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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
74
speakout · 21/01/2023 12:44

ISaySteadyOn I am glad you joined us, and thank you for opening your heart to allow us to support you.
There is a simple sigil tutorial by Magical Crafting- a channel on youtube, I will post a link, but they don't always play if loaded through this site.
I'll try, but if the video doesn't work then the video title is called-
How to Make A Magic Sigil - Magical Crafting - Sigil Magic - Witchcraft

Here is the video link- let's hope it works

VioletCharlotte thanks for that link, I will have a read later today.
The weather is sunny here too, but bitterly cold- the sun is highlighting the fact my windows need cleaned. Your day sounds lovely, I am just back from a yoga class too, had some brunch and just about to start work.
I am also looking forward to my woman's circle starting again, the first one is after Imbolc, I keep checking the booking page. My circle meets on a full moon , I know circles vary on the timing of the meet. Thankyou for encouraging me to attend, the circle is a very healing space.

OP posts:
queenrollo · 21/01/2023 14:42

My youngest DS is 10 today! On the day he was born there was snow on the ground and both my doula and the midwives struggled to get to me. My poor DH was on the phone to the maternity ward who told him he would be fine and they would talk him through the delivery if need be! He was fortunately spared the ordeal, but it's all the more memorable a day for the drama!

I have barely any voice and a cough so bad that it's caused some damage in my nether regions which I fear is going to need a GP trip. I'm feeling a bit glum about the ravages of peri-menopause on my poor body.

Probablymagrat · 21/01/2023 15:04

Thank you for sharing your Imbolc rituals @speakout its given me somwhere to start. I won't copy you of course, but I will make a specific altar to mark the occaision. I will also make a special meal to welcome the turn of the year, that way my other half will also be included in the rituals. I am thinking of going into the garden and picking some of each of the plants that are showing new buds to decorate the table, I think I should try and connect with my new surroundings a bit more.

Thank you also for recomending Hagitude, it came yesterday and I have started it already. I started studying Psychology witht the OU many many years ago, but had to give up, and then my life took another turn so I didnt go back to it. It feels right to come back to Jungs teaching at this time, espcially through a wise and highly experienced female practitioner like Sharon Blackie.

Thank you for the link @VioletCharlotte I will look at this a bit later. Hopefully it will give me some ideas.

speakout · 21/01/2023 18:39

Happy birthday to your son queenrollo, I hope he has had a good day.
I think it is a day of celebration for mothers too. We carried, birthed and nurtured our children, I know my memories of birth are so clear, even though have passed, I vividly remember a lot about birth days, raw emotion, searing pain, a heart full of love.
So congratulations to you too queenrollo.

OP posts:
VioletCharlotte · 21/01/2023 20:19

Sending birthday wishes to your DS Queenrollo I always find children's birthdays to be quite emotional, all those memories of pregnancy and labour come flooding back. It's hard to believe how time passes and all of a sudden your baby is not little anymore! 10 is a great age to be, still a child, but just old enough to have a tiny bit more freedom. I really enjoyed mine at that age (before the teenage angst kicked in!)

VioletCharlotte · 21/01/2023 20:23

Pressed send too soon! I meant to say that I'm sorry you're feeling so rough Queenrollo. The cough sounds awful, it sounds like you need to see a Dr to get them to check your chest as you may need antibiotics. Hopefully they can help with the perimenopause symptoms as well, I can't remember if you said if you're taking HRT, but I hope you manage to get some help Flowers

WeeFreeLass · 21/01/2023 20:36

@queenrollo, belated Happy Birthday to your son ! He certainly came in to the world in a memorable way ! I'm sorry you are suffering, it's insult to injury when you cough so much you do more damage, I hope it's something that can easily be sorted and that cough buggers off sharpish!

@speakout , another one sending thanks for the Hagitude recommendation, I've now got it on kindle as I'm trying to buy fewer books. I may have an issue with hoarding books 🙄. I'm getting better at releasing some in to the wild, but I still live in a book fort!

Hedjwitch · 22/01/2023 09:56

A new challenge for me today. My first cold water sea dip. Am nervous,but excited. Wish me luck.

ISaySteadyOn · 22/01/2023 10:00

Oooh, good luck! Also, tell us about it after.

Hedjwitch · 22/01/2023 10:54

I will, if I survive!

