Any Witches Here?- Part 18

[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

www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4598225-any-witches-here-part-17?page=40&reply=122990208

Sorry I've been quiet. DH is struggling with his recovery, which is quite harsh and now set back considerably by the injuries caused when they removed the catheter.

I'm having to do everything at present for DH and DC - DH is really struggling on little sleep as he has to wake up and use the loo about every two hours. If he doesn't do that and there's a blockage it has awful consequences; he was nearly readmitted to hospital the other night because of a suspected urine infection and passing huge clots. He was, thankfully, ok. I won't be easy until he's seen the consultant again with the results of what they found from the prostatectomy, but if this has cured the cancer, then what we're experiencing now is a small price to pay.

I've always found spring invigorating and far and away my favourite season, but in the circumstances this year it's proving fatiguing to me too. This isn't usual for me. Autumn tends to be my sluggish time.

I'd love to do an energy cleanse, but until I'm alone in the house I don't stand much chance of that! So in the meantime I'll cleanse my crystals in the local sacred well instead.

The daffodils in my garden are beautiful. When the last of the spring flowers come, the laburnum trees will be hung with yellow to replace the daffodils and there'll be clusters of bluebells around the garden. Bluebells are the last flowers of spring, which is perhaps why they're favourites of mine.

Positive energy to all.

VioletCharlotte thanks for vthe info about the cacao ceremony. I am forever surprised at what goes on in my own area, a backwater of the UK with low population density. I drink too much Turkish coffee on a daily basis, so hopefully will be OK with the cacao.
SerafinasGoose I am sorry to hear things are so tough, treatments can be so harsh, and sometimes cause damage themselves. Take care of yourself at the moment, as much as you can.I have a healing candle lit for you and your OH. Post whenever you need a supportive ear.

I missed my usual Friday morning yoga, I woke up to a power cut, no lights outside either, and was planning a shower and tea before I left the house. I went back to sleep instead - and slept for another two hours, and feel mightily refreshed by it.
I have just done 45 minutes of flow on my mat at home, it always astounds me how sun salutations energise my mind and body.
Craftycorvid I have noticed some blossom in my garden for the first time this year, my magnolia and pear both have two or three flowers. Such a welcome sight.

I bring beloved flowers to send positive and blooming energies. This is the camellia I have been talking about. It has exploded into blossoms.

@ISaySteadyOn your camellia is a lovely colour. Mine got damaged in the cold weather before Christmas so it is currently three sticks and a leaf. But there are tiny buds on it, so there's always hope.

CraftyCorvid I agree that spring fatigue is definitely a thing. I think it makes it harder when the weather is so awful, as our instincts are telling us that it's time to wake up and get outside, but the weather is telling us otherwise! Hopefully we'll all start feeling better now that march is out the way.

SerafinasGoose sorry to your DH is struggling, that all sounds really miserable. Tough for you as well to have to manage everything single handed. I hope that he starts to feel better soon.

Speakout it sounds like you needed that sleep! I rarely sleep past 6.30, so when I do, it feels like such a luxury. I'm just getting back into regular yoga practice this week, after having a few weeks off while I was recovering from Covid. You're right, it really does energise you and make you feel so much better.

Beautiful camellias ISaySteadOn

Work has been horrendous today, I'm so grateful for the weekend!

Finally catching up. I feel like I have so little time to myself these days. The candlelight bath last night was really healing, I’m going to try and ease back into yoga too. I wasn’t up to it in the early stages of this pregnancy because I was so sick but now I’m on the mend I’d like to have that time back for myself.

Hedjwitch I’m glad things seem to have been cleared up with your DD. Although I completely understand your rage.

freckles20 our bedroom is gorgeous, it’s what made us buy our home. It really catches the light, even if the winter. The waterfall is so magical, especially when it’s sunny and warm, but in the autumn when the leaves are changing it feels otherworldly. Thank you for posting that thread, it was really helpful.

VioletCharlotte I’ve never done Reiki but your experience with it sounds wonderful. I’m sorry your ex mil said something so hurtful to you. I am okay now thank you. I love having a son and I will be very happy if I have another one.

Probablymagrat I love how you speak about where you used to live. I’m not very connected to where I grew up, but I feel the way you describe about where I live now. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

hilariousnamehere ooh I’d love to attend a women’s circle. The broom is absolutely stunning!.

Craftycorvid I feel the same as you with buds appearing quickly. I keep an eye out every year but I never seem to catch the moments they bloom, it seems like one morning I wake up and it’s gone from winter to spring.

speakout I haven’t been to a cacao ceremony but I’ve heard good things about them.

