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

Hiya everyone, I’ve had a bit of a social media break since the little one was born but I’m feeling like coming back now. Our decorations are up and we are on our way to a beautiful place to moor up for Christmas. Malachi is loving boating, whenever we’re moving he’s the most content, I think it’s the sound of the engine. Our family have been visiting him and getting to know him, he’s the first boy on my dad’s side of the family since my dad so everyone’s in awe of him😍.

@speakout I watched the series you recommended and really enjoyed it, it was brilliant entertainment when nursing through the night. Thank you for the meditation link too, I love inner child work.

@hilariousnamehere thank you! It can be idyllic a lot of the time but also can be quite hard. We know of a boater who’s boat set on fire today due to a candle catching on his duvet. It’s so sad but our community is wonderful and people are all doing what they can to help. I’ve read about red tents but never gone to one, I’d love to though.

@667TheNeighbourOfTheBeast thank you! I’m sorry to hear your daughter was unwell.

@dementedma thank you❤️ I’m inspired by your involvement in women’s rights.

@VioletCharlotte thank you, it is very cosy. Especially now with the long nights and the rain, hearing rain on our roof is one of my favourite sounds. I’ve checked out the Yoga link you sent, it looks so relaxing!.

@MarieIVanArkleStinks thank you 😊 the stars by you sound lovely, I love when we’re moored up somewhere really rural, the night sky is gorgeous. Although, on our trip to Birmingham last year I noticed the stars seemed brighter than they used to and there seemed to be more than usual.

@Probablymagrat your garden sounds beautiful😍

@GenExer hi! Welcome back :)

@Elasticatedwaist I’m so sorry to hear about your MIL, sending love to you❤️

I’m sorry to hear of so many of you feeling poorly, sending healing vibes to you all and I hope you’ll start feeling better soon. This time of year is always brutal on the immune system.

dementedma, sorry to hear you still have a cough- I can go hours without coughing, then take a coughing episode for an hour or so.
I am seeing it as part of the healing process.
Your herb garden sounds wonderful.
My mind hasn't turned to planting yet, it often does around imbolc, I allow things to happen naturally.
I planted a lot of perennials last year, an almost bare long border was left after my neighbour replaced his fence, so I wanted some big bushes for structure.
My front porch is a good space and very sunny, I have had some success with tomatoes and chillies, but thought I may experiment with growing seeds I find in my food, I have tried some whole spices and have had quite a lot of sprouters!
barefootnomadman glad to hear things are going well with your little one. Life on a boat sounds idyllic.
I am not quite at the decoration stage- although they have been brought down from the attic.
I need to stop work before the tree comes, I tend to take over the whole of the living room, and this is my busiest time of year. I will deep clean and pack my work stuff away before settling into christmas.
Postal strikes are causing chaos, and still more to come, huge delays and backlogs already, and other courier companies are struggling as people look to alternatives to post.

I really don't want to be in a position that buyers are complaining about delays, so it may be better to close down soon, perhaps this week.
It would be lovely to have a good long break, spend time with my family, lunches, deep shadow work, extra yoga to get my fitness back up again, and plan christmas at a slow gentle pace.
Of course the downside is I don't get paid- but it costs nothing to have an afternoon making ice candles !
I hope everyone has an enchanted day.

Every December without fail my DH will come down with something awful, and he's currently asleep on the sofa. I am certain he picked this up on a work visit last week, and these visits are not strictly necessary so I wish he wouldn't do them so close to Christmas. It takes him weeks to recover if anything goes to his chest.
I was already struggling with low mood but have really dipped this morning. I'm staring at the boxes of decorations we got out of storage and contemplating putting them back. I feel the whole festive spirit in this house lies on my shoulders. Everyone benefits from the lights and tinsel etc but I feel I am jollying everyone along.
The year I was in a very bad depression it got to about 4 days before the day itself before my DH queried if stuff was going up, and only then because the children had asked him.
I have my own little Yule altar and few witchy decorations up in my craft room, and I have put the tree up ready for DS to decorate but honestly this year I just feel my nurturing energy so depleted and would like someone else to inject a bit of festive energy into proceedings.

