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

tinselvestsparklepants a warm welcome. Lurkers or those who read are welcome, all adding to the magical energy of the thread. If you want to share or chat that's fine too.
Your location sounds idyllic.

I really struggle with having work done in the home, and especially having workmen. It is very unsettling, my home is a sanctuary, a sacred place.

But some work is necessary from time to time and the results are usually lovely.

It is so cold here, I am keeping an eye out for snow today. I have woken with a sore throat and headache, feeling sluggish so I will cancel yoga today. Work is busy today so I will focus on that, and do some meditation later to give me some calm.

Morning all. Sorry to hear people are struggling with ill health.

We also have builders in and they are very nice but I am sick of the invasion.

@Hedjwitch love that picture of the moon in Krakow.

I have been reading back over old threads and am very taken with the idea of setting a word for the year/season. At the moment I'm thinking that it might be 'boundaries' as I find it very hard with certain family members.
Like a lot of mums in their 50s, I still end up looking after everyone, including adult children, who are perfectly capable of making their own meal when they come in late etc.

I end up exhausted and having to sit out on the fun stuff. So 'boundaries' seems quite apt.

Hope people are feeling better today.
Blessings to all.

Just because i am going to forget at a later date. I am a name changer. Where the hills meet the sea you will find the sleeping ice dragons. Hopefully you can figure it out from that.

Blessings witchy ladies, I'm catching up after a while - some lovely wintery city breaks and photos!

Sending healing energy to those suffering from health issues and tiredness. I too feel the exhaustion of the season - but also came to terms with the fact that while the season is definitely part of it, the main factor is my lack of fitness and my own fault. So I made the resolution (not waiting for NY) to spend more time and energy on exercise and self care.

I booked a few days near Loch Lomond as the main family present this year, it will be our 1st time in Scotland - any tips for dog- and winter- friendly walks and tranquil places to visit are very welcome!

Indeed, and what a beautiful name.

Thank you EmmaEmerald I have been wanting to change for a while but had to figure out my mn password.

There is so much ice that it is hard to tell if it is a heavy frost or a light snow. It makes my heart happy. I am going to head out into the hills shortly to run an errand. Going to see if i can get a long early walk tomo morning.

Lovely name @SleepingIceDragons perfect for this time of year.

I love this cold weather too (although not looking forward to my energy bill!). I went out earlier for a walk with my dog, he loves the cold too and was bouncing along! It feels like proper, winter weather. It's lovely too, to come back inside to a warm home and snuggle by the fire!

Apparently there's a good chance of seeing the northern lights in the UK tonight. There's too much light pollution where I live, but those of you in more rural areas may be able to see them.

@SeaEssence Great idea to book a trip for your family as a Christmas gift. So much better than just buying stuff. I would love to see more of Scotland so would love to hear how you get on.

@speakout my family is also Christian and so many family gatherings have turned sour because of arguments about who’s the ‘best’ Christian. It’s very disheartening.

@Craftycorvid I agree that this time of year we should be slowing down. I try my best to ‘hibernate’ during this season but as we live far from family I find I’m usually either hosting or travelling.

@Slightlylostalongtheway I love the Yule Tomte tradition I might have to steal that!.

@tinselvestsparklepants how lovely it must be to live within sight of Glastonbury Tor!.

I’ve been feeling so anxious this past week, I’m not sure if it’s because I’m coming to the end of my pregnancy or if it’s something else. I’ve taken myself off for a walk to try and calm myself and clear my head. I love winter walks I find the cold really cleanses me.

Good evening all, I've been a long term reader over teems of threads and have felt drawn to post tonight.

I hope the cold is bringing clarity to those who seek it, or need it - like others above, I find the crisp of winter days at this time of year are almost cleansing, especially following the unseasonable warm autumn we had in the southeast.

