting that it looked like someone was having a "black mass" around here!) The pentacles stay hidden but Triskele/triple moon are outed. I used to bake 'jumbles' in the shape of Triskeles too.

I also love the phrase 'blowing a hoolie'. I have a very special tree in my garden, and the sound of high winds blowing through it is one of my favourites.

Hugs @VioletCharlotte - hope we both feel better in the morning!

@MarieIVanArkleStinks I am glad you found us! Welcome, I hope you find our community supportive. I have learned a lot from these threads, and always good to have someone who understands our magical side.
Coming out as a witch can be tricky, I know some here are loud and proud, and hide nothing. I would love to be in that situation.
I have to keep my witch face under wraps to an extent, I have christian family members. My OH however tells everyone who knows him that I am a witch, all his colleagues and boss know, and my OH's family could not be more supportive either.
I have also fond memories of autumn as a child, collecting conkers and leaves, we had a nature table at school, which changed seasonally, and I set one up in my bedroom too- and yes Violetcharlotte they were indeed altars.
I am another one feeling out of sorts this week, strange energies, I think the financial cataclysm exploding at the moment is playing a big part, lots of negative energy around.
I have developed a crazy itch rash on my shoulders, developing broken skin from scratching in my sleep. Not something I am prone to, my skin is usually healthy.
I tried a few days of normal moisturiser with olive oil, no help, I switched to hydrocortisone cream to no avail, oatmeal baths,now using organic coconut oil. The itch is very distracting. I am wondering if it is a symptom of something else or even emotional, so taking extra care of myself.
I did have a yoga class booked this morning, but DD wants a face time meeting to help write her CV. She wants to leave nursing, do another short Uni course, but in the meantime look for alternative work.
I totally understand and support her decision. The unit she works on has a 30% staff turnover a year. Working conditions are dreadful. It's not even about the salary.
So I will place out my cosiest loungewear, go for a warm shower and get ready at a peaceful pace.
My mornings always contain candles, tarot and a short meditation.
Have an enchanted day sisters,

Speakout** I'm so sad to hear your DD wants to leave nursing, but not surprised. That turnover rate is incredibly high, even by NHS standards :( Am I right in thinking she works on the wards? I was just wondering whether she'd considered school nursing or health visiting. From what I've told at my trust, these roles are less pressurised and more regular hours, but still rewarding. However, I'm hope that whatever she decides, she goes on to find something that makes her happy. She is so young and has her whole life ahead of her, no point in staying at a job where she's unhappy.

Hilariousnamehere I hope you're feeling a bit better this morning. I didn't sleep that well (mainly because my arm was aching after my flu jab!) but I have a day off today so at least I'll be able to relax a bit. I agree with Speakout that the financial situation is causing a lot of anxiety and turmoil, it's no wonder we all feel out of sorts!

Speakout sorry to hear about your rash. Have you tried taking antihistamines? Might be worth a try.

VioletCharlotte thanks for the antihistamine suggestion- I will give that a go.
My DD is a staff nurse in peadiatric intensive care unit, so high emotions, understaffed, long shifts, no parking for nurses at the hospital- a long walk through a rough area to park. The atmosphere is the unit is not good- a culture of hostility, bullying and quick tempers- no doubt due to the overwork. My DD feels that often safety is compromised due to staff shortage.
My DD said to me last week that she would like a job that won't risk being sent to prison if she makes a mistake.
So she wants to teach- will take a one year course to qualify and in the meantime do a combination of agency nursing and perhaps work in a day care nursery. I know primary school teaching is very challenging too, but she is drawn to it, she loves children.
She is a qualified dance teacher too, and loves teaching little ones, has been teaching at various dance schools for 5 years, and already has a job offer at her friend's dance school.
She will keep up her nursing registration, and doesn't rule out returning to nursing at some point in the futures- yes it is sad after all that training, but we must be happy in life.
I am just getting some work finished before facetiming DD to work on her CV.

I recently had a two-week stay on a trauma ward. I talked to many nurses, students included, about the challenges they face - strikes are currently blighting my sector as well as theirs - and was awed by them. Despite their working conditions and long shifts they were always the consummate professionals and did their difficult job with smiles on their faces.

A very noticeable fact was the youth of that staff body. I'd say most were in their twenties, early thirties at the oldest. People don't seem to last out for any lengthy duration and it isn't surprising. I did take them presents afterwards, including booties for two pregnant nurses, to show how much patients appreciate what they do - I've never had a lengthy hospital stay before and it was bewildering and strange, especially as I was completely immobile.

As to weird energy, I thought it was just me. I'm coming to the end of my protracted sick leave and am a bit apprehensive about going back - plus right on cue I have a horrible cold/flu bug and my 8-year old is off school with a sick bug! We are having a log fire and blanket day together.

MarieIVanArkleStinks I am sorry to hear you were so nwell, I hope you are on the mend.

Still weird energy here right now, things seem odd, bad dreams, nothing going smoothly, feels lumpy and jagged. Even my house feels sluggish. It was dark all day yesterday, but not cold enough for the heating, so no cosy feeling.
I may have a couple of days off work, cleanse the house today and try to bring in fresh energy. OH has been away all week with work, and DD is coming over tomorrow to stay the night, so hopefully that should shift things along.

