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Philosophy/religion

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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:
Thread gallery
96
Jasmin1971 · 01/11/2023 12:35

Saturn

Hedjwitch · 01/11/2023 15:02

Thanks all. I too clearly see a figure behind the flames,arms raised above their head

rivierliedje · 01/11/2023 18:47

Wonderful fire!
May I have your recommendations for books/practices to get back in to connecting with the rhythm of the seasons. I've had a lot of upheaval and feel untethered. I have a garden now and have been feeding the birds, but would like to do more in it (I have no experience, but would like to encourage nature}. I think I would like to end up having a gentle knowledge of the seasons/earth, with seasonal reading/food/activities etc in a non overwhelming way, as I have been teetering on the edge of burn out.

VioletCharlotte · 01/11/2023 20:45

@rivierliedje I like Kirsty Gallagher's Sacred Seasons. It's beautifully written and very easy to follow. It walks through you the seasons and helps you understand the connections to nature and provides rituals and self-care tips to use though out the year.

HillsBesideTheSea · 02/11/2023 00:32

I tend to treat myself to Lia Leendertz's almanac. She has a wide mixture of tale and fact etc. A different theme every year and different info each month. It is not magical per say but will give you a good mixture of stuff for aligning with each month. I like the breadth of her information.

rivierliedje · 02/11/2023 09:01

THank you for the recommendations

speakout · 03/11/2023 07:19

I love the book recommendations. I am looking for a pagan curious book for my niece
She is a religious abuse survivor, but managed to break away and is now an atheist.
But we are close and she is interested in my spiritual path.
Any idea of deity is triggering for her, she fears control, but is very interested in folk culture, shadow work, collective subconscious etc.
She also lives in the antipodes, so seasonal books with UK plants wouldn't work so well.
Any ideas would be welcome.

I hope those affected by the storm yesterday have survived intact. We didn't have high winds here, but very heavy rain.
OH is off work today, he takes over on the domestic front, running errands, making food, which is great. I have work, but will also have time for a yoga class meditation and some other self care.

Have an enchanted day sisters.

OP posts:
BlankTimes · 03/11/2023 08:49

Not sure about books but Bush Flower Essences are antipodean alternative to our Bach Flower Remedies using their natural plants.

In the Bush system, you select a card with the pic of a Flower on it and because you were most attracted to that one, that's the right remedy for you.

Also there's a park somewhere in Oz that's really spiritual but has no religion involved. It's one man's life work, full of carvings of nature spirits, saw it on TV years ago ...maybe a Billy Connily tour programme... and thought it was a must to visit.

BlankTimes · 03/11/2023 08:56

Google Le William Ricketts Sanctuary, I believe there are others too.

Apologies for the brevity, trying to achieve the impossible again 😀

SeaEssence · 04/11/2023 06:28

Not a recommendation (not read yet), I just came across this and though may be useful in this group - Crystals for healing: the complete reference guide (Kindle edition) is currently free on Amazon.
Can be read via Kindle app rather than ereader if needed.

amzn.eu/d/csfHR8h

speakout · 04/11/2023 07:50

That place looks amazing BlankTimes. I know my niece visits a friend in Melbourne regularly- I can suggest it- if she hasn't already been.

I am considering decorating my home soon, I have had ideas in my head for a long time regarding my living room, but time ££ and effort are offputting.
I love minimal scandic style, but want a nod to my own location, and the woodland around me. I am also inspired by ancestors, of my species and before-not necessarily family members. I am also a chemist- I love old pharmacy bottles and alchemist vibes.
In my head I can see it all coming together, but making it happen is another matter!
My DD would love to help, and although doesn't live with me has her own ideas. She is very keen to wood panel the room - but that sounds so much work.
OH doesn't care, will help, but isn't very practical and is a messy worker.
My mother has a great love of big pictures of kittens and baby rabbits, loves pink- not sure she would appreciate a living space inspired by bones and stones!!

