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Any Witches Here?- Part 19

995 replies

speakout · 12/07/2023 17:23

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 18th 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

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4717929-any-witches-here-part-18?page=1

Page 40 | Any Witches Here?- Part 17. | Mumsnet

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 an...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4598225-any-witches-here-part-17?page=40&reply=122990208

OP posts:
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EmmaEmerald · 18/09/2023 23:15

Thank you speakout that's beautiful and useful.

I think I have changed a lot without realising it. I'm realising that spending time with myself every day is important, without the distractions of books, TV or MN. I would never have chosen a morning hour but now I realise that's the best way - setting intentions for the day.

I really like the idea of your little book. I will find something representative, if not actually a book, and start scheduling quiet time.

speakout · 20/09/2023 07:22

Above all else EmmaEmerald treat yourself with compassion. We are often our own worst critics, telling ourselves things we would never say or think about a good friend.
If I catch myself being harsh to myself I try to think objectively and place myself in that position of good friend. Almost always my criticism fades, as I can see I was acting or thinking from a good place, I tried, I made effort.

Women especially in our society are brought up to see self value as a flaw, I know I was, I was surrounded by words of disapproval for women who dared, women who claimed, women who accepted and rejoiced in their own power.
Having women tear each other down and pit against themselves is a powerful tool of the patriarchy.

Having a race to the bottom keeps women in a docile and biddable place, cuts connection even to ourselves.

I hope this thread is an antidote to that in some way. Women on this thread are strong, beautiful souls, who I see lift each other up, celebrate our wisdom, insight, success, pour balm when times are hard, with true emotional understanding.

The elders of the patriarchy and their churches know of the power of women, especially the women in collective who create a huge energy . They are afraid of women,.That is the one strongest thing that threatens their status quo, and why the misogynistic ethos- born from the church- is the bedrock of our society, with filthy tendrils extending into every part of the fabric of society.

When we heal ourselves we heal the collective. The collective in turn heals the individual. The patriarchial model is deeply flawed and we are staring into the abyss it has created by greed and love of power.

More than ever we need female consciousness and the message she brings. A message born from love.

Any Witches Here?- Part 19
OP posts:
KateF · 20/09/2023 08:58

EmmaEmerald I can't express things as well as speakout does but I have also been through serious mental illness and I feel that so many women are suffering mental ill health due to the constant societal criticism. We are never doing enough as daughters, mothers, partners, workers. It's very difficult to resist this narrative and I have now virtually given up Mumsnet because of the corrosive nature of constant comparison, competitiveness and discontent that comes through in almost every thread.

This group is different, truly supportive of women to be themselves, rejecting stereotypes and demonstrating that we are stronger together. It has helped me to read all the threads, so much kindness, understanding and wisdom generously shared.

It's seven years since my hospital admission with severe psychotic depression and I have just been discharged from the mental health team. Seven years of slowly recovering myself to the point where I can look in the mirror and say "I am enough".

I hope this thread helps you in your recovery. You are enough too.

speakout · 20/09/2023 09:34

KateF thank you for sharing such a powerful story. You have travelled a long difficult road, I am sorry that happened, but your strength and wisdom shine through in your words. When we survive storms we can become an even better version of ourselves, have a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. You are enough KateF in fact you are divine. Perfectly imperfect.
Part of my healing has been learning to love all of me, even the weird and wonky, the painful, but that can be really difficult. Pulling up the demons and facing them is painful, but when we bring them into the light we remove their power.

Have to go, my lovely neice from Sydney is about to arrive. X

OP posts:
EmmaEmerald · 20/09/2023 10:56

Thank you Kate and hello!
I am sorry to hear of your struggles.

I am very separate from what might be seen as conventional women's struggles. I posted the Florence and Machine song "King" on one of these threads. It features the lyrics "I am no mother, I am no bride, I am King". That really resonates with me.

I love the female energy on the thread but IRL I have often found that men and women are not understanding of why someone actively chooses to be single and childfree.

This morning's ritual made me realise I needed to go back to sleep! The importance of checking in with yourself.

