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Philosophy/religion

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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

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Thread gallery
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Craftycorvid · 10/05/2023 07:28

Warm May blessings, everyone! It has actually felt like spring for the past few days. I live in a city but we are fortunate enough to have green spaces, too. The scent of May blossom has been threading through all the shouty man-made smells of a busy urban environment like a bright beacon.

Sending some oomph to those who need it today. I’m working and contending with a low grade sniffly cold. My clothing choices all feel wrong for the weather, which is confusing!

speakout · 11/05/2023 07:28

Craftycorvid I think many cities have an abundance of green spaces, it can be surprising. I remember looking at an ariel photograph of my nearest city- where I lived and worked for many years and being surprised at the amount of green space and trees. Some obvious like parks, but also huge private gardens which are not always obvious when you drive or walk around. We also have a large park set around an extinct volcano which provides a more rugged terrain for hikers and walkers.
I love how nature reclaims abandoned buildings or even push up through cracks in paving stones. Life force can't be held back, she will reclaim in every tiny spot.
I love the work of Patrick Blanc who developed vertical gardens within cities.It isn't a new concept, and nature has had her own natural vertical gardens for eons, but very inspiring to see how green can work in a city.

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
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Craftycorvid · 11/05/2023 07:39

What lovely observations, @speakout and you are right: nature asserts itself wherever you are, no matter how built the environment. I love the idea of vertical gardens and often look at new build flats despairingly (for all sorts of reasons) and think how wonderful it would be if all of them had vertical gardens as a standard part of the design. I’m sure people’s mental health would be better as well as the health of the environment. Our local parks are obviously man-made but no worse for it. We also have a (man made) lake nearby which has become a bird and wildlife haven, and some years ago on a visit to a friend who lives in the south, we took in Hackney Marshes nature reserve, which was alive with greenery and dragon flies.

Hedjwitch · 12/05/2023 22:28

Taken myself to the Outer Hebrides to find some peace. Had a lovely swim at Luskentyre beach.

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
Any Witches Here?- Part 18
Craftycorvid · 13/05/2023 08:34

Absolutely beautiful photos, @Hedjwitch

speakout · 13/05/2023 09:35

I love the beach photos too Hedjwitch.
The Western Islands have a very otherworldly feel, don't they, makes me want to watch the Wicker Man movie!

It is heartening to see such clean beaches too. I know sea pollution is a serious issue, but visiting a clean beach gives me hope. I have beaches near me too, and litter or plastic on the seashore is rare. Possibly lots of unseen plastic, but only sea life, starfish, seaweed, shells, mussels, crabs. Like Molly Roberts I pick up stranded starfish and throw them back in the ocean.

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Voltefarce · 13/05/2023 22:00

Please may I join this thread? I am (re)finding my path.

speakout · 14/05/2023 08:01

You are very welcome Voltefarce, always space for newcomers, take a comfy seat by the fire.

Such a beautiful spring day yesterday. I washed everything in sight. Covers, sheets, I even had to nip to a loca shop because I ran out of pegs. I would love to get some decorative washing line posts- I think someone here had some?? I was thinking something like the lamp post from Narnia, or one in the shape of a tree.
I know there are some of us who love laundry magic, it is interesting how witchcraft is synonymous with household items- a besom, cauldron ( cooking pot), candles, cats, salt. Of course women would have used materials and equipment to hand, and these household items could hide in plain site during times of persecution.
It's a bright day here, but rain is forecast, so it will be an indoor day, unless the rain breaks, I have a couple of trays of small plants to be dug in. Better when the soil is wet, in fact gardening in heavy rain is a great pleasure! Weeds come up easily, no need to carry heavy watering cans, and no neighbours out with lawnmowers.
My DD is coming over today, it was her birthday a couple off days ago, so I will nip to the suoermarket in half an hour to buy food for a meal. I am tasking OH to visit mum in hospital today , he can take chocolate and a Sunday newspaper.

The moon spends the day in pisces, easing flow between us, and ability to communicate feelings with others, there may be a few hiccups in communication as Mercury turn direct today after a few weeks retrograde. As Mercury changes gear there may be a few bumps and misunderstandings this afternoon. But Mercs direct energy in the weeks ahead will bring clarity, focus, manifestation and results of our efforts.

