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

Thank you speakout

we've had rain but it's still very muggy and close. I can smell the petrichor though.

Hills I hope you're feeling okay now?

I am still praying to the goddess of bureaucracy, I think she has many hands for computer and paperwork, many ears for phone calls and lots of patience for "your call is in a queue". If I could draw, I think I know what she looks like!

Hallo everyone.
Anyone listening to the 13 part docu series 'Witch' on BBC radio 4, by India Rakusen? Whole series on BBC Sounds. Very interesting and sympathetic. I' e downloaded it and will listen to it again. Different subject in each episode.

@FizzingAda I've listened to the whole thing! I really enjoyed it. I saw someone elsewhere say it was a 'deep dive' in places and I didn't think so, so it made me wonder whether I have more knowledge on the topics included than I give myself credit for!
It did make me hanker for a few witchy friends on my wavelength to do some in person rituals though.

I haven't heard of the BBC podcast, thanks for the information, I am always keen to know of podcasts and discussions I can listen to- especially while I work.
I hope it isn't too gruesome, I am becoming increasingly incensed and upset when dwelling on the burning times, the graphic torture and mass murders.
It just seems so close to home, and really not that long ago. I live in an area where witchunting was at fever pitch, we still have locations, road names, pubs etc named after witchhunters.

I had a lovely stroll through my wolf wood this morning, teeming with wildlife, lots of birds, squirrels, deer, woodpeckers and I even spotted an otter in the river.
Deep in the forest there is a fire pit in a clearing, surrounded by large rocks and branches which serve as seats for perhaps 18-20 people. I see evidence of burnt logs and branches, and this morning some of the rocks forming the pit were still warm to the touch.
The fire pit has been regularly used in the 8 years I have lived here, but I have never witnessed anyone using it- but admittedly I don't visit after dark.
OH suggests it may be local teenagers having a drinks party, but I don't have that impression. There is not one piece of litter, in the area ( or indeed the whole wood- thanks to the she wolf), no empty bottles or cans, no food remains or wrappers.
I also saw a new carving on one of the tree trunks used as a seat, it was the word "Believe" in large letters.
I am just curious to know if there is a purpose to the fire and gatherings, I may be missing out on an interesting activity!
Back from lunch, DD and I loved the meal, but disappointingly was not to OHs taste. At least we now know he doesn't like Thai food!

@Speakout it felt like a very respectful journey through the fact and fiction of witches. They do visit Scotland and she talks to the ladies behind the campaign to have them pardoned. It is not sensational at all, she speaks with practicing witches and pagans and interviews academics/experts including Ronald Hutton.

@Hedjwitch @speakout kout thanks for the wonderful advice on lavender. I have been trying to make the children snacks for school. I might make some lavender biscuits and let them have a small one for pudding. I will definitely have fun experimenting. Thank you for the reassurance about being an occasional poster speak out. I am trying to find balance. Popping on to ask something without giving back feels wrong. I want to try to spend more time giving as I'm trying to improve myself and my emotional balance.

@ISaySteadyOn that's lovely. I did a little positivity candle spell Friday and as part of it decided to start keeping a positivity journal. This is exactly the kind of thing that needs to be enjoyed, remembered and focused on. Hearing others positivity is really uplifting.

My little positive burst from the weekend was taking my children kayaking. We paddled under a bridge on a very still section of canal, the reflection of the bridge making a full circle. The children and I imagined we were passing though a fairy gate and spent the next section trying to spot fairies riding on the back of dragonflies or in making lights in the trees.

@FizzingAda I have been listening to the series and have created a reading list. I really enjoyed it and it re-enforced some of my thoughts.

@speakout thanks for the new moon information. Am I correct in thinking this is a good time to embark on new projects?