I was found by a tarot set today, Wildwood, in a charity shop. I've no clue on tarot and never felt drawn before (I usually am drawn by seasons and working with and in awe of the turn of time and nature) - but it was ever so cheap and the box looked lovely, more importantly had a real clear positive feel to me. Took it home and found the whole set was brand new, cards still in plastic sleeve! It really has a feel of being something well loved and used, carries such good energy - what a pleasantly strange surprise. I was only near the shop for a smear test, and was running a bit early.

BerfyTigot boundaries can be hard to set can't they, but important for our own well being. I am getting much better, but it can take courage.
Boundaries allow us to live with authenticity and disperse resentment.
This morning my mind is turning to boundaries too. It is a busy time for many of us, and I have been feeling under par this week with a sore throat and cough.
Work is hectic, and I am trying to fit in christmas shopping, I am not well enough for yoga- which keeps my inner landscape calm.
I do so much for everyone, and so much of it isn't even noticed. Food appears in the fridge, pots of stew magically cook themselves, fresh laundry appears neatly folded in piles, bill get paid, floors washed, tears wiped, hugs given.

My sore throat is a reminder that I am spreading myself too thinly, and need to pull back to allow others to see the whole picture.

Boundaries allow us to love each other more deeply and without resentment.

A warm welcome WontLetThoseRobotsDefeatMe, glad you have joined us. I bought that deck for myself a few weeks ago, it is beautiful. I haven't started using it yet, but overdue a few hours of tea and Tarot for myself. I look forward to getting to know you.

I accidentally left the central heating on overnight, and woken up to a toasty house. Too expensive to run like that every day, but I am enjoying the heat!

I have to work for a few hours, but that's OK, it is enjoyable if I work at a slow steady pace, with a podcast or music in the background.

Then I plan a trip to buy bird food, this is the third day of snow, the ground is covered and I can tell the birds are hungry.
I also visited my local charity shop, all items were £1 - or less, I bought a heavyweight waterproof coat, some winter woolies and scarves, a warm soft blanket.

Off for a hot shower, and a day of self prioritisation!

So apparently you have to double check what name you are posting in even though you have name changed. I am so going to mess that up for the remainder of the thread... So appologies moving forwards for any unintentional confusion.

Morning all! It’s a beautiful morning here - bright sunshine and deep frost. I plan to go for a walk with a friend and do some Yule cards today - got generic Season’s Greetings ones this time as the overtly Pagan ones are not always suitable for everyone. We usually buy from a certain well-known brand but some of the folk customs depicted are maybe a bit out there for the non-Pagan. (Horse’s skull, anyone? That’ll be the Mari llwyd).

@WontLetThoseRobotsDefeatMe I do love a serendipitous charity shop rummage. I believe some things do come to find us because they have a part to play in our lives. Enjoy your Tarot deck.

@speakout I do love the way you write! I will remember those wise words about boundaries - living with authenticity and without resentment. So true! I’ve had to grow my boundaries this year, it’s been hard work and felt rather alien at times, bit I feel freer for it.

Peaceful Saturdays, all!

Yet another reply fritzed...

Welcome to all newcomers, all regulars, intermittent and name changers. Yes, it is difficult to remember to pick the right name every time.

It's lovely to hear about everyone's seasonal and magical activities.

Advent calendar central chez Blank from the tiny gramaphones to popcorn and a couple of traditional card ones as well as interactive Jacquie Lawson.

We've already started putting up some tiny lights so indoors is already magical, particularly with the snow outside. So far the only tinselled object is my zimmer frame, (needed only short term hopefully) lights to be added to it shortly.

Winter Solstice is dear to me, there's another live broadcast from Newgrange this year,
https://twitter.com/brunaboinneOPW
Haven't yet checked Maeshowe for livestreaming Sunset, will report nearer the time.

