Any Witches Here?- Part 19

[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 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

I have the Ann murphy-hiscock book. I didn't find it useful for expanding my knowledge but there was a lot that I could use for inspiration. My opinion, good for beginners, but basic. So it is a case of expectation modification when reading. You go in thinking it will be advance you will be disappointed, you go in with the view of a jumping point and you will find value.

@HillsBesideTheSea that's good to know. Maybe what I need to do is read more general books about medicinal use of foods and herbs and combine that with other practices.

I have loads of food as medicine style books but none with a magical slant, maybe it's a case of cross referencing!

I'm sure there's a lot out there but hard to know where to look... My favorite ever witchcraft book is actually a random zine I got at a fair about witchcraft and midwifery!

@speakout I have some of those glass frames with copper edges, I press my favorite flowers and herbs and hang them instead of paintings or photos. Would something like that be a good compromise for you?

We have elderberry syrup made here too and an elderberry tincture.
I have thyme honey for sore throats and plan a hyssop oxymel. I love hyssop. Its very underrated and excellent for coughs.

I have some of the style of books that you are talking about but I don't have access to my books atm. They are out there, and there are some that i really enjoy. The green witch apparently has a new book which is along these lines. No idea as not looked into it. But the right book will find you if you are open to find it. Most of my kitchen magic is very low magic, but for me it is the closest to my heart. I have to finish my mince pie filling tomo and i am looking forwards to stirring a little intention and spices into that pot.

Nothing more to say other than this thread makes me so happy. Very calming and grounding when my mind wanders off into catastrophising and similar anxiety related things! Thank you all! I'd love to expand on kitchen witchery but with the babe so small, I think I have to make peace with sitting this year out. But I can make a ritual out of pureeing veggies instead perhaps, lol :) SO much of this year has been people saying this isn't the year to feel guilt or pressure to do tons of anything (housework / DIY / entertaining anyone / going anywhere fancy) and to just focus on the loveliness of Year 1 with baby. Interestingly though, the same folk in the next breath ask 'so when are you sorting the guttering / floors / garden. They can't help themselves!

@MaculataO did you find the cream any good?

Hello @SageLavenderThyme I would say I'm a kitchen/garden witch. I'm drawn to An Mórrígan. I grown my own food and herbs etc, make my own medicines and most of my craft is done through food and drink. It started through my nan who taught me that health starts in the kitchen but I love Sarah Robinson's kitchen witch books.

@Hedjwitch yes thank you so very much! Very gentle and moisturising, smells lovely too. In time I'd love to make my own stuff like this.

@SageLavenderThyme , I am only starting on my path to being a kitchen/garden witch but it is the one that feels right for me. I'm currently growing all the plants in your name but one and that's only because I didn't think to plant it this year.

I am glad you asked because now I have to go to a lovely bookshop to get some of the books recommended.

@MaculataO , this is a lovely calming thread, I agree. Just knowing it is here is already helping me change my perspective on the darkening of the season. I think this winter may be easier than previous ones.

I saw a beautiful dark grey sky above a crown of trees yesterday. It made me happy that it was November because you can't get those skies at any other time.

Good morning! Just catching up on all the wonderful posts and feeling both consoled and inspired. I’ve been a bit stuck on what Leonard Cohen aptly referred to as ‘the reefs of grief’ lately - I’ve only just found sufficient breathing space to start processing a huge amount of loss and change. I think no time of year could be more appropriate in which to contemplate the going to earth of many things and how this is just another essential part of the eternal cycle. I’m patiently waiting for Yule, nesting and trying not to rush through things. If I have a particular Craft angle, I guess kitchen witchery and cooking with spices, also imagination and creativity. I’m a therapist so healing in relationship is also a big part of my life. This morning, I checked in with my Wise Witch part and she asked me what I wanted to do in order to play today - I was feeling very gloomy and Monday-ish - I saw an image of gathering colourful leaves, drying them and threading them on cotton to make garlands. So, today I’m determined to build in looking for autumn leaves in the midst of all the big grown-up stuff. Peaceful Mondays, all. 🍂🍁

Thank you for the warm welcome & advice.
I'd say I'm coming at this from the kitchen & garden angle at present. I already make soap & some creams etc, I love gardening & have been actively making it more welcoming to wildlife with a predominance of pollinator plants but also lots more herbs. I enjoy baking & cooking & am interested in herbalism - there is a local herbalist course but it's quite expensive.
I'll start looking at things/books from this end & see where it takes me.

@APurpleSquirrel we had a discussion either in this or the last thread about herbalism books. There are a lot and some really good ones. So it is worth having a look for the posts. But first recommendation is a good encyclopedia of medicinal plants. Being able to cross reference information is important, because some books don't quite give you enough information. Works on thyroid is insufficient as you need to know if it stimulates or supresses the thyroid. And there are many more examples where cross referencing is really useful.

I love the sound of your garland Craftycorvid The autumn colours have been particulary vivid here this year. My Japanese Maple looked ablaze last week and now bare is set for winter. My cherry tree is now shedding beautiful golden leaves like coins in the wind.
The wider forest has every autumn hue, as I turn into my road I slow down to savour the scene which seems to change daily.

I am enjoying the conversations here- especially our new members.
We all have interests in different areas, and I know there is a trend of categorising our craft. So many "what type of witch are you".
I resist definitions. Authority and definition can have me kick like Buckaroo.
My "type" of witchery varies from season to season, even day to day.
I resist labels because I want an open ticket to all types of magical craft.

The moon spends today in Virgo, a soft energy bringing ease to practical matters. Our organisational skills will flow easily. Today's transits draw out our desire to heal, help, and fix, and stir a need for order and predictability.

I plan a calm easy day of work, cooking and making magic.