HazelTheGreenWitch thank you for the advice, I love your way of looking at it as a little family. I will definitely start thinking that way going forward.

SerafinasGoose I’m sorry to hear of how tough things are for you and your DH. Please try and look after yourself💐

ISaySteadyOn the camellia’s are absolutely gorgeous!.

I went to yoga but couldn't do most of it as usual. Actually worse than usual. I would love to get to the point where it energises me. I dread sun salutation because of the downward dog bit which I cant do for more than a few seconds.

Tomorrow is a swim in the cold North Sea with some fellow dunkers. Perhaps that will help me shed this negative energy which is dragging me down

Hedjwitch it's great that you went to yoga, turning up is the hard bit! Just take it slowly, at your own pace. If you speak to the teacher after class and tell her what you're finding hard, she should give you alternatives. If you find down dog too intense, don't be afraid to drop down to table top or rest in child's pose. I've been practicing for years, but I've been doing that this week as I'm not feeling 100%. My yoga teacher always says 'it's your body, your yoga'.

A swim in the sea sounds good! I was hoping to do some winter swims this year, but I live just that bit too far from the beach to go regularly. It takes me about an hour and I never seem to manage to be able to find the time.

@VioletCharlotte are there any open water swim spots nearer to you than the sea? I live in the midlands, unfortunately in probably the one of the furthest points from the sea in the UK. Luckily I've found some lakes that allow swimming. I find it really exhilarating but I've not been since October and hope to start again in the next few weeks. I hope the weekend offers some rest and rejuvenation for you after a difficult day today.

@Hedjwitch how wonderful to be swimming in the North Sea tomorrow.

@MoonWitchMom I'm glad that you're feeling a bit lighter today, and that the thread was helpful. It is lovely that you've found a place to settle which feels so right, it is a comfort to live where you are meant to be.

@speakout it sounds like your unexpected power cut bought welcome rest. I have really enjoyed the 3 in person yoga classes that I've been to, although I've realised that I am rather creaky. We now have a 2 week break so I'm hoping to try some YouTube yoga at home. A series called CENTRE by Adriene has been recommended to me.

@SerafinasGoose I really hope you manage to get a little time to care for yourself in-between looking after DH and DC. Sending healing vibes for DH.

@Craftycorvid hope you managed to get that balance of work and self care today. Your comment about feeling wiped out at this time of year struck a chord with me as I feel exhausted too. I have tried to be kind to myself and rest when I can but it does feel frustrating especially when I have a feeling that for many people this is a time that brings increased energy.

I've had a wet muddy week with lots of working in the rain so I am very glad it is almost the weekend.

I am full of admiration for those wild swimmers amongst us. I don't do well with cold, which is a pity because there are some lovely spots very near me, quiet coves and harbours, lots of curious seals too.
I know a few people who regularly swim in the sea, it's quite popular here, but I am not brave enough.
freckles20 there is a lot of great yoga on youtube- yes Adriene is the biggest channel, she is lovely, and she has lots for complete beginners, including lots of short sessions- 10 minutes or so for a quick boost.
Hedjwitch sorry you are feeling low, glad to hear you are going sea swimming today, I hope it energises you.

I agree with VioletCharlotte - " your body your yoga",
Yoga like magic is a personal journey. I hear newcomers say they don't think they are "good" at yoga, no flexibility or strength, but it is inclusive, and the inflexible are especially welcome.
A few of the women struggle with some poses, some can't manage down dog, and that is totally fine. as VioletCharlotte says, take a child's pose or table top. That is totally fine, other people and the teacher will know you are working at your own point of comfort that is good for you.
It is important to listen to your body and not push through pain.
I know several people who don't do down dog- or some other postures, it's all good, you are working to improve the mind/body connection and release tension.
My usual Saturday yoga is cancelled ( is someone telling me something here?)
So I have booked a class at a fancy yoga studio- too expensive to go regularly, but nice as a one off. I know nothing of the teacher or anyone else in class.
The place is stunning though- an old huge stable block of a grand country house has been converted into shops, cafes, wellness studios- set within a huge private estate.
I'll give it a whirl. I have started Gestalt Therapy this week, and it was a deep dive from the first session, opening up lots of areas thet need work.
I have been journaling and researching like crazy for thr past few days, but need some body work to help assimilate these new connections.

I am trying hard to get seeds to germinate indoors- I see a few signs of life, but also some furry fungus. It's too cold to plant outside yet- we are still having frosty nights, but I thought my front porch woud be OK.
Seems that place may be a little too cold too.

I am off for a hot spa shower before getting ready for yoga.
Have a magical weekend sisters.