I have already done some meditation this morning, and set to be mindful of a slow flow to the day. I am making one of my DDs favourite meals, but it is easy, once assembled can be left to cook without too much supervision. Have an enchanted day sisters.

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VioletCharlotte · 14/05/2023 11:24

My washing machine has been working round the close this weekend too! We've had so much rain recently and it's been difficult to get things dry. I love to see it all blowing on the line and the smell of the outdoors when it's time to bring it in.

I did some tarot readings at a readings fayre yesterday for the first time since before the pandemic. I often do readings for friends, but I'd forgotten how enjoyable it is to read from strangers and give them some messages that hopefully will give them a bit of clarity and comfort. This morning I'm taking it easy, some slow yoga first thing, a walk with my dog and now relaxing in the garden with some coffee, soaking up some much needed solar energy!

I'm relieved Mercury is going direct, the last few weeks have been a a bit tricky to navigate. I always know that Mercury is in retrograde when I find myself googling ex partners! 🤣

Speakout sending belated birthday wishes to your DD.

Hedjwitch that beach looks incredible! I'm off to research holidays in the outer Hebrides! I love wild, empty beaches, the ones down here are always packed in sunny days.

Voltfarce sending you a warm welcome 🤗

HillsBesideTheSea · 14/05/2023 11:25

Enjoy your trip hedjwitch
nice to meet you voltefarce

Speaking of besoms, i have acquired a mini one which is sadly looking worse for wear and was thinking i might add ornamental stuff to it. It is a stick besom, so twigs for the broom part and a branch for the handle.

I was thinking some ribbon, maybe some lavender. But honestly i am short of ideas so if you have any thoughts with what you would do to this to enhance the besom I would appreciate them.

queenrollo · 14/05/2023 12:49

Speakout that photo you shared of vertical gardening reminded me of wandering around Barcelona in 2012 and coming across this amazing street that was so green. Tall art deco period buildings with balconies and every single resident had grown amazing plants. It was also really cool, because the plants obviously created this micro-climate. It was absolutely magical.

I have really struggled through this retrograde. In particular I am tired of my DS's groups and school changing plans without any thought to how it might impact our own lives. So one group moved the Bank Holiday Monday session from the evening to the afternoon. I do understand their reasoning, but it was something my son desperately wanted to do so we had to abandon our own plans! Then this week his school are at a sports competition and will be getting back to school an hour later than normal. No thought given that some of us have paid termly fees for other activities and will now lose a session! In all honesty I get absolutely raging about this. This is absolutely in large part because peri-menopause has addled my brain and I really need routine at the moment for things to not go off the rails.

Anyway, stuff all that for the time being. My DH bought me a new battery powered strimmer so I can tackle some wild parts of the garden, and I am loving being out in nature and pretending I am a witch in her cottage garden in solitude from the world at large.

Voltefarce · 14/05/2023 14:07

Thank you for the welcomes.

I’ve had a slow but productive morning - a walk in the forest, three loads of washing so far (all on the line), and a paper pattern cut out ready for the fabric. Meal plan done and online shop ordered.

My garden is just starting to look beautiful - bulbs springing up and climbers starting to climb. I have (too) many tomato plants I have been nurturing from seed. Hoping for a number harvest 🤞🏻

speakout · 14/05/2023 16:14

VioletCharlotte I am glad you enjoyed your day reading Tarot. Always a good feeling when we remember how much we enjoy an activity we have set aside.

HillsBesideTheSea not sure how big your besom is, but I use shells, dried wheat or barley stems, metal charms, small bells, feathers, beads or bones.

I hear your rage queenrollo, the book Hagitude talks of the furies, and how they are unleashed as we approach the menopause, worth exploring. I love routine and quiet times. Had to miss yoga today, and will again tomorrow, I hope things settle down soon and gives me more time, I am feeling very motivated to deepen my practice.
Voltefarce you sound organised, and your garden sounds lovely. I love the vibrancy of green at this time, so fresh and alive. Home grown tomatoes are the best.

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queenrollo · 14/05/2023 18:18

Speakout I actually have Hagitude right next to me at the moment! I picked it up when I was in London but haven't had a chance to start reading it yet.

Hedjwitch · 14/05/2023 21:48

A couple more pics from various Hebridean beaches

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
Any Witches Here?- Part 18
Any Witches Here?- Part 18
Any Witches Here?- Part 18
ISaySteadyOn · 15/05/2023 07:15

Those photographs make me feel incredibly calm and serene. Thank you.