WeeFreeLass · 22/01/2023 10:56

Wow ! You're brave!
The very best of luck to you! 👍

speakout · 22/01/2023 11:17

Hedjwitch good luck- sounds amazing.
I wouldn't be so brave. I know a few women who are wild sea swimmers and they say it is an incredible experience.

OP posts:
SerafinasGoose · 22/01/2023 13:31

New moon blessings and welcome to all newcomers.

I'm Mariel. I've changed my name because I need once again to post for support in this lovely thread, and some of this information is revealing.

Having just worked through a slow recovery from a serious injury, discovered that my blood-clotting issues might pose a permanent threat to me, then recently discovered my former husband had died, DH and I took another hammer-blow this week. A routine MRI has just shown up suspected prostate cancer. This was a complete bolt from the blue. He had a biopsy last week, and we now have three weeks to wait until the result.

I don't know how much longer I can lurch from crisis to crisis, or keep clawing myself back up from the brink from disaster mode back into survival mode. And it's screwing with my head. When my aunt died, I dreamed I'd lose my mother of the same (exceptionally rare) cancer, and I did. When I heard of my ex-husband's death, I had a horrible vision of my own DH's funeral. Then we heard this.

I think I'm likely catastrophising because I've lost so many other loved ones too soon, and the news has always been the absolute worst case scenario. Then there's been the unsettling factor that I seen to have foreseen these losses, when all that's likely is that my worst fears of same thing happening to those closest to me were manifesting in dreams. But it doesn't help that two instances of this have come to pass already - and together with the fact that I keep seeing lone magpies - it's all frightening the life out of me.

I have the horrible, doubtless irrational, but persistent feeling that I've inadvertently invited some harmful, malevolent force into my life. I don't know what, or how, and I'm not very experienced in this spiritual path, having only followed it for a few years. I'm not wiccan, but have always tried to follow the mantra of 'harm none'. So my first overwhelming instinct was to go and throw my tarot cards, in their wooden box, into the river (all biodegradable). I would ask, if anyone is able to work any magic to dispel evil luck, or to undo curses, or just to send some healing energy, would you please do me the honour of sending some in my direction?

I also have a difficulty to face. I'm indulging in some real superstitious nonsense here. My spiritual path is a comfort, and it took a great deal to unpick the Christian past and turn to what I believed was the correct one. But if it's playing with my head to this degree, I have to face the question of whether I've chosen the right path for me. I am going to meditate on this, to connect with nature and the divine feminine, and beyond this, do nothing, not even so much as the casting of a protective circle.

Between the biopsy and DH's results, I'm at Haematology. I have no idea what we're going to hear on either of these two occasions. I feel I'm living through a never-ending nightmare that I can't wake up from.

SerafinasGoose · 22/01/2023 13:34

NB. After MiL's antics at Christmas I'm also working around to asking DH about making an unassailable Will. I want to appoint our child suitable guardianship in the event that something happens to us both. His godmother loves him and has offered to do this wonderful thing for us.

He's only 8. At present I simply can't process what is happening to our family.

HazelTheGreenWitch · 22/01/2023 15:11

SerafinasGoose
I am so sorry to hear about everything that is happening at the moment. I will light a candle and send good energy your way. I really hope it helps and you get some good news soon.

VioletCharlotte · 22/01/2023 15:31

Hedjwitch I went sea swimming in October and loved it, but I'm sure today was a lot colder! Me and my friend were saying earlier that today would have been a great day to go as it's cold, but sunny and no wind. We're going to the coast next weekend so hoping the weather will be similar. Let us know how you got on, I found it exhilarating and I was buzzing afterwards, I can see why people say it's addictive!

SerafinasGoose I'm sorry that you've been going through such a hard time, it sounds like it's been a really difficult time. When you get a run of bad things happen, it can feel like the worlds against you and I understand why you're thinking the way you are. However I really don't think there is any malevolent force at work here or that you've been cursed. This is just life I'm afraid. We all go through times when we get faced with lots of challenges; we get sick, loved ones pass away, we injure ourselves. And there are times when everything goes well and we're happy and satisfied with our lot. As hard as it is when you're going through this stuff, it's just part of the tapestry of life.

If I were you, I would try to stop these negative thought patterns and focus instead on self care - nurture yourself in the way you would nurture a child and be gentle with yourself. Have you ever tried practising gratitude? I know at the moment you probably dont feel like there anything to be grateful for, but there always is. When you go bed at night, or first thing in the morning, write down three things you're thankful for, I promise you it really helps xx

SerafinasGoose · 22/01/2023 17:19

Thanks so much @HazelTheGreenWitch and @VioletCharlotte for those kind replies. Violet, I know you are right and I do recognise the emotions I'm going through are irrational. When things go badly it does tend to happen in spates; I guess I'm just unnerved by the symmetry of these events to those which took place earlier in my life. I'm going to make a concerted effort to stop it.