queenrollo I can hear your low mood and energy, making christmas happen can seem daunting, and often as not falls to the women of the family.
A time of festivity feels like more weight to carry, and if we are already depleted it can be hard to take on all the work of christmas.
I love the fact you have a Yule altar set up, for I think that is the place to start.
I know for me when I feel overburdened the priority is to care for myself.
Nurturing your inner flame must come first, that may take rest, quiet, solitute, giving yourself permission to set tasks aside.
And remember christmas does not have to be perfect- it will happen with dust and unwashed windows.
A tree is ample decoration, delegate as much as you can, and don't be afraid to speak up and tell others when you feel overwhelmed.
Most stuff around christmas can be simplified, food can be bought pre-made.
We are sold an idea of christmas being a sparkling and happy time for everyone- but that is rarely the case.
Many of us go through life carrying a smorgasbord of emotions at any one time, something I have been exploring in therapy this year.
On any one day or even hour to hour we will be feeling hope, sadness, happiness, excitement, worry, all at the same time.
For me one of the central ideas around the solstice is simply that we survive- despite the horror and heartache in the world we have made it to that point.
Sometimes christmas is more meaningful for me if I have had a bad year, because it shows me I have courage, resilience, battle scars and frayed- but I have survived, even my weakness my ugly and my fears are welcomed in as part of me- because that is who I am.

Argh! Long comment gone.

short version: hi all, also been ill.

There are such comforting words and healing energy on this thread. Christmas sometimes seems to amplify loss and I struggled with that for a long time. My energy is still down the pan: it's returning, but soooo slowly.

This is why the peace of winter solstice feels so special: a real oasis of calm before a holiday that even at its best requires a lot more hard work and effort than any other. My Yule ritual is really simple: a lovely wood fire in the burner (and a bit of scrying), some incense, and a pot of spiced orange tea standing on the hearth to keep warm. Then I have a nice walk around the garden in the dark, admiring the moon if she's up and any stars if visible.

I saw my consultant today. No discernible lung issues and I'll soon be weaned off the blood thinners. But it's likely I'll need further surgery to remove the rods from my back. They are awkwardly placed, because my frame presented difficulties for the surgeons, so there's an increased risk they will work their way out, and there seems to be an indication on today's X-ray that this might already be happening. I'm anxious about that, given what happened after my operation when I developed two huge PEs, and the surgeon isn't entirely happy about it either but will consult fully with the haematology specialists on that score. They took a CT to confirm, and he will call me this evening to discuss it.

The good news is the compound fracture has fused well. But this whole thing is feeling a bit interminable at present.

Very frustrating when that happens Trenzalor.

MarieIVanArkleStinks that sounds painful. I am sorry you are dealing with such ongoing health problems, your anxious feelings are perfectly understandable.
I hope you get good news from the consultant this evening.
Your orange spiced tea sounds wonderful.
I have a Pukka tea advent calender- each day has a different tea.
I bought myself one last year- although I can't lie and tell you I used the teas in strict order, I just took what I fancied. I does look pretty on the kitchen wall though.

Queenrollo I read your post earlier this afternoon and I was going to say that I think women all across the country would echo your words about feeling as if it's down to you to make Christmas happen. However Speakout has said exactly what I was going to say (although much more eloquently!)

The pressure on us all this time of year is ridiculous. What I'd like to be doing is gathering foliage, making decorations, thoughtfully writing cards and wrapping gifts, baking.... instead I'm desperately trying to prop my team up (who are all exhausted and ill/ stressed! as well as manage my own work. All my Christmas shopping has been done online so I now have a huge pile of unopened Amazon boxes in my spare room 🙄 None of my family (adults) really needs or wants anything, but everyone insists on exchanging gifts so have to go through the process of trying to find things for them all. The Christmas decorations are still in the loft, I'll have to get them down at the weekend as won't have time before.

I'd quite like to hibernate in a hole until spring!