I am swithering over my yoga class today- which class to attend.
A private studio with robust teaching very close to home.. or a body balance class in the next town.
Perhaps the way forward on all fronts will become clearer!

Have a great weekend friends.

OP posts:
HillsBesideTheSea · 04/11/2023 11:17

You can get boards that are cut to look like wood pannelling but you apply in big pieces. You can't tell if you paint them. I am seriously considering that style especially with a picture rail. You know the pannel bottom, paint or paper top.

I always find the scandinavian style hysterical as non of the Scandinavians that i have known would consider it. But i will admit i like the lightness and brightness of it. And yet the accessories to make it comfy and cosy.

I saw an amazing old pharmacy in a museum back in the summer. And there is something about the broodiness of the old dark stained wood full of all the different bottles etc is rather appealing. The two styles are rather conflicting but i think that if you take the structure from one and the colour scheme that you could get a more modernised take on the pharmacy display. I know i would fill mine full of dried herbs and food, tintures, oils, salves etc. But i would find it hard to not cover the top with training house plants.

BlankTimes · 04/11/2023 11:23

SeaEssence, I've just quickly skimmed the first 3 chapters and haven't* *found anything horrendous.
On the bit about cleansing, I don't leave my non porous ones in salt water for an hour, but that's personal choice. I do mine with dry salt in my hands for Earth, pass through incense smoke for Air, pass through a candle flame very quickly for Fire and rinse in spring water for Water, all with the intention 'Be Clean' said 3 times.
Sound is also a good cleanser, I like tingshaws and intention or a Singing Bowl too.
Reiki and other forms of energy practise work well with crystals. The author practises Usui Reiki which can be very structured, mine's a much more flexible approach. There's no right or wrong in either practise.

BlankTimes · 04/11/2023 11:37

Hills and Speakout, you're not alone in loving the old apothecary style. I adore the poison bottles and jars of mysterious dried who knows what.

We need to relocate, practical reasons dictate a bungalow would be sensible but I'd rather live in somewhere resembling Dumbledores study. My suggestion of a bungalow with a turret for me wasn't warmly received Halloween Grin

HillsBesideTheSea · 04/11/2023 13:00

Maybe something like this? (sorry for the rubbish quality)

Any Witches Here?- Part 19
speakout · 04/11/2023 15:15

My OHs step sister lives here- not a bad pile!

Any Witches Here?- Part 19
OP posts:
HillsBesideTheSea · 04/11/2023 15:51

Don't know speakout - a tad too many people for my liking

APurpleSquirrel · 04/11/2023 22:36

Hi, I'm new to this thread - I'm really interested in the history or witchcraft, Wicca, herbalism, natural remedies & beauty etc but really not sure where to start. There are so many books on witchcraft/Wicca/lore/spells etc - what would you recommend for a complete beginner?

BlankTimes · 05/11/2023 03:11

Very apt, Hills, Love the idea. Halloween Grin

Speakout lovely period property, shame she has to share it with the public. Wonder how long it takes her to vac every day ?

Purple a warm welcome, pull up a beanbag by our fire and have a brew from our magic teapot, it automatically pours your favourite.

Yours must be the most frequently asked and answered question in all our so far 19 threads. We always answer with the same advice, complete beginners are better off learning about any of the facets of witchcraft they are interested in. No practising spellcraft until you understand the principles behind it and know exactly what you're doing. Do look at all our previous threads, there's a wealth of knowledge in there.

What are you most interested in? Have a good look on Amazon for books, it's almost always possible to have a good look inside, so you know if it will interest you before you buy it. If it doesn't seem to be for you, then ignore it and try something different. Don't underestimate the importance of self development, it's an ongoing project for all of us.

If anyone claims to have 'powers', asks for money or more of your attention than you're willing to give, walk away.

