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

Naps are good. The Sheffield for young voices also sounds good. Was it?

@ISaySteadyOn - glad to see you here. This thread feels very safe and supportive.

As women, I think we are sometimes hard-wired to be very hard on ourselves. For a family who all have ASD I think you cope magnificently.

I'm very career focused. I studied for a PhD. I'm committed to my Humanities-based subject; I'm a known name in my research field.

Since joining academia, I've witnessed the steady decline of my discipline. I've seen the turning of UK HE into an aggressive, cutthroat business model rather than a seat of education. Of students dictating to lecturers what they want as consumers, rather than lecturers using their expertise to know what's necessarily needed to complete a rounded education. Of a generation being told there's nothing worth studying other than STEM, of Humanities hemorrhaging students, of departments closing all over the country, of widespread disaffection, strikes, being worked to death and Vice Chancellors trousering huge salaries while exploiting a workforce who are currently on their knees. My own job is currently very precarious, my course having been cut, and when the new course replaces it (merging three different disciplines) we are told we'd better start seeing more backsides on seats, or else ...

Careers are not all they're cracked up to be. You give your all to a system you started out believing in - then you discover the system doesn't love you back. To academics dedicated to our students and our research, this is a bitter pill.

In the last year I've been off work with a serious injury, had life-threatening blood clots following surgery, lost my first husband and now my old drinking buddy to the hated disease of cancer, now my DH is awaiting the results of a biopsy for prostate cancer.

Family is everything. I've learned that in the sort of hard way I really wouldn't wish on anyone. My organization now gets enough of my time and attention to bring home a monthly salary, and that is all.

There's an old mantra that no one ever reaches their death bed and wishes they'd worked harder.

I guess I'm feeling pretty much as you are currently feeling, only for very different reasons! Sending you all positivity and solidarity. 💐

Isaysteadyon it's interesting that you talk about feeling guilty about not being career focused, I had a very similar conversation with a friend last night. She in her 60's and works as a cleaner in the hospital 2 days a week. However she says that she doesn't feel she has 'worked' since 2012 which was the last time she had an 'important job that kept her awake at night.

Isn't it sad that society has conditioned us to think that being successful needs to equal being stressed and worried at work, while essential work like cleaning are seen as 'not proper jobs'? We saw in the pandemic the vital role that people like cleaners and shop workers play, yet we still don't value them.

It sounds like you feel that you're failing because of your ASD. And it's tough, I know. My DS was diagnosed with autism and ADHD last year (he's 22). And I've seen how hard it is for the neurodivergent brain to try and fit in to a neurotypical world. I think the narrative around ASD needs to shift, yes it's hard, but there's also lots of positives that come with being neurodivergent. My sons autism means he has 'perfect pitch', he's a talented, self taught, musician. He's highly creative and his ADHD gives him the ability to hyper focus on things he's really interested in. (He calls these his superpowers! I'm sure you could name some superpowers that you and DC possess?

@SerafinasGoose, I attempted a PhD when I was younger and I remember thinking that I could not handle the politicised nature even then. 💐to you as well. It sounds as though you have had a particularly difficult time of it of late. So I offer sympathy, 🍵and coriander flowers because they are so beautiful.

@VioletCharlotte, does being able to talk about Pokémon with my son for hours count? 😛

I've always thought that dyspraxia and ASD are a particularly cruel combination even if they are often comorbid. But I am a bit more under control today.

Sometimes I find that the fluctuations of the seasons often affect my emotional state. February is an odd month that way. Anybody else find that?

Isaysteadyon I'm feeling all over the place today, I always do when it's a full moon! Maybe that could be affecting you too?

I didn't know it was a full moon. Maybe that's it. I may have to go for a walk when it rises. It might be good to welcome it.

I have steam mopped my kitchen and thanks to you all, I used some lemon and chamomile essential oil and it has made a difference. The house feels fresher, I feel more in tune with things and less despairing than I did this morning.

ISaySteadyOn Young Voices is where primary schools send in small choirs who have all learned the same songs to perform en masse as a choir. There were also performances from street dancers, beat boxers and a violinist (who performed with the beatbox team) and then the 'star' was Heather Small and the children accompanied her on Proud.
So 5000 children took part, and it was really impressive. In the afternoon they had demos from the performers and then lessons in how to follow the conductor.

@SerafinasGoose i have a couple of friends who left Academia for the reasons you descibe. My DH is currently doing an MA(for fun) and often is frustrated at the attitude of some of the other students on his course.

I have had to work really hard at valuing myself among my peers, I am the only mother in my son's class without a Degree or Professional qualification. It can be hard to socialise when the talk is all about 'career' - i dread the question 'What do you do?' because I am basically seen as a lady of leisure because I don't have a corporate career.
I'm not an academic learner, I have a handful of mediocre GCSEs but friends come to me for advice on child-rearing, gardening, alternative remedies and matters of the heart and soul.