I really want to mark the summer solstice this year. I recently read I capture the castle. Which I loved, and I liked that Cassandra enjoyed celebrating by gathering herbs, and having a fire which I liked. After reading that and listening to the podcast Witch I am inspired. I looked up some ideas of how to celebrate. I am considering seeing what herbs I can find in the garden, at the very least I can collect some of my lavender for my projects, light a candle enjoy the garden. I also saw a tradition of leaving gifts for the fairies, after my watery adventure with my children this weekend I am thinking about making some flapjack with the children and leaving out a piece and some honeyed milk for the fairies. I think my husband would not appreciate me doing anything to pagan/witchy with the children, but leaving treats for fairies and marking the solstice would be fine. Perhaps in my own time in the evening I could say goodbye to some negative energy and welcome in some positivity.

Does anyone have any ways of celebrating they could share?

@Hoolahoophop your suggestions for how to mark the solstice sound perfect! I love the idea for leaving some treats out for the fairies. I have a recipe for honey cakes topped with lavender which I'm planning to make for my friends, so will leave some out for the fairies as well! (If I can find somewhere the dog won't eat them!!)

The summer solstice is my favourite festival. I love the energy this time of year, it feels like the days are long and never ending, full of plans and opportunities. I like to do a bit of a review of the year now that we're at the mid point - go back to the intentions I set at the start of the year, look at what I've achieved and what's changed and get rid of what no longer serves me.

I'm seeing a couple of witchy friends on Wednesday for our own mini ceremony. We're all bringing brightly coloured flowers and candles for the altar and will spend some meditating and setting intentions. It'll be quite light touch as one of my friends is struggling a bit with mental health, but I'm hoping this will give her a lift.

Hoolahoophop it is good to read you are seeking balance- always a work in progress in my life! I actually think that anyone visiting or reading posts on this thread is adding energy to our collective. Even the readers who never post are supporting and adding to the magic. If one of us mentions an idea or causes a reader to stop for a thought that process sets up a rippple in the web of life and community. So essentially we are all giving when we dip our divine toes into the juicy conversation.
I don't have major plans for the solstice, but open to change.
My magical works tend to be small these days, and my lines between magic and mundane are so blurred they are hard to separate.
I am just decompressing after a trip to the pharmacy, supermarket and post office. I like to get out but always happy to come home again.
I give myself a little time to change into "at home" mode, often with a coffee, light a candle and rest. I am experimenting with cacao drinks as an alternative to coffee, although I am sure just as stimulating as caffeine as I make my cacao very strong.
Thanks for the info about Witch on Radio Four, I am about to start listening to episode 4, I found the 3rd episode a little harrowing, I know many of the places mentioned, I have left offerings at the witch's well, and sometimes drive past David Seaton's house. Seaton, Kincaid ( witchfinder general) and the local clergy must have been a group of evil men.
Perhaps it may be fitting this solstice for me to honour all the individuals who were injured and murdered at the hands of the church and state.

@speakout I love the idea of honouring all our sisters who were brutally murdered. I think we all forget how fortunate we are to live an age where this is tolerance for alternative beliefs and practices.

I love cacao. I make mine with cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a kick. Then a little oat milk and sweeten with either honey or agave. Its delicious and really good for you 😊

VioletCharlotte I feel moved to reach out into the past with love and support to those victims of violence.
I feel when we perform magic the structure of time can break down, as in quantum physics when when the meaning of time changes, dilates and becomes fuzzy.
We too in our magical practice can reach back, or forward, into our child or shadow selves and further into past times and the lives of others who have long gone.
If I can bring even a small amount of comfort to my persecuted sisters then I will try ( and I am not beyond sending some discomfort to others too).

I am enjoying the cacao, not try it with cayenne, but I know chilli and chocolate work well together. I put in a little cardamon which was good, and tried a zesty twist of orange peel, that was good too. I also favour oat milk, it has a lovely creamy nutty flavour. I will give agave a go I am using small amounts of honey or maple syrup, I thought maybe some fresh mint may be good too.
I am tempted to buy a block of ceremonial grade cacao, but it is very expensive.
I'll maybe drop hint to my family closer to christmas time!

Hello all... hope everyone is having a blessed start to the week.

I have spent the last 6.5 hours today with my nose in my laptop doing a university essay that's due shortly, so now in desperate need of some time
Outdoors... feeling so unbalanced!