Oh VioletCharlotte you paint such a wonderful picture of how you would like to be preparing for christmas-
What I'd like to be doing is gathering foliage, making decorations, thoughtfully writing cards and wrapping gifts, baking....

I have had this thought daily, foraging in the forest for pine cones, decorating with holly, making christmas puddings and yule candles. I could enjoy several weeks of slow like this.

My DD came over yesterday and is trying to push me to decorate the living room this weekend.
Yes I am trying to clear time in my life, but I need that to get well for christmas, to make sure I have energy to buy gifts, decorate without feeling panic or stress.
I know she means well, but she has the energy and enthusiasm of a 22 year old- I don't.
My house needs some attention, but a clean and tidy will suffice.
Hopefully Mercury entering Capricorn today will give us a boost for a practical and organised mindset. with energy to focus and tackle jobs in an orderly way.
Take care of yourselves today sisters.

I was reflecting on it all last night and think I just had such wonderful childhood Christmases and was lucky enough to have a Dad who is very enthusiastic about the season. We had several rituals of putting up trimmings and the tree etc. For me those feelings are what the season is about, and I wanted so much to build it with my own children but they simply aren't interested.

I have a had a very lonely year socially, and I think this being yet another thing I am doing alone means that I don't even want to do those rituals for myself this year.
I do always dress the mantels for Yule, as I am very lucky to have heavily berried holly in my garden and abundant ivy and even a lovely and fragant eucalyptus. My DH will take our son out for a few hours so I can do this in peace and tranquility and whisper my magic without interuption.
So in my reflections last night I am remembering to count my blessings.

queenrollo I can hear your feelings about being alone, despite having family around, wanting to mark Yule in your own way.
I often feel the same.
Most of my close family are very supportive, although not pagan themselves, will indulge me when I bring out offerings, crystal grids, and decorate my house in a pagan way.
Your childhood memories sound lovely.
Christmas was never a big deal when I was a child.
In Scotland christmas was banned for over 300 years by the church, and christmas day only became a bank holiday here in 1958. People caught celebrating would be arrested and up before the courts or kirk session.
Many people worked on christmas day, including my father, so it was in many ways quite an ordinary day. Many families were the same, christmas just wasn't a big deal.
My mother would make a roast- usually chicken and set the table, but I have no memories of putting up a tree.
My parents had a small artificial one- maybe 18 inches high that they would prop up in he corner, but now ritual decoration.
But since my own adulthood I have sought to claim christmas, especially since having children.
Always a real tree, and a special day marked for buying it, putting up all the lights and decorations.
When the kids were younger we would do a lot of craft through December, making paper snowflakes, paper chains, baking, making a wooden yule log, making swags from evergreens.

New traditions can be made, and often the simplest are the best.
My niece ( my sister's daughter) and her husband came to stay for a couple of weeks a few years ago. They live abroad, as does my sister and the rest of the family
My niece ( who was in her 30s) was brought up in an ultra conservative christian way. She had never had a christmas tree, never had a stocking, didn't really understand the whole christmas eve/magical santa type thing.
It was lovely to lay on christmas for them, I bought stockings which they hung on christmas eve, joined in the fun of making biscuits for santa- she was quite overwhelmed and sad that she had missed that as a child.
I guess what I am saying is that it is never too late, christmas is not just for children, I do a stuffed stocking for my mother and she is 89.

I had no idea Chrsitmas wasn't celebrated in Scotland until fairly recently.

Mums1234 I think that's why New Year became a big thing is Scotland.
Scots were banned from celebrating christmas, but still wanted a midwinter festival for cheer in the cold dark months- as they probably had done for many years.
New Year was not banned so people turned to Hogmany to celebrate.
Scotland is still known for New Year celebrations- Auld Lang Syne etc.

It all makes perfect sense- a puritanical church boycotting a fairly pagan festival.
All the evergreens, holly, christmas trees, reindeer, mistletoe, Santa ( cernunnos in new garb) stockings, feasting, offerings at the home hearth.
All the same reasons that some christian groups nowadays have concerns about christmas.