I do have a great deal to be grateful for: our son, our wonderful relationship and the two staunch friends who are more like sisters and who help me through the toughest periods of my life, as well as being there for the fun. I'm also back into my old working routines for the first time since my accident, and that helps too.

I'm taking you up on the gratitude tip. That's a very good, positive attitude to take.

Hedjwitch · 22/01/2023 17:57

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles @SerafinasGoose and am sending you my best wishes

The sea swimming was brilliant. Once you get over the shock its very exhilarating. Only stayed in a couple of minutes but it was great. Will definitely do it again. Am very tired now though

ringoutsolsticebells · 23/01/2023 00:47

@SerafinasGoose - so sorry to read about your troubles. Sending strength and comfort your way

speakout · 23/01/2023 07:09

Glad you enjoyed your sea swimming Hedjwitch

VioletCharlotte those are very wise words. I was nodding in agreement with you.
I don't think malevolent fotrces are at play, sometimes life just sucks, and clusters of things happen through no fault of anyone.
I agree during stormy weather we need even more to find our center and keep grounded. We need to take care of our mental and physical health, and be very mindful that we are not causing ourselves more pain by maladaptive thinking processes- rumination or "hamster wheeling", catastrophising, self criticism. We can't always change our circumstances but we can change our responses.
Self care becomes even more important when things are hard- whatever self care looks like to you, whether it is having a bubble bath, catching up with bills or dumping a toxic friend.
Self care needn't be about prosecco and Netflix ( although these can heve their place) it can be about taking control of a debt, finding some counselling or whatever you need to support you.
SerafinasGoose self care may also be about stepping away from a spiritual path, for a time anyway- if it is causing turmoil and confusion it may not be the time for you right now.
Have a magical week sisters.

OP posts:
ISaySteadyOn · 23/01/2023 07:42

Positive energies to all who need them.

Hedjwitch, the sea swimming sounds amazing. I once swam in a glacial pool when I was younger. I imagine it might be a bit like that.

SerafinasGoose · 23/01/2023 17:30

Thanks so much for your kindness and wisdom. I knew I was allowing myself to be sucked into a spiral of negative thinking and that I wasn't being rational. But sometimes it helps to have that spelled out to us.

I will keep on with my meditation, keep my crystals by me, etc., but at this moment in time will not be reading, learning about or trying new practices. Any form of divination is also not for me at present. I know this is not the right time. For now, what I have is enough.

There is a beautiful yellow sliver of a waxing crescent moon rising in the Western sky beside Venus, above what remains of a lovely orange sunset. I'm trying to take my solace in the continuity of nature's cycles and its beauties. I've always retreated into those things when life seems hard.

Wild swimming is still on my list of things to do. In January that's so brave but I bet it felt amazing.

VioletCharlotte · 23/01/2023 20:35

SerafinasGoose I'm so glad we've been able to help a little. I know that sometimes when things get really tough, it's hard to take any advice on board so I'm really pleased what we have said resonates with you a little. I thought of you earlier actually as my yoga teacher was talking about the how practising gratitude helps change thought processes and achieves energy shift...powerful stuff!

I saw the crescent moon and Venus too, the sky was beautiful tonight wasn't it? I tried to take a photo but they never seem to come out well on a phone camera!

Hedjwitch glad you enjoyed your swim!

Hedjwitch · 23/01/2023 21:59

Husband has upset stomach so offered to make a brew for him. Was selecting fennel, chamomile and mint when cat appeared and homed in on some valerian! Cue tussle with large over stimulated cat refusing to give up the bag he was drooling all over and going absolutely bonkers. I need to train my familiar to behave!

EmmaEmerald · 24/01/2023 22:04

Serafina hugs if you want them. You mention worrying about a malevolent force. If i had any connection to anything spiritual in my 20s, I might have thought the same in bad times - my 20s featured some major health issues and shocking bereavements in a 2 year period. But you need to do whatever you need to do. You mention a Christian background. I find church to be a place of comfort, but I should say I've not had anything like the bad experiences some people have had with them.

Hedj the cat found valerian stimulating?!