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

SleepingIceDragons I admire your resolve to cast a critical eye over christmas, particulary things you don't enjoy or are triggering for you.

The winter celebration should be just that, not a list of obligations to endure.

The symbolism and mythology surrounding christmas is difficult to unpick.
There are so many influences from different cultures, customs and religions.

The modern image of father christmas borrows from many sources I feel.
Certainly the church has played a hand, as has the Coca Cola company, but deep roots also feed from blends of pre- christian, Celtic, Roman, Slavic, Germanic and Norse pantheons.

Odin drives a sleigh through the sky at midwinter, Cenunnos lord of the wild woods, lord of the forest and hunter of stags.

My sister has very strong christian beliefs, and she will not entertain ideas of father christmas, not a christmas tree nor hanging stockings.
She believes that father christmas is demonic.

Christmas has become such a mash up, that I think we can take what works, and discard the rest.
Most people in the UK enjoy a secular christmas anyway, the christian influence of christmas is on the wane.

Hello all, very much enjoying reading what everyone has planned. all the kitchen witchery. Also solidarity with those having hard times over the last few weeks. Me too! Health worries that are unresolved and a great worry over here. Plus I got made redundant. Just before Christmas. What a time. Grateful our baby's cough has diminished. One little spark of light. Big virtual hugs to all.

Just had a big catch up as I have been busy and not checking the thread.

I'm another one with health issues, and have unexpectedly found myself under the care of a new GP who seems to be very pro-active and as a result I am being tested hither and thither! I have been diagnosed with one hidden condition already, but still other problems to unpick. I am secretly hoping one test result is positive, because it's treatable and hopefully would see me