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Philosophy/religion

Join our Philosophy forum to discuss religion and spirituality.

Any Witches Here?- Part 18

995 replies

speakout · 11/01/2023 20:19

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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
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queenrollo · 26/04/2023 16:42

@Speakout this is our collective table in the virtual kitchen we all gravitate to and you must absolutely feel you can share it all here. Your contribution on all things magic has been vast, but your unending compassion and support for those of us who have ridden tough waters has not gone unoticed and we will all carry you through your own storm. You should, of course, only share if you feel able but please don't feel it is not appropriate here.
I am aware you have other places to talk your current situation through and think you will get lots of varying advice and for some not knowing your family dynamic helps and some of it maybe the knowledge will change the advice.

I have to go and diffuse a technology induced situation here with my own DS! but may return to post more.

Hedjwitch · 26/04/2023 19:42

Horrible week so far with a proposed budget cut of 89% in work which is simply not feasible. Cue frantic meetings,number crunching,angry phone calls etc. DH went into hospital with suspected sepsis on Sunday. Quite scary for a while until they got it all under control. Cellulitis of the face they decided. He looks as if he's been boiled alive and is now scabbing and peeling . Like the bloke in The Singing Detective! This all coincided with DS having band calls and rehearsals so have been on the road. Am exhausted.

VioletCharlotte · 26/04/2023 19:53

@speakout please don't feel bad about pouring out your problems. The really magical thing about communities of women like the one we've created here is the way in which we all support one another through hard times, as well as celebrate the good times. Try and focus on basic self- care - nourishing food, sleep and water. Yoga will be there for you when you're ready, but maybe try to take five mins a day just to focus on your breathing, this can really help you to ground yourself.

@ISaySteadyOn I'm so pleased that your DD is feeling happier. School can be so draining for some children. My DS struggled at primary school, luckily moving schools sorted the issue as I wasn't in a positon to home educate. It must feel like a huge relief for you all.

@hilariousnamehere I felt exhausted just reading about your 3am bedtime 🤣 I start to get twitchy if im not in bed by 10! I really need my 8 hours sleep. You're clearly a night owl, just be careful you're not burning the candle at both ends... it sounds like things are a bit crazy right now!

After a period of turmoil, I can finally feel things starting to settle around me. DS1 seems happier and, after a long period of not working, has found himself a part time job that he seems to be enjoying. Work is interesting...that freezer spell I did to put some space between me and a colleague was even more effective than I could have imagined. It's quite startling actually, but the way things are heading looks like it could be positive all round (the colleague included).

HernamewasNOLA · 27/04/2023 01:00

Thank you again to everyone who has welcomed me. I’m really enjoying reading through these threads, I’ve been making notes of the reading recommendations. My DS is going through a phase of not sleeping so it will give me something to do in the night feeds.

I’m coming off some medication at the moment and it’s making me feel a bit out of sorts. I’m looking forward to coming off it but the process of weaning myself off is proving to be quite difficult.

I’ve been struggling to implement magic in my life lately. It feels like it’s more of an effort to practice now, whereas previously it came naturally. It’s a viscous cycle because I feel worse for it but then feeling worse means I struggle to get back into it. I’m trying to be easy on myself though. I’m still only 3 months postpartum and I have a very demanding toddler so I need change my standards.

@speakout I’m sorry to read that things are difficult for you at the moment. You’re not wrong in any way to want enjoyment in your life. You have to put yourself first, as hard as that is to do a lot of the time. If you aren’t feeling well then you aren’t able to care for the ones you love.

@HillsBesideTheSea the way you describe your magical practice is enlightening. I find I have unrealistic expectations on what practice actually is, mainly due to social media. I will try to be more mindful.

@ISaySteadyOn I’m happy to hear your DD is feeling much better!.

@Hedjwitch glad to hear that it wasn’t sepsis, but that sounds so sore!. I hope your DH is okay and that you’re able to have a restorative few days after such a busy week.

@VioletCharlotte I’m happy to hear things are positive for you.

I’m hoping to have a candlelit bath when the DC go to bed and I might do some stargazing. I have a telescope which I might drag out to the balcony, although it looks like we may be in for a thunderstorm later.

VioletCharlotte · 27/04/2023 08:54

@HernamewasNOLA how lovely to have a telescope on your balcony! I would love that. I live in the middle of a town so there's a lot of light pollution, but I do love a bit of stargazing, it's so peaceful isn't it? I remember how tough it was having a baby and a toddler, I mean it's lovely, but also relentless! I find my magical practise ebbs and flows, life often gets in the way. When I'm feeling disconnected, it really helps me to get out in nature. even just for a few minutes, to listen to the birds and notice the trees and hedgerows changing with the seasons.

@speakout sending you love and solidarity and strength as you go through the day. We're here if you need us FlowersBrew

HillsBesideTheSea · 27/04/2023 14:23

I agree with social media giving interesting expectations of what practice should like.