VioletCharlotte · 20/09/2023 18:09

Wow, autumn has certainly arrived with a bang! We've had torrential rain and strong winds here all week so far, it's almost impossible to believe that just over a week ago, I was sunbathing on the beach, sweltering in 30 degree heat! I'm a little put out that the weather has decided to change just in time for my week off work as I had lots of plans for outdoor activities, none of which have been possible so far. I was feeling quite down about it yesterday, but I've decided to just accept it and embrace hunkering down indoors, which is very probably what I need right now!

@speakout I loved your last post, you write so beautifully. I agree that women are a powerful force when we come together. It's only as I've got older I've really understood this and become aware of how the patriarchy strives to keep us apart.

@EmmaEmerald and @KateF thank you for sharing, I'm glad you have found rituals that help you. I had some issues with mental health when I was younger, taking the time and effort to look after yourself and understanding that you're enough plays such an important part in your healing. Sending you both an abundance of loving energy.

@BlankTimes it's lovely to see you. Like Speakout, I think of you often and hope that you are well.

Hedjwitch · 20/09/2023 20:59

Evening all. Not sleeping well but had a lightbulb moment with myself when I realised my body needed to just rest. Lying warm and cosy in bed was still resting,even if sleep itself was elusive. This has stopped me fighting sleeplessness,tossing and turning and trying to fall asleep. Even if my mind is racing,my body is still resting so I let my mind roam where it will and just enjoy being safe,warm and rested.

Delighted to see this evening a vast improvement in my mother's hands. The skin had cracked and been peeling off in strips so I made a hand ointment. Shes only been using it 3 days and the difference is amazing. Very pleased.

EmmaEmerald · 20/09/2023 21:36

Hedj I will try that approach with insomnia

May I ask what you used in the ointment please?

Hedjwitch · 21/09/2023 07:34

@EmmaEmerald I used a mixture of base oils( mainly because I was out of calendula which would have been my first choice) so a rose and bergamot oil plus chickweed oil and a wee bit vit E oil. Heated these with beeswax,shea butter and coconut oil. Then added a few drops of rose essential oil and a tiny amount of tea tree.

EmmaEmerald · 21/09/2023 08:53

Thank you Hedj sounds great!

KateF · 21/09/2023 11:14

I would love to learn to make salves etc. I've always been interested in herbalism and want to explore this more.
I'm currently holed up in my bedroom with Ddog while the kitchen and cloakroom are renovated. We're into the second week and the novelty of indoor camping has definitely worn off! After yesterday's downpour it's bright and sunny here so I'll take him for a walk and a bit of peace.

OkNatureGotMe · 22/09/2023 13:01

Hi, a little post to introduce myself. I have been interested in witchcraft or Wicca or paganism (not sure which) for a very long time. I have not really committed to anything but think becoming a regular on witchcraft threads is a good start. So, that’s me. Helllloooo 👋

BlankTimes · 22/09/2023 13:51

A very warm welcome OkNatureGotMe, we're* *a varied group with experience in many fields. I know we have so many previous threads, but they are worth reading as most newbies' questions have been answered there. Glad to have you aboard 😀

HillsBesideTheSea · 22/09/2023 14:11

Welcome @OkNatureGotMe .

I am the process of making a batch of apple sauce. In my brain 5.5kg of apples isn't much. Until you have to peel, core and chopped enough apples to get 5.5kg apples in the pot. But the kitchen smells delightfully autumnal.

Hedjwitch · 22/09/2023 17:16

Welcome Nature. Pull up a broomstick

OkNatureGotMe · 22/09/2023 19:35

Thank you everyone

Probablymagrat · 22/09/2023 21:50

welcome @OkNatureGotMe this is a very supportive place.

Made a Mabon cake to acknowledge and celebrate the last harvest and the turning of the year. I used apples from my tree and rosemary from the garden, added cinnamon for a bit of abundance. I just used a basic rubbed in mixture like for rock cakes, but cooked it as a big cake with chopped apple and rosemary inside, and apple slices on top. It felt like an appropriate way to mark the season.

Craftycorvid · 22/09/2023 22:36

Evening all and I hope Mabon brings you a fruitful harvest. Just catching up with all your wonderful posts after a busy couple of days.

EmmaEmerald · 22/09/2023 22:55

Oh my goodness, I had forgotten Mabon!