Thank you @speakout. I didn't think to associate the odd dreams with it, but I've been having them too. I've followed your lead and also done a house cleanse.

I'm recovering from a broken spine, sustained in an accident in early summer, and also had clotting: DVTs and two large emboli. A few months down the line and I'm doing much better: stiff and aching still but very fortunate to have my mobility and life intact. Some days I feel full of gratitude, others a bit sorry for myself! But I'm very low in energy at the moment and not being particularly effective at anything.

I'm alright as long as I'm disciplined about the physio exercises.

PS. Thank you for asking.

MarieIVanArkleStinks oh, what a dreadful accident to have.
It's no surprise you are still low in energy. Healing takes time.
I will light a candle to send healing energy to you and your family.

Things seem a little brighter here today, I had an early yoga class and popped into the most amazing fish hut on the harbour to pick up some seafood for paella tonight- DDs request, and I enjoy making it. Just about to do some prep work, chopping veg and garlic etc.
OH comes home later- he is on a ferry coming back from Ireland right now, then a 4 hour drive home- he likes paella too, so that's good.
I will have to make something different for my mother- she is grossed out by seafood, but her favourite meal is easy- chicken nuggets, microwave fries and ketchup! Having my mother around is a bit like having a 4 year old in the house- complete with tantrums!

@MarieIVanArkleStinks that sounds awful, so sorry you've had to go through all that. It's stories like this that make me pause and think how grateful I am to have good health. It's very easy to take for granted, but things can change within a blink of an eye. I'm glad you're on the mend and send healing energy your way.

@speakout glad things have calmed down a bit for you. Lovely to have access to fresh fish (Although I don't eat fish myself, but I can still appreciate how nice this is for others!). Is your DD staying for the weekend? I smiled when I read about your mother and her love of chicken nuggets, fries and ketchup! As you say, at least it's simple!

I'm very glad the working week is over, it's been another busy one. I've not feeling 100% all week, which I'm putting down to side effects from the flu jab. Nothing awful., just tiredness really, but it's meant I haven't felt like exercising all week and I'm feeling it now. Im looking forward to my yoga class tomorrow and having a good stretch!

Sympathies to broken bones and horrendous work situations.

Just in case it's of use/relevance to anyone, I spent months babbling on here about feeling stuck and wondered if, among other things, it could be an external force, or spirits, trying to protect me. I wasted time, money, energy trying to move on, in spite of that feeling.

I am now convinced that's what it was - I was being held back as a means of protection. The healer I visited was right about not trying to move forward. I was kept where I was meant to be. Someone, or someones, or somethings, was/is on my side.

Blessings and thanks to all.

EmmaH2022 I am glad you found a resolution to your blocked phase. How interesting to hear that these blockages were in fact a positive things.
I often find answers to problems are hiding in plain sight.
At times spellcraft works for me like that too, manifeststion often comes in a way that is not instantly recognisable, but when we look back we can see that things have worked out, answers found, spells have worked, but more in a way that we need, an adjustment to the bigger picture.
VioletCharlotte I hope you are feeling a bit better today and enjoy your yoga class, yes it is easy to take good health for granted, I have a deep gratitude for the body that carries me.
No yoga for me today, DD is still here- asleep, but wil be going back to her flat sometime today.
It is a very dark morning, thick fog blankets the forest, even the birdsong sounds muffled. Very, beautiful, ethereal, I have a deep gratitude for the trees that surround me. It is a proper "Scooby Doo Day" as my kids would say.
And a perfect excuse to have candles lit.

Thank you for the good wishes and candles.

@EmmaH2022 I'm convinced you're right. Work was taking over everything, to the detriment of my personal relationships. My accident also happened a week before I was due to travel solo overseas on a work-related trip. I'm certain that for whatever reason I was not meant to go, and the universe ensured (however drastically) that I couldn't! Been forced to slow down and take stock; now the challenge is to find a proper balance.

V. interested in what you say @speakout about manifestation. This makes a lot of sense.

I also think I've just received a 'message' not to go back to work QUITE yet. Had a cold for the past week that was making me feel quite grim, now turns out it's COVID (I had no idea until suddenly losing my taste yesterday)! What a walking wreck I am!--though still walking, so all is really good!

Welcome to a new magical week friends.
The energy feels better for me today, less taught and wound up somehow.
I have a chickpea and mushroom curry bubbling gently in the slow cooker, tasy and simple.
Tomorrow's new moon will be eclipsed in Scorpio, big power changes, moves regarding finance and control ( no coincidence a new prime minister either!)
But tonight we have a dark moon, also known as a balsamic moon, I love the restful cosy energy that brings.
A chance to put down our burdens, calm and feed the soul, just have a pause from the chaos and demands of a busy life.
I love that feeling of no targets to meet, allowing ourselves space and time to just pause, and allow the dark to anoint and caress us.
I plan a very quiet evening with hot chocolate, candles and a book.