A lot of my practice uses a lot of basic energy work, setting of intentions, infusion of intentions. It is not showy, it is not elaborate and i can incorporate it easily into my chaotic life. The simple practice of drawing and releasing energy to/from nature to balance my energy is one i have done for a long time. Too much energy that makes me anxious, over-excitable etc can be released calming me, lethargy and low energy can be eased through drawing a little energy to balance my energy again. It is a very helpful tool and often one i try to combine with a walk which i can use for medative purposes. I do poor with the sit still kind of mediations that work for some. I sink into a medative state far better when i am doing a repeatitve action. Body busy mind free iyswim. Walking is preferred, but sometimes i use knitting or crochet. depends on the weather, energy available, life etc. Many tools to achieve the same thing can be useful.

However, none of that would take a pretty picture for social media. So you aren't likely to see it when people are "showing" their practice. Social media shows the pretty, it is much harder to show the boring and mundane. And it is so easy to for get this, and get sucked into a picture perfect approach. Life is not picture perfect and exciting all the time, it is messy ugly and down right boring. Magical practice can be all of it pretty, exciting, messy, ugly and down right boring. Everything in balance. The right thing at the right time. Just with gardening the right plant in the right place with thrive but the wrong plant in the right place or the right plant in the wrong place will struggle. Your practice will be yours and yours alone because mine is not going to work for you and yours is unlikely to suit me. The trick is to find your path and your tools and practices. It is a journey, a path...

speakout · 27/04/2023 17:00

A warm welcome HernamewasNOLA.

And many thanks for the incredible support and from my sisters here- it has truly worked to strengthen me in the past week.

Craftycorvid your words about "the craft of the wise" really hit home, of course that wisdom serves to inform all aspects of our lives, the emotional, life seasons, relationships, new beginnings, politics, nurturing, including self compassion.

HillsBesideTheSea thanks again for your words, and making me feel so very supported.
ISaySteadyOn I can sense the relief in your situation, you have been strong to recognise what your DD needs and impliment that. It was very courageous, and although you may have pangs of self doubt, I am sure you have made the right decision. You can already watch your daughter flourishing.
We don't always need long term plans, sometimes it is OK to say for now- this is what works. I wish your daughter well. X

queenrollo your words have given me happy tears. Thank you for your kind words and holding such a loving space for me.

Very wise words VioletCharlotte about looking after myself, yes I am missing yoga and feeling that I should be pushing myself to do more, because I know the calming power and grounding would heal and support. But my days are so hectic right now, that driving to a class would squeeze time for the rest of the day and add to my stress. I may attend a very early class tomorrow, 7am, but I can decide at the last minute. I know my sleep is very important too. I am glad your DS is enjoying his new job, and no surprise that your magic produced such a powerful manifestation at work! Times like this give us an opportunity to pause, take a breath and reset.

My situation hasn't changed much, my mother is still in hospital, making slow but steady progress. As she is continuing to improve and have treatment then assessements about next steps, discharge etc won't be taken just yet.

I was in such a panic at the beginning of the week, watching a terrible vision of my future as a carer to two vulnerable and needy adults, as I walk around as a husk completely consumed by the weight of my responsibilities.
So although the future is unclear I can see my boundaries more clearly, what I am prepared to do and what not.

We don't know how much improvement my mother will make and is she gets back to almost complete recovery that's fine, she is welcome home.
If she has substantial care needs then that is not something I can offer within my home, I am safeguarding my precious self to avoid becoming a husk.
I will do whatever is needed within my limitations- but no more.
I have spoken to the hospital and I have help to advocate my needs in any forthcoming decisions.
So whatever the outcome it will not include me becoming a carer husk- that is not an option for my life. I reclaim the right to my energies to invest within my own being. Reframing my situation has brought me so much calm. I do care, and love, I will care, but I won't do so to a level which will cause me harm.

And I truly believe that you amazing women here have bestowed me with so much strength, love and support that I see I have no need to fear. That is magic- strong and full of wisdom.

XXX

OP posts:
speakout · 28/04/2023 19:15

ISaySteadyOn wow - that is so amazing, and worth celebrating. And she even stopped to rescue another competitor in trouble!

An example of female power.

OP posts:
anywitchway · 29/04/2023 10:41

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This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Craftycorvid · 29/04/2023 19:37

@anywitchway Sorry you found a repressive and judgemental Christian sect. Sadly, Christianity does often position Paganism as representative of Satanism (even though there is no concept of Satan in Paganism). At the end of the day, any spiritual belief system should sustain us in this world rather than terrifying us into submission by threatening us with an idea of a world to come. Hope you find your balance point.

anywitchway · 30/04/2023 10:02

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Hedjwitch · 30/04/2023 17:01

Exhausted beyond belief after a horrible week and wanted to garden but too cold and wet. Family ill so have turned to healing and immersed myself in my herbs.
For elderly.mother a tincture of rosemary underway to help with memory
For dh,a chamomile compress for sore eyes
For adult ds tincture of mallow for his cough( that was already made), an onion and honey syrup, warm garlic oil for his ear and later a steaming of eucalyptus and rosemary.
Just being busy with herbs has calmed me.