Queenrollo If you were my real life friend I would value those qualities highly indeed! I'd be round yours for a cuppa and some advice all the time

Same. Now I have ambition. I want to be like you, @queenrollo 🙂.

Queenrollo the qualities and skills you have are a million times more interesting and useful. Let's face, who wants to listen to someone talk about their corporate career or their tedious, 'funny' stories from when they were at uni?!

I very rarely talk about work (apart from when I'm at work of course). When I'm with my friends, we talk about relationships, our children, fitness, clothes, gardening, pets, cooking, the cycles of the moon....all so much more interesting. I feel like people who only talk about their career tend to be quite dull and not have a lot else going on in their lives.

I'll caveat that to say, I don't include people who work in jobs like healthcare or teaching, etc, in that assessment. My SiL is a teacher and I know she often feels so overwhelmed she needs to talk about it. I mean people in corporate-type roles.

Oh I love this gathering of like-minded women so very much.

Sorry I've been so absent - but sending hugs to you all and @SerafinasGoose crossing fingers for the biopsy result to be a good one for your DH.

Clothes wise I am very eclectic - a mix of some of my alter egos in one, so if you can imagine a circus showgirl witchy pirate cowgirl dancer that's pretty much how I dress most days. I don't follow fashion at all but my wardrobe makes me gleeful!

Even my funeral dresses are a 50s style navy velvet and a medieval-shape black embroidered beauty with massive bell sleeves - I don't really do sensible clothes ever and I love it. I do, however, live in DMs, Western boots in the winter and fitflops or bare feet in the summer - have entirely lost the ability to wear heels and I regret nothing 😂 and even in my most boring clothes I have waist length colourful hair, deep teal at the moment but once a year full rainbow!

Someone actually described me about ten years ago as their most alternative friend and I nearly fell over laughing because I was just starting to emerge as myself - but I happily embrace it now and do mad but very me stuff like wear unicorn horns or tiny crowns or miniature witch hats to networking meetings (proper formal ones) and it's done wonders for both my business and making friends who get me. Pic attached of my Imbolc outfit which is actually quite muted for me 💙

@queenrollo I would also be round constantly, I value those qualities far more than work/degrees/money/etc 🥰 (and has anyone waved right to choose at you for the ADHD assessment? Happy to pm or waffle more here if useful)

I've been really struggling with my own internal voices in the last few days though, telling me I'm not good enough and I'll never actually make a success of anything even with ADHD diagnosed and meds. But a lot of that is coming from having had a really spectacular series of tech fails that have just eaten time, put me behind schedule and made it impossible to plan. Trying to haul myself out of the depths with journalling and leaning into my magic and letting myself be fully present in each day, and also by helping Mum get ready for her new bed, and starting the long task of extracting old photos from Dad's network drive. We did not consider, when he was alive, how the hell I would maintain the tech in years to come 😳

On the plus side, I decided to make Imbolc my own new year, have shunted January firmly into the past, and saw my first snowdrop on Thursday! Pic also attached hopefully. And I finally chose my words for the year - Simplicity, Restore and Align - and stamped them into the bangle I make every year to wear them and keep them close. Pic might have uploaded if phone is behaving!

Has been a difficult few weeks and sitting with a cuppa and catching up has been balm for the soul as usual so thank you sisters. And sorry for the epic length post!

(and I do feel like I should confirm I am a much, much better photographer than my phone snaps would have you believe 😅)

@speakout hearing about your wolf wood always makes me feel a kind of peaceful hope, it's wonderful.

Coincidentally have been talking with my coven this week about our special wild spaces and how to connect and find them when you've moved somewhere new 💚

Hilariousnamehere
'circus showgirl witchy pirate cowgirl dancer'? You are my clothing hero!

hilariousnamehere beautiful photos- and I love the boots! Yes my wolf wood is very special. I have lived in my current home for only a few years, but have "adopted" this wild place. It is at the back of a very old church which was sold a year ago. The church once had a notorious witch hunter as minister. I am not sure who owns the woodland, whether it is part of the church estate, but all woods around here are protected. I take some satisfaction in being a witch who caretakes the ground in the shadow of the now defunct church.
I feel energies tied to places very strongly, and can hear sounds from the past when I walk near or particularly if I touch buildings or walls.

I slept long and deep under the full moon. This full moon is in Leo fuelling our iindividuality and and our need to be ourselves, not just one of the team. Which is really interesting given the latest chat about our eclectic clothing choices.
The sun is in Aquarius however which boosts energies for group work and being a team player.
The full moon illuminates the dichotomy. We may feel a conflict between prioritising ourselves, our need for space, or time and the energy needed to contribute to a close group or our family. The full moon may intensify that conflict. Something is exposed or illuminated, prompting us to get in touch with what we may have been neglecting or putting off in our personal lives.