Interesting to read about the BBC podcast, I'm always on the lookout for something to listen to so will give it a try...

I usually love to cook but feeling so uninspired right now, completely stuck in a kitchen rut!

I might be able to help with that. I have been cooking from this book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medicinal-Chef-plant-based-diet/dp/0600636046

recently and I love it. The recipes are easy for a dyspraxic person like me to follow, they are really tasty and I have had a lot of fun cooking them.

In gardening, I have this feeling I have made a silly mistake and something I thought was a tomato might be a nettle unless tomato plants can sting you?

Good evening sisters. Been a bit missing in action for various reasons but trying to catch up. I will be remembering our murdered sisters tomorrow at the Solstice and honouring them.

On the herb front very busy as the greenhouse switches from.propagation to drying plants and infusing oils. Yarrow,rosemary and rose oil all infusing,with calendula still to get under way. Tincture of rosemary now strained and bottled,and tincture of witch hazel nearly ready.
Made chickweed oil for the first time and my brother is testing it on his eczema elbows for me!
Cornflowers drying for soothing eye bags,and lovely chamomile drying for teas and ointments.
Sage and thyme cough syrup all gone so need to make more before winter. Will pick and dry hyssop soon too, excellent for coughs.
Its hard work being a hedgewitch!

Blessed Solstice dear sisters.I hope this time brings you peace and abundance.
I have been supporting my DD with her sick cat for the past few days, he is critically ill with heart failure- and only just 12 months old. He is staying overnight at the vet, as he needs oxygen and medication, more tests will be done today.
He is also uninsured- which is an additional layer of concern.
Although my DD is very resilient she feels things so very deeply, and she loves her cat so much.
I am sure many of you will understand.

Happy Solstice all! Any plans for marking the day? I’m thinking an evening run or yoga class to get out into nature.

Yes.

Solstice blessings to you all! I no longer have a covenstead so it’s lovely to be able to have a ‘virtual’ one with whom to mark the turning of the wheel. I had a strange early morning dream involving going outside to find a procession in full force going down the road - something between a biker convention and a horse fair - the horses were heavy horses and were being driven between fires, and there was a man with a pony and trap guiding them. He made eye contact with me and he was simultaneously very compelling and warning - I had to chuckle a bit when I woke up because he was a combination of every ‘mad, bad, sexy’ stereotype going, but very magnetic. I can’t think of any specific reason those things were in my subconscious, including the man. 😆.

Unfortunately my life has not allowed for my favourite way to celebrate the solstice. I don't think that there will be the ability for me to celebrate really at all.
Still not feeling great either. SO i may postpone to the end of the week.

Solstice blessings to a welcoming group. I will look forward to making a wildflower and herb bouquet this evening, collecting some lavender for making sleep aids for my children and with them making some flapjacks for school snacks and to leave out for the fairies.

Speakout I am sorry to hear about your daughters cat.

Craftycorvid I think I might be slightly envious of your dream.

Lighting a bonfire in my chimenea tonight.

Yes listened to the whole thing. Very interesting. Anyone going to the Witchfest in croydon in November?

Yes listened all the way through. What are your thoughts please

Solstice blessings to you dear sisters may the rich, fire energy uplift and energise us all and relight our fires.

Sending lots of love to @speakout and @HillsBesideTheSea and anyone else who is facing challenges at the moment.

I've not listened to the podcast yet, but it looks very interesting so have added it to my list. I like to listen to podcasts and audible books when I'm walking my dog or when driving. Thank you for the recommendation.

I'm celebrating this evening with some friends. I've made some honey and lavender cakes and bought some brightly coloured flowers for the altar.

The Yogi Witch has released a special summer solstice practice which I thought some of you may like

Solstice blessings to all and thank you for this lovely space
I'm still praying to the goddess of bureaucracy...but other things are happening that make it feel like a happy new year. I might note it personally as a new year!

I moved recently and I don't know where most of my stuff is but I will light a candle and give thanks.