Thanks for explaining. I've always been aware New Year is great in Scotland, but never really thought about it.

I wish there was a festival in January- a horrible month!

My plans for the Solstice just changed. Scottish Parliament will do the final vote on the destruction of women's rights on Dec 21st. The day we celebrate the Goddess and the centuries of knowledge of wise women aka witches.
Time for the Witches to rise!

I know some people find January a struggle, can seem lacklustre after christmas.
I am a fan- someone else upthread was talking about how they like january too.
It's usually the coldest month, I find it peaceful, a chance to enjoy winter without the razmatazz of christmas. Often snow and frost, low subtle light, the house seems clear and simple when all the christmas stuff has gone.
And there is always imbolc to celebrate, one of my favourite festivals.
I know many find the winter months difficult, they can be melancholic and moods can drop.
It can be a good time for introspection, or new projects giving us opportunities to use the shadow time.
Starting a journal, learn Tarot or runes or some other kind of divination. Meditation, dreamwork, inner child work, all the shadow stuff is easy to reach during the dark months.

dementedma what is happening on the 21st? I may have missed that.

3rd and final vote on the Gender Recognition Reform act in Scotland which will allow any and all males access to women's changing rooms,showers,hospital wards,prisons etc. They just have to apply for a certificate and bingo! In the eyes of the law they are women.

Women will count for nothing in Scotland. A country that vigorously embraced witch burning back in the day.

dementedma I guessed it was something like that.
I know it's off topic - but I haven't drunk the Kool Aid either! Not a popular view it seems.

Sorry to hijack a lovely thread,and of course,views are my own. I'll rant on the feminism board [ wink]

In witchy news I have made mallow tea and have a tincture underway in the hope of busting this bloody cough!

My mother's tradition the tree went up on the 24th December and didn't come down til February. With all the associated lights etc. Which makes sense to me. Lights to cheer up the darkest of winter months with the worst weather.

I find that I am the the maker and facilitator of Christmas and end up doing all the tedious and prep stuff but non of the fun stuff. So this year I am trying to make a conscious effort to get to do some fun stuff too. Christmas growing up was a full on tradition of all the things starting from the 1st Sunday in advent all the way through til boxing day. New years had its own traditions but again being the one who makes it happen take the wonder and fun out of it that you get from just having the fun as a child. It is a lot of work. Even with the massively massively scaled back version we do these years it is still a lot of work.

Still down and out sick, likely to be so for probably the most of December I expect. So trying to get as much done whilst doing as little as possible. Today has been a crash day as I have been really bad. I am looking forwards to Christmas when i am the only person in the house, i am only responsible for my happiness and i can relax in a very quiet manner for a few days. it seems anti-sociable but the shift to parenting the parent and associated drama has exhausted me and i am ready for everyone else to be looked after by others. They will all have a lovely time.

I still have this cough too dementedma, coughs stay with me a long time anyway, but it is very frustrating. I am also drinking herb tea and planning an early night- with a hot water bottle.

Sorry to hear yesterday was tough HillsBesideTheSea, I hope you are feeling a bit better today.
A solo christmas sounds very appealling, I must admit.
Parenting a parent is not easy, I sympathise. I do the practical stuff, but I can't engage in treating my parent like a child.
I am reparenting myself at the moment due to childhood trauma, and I have my own adult children who still need some support.
I enjoy the solstice and christmas eve, but the chaos of christmas day
feels jagged, noisy and messy. Too much stuff, too much food, I dread the sheer volume of stuff my mother gives- 50-60 gifts to each, and there are 5 of us. The black bags of plastic wrapping makes me sad.
On a brighter note I bought a new ( second hand) sofa yesterday. My old one ( which was also second hand years ago) badly needed replaced, and I found a new Ikea one, in fantastic condition in a recycling warehouse in my village. It is spotless, and covers are removable for washing. It is a big sofa, delivered
tomorrow and a steal at £80 - including delivery.
I don't often buy stuff for the house, only when needed, and almost always second hand.
So I am delighted.
Bracing myself for cold weather ahead, I hope everyone manages to keep warm.