I am having an infusion of juniper and quinine with ice and lemon!

HernamewasNOLA · 01/05/2023 03:09

VioletCharlotte we live in a city so a lot of light pollution here too. Where we stayed on our honeymoon had hardly any light pollution so the sky was full of stars, which was gorgeous but I actually found it made it difficult for me to sleep!. It is so peaceful stargazing, I try and do it fairly often. DH usually brings out a book and we have a chat, it’s like a little date night. You’ve hit the nail on the head about raising a baby and toddler, lovely but relentless. I adore them both and I love being a mum but sometimes it feels like Groundhog Day!. I also find being with nature helps too, it definitely grounds me.

HillsBesideTheSea what you wrote is beautiful and so true. I find a lot of my practice looks mundane, such as when I bathe. But the process of adding fragrances to the water, lighting the candles and taking time to care for my body seems magic to me. But that doesn’t make for a good photo. It doesn’t help that I live in a big city and a lot of social media accounts I follow seem to be living in the sticks. I’ve recently been reading about the magic of cities though and it has helped me immensely. Although living in the country is lovely and there is a more personal connection with nature I love the buzz of a city and the culture. I find the people are magic too. Especially my city, it’s known for being quirky.

speakout I’m happy to hear you are able to see your boundaries more clearly now. It seems like you have a good plan going ahead. Well done for enforcing those boundaries though, I know how difficult it can be to do what is right for yourself when you feel as though you need to please others.

ISaySteadyOn thank you for sharing that with us. What an inspirational woman!.

Hedjwitch next time I’m ill can I come to your house please?😂. All them remedies sound wonderful, I will not them down, I have a little book filled with things like that for when the DC get poorly.

I had a lovely restorative day. The weather has been lovely so we took our lunch to the park and had a picnic under the singing oak. Which is a gorgeous oak tree with chimes and it just makes such a beautiful sound. Then we went on some swan pedalo’s after our picnic which DD loved, she loves the water.

HazelTheGreenWitch · 01/05/2023 06:10

Beltane blessings everyone!

Craftycorvid · 01/05/2023 08:03

Wishing you all a blessed Beltane! My day includes some work but I’m hoping to take time out to mark the opening of summer.

Hedjwitch · 01/05/2023 08:22

Beltane blessings sisters. Hope to have a fire outside tonight,and will smudge the house today.

VioletCharlotte · 01/05/2023 12:33

Beltane blessings sisters. May the days and weeks ahead bring you all abundance and prosperity.

I've been walking my dogs through the bluebell woods this morning, the smell was amazing. I love being in the woods at this time of year when they are so full of life.

VioletCharlotte · 01/05/2023 12:34

Some pics of the bluebells

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
Any Witches Here?- Part 18
ISaySteadyOn · 01/05/2023 12:44

My instincts are more within season than I thought. I woke up this morning feeling that today was special and I wanted to dress in all my favourite things but it wasn't until I opened this thread that I realised it was Beltane!

So Beltane blessings to you all 🙂

Hedjwitch · 01/05/2023 13:41

Foraged the garden today for dandelions,nettles and cleavers. Now...to the dispensary. ( kitchen)

VioletCharlotte · 02/05/2023 13:35

Hegjwitch I hope that your family are starting to feel better. I agree with @HernamewasNOLA , I'd like you to look after me when I'm I'll too!

@HernamewasNOLA your day out sounds lovely. I'd be ingested in hearing more about the singing tree - is it an oak that has wind chimes hanging in it? That sounds so nice. I used to love days out like that when my DC were younger.

Have any of you come across The Yogi Witch? I stumbled upon her in You Tube yesterday when I was looking for a Beltane flow. I really enjoyed the practise so thought I would share it here as I know many of you enjoy yoga.

It's a beautiful sunny day here. I wish I didn't have to work, there's so much I'd like to be doing in the garden!

hilariousnamehere · 02/05/2023 22:26

Belated Beltane blessings with a candle I made on Beltane!

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
VioletCharlotte · 04/05/2023 11:53

Full moon blessings sisters. This feels like a powerful one! 🌕

HernamewasNOLA · 05/05/2023 22:23

I hope everyone had a good time celebrating Beltane. I wore my favourite clothes and we went to look for faeries!.

@VioletCharlotte the bluebells are beautiful!. The singing oak is exactly what you describe, I’ll attach a picture (not my own, it’s just off google😂). I will have a look at the yogi witch!.

I’ve got a book about urban Witchery. I’m not sure how good it will be yet, I haven’t found any time to read it.