Wishing you all the blessings of the season, however and whatever you celebrate ✨️

Welcome @WontLetThoseRobotsDefeatMe 😊 the tarot deck sounds like a great find! I would love to see some of the imagery of you feel like posting some photos. Interesting that it was a brand new deck, yet they felt well loved. That's feels to me as if they came from a happy home.

@speakout wise words about setting boundaries. I need to have a look at mine as I'm starting to feel tired and overwhelmed. I haven't had the energy for yoga this week, although my practice is important to me as it helps me mentally and emotionally. When it's so dark and cold, everything seems so much harder and I need to find ways of preserving the energy I do have for the things that matter to me. I hope you manage to get some rest over the weekend and start to feel better soon.

@Blanktimes good to see you and thank you for those links. The winter solstice is such a special time. I normally go to a yoga ceremony to mark it. I've not booked this years yet, but you've just prompted me to do so 😊

I'm enjoying a morning at home, sorting out laundry, doing some cleaning , washing my hair and putting on a conditioning mask. All the things that I don't get the time to do during the week when I, working!

Blessings to you all 💫

Good morning sisters, a very cold day here, more snow overnight, snow from Thursday hasn't melted yet, and pavements are treacherous.

I hope those feeling low or unwell are feeling better, and putting our welfare at the top of our priority list.

Interesting to hear so many of us find boundary setting challenging, I know it is for me, but it is becoming easier.
Saying yes when we really feel no can return to us in dysfunctional ways.

That inauthenticity and resentment energy can return to us in different forms.
It may linger a while in our shadows, wear a different guise, and manifest as anxiety, depressive moods, anger.

We lose the ability to trust ourselves, keep ourselves feeling safe, feeds worry and catastrophic thinking.

I have been mindful about setting boundaries in the last while, most small, one or two huge. It was scary, because I feared a bad outcome, but the opposite happened- the result was good, and moved one relationship to a new level of mutual respect.

I know this isn't a MH thread, but so many topics are closely woven with our craft, our emotions and energy, our daily life, love and fear, shadow work.

I am not a MH professional or psychologist, but interested in my thinking processes, and learning about the commonalities that we all share helps support my healing journey.

I am feeling a bit better today, I am sleeping so much better since I bought an electric blanket, leaving it on overnight allows me deeper sleep.

I have yoga booked later this morning, I have been missing it this week, not sure if I am back to full health. It's a small intermediate class- the hardest one of my schedule, and usually challenging. If I do go I will take it easy, shorten time in postures.
I replenished my bird feeding station yesterday, bought a lot of bird food in different forms, I focus on feeding smaller birds, the presence of larger birds scares them away,

Off to start my morning routines and rituals, I will put fresh clothes to warm on the radiator while I shower, and light a warming candle.

Have a magical day friends.

I know the giving of christmas/yule/solstice cards is a dying tradition, but one I enjoy a lot.
If anyone would like to exchange cards I would love to.
PM me with your details x

Good morning all,very cold and snowy here. Plan to something festive today; perhaps make a wreath. I am going to make up some lip balms and teas for gift packs,alongside little bottles of plum or elderberry brandy. I already have lavender sleep bags and a moisturiser bar to go in. What else can I add? Two of the baskets are Christmas presents and one a Solstice gift.

@speakout your post is really interesting. And yes, you're so right about mental health and emotions being so closely intertwined with witchcraft. I'd probably go as far as to say that pretty much everyone I've met who is witchy battles with mental health in some way (or has done in the past). I didn't know whether that is because we're naturally more empathetic and self aware and therefore more vulnerable, or whether we find witchcraft as part of our healing? Perhaps a bit of both 🤷‍♀️

I've realised recently, since beginning a new relationship, that whereas I thought for the last 5 plus I had been working on myself and healing old wounds, what I've actually been doing is building up barriers to protect myself from getting hurt. As soon as I allowed those barriers to rise, I feel vulnerable and emotional and all my instincts are telling me to run and hide, despite this relationship potentially being something amazing 🤷‍♀️ I can talk confidently to others about setting boundaries but I've got no idea how to do this for myself, or how to recognise and articulate the emotions that I'm feeling. I feel so disappointed in myself and as if all the yoga, self-care, work on myself, etc has been pointless 🙁

Please don't be hard on yourself VioletCharlotte - we do the best we can with the tools we have. Healing journeys are difficult enough that we need to take large doses of self compassion.