I've got a wheel thingy I'm going to put up tomorrow - have decided where the altar is going - going to be a closed cabinet. Not too comfortable with having it all out after all.

speakout · 23/09/2023 07:42

Merry Mabon everyone, and a warm welcome OkNatureGotMe, good to have you here.
It has been wet and windy here, but I am enjoying the seasonal weather.
I am slowly pulling out my warmer clothes, thicker socks, the clothes feel comforting and familiar. Tesco have some good warm "lounge wear", which is passable as outdoor wear especially with boots and a coat.

I am having family over tomorrow for a Mabon meal, will be eight of us. I rarely entertain, but my niece and husband are such lovely people, I am close to my niece, we are of a very similar mindset.

I am glad you came to a decision about your altar EmmaEmerald. It is a personal choice isn't it, and also dependant on who lives and visits your house.

I am a bit protective of some of my Tarot and Oracle decks. I have a couple of decks that are only used by me, and I keep them squirrelled away in my bedroom.

Your cake sounds delicious Probablymagrat, I don't have great baking skills. In my defence I am a reasonably good cook, and I have only attempted baking a couple of times, maybe if I practiced and researched recipes I could become a baker.
Time to get started, I have a body balance class in the next village this morning, and a busy work day ahead.

OP posts:
SeaEssence · 23/09/2023 08:33

Morning all,

Back after another busy week. I've felt super tired over the last week, struggling to get up for work and school run. Then weekend comes and tadaa I've been up since 6am 😩

It's lovely and sunny here, think I'll tackle the garden get it ready for the winter, and take ddog for a nice ling walk.

I've first heard of Mabon and learned about Sabbaths only a few months ago but have always marked solstices and equinoxes as special occasions, so I feel quite comfortable to join in the celebrations! Planning my first pumpkin soup of the season, and might make a cake too.

On the greeny-witchy front, we collected the first conkers with ds in the park the other day, they make a fabulous muscle rub.

@speakout thank you for your kind words. I don't feel uncomfortable using the term witch, on the contrary I don't think I'm worthy calling myself one just yet - but one day I'll get there 😌
PS your post on the patriarchy really resonated with me.

@KateF it's not easy to get back up after such an experience, you've done well. If nothing else, this is the proof of your worth!

@OkNatureGotMe welcome

VioletCharlotte · 23/09/2023 09:36

Mabon blessings to you all! It's a perfect autumnal morning here, blue sky and sunshine and the air feels cool and fresh. The sunshine is very welcome after a week of heavy rain!

I always find the time when we're on the cusp of a change of season quite difficult for some reason, do others experience this? It's hard to articulate, but it's a funny feeling of things being a bit out of kilter and not quite right! I feel ready to embrace the autumn now.

The cake baking and apple sauce making sound wonderful. Unfortunately, apples are one of the growing number of foods I've developed an intolerance to (thanks perimenopause!), otherwise I'd be making crumble or apple cake. Instead I'm going to cook a sausage casserole later and have a new flapjack recipe to try.

But first I need to drag myself out of bed and into the shower! I've got a Pilates class this morning, a dog to walk and I'm seeing DS1 and his GF later for coffee and cake. Hope you all have a peaceful and happy day.

Oxalisspiralis · 23/09/2023 13:55

Merry Mabon everyone! I hope you all have a lovely day.
I spent the morning having a much needed catch up with a friend and will be taking a walk in the woods with my boys later today so I'm quite content despite suddenly feeling like I'm coming down with a cold.

HillsBesideTheSea · 23/09/2023 18:52

I am pulling some sweet potato soup out the freezer for tea and combining with some home made rolls later. Or at least that is the plan. I just have to sit down and remember how to breathe first. My lungs are shot with all the building work dust and it is taking a toll.

I am thoroughly enjoying the more autumnal weather.

TenBlackRoses · 23/09/2023 20:09

Good evening sisters, Mabon Blessings to you all. May I join you?
A bit about myself, I have always had an interest in the old ways, observing nature, the seasons, the moon, herbology and similar. Always a people pleaser with a complicated back story. After a very turbulent year featuring many bereavements, hard life lessons and a second chance, I am trying to embrace who I feel I am and follow the path I am drawn to, whilst making that second chance work for me. I'm hoping I can share your wisdom, and just enjoy some companionship from kindred spirits.
Thank you for reading x

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