I have a day off work today- my first day off since christmas. I have slept later than usual, then DD is coming to spend the night. She has been asking for my home made minestrone soup, so I will make that shortly, then for dinner it will be lamb chops, kofta, vegetarian aubergine bake, with new potatoes, greek salad, couscous, tzadziki, flat breads, garlic broccoli and butter bean stew- followed by brambles, apricots with rose water and pistachios and chocolate cake.. Sounds a lot, but the shopping has been done, and OH and DD both love cooking, so plenty hands in the kitchen.
Just about to start my morning ritual, with a mini facial, thhen some meditation, tarot and affirmations. It is a cold start- minus 2, I see a line of hungry birds on the fence waiting for breakfast.

Have a magical full moon day sisters.

I have decided today to prepare and hang all my clothes for the week and cleanse and charge them with intent. A little bit of order may calm my head. The full moon always feels a little too much to me. I much prefer the dark calm new moon.

I hope all my sisters have a good day.

It’s so uplifting to start the day by reading all your posts. What a wonderful lot you are! @hilariousnamehere your way of expressing who you are through your clothes just sounds joyous. We need less conformity and more joy in this world, now more than ever.

@speakout a full moon for change and being ourselves. That resonates today! And the food sounds incredible - I imagine your kitchen being an absolute cauldron of creativity today.

I’m planning to have my Sunday jog/shuffle around the local park this morning to say hello to the snowdrops and crocuses. I’m off to the local moot this afternoon. Truth be told, it’s dwindled in energy and numbers post-pandemic. We used to have lively conversations about any and everything, but these days people seem much more muted. Completely understandable. Nothing feels stable or secure. Money is tight. So many variables. Full moon blessings, all!

Trenzalor I love the idea of laying out your clothes and setting an intention for the coming week. A gift to your future self. Such an act of self love.

Craftycorvid your day sounds lovely, and great you have people to share energy at your moot. Could you liven up proceedings a little?
At my last full moon circle someone brought Oracle cards- not a deck I was familiar with, but we each pulled a card and gave our feelings. Although my circle is a South America Shamanic meeting it was lovely to have that focus of discussion.

Hi, hope you don't mind me posting, bit nervous! is there a book that anyone could recommend as a good beginners book for a very novice would be witch! its something I have always be interested in and I feel that now is the time I would like to start my journey. Thank you

Hilariousnamehere** it's good to see you, I love the way you've described your clothes, it must be amazing to have the confidence to dress in a way that fits your personality or your mood. My style is very boring in comparison! Great idea to have words for the year and to stamp them on to your bracelet so you're constantly reminded.

I saw my first snowdrops today while out for a dog walk with my friend earlier. It's been mild here today and sunny and theres a welcome hint of spring waiting around the corner. I bought three bunches of daffodil yesterday to display on my table, it makes me smile to seem at them and look forward the sunshine and lighter evenings.

Historygeek, please don't feel nervous about posting, we're a very friendly bunch! You're very welcome ☺️ it's difficult to recommend one book as there are so many! I would start with thinking about what you're most interested in and go from there. Learning about the wheel of the year and connecting with nature could be a good place to start.

historygeek12 welcome, always good to meet new friends. Grab a comfy chair by the fire and settle in. As VioletCharlotte says, we are a supportive group, no heirarchy, no seniority- newcomers and old hands are equal here.
I would also second the advice of VioletCharlotte, I don't know of any one book that covers the "basics"- because what may be vital information for some witches may not be useful for others.
Decide what you are interested in and go from there. A bookshop is a great place to start- browse until you get an idea of the subjects.
You may be interested in working with Tarot or scrying, herbal remedies, kitchen witchery, astrololgy, using oils or tincture, art witching, working with crystals, spellcasting, sigil making, ceremonial magic- there is a myriad of subjects and tools to work with.
The internet is an amazing resource, and there are some wonderful youtube witches too, I have learned a lot and been inspired immensely.
My favourite youtube witches are

Molly Roberts,
TheGreenwitch
Harmony Nice ( she has stopped producing new content, but videosher are still avaliable)
Thewitchescookery
The witch of Wonderlust
Persephone's Sister
Tylluan Penry
Kellie Ann Maddox
Magical Crafting
The White witch parlour

I am sure there are many more, but they don't come to mind at the moment.
Also take some time and read old postings on this thread- links to older conversations are pinned at the top of this thread.

Trust your insticts, follow your heart- and have fun!

Thank you for your suggestions 🙂lots to start looking at and researching

Fabulous sunset this evening ❤️

Not a witch, just an old soul, but popping in to say I am loving the rhythm and general aura of this thread.

@historygeek12 , if you are ever in London, Watkin's bookshop is good. Plus Cecil Court where it is located inspired, at least in part, Diagon Alley.