Can I ask what is a besom? I know what it is as a physical object but what is it for?

Blessings to you all.

speakout · 15/05/2023 07:52

I love the photos too Hedjwitch places where you can fill your lungs.

A besom is a broom, usually for the floor in a traditional "witch's" shape, a long stick or handle tied at the bottom with twigs, heather or other material.

The word besom or bisom was used in my dialect when I was a child, a term of mild insult to a girl or woman. It was used when a child was doing something wrong, but also michievious, and the word was often given with a smile.
So hiding in the cupboard then jumping out at someone to scare them- or getting caught stealing jam, minor misdemeanors. We were often besoms.

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
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speakout · 15/05/2023 07:56

ISaySteadyOn sorry I misread your question.

Can be used physically and spiritually for cleansing, for administering flying ointment........
I use mine as a protection at my front threshold, can be used in ceremony, fertility and marriage, miniature besoms can be used in altar work, or placed near thre bed to sweeten dreams.

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ISaySteadyOn · 15/05/2023 11:27

I'm glad you misread. I learned something new today so thank you. I think I should like to make one. I feel that since DD1 left her school that our house is lighter but I want to increase that.

Today I have used up all my pots in transplanting. DH is going to say 'What do you mean you need more pots?!' and then tomorrow bring more home for me because that is the sort of man he is.

Hedjwitch · 15/05/2023 16:27

A gift from the Goddess of beaches and seas and open skies. Humbled to be visiting such incredible places.

Any Witches Here?- Part 18
BeautifulDayintheneighbourhood · 16/05/2023 09:16

speakout · 15/05/2023 07:56

ISaySteadyOn sorry I misread your question.

Can be used physically and spiritually for cleansing, for administering flying ointment........
I use mine as a protection at my front threshold, can be used in ceremony, fertility and marriage, miniature besoms can be used in altar work, or placed near thre bed to sweeten dreams.

I’m curious to know more about flying ointment! How does that work please?

Craftycorvid · 16/05/2023 22:40

Well, the theory goes ….. you know how witches are always depicted riding astride flying broomsticks - so, some say that the ‘flying ointment’ itself was most likely an hallucinogenic blend of herbs used to evoke ecstatic states/visions rather than literal flying, and the notion of riding the broomstick grew out of the, er, customary manner of applying the ointment using the broomstick.

BeautifulDayintheneighbourhood · 16/05/2023 23:57

Craftycorvid · 16/05/2023 22:40

Well, the theory goes ….. you know how witches are always depicted riding astride flying broomsticks - so, some say that the ‘flying ointment’ itself was most likely an hallucinogenic blend of herbs used to evoke ecstatic states/visions rather than literal flying, and the notion of riding the broomstick grew out of the, er, customary manner of applying the ointment using the broomstick.

Oooh, fascinating! Thank you.

speakout · 17/05/2023 07:08

Craftycorvid - thanks for the explanation- I was hoping someone may jump in! Well put.
The history of Santa Claus/Father Christmas is also associated with hallucinogens, reindeer and herdsmen in Nordic countries seek out Fly Agaric, a type of magic mushroom- herdsmen and shamen will drink the urine of the reindeer after the animals have consumed the mushroom. Some suggest that this practice has informed the myth of Santa, with roots in the bearded Odin, flying through the air with his team of reindeer.
The archetype of Santa Claus is woven from many strands of ancient- and modern culture, an interesting figure, The Green Man and Father Christmas, Cernunnos, The Lord of the Forest, elements can be traced back thousands of years.
I am getting the house ready for my mother's return on Friday, she as been in hospital seven weeks, we have swapped her bedroom around to make things easier.
But I am off to yoga this morning. work is quieter than usual, but I am taking advantage of that by having more time to myself and giving the house a tidy and spring clean. Hopefully it will stay dry so I can get more laundry done.

Hava a magical day everyone.

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Craftycorvid · 17/05/2023 08:32

@speakout I hope your mother’s return to home goes as planned.

So many fascinating truths behind the folklore, aren’t there?

I’ve just been looking at photos of a holy well that’s in woodland near where I grew up. I would love a visit as it is such a wonderful place, full of memories of childhood and its own sense of magic. Sadly, I live a long way from the area now and visits are few and far between.

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