My what kind of witch i am description goes:
grumpy if tired, hungry or just woken up. tends to be found on a hill or a kitchen or creating some sort of magical item by muttering weird words waving stick things about.

close as i am going to get to classify anything.

I'm curious reading @HillsBesideTheSea last post. Do you all mutter weird words while doing magical things? In the films witches always chant, there is always a spoken spell. Do you all do that, or do you do magical things, with magical intent in silence? Sorry if that's an invasive question, I'm curious. I am interested in witchy things, but do not practice, I'd like to, but don't know where to start so tend to think my thanks, do deeds I think will help those around me (including nature) and wish REALLY hard for things. Might light a candle to help relax and bake with love for friends and family.

@Hoolahoophop i was referring to the fact that i knit and crochet, and thus can be heard muttering things like k2tog, k8 p9, yo, treble trebles etc which are just various stitches involved in both activities which involve waving a stick about (needles or hooks)

I think simple magic if you don't know where to start is the stirring of intention into a brew. I think the intention but rarely vocalise it.

@HillsBesideTheSea Ahh, in that case as a fellow crocheter I can probably be heard muttering the same when I have the time!

Hello, I’m all new to this!! I’m not a witch I don’t think at all but I’ve been working with a Shaman. Two days ago due to it being the third quarter of the moon I started a ritual to rid mysled of my troublesome ancestors. I’ve also been guided by my shaman to build an altar to my ancestors. And to make offerings etc.

is this witch work?!

Hi Ruby and welcome , what sort of
Shaman are you working with?

Pretty sure no one here would give you that sort of advice or guidance. We follow a more solitary self developmental route being guided by ourselves, not someone who alleges they know more than we do

What country are you in?

Are you paying for their services?

Do you know enough to know if they are a Shaman or a Charlatan?

A warm welcome RubySunset82, I am glad you have joined us. There are many non witches on this thread- all welcome.

I would echo the advice BlankTimes has given to you.
It is very tempting to hook up with an "expert", but please tread carefully.

Can I ask how you know you have "troublesome" ancestors?
You have been advised to "rid" yourself of them, but also to build an altar?

It is very tempting to join a group, coven, spiritual leader, especially when we are starting out on a magical path.
I am sure there are many amazing groups and helpful leaders around, but this work does tend to attract people who are hungry for power and money.

It can feel comfortable to be instructed, guided, look to authority to plan and steer our magical path. Some require initiation, many have heirarchy. Perfect for some, not so good for others.

Where did your shaman train? Does he or she run groups? Advertise? Charge money?

Please be curious and wary, turn up the volume on your spidey senses- and keep safe.

Hello lovely ladies and welcome to new faces
I'm likewise on a learning path, I grew up using herbs and making lotions and potions, not realising the magical links. I'm very drawn to nature, moon cycle, I like crystals, acquired a tarot deck recently...a bit of everything, though green/garden craft has the strongest draw for me. In the kitchen I don't do spells as such, but often add herbs with intention of them giving the food their acclaimed properties (bay leaf for protection, sage for cleansing energy etc). Not sure it counts but it feels like with food I'm creating harmony at home.
When I (re)discovered the craft I listened to the first episodes of Cats, Tea and Witchcraft podcast - it gave a good overview of different aspects and terminology I wasn't too familiar with. Books-wise, like someone mentioned I found quite a few (or they found me) on boot fairs, charity shops and witchcraft-themed shops. I like Libby app - found a few useful books and audio there for free, some clicked more than others...

Hello sisters, popping in to join you by the fire on this dark and cold November evening. Welcome to our newcomers, it's good to have to with us.

@RubySunset82 I can only agree with the advice you've been given by @speakout and @BlankTimes your post alerted my spidey senses as there sadly a lot of people out there who will take advantage of those who are more vulnerable, or going through challenging times.

I'm struggling to find time for any magical work at the moment. Life is busy and I'm aware I'm neglecting my practice. Need to get back to basics, starting with getting out in nature every day and taking some time to breath!

An icy start today., and I have woken a little later than normal- I was needing sleep.
It can be hard to fit magical practice into our busy lives. but I think magic at its best can support us, and even simple acts can really help.
If I start feeling guilty then I examine those feelings.
I like to work magic into my life in a forward way, so enchantment is at hand, and little time or effort is required.
I keep Tarot cards next to where I dress in the morning- a single card pull is easy, and inches away from where I am sitting.
I keep a range of oils and magical bath salts next to my bath and shower.
I have a notepad by my side when I am on the phone and put on hold- I doodle sigils.
I whisper blessings ( out loud - yes!) over my coffee, and when I light a candle.
I take new tea to my altar for blessings of sustenance and nurture- whether a new blend I have made or a box from the supermarket.

I know the subject of "small" magic comes up frequently here, and many of you do these or similar things already, I am sure there are 100s more ideas- please share!
I have a facial today, I am so grateful for a local organisation that provides it to me free of charge. I have monthly facials and massages for the next 6 months- I am thrilled about that!

I hope everyone finds some magic in the world today, it is always there, just waiting to be found.

pocket treasure. Returning to the habit of a small child of coming home from s walk with "treasures" in the pocket. Eg a conker, an acorn, a rosehip, some nettle or horsetail, or oak leaves and pretty stones etc Seasonal, can be integrated into practice etc.

For me i can meditate whilst my hands are busy working on a craft project. Especially if there is no difficult pattern. Or walking meditations.

Hello all, sorry for the delay. He is a trained Shaman and medicine man. It’s not a cult. He came recommended. I did some initial healing work with him, he is not there at all to make me dependant on him. He only does what I ask for, what I feel I need.

I don’t know if I do have troublesome ancestors! But by doing this ritual I will release them!

my next step is to then build them an altar.

i have seen a real shift in myself.