It was a tad chilly but invigorating...to put it mildly. Should really buy a wetsuit.

Hats off to you Hedjwitch, you are a brave woman !! It looks a beautiful scene- is that an island in the distance?

How was your new yoga class @speakout? I hope the lovely setting added to the experience.

@Hedjwitch thank you for the photo, I am cheering you on especially given you didn't wear a wetsuit!

I took my son to look at music kit today as it's almost his 16th birthday and he is a keen guitar and drum player. He's rarely particularly enthusiastic these days. 16 seems a tough age but it was joyful to see him light up in the shop.

Afterwards we walked past a sort of witchcraft shop and I was so excited! I have been wanting to avoid the temptation to buy anything 'witchy' or spiritual other than books. But ended up with a beautiful yellow candle, a sage stick and a small book. DS even chose some soap.

I could have stayed in there for hours. Whilst paying I recognised the lady working there but couldn't place her until I was driving home (I am terrible with faces). She is a current contestant on the Interior Design Challenge on TV and I felt connected to her from the beginning of the first episode.

So all in all a good day so far.

Sounds like a lovely day freckles20, and so good to hear of the connection you have with your son- what a loving mother you are to be open to his interests.
I was dreading the teenage years, but we sailed through it.
Teenagers get such a bad press, but it can be a wonderful time.
My yoga class was good, slow flow, focussed on breathing. The teacher was a young man, it is good to be reminded that healthy non toxic masculinity can be nurturing.
I did slip into the gift shop next door- they sell an amazing range of hand milled soaps, wrapped in paper.
I haven't used shower gel for years, I love a good cake of soap- I bought a rose and geranium bar I look forward to my next shower.

Speaking of toxic masculinity... dS is a musician and most of his friends are in the performing arts. I love how open and supportive they are of each other. His best friend A gave a performance last night and DS went to support him. A's mother died when he was 18. During his set he said she never got to see him perform at this level or " know the man I have become". He then said when she died he made a vow that he would always buy an extra ticket for any show he was in so " she can watch me". DS recounted all this to me. I asked him how he reacted and he said" I ugly cried. Then I hugged him and told him I was so proud of him and his mum would be so proud of him too. I told him I loved him".
God,I love these kids. Puts it all in perspective.

@Hedjwitch that's so lovely. I seem to be happy crying at everything this evening and that's just set me off again

Aw Hedjwitch that's so lovely. But also made me a bit sad. My DS (23) is a musician too and did performing arts from the age of 7 to at 19. I used to love watching him perform, and like your son, he was so close with his friends. He doesn't do any of it now, it's such a shame, it's like a part of him is missing.

Your yoga class sounds fab Speakout. I need to look around for some more classes. I'm a recent convert to soap. I love it, my skin feels so soft and I like the fact I'm not wasting so many plastic bottles.

Freckles20 I'm not sure why, but there's something about the idea of swimming in lakes that makes me a bit uncomfortable! No idea why, overactive imagination and reading too many crime books probably! Perhaps I should give it a go.

A beautiful story Hedjwitch, and a lovely reminder of how amazing our sons can be.
I work with female energy in my craft, but only as a remedy to unite with the goddess in a world that has too much male energy, and suffering the effect of a toxic patriarchy.
It is a useful reminder that many men suffer in this system too. The men in my life= my OH and adult son, my niece's husband. my next door neighbour are all wonderful.
Caring, sensitive, respectful of women.
It is the masculine system that is screwed and dangerous.
VioletCharlotte I am glad you prefer soap too, I can't undersstand why shower gel even became a thing.
As a child there was no shower gel, only soap- I did switch to gel as an adult, but now I never buy it.
I agree soap leaves the skin much softer. It is more economical, lasts a very long time, and much better for the environment- I only buy soap in paper wrapping.
DD is visiting today so I have to think about cooking- I may make a lasagne, and she can take a couple of portions back to her flat.
Growing up in this part of the UK Sunday roasts were not a thing, I think it's more of an English tradition. I remember eating my first ever Sunday roast at the age of 12, visiting friends of my fathers in Northumberland. I can't ever remember any type of roast as a child- except a roast chicken at christmas.
Poverty food has been the hallmark of scottish food, the steak pie being the supreme meal, it makes me sad to hear of the homage paid to the haggis, minced lung, trachea and other gross parts stuffed inside a stomach, highlighting the poor conditions and diet. All of my mother's family are from Ireland, they fled during the great famine.
My father grew up in dreadful poverty, too- his mother had a huge cast iron pot over the fire - it was never cleaned out, just added to daily, some barley, rabbit, pheasant ( my grandfather poached to feed his family) vegetables, oysters ( a poverty food then), and served in scoops eaten with oat bannocks- a type of bread. The pot was kept hot permanently, even overnight, so the contents were always safe to eat.
It is humbling to have the ability to buy food.
I must start my day, as tempting as it is to sit about and drink coffee.