Even increasing our awareness of our feelings, thoughts and actions is a huge part of healing- and probably the most important part.
And to realise that we will never be fully healed, it is a journey with direction but no destination.
It helps me to practice boundary setting in small ways, having a daily flex helps me to get into that mindset.

That's an interesting point you make about MH awareness and witchcraft aligning. I have experienced that too, so much intertwines.

Mostly it is society that is broken, and we as individuals react as best we can.

I have been watching with interest the situation in Iceland, and now Japan, Italy, USA are reporting increased seismic activity as tectonic plates shift and adjust around the planet.
A reminder of our place here, and no amount of Sapien hubris will change that.

For those feeling low,come and gather round the simmer pot and inhale deeply. It smells gorgeous. I have made 2 lots of lip balm: rose and mint, and mandarin and tea tree. Please help yourself. Elderberry brandy anyone?

That looks and sounds amazing Hedjwitch-- your home must smell divine!

I haven't tried elderberry brandy - I am sure it is delicious.

Thanks @speakout and sorry all for the rather over emotional post! I've not spoken to anyone in real life about how I'm feeling, so it helped to write it down.

@Hedjwitch that looks amazing and I can almost smell it from here!

It does smell lovely...but the house is a herby tip as i get started on the wreath. Pitch dark outside now so the holly will have to be cut tomorrow

Another one who loves to exchange Yule/solstice cards, pm me with your snail mail address if you'd like one this year 💙

@SleepingIceDragons gorgeous name change! And hope the renovation works aren't too pesty - I hated mine but it's completely worth it on the other side!

@VioletCharlotte hugs, I think all self care and development is good for us even if we later realise we've been looking slightly in a different direction - but new relationship sounds lovely and I hope you can work through your feelings.

@speakout
Yes please to card exchange! Sorry for weird formatting - my phone is having a sulk and don't want to lose my post 🙈

I am a tired witch after two very busy days at a Christmas market for the chocolate - I'm only doing a few this year but they're always long intense days and while I enjoy them I am shattered afterwards.

My Gran had another fall in the early hours of Saturday, she is fine but shaken by this one whereas the last one she found really entertaining, so have been worrying about her too.

But treated myself to some gorgeous scented things and a fluorite bracelet and some vintage crowns from the fair and had some good chats, so feeling headachey but happier this evening.

Sending you all love, magic and support

I have decided to have a serious look at my season festivities. I realised a few months ago that there is a lot of things that are "traditional" that fall into the category of leftover from a past time, and which are heavy in religious root (yes even father christmas who started as the announcer of the birth of christ before many variations over time for him to become the modern version) So this year, I am looking to ditch the "traditions" that no longer serve me, including the decorations which are symbols and imagery. And figure out what new "traditions" I want to build.

Certain aspects - like good food with good company, are definitely on the list to keep. But there is a lot of change that can, and I would like to make. Including the atmosphere of hustle. I want a more calm and restorative feel to the season.

Going to be a lot of work but i am looking forwards to the end results. And next year when it is possible to have a festive season I will be ready to celebrate the way that fully fills my soul with joy. As for this year? I am ignoring it because celebrations are just not possible here.

I think that when i get chance i need to do the same for all of the holiday and high days. There is a lot of "tradition" that no longer serves me, some of which is just there serving as a reminder of religious trauma. It is time to leave it behind.

Has anyone else done this? Ditched the society norms which are faith based, and tailored things to their views? Did you keep much? Change much? find it easy to move forwards? Feel pressure to keep the society norms?