How much time do you spend in nature, how comfortable do you feel in a forest, by the shore, on top of a hill, among ancient stones, in a cave, stargazing in a dark skies area. Can you recognise a liminal place, can you be silent enough to learn? Not all learning comes from books, much is from direct experience. Again, if something doesn't feel right, do something else.

None of us know all the answers but we each have our own specialised areas of interest, our own strengths and weaknesses and together we are a sisterhood of many talents, individual threads in a rich tapestry.

Light a candle at 8am or 8pm and 'tune in' to our collective contemplative time. Give and take whatever you need.

speakout · 05/11/2023 07:54

Welcome APurpleSquirrel, always good to have a new face.

You have had some wisdom from Blanktimes- I would echo all she says.
Books will often find you, I have had some of my best finds literally jump off the shelves at charity shops.
I would agree too about spending time in nature, we absorb energy and the earth gives us grounding and balance.

You don't have to be an expert in all areas, or even the popular ones.
I have been practicing my craft for decades, but know nothing about runes, I don't have an extensive magical garden, I am not an art witch.
But that's OK.
You don't have to live in a woodland cottage, a city centre flat also works!
Watch some youtube videos- many witch channels- they are full of information and inspiration- I have favourites if you are interested.
And yes be wary- there are lots of svengalis and charlatans driven by power and money.
Cultivate your instinct, listen to your heart. You have a huge wisdom within you, it will guide you on your path. Take time to listen, take heed of your spidey senses. Many of the answers are already within.

OP posts:
Hedjwitch · 05/11/2023 09:45

Welcome @APurpleSquirrel . Wise words from my sisters already. For me it has been the realistion that I wasnt learning new things...I was remembering long forgotten things. An acceptance of prior knowledge. A realisation of where I feel most at peace. And acknowledging that.
Herbs and healing are my path as a hedge witch. Happy to recommend a few books if that becomes your direction.

speakout · 05/11/2023 10:25

For me it has been the realistion that I wasnt learning new things...I was remembering long forgotten things.

That's a lovely perspective Hedjwitch - I can relate to that too.
My grandmother was a local wise woman- a Speywife- she taught me some magical ways when I was a child.
I remember sitting with her as she taught me pyromancy- she had a large log fire, and we would share visions in the flames.
Of course as a 5 year old I needed no instruction- nor for reading tea leaves either- and no notion that I would have to "learn" such a skill.

As adults we have forgotten that we have such abilities, we simply have to remember that we have treasures buried in our shadows.

OP posts:
Slightlylostalongtheway · 05/11/2023 15:26

Oh wow! I've only just found this thread! Pagan mamma of 4, grandmother of 3 all raises pagan (eldest daughter now 25 her youngest is 3). Hope everyone had a blessed Samhain.
We have spent the weekend sorting out our garden and outdoor altar. Now thoughts are turning to Yule...what are everyone's plans?
We have got out Fire cider on the go and elderberry syrup prepped. Now planning Yile gifts and what to make

SageLavenderThyme · 05/11/2023 15:55

Hello all, I've name changed but have been here in the past.

I've just bought myself The House Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock, has anyone read it? I'm also listening to Irish Beaglehole's series... Finding it quite comforting when a lot of life is feeling fast-paced and devoid of spirit!

Took a trip to Edinburgh recently and went to the museum of magic, witchcraft and fortune telling. Only a little museum but I enjoyed the feeling in there.

I do some scrying and celebrate sabbats, have an ok basic knowledge of histories, and magical practices etc.

I'm feeling drawn to more moon cycle work, and also to kitchen witchcraft.

Is anyone here quite interested in kitchen witchcraft? How did this start out for you?

Lovely to be here and hope all are well.

SageLavenderThyme · 05/11/2023 15:58

@speakout this is interesting. My 4 year old recently got given a pendulum in a magic shop. She had no hesitation or insecurities at all about using it. Same with myself when my grandmother showed me how to read tea leaves.

My daughter kept asking spirits if they want a cup of tea and a biscuit... My grandmother died the day before and she did love a cup of tea and a biscuit!