Have an enchanted Sunday sisters.

Glorious sunshine today so more sowing of seeds and planting on seedlings. So therapeutic. Also de cluttered the kitchen which has made a hell of a difference. Feeling much more positive today.

Glad to hear of your bright energy Hedjwitch.
I am just back from the hospital, it's been a long day. My mother collapsed this morning, looks like she has had a stroke.
She will have more tests tomorrow, so I am soothing myself with some chamomile tea and hoping sleep comes soon, we will find out more tomorrow.

Oh, @speakout , sending love to you and your mum - I hope she's ok.

I'm sitting quietly on the sofa wondering how on earth it got to be so late again, but as ever this thread is a balm to the soul!

@Hedjwitch that story about your Ds and his friend made me tear up - I lost my dad six years ago and several friends have lost parents since - I'm in my late thirties now so much older but I understand what he means and I love so much that your ds was openly emotional and supportive of him. Too many men of all ages don't show their emotions enough and it's so important 💙

Also so impressed with your swimming - I do wild swim in the sea and the rivers near me but generally only in high summer - have tried in the colder months and although it's undeniably exhilarating, I don't enjoy it enough to make up for the coldness 😂 I am clearly a summer time, warm water mermaid!

(For our newer sisters I'm a professional mermaid alongside my photography work & art, although I haven't actually done any performing since before the pandemic and my breath hold and freedive abilities have taken a battering - but I still swim in a tail whenever I can and it's the most incredible feeling, like flying underwater. Just not in cold water, apparently )

@MoonWitchMom thank you! Would highly recommend a women's circle if you ever come across one - I had no idea what to expect but it was amazing. And I'm really wishing I'd somehow got the broom home because it would have fitted into my enchanted garden perfectly. Glad you liked it! And I'm sorry your MIL is a grade A twatweasel for that comment, but you're right to focus on you and your new life and not give her headspace. I hope your DH didn't take it too much to heart either.

@Craftycorvid that's good to know about spring tiredness because I am knackered - there is some stuff that would explain it but it's definitely been worse for a few days around the clocks changing, and then now although I'm physically still exhausted, I am having ideas all over the place which is a good sign my real self is returning.

I'm sending you all love and sea glass from a beach walk after a talk I did last week - nothing like a bit of beach magic to start the week off!

Speakout so sorry to hear about your mum. I look after my elderly.mum too and its always such a worry.

Hilarious I dont think I've met an actual mermaid before. How exciting!

Today I am going to visit a newish friend who used to be a druid. He has encouraged me enormously on this path to self awareness. He has an enormous garden with ponds and beehives and we will have a lovely chat so looking forward to that.

@speakout sorry to hear about your mum.

@hilariousnamehere , I am a bit envious of your professional mermaidery. How did you get into that? And have you ever seen the Australian TV program H2O Just Add Water?

@ISaySteadyOn ha, in the same way I do most of the things I do - I saw it, thought it looked incredible and set off to discover exactly how and to do it myself!

I saw my first video of Hannah Fraser swimming with whale sharks in a tail while stuck in a shitty London job in 2012, decided that if she could, there was no reason I couldn't - and by the middle of 2015 I'd imported my first tail, found somewhere willing to let me swim in it and started mermaid hen parties :) I now mostly just turn people into mermaids for photoshoots and occasionally will do a festival or event in my own tail - I found pool parties stressful but absolutely love the joy of the photography side (and I'm a full time photographer so it's a natural fit) but it was very much a throw myself in and see what happened decision!

If you fancy it you can definitely do it! It's not at all gatekept - I'm not your typical mermaid, with glasses and daft coloured hair, no freedive qualifications, a UK size 18-20 and absolutely no filter so not especially good at meet and greets for small people 😂 and it's a wonderful community of really lovely people. There are loads more places to swim these days and great groups of professional and hobby mers, and a convention where we all get together! The only restriction is I can't swim in aquarium settings until I get my freedive qualifications, but I'm fine with that - the swimming side really is more for my joy, water is where my magic has always lived and it's a way of clearing my mind - a bit like my friends who run say they feel when they run.

And yes, I LOVE h2o and mako mermaids and often rewatch 🥰 are you also a secret water person?

@speakout have had you and your mum in my thoughts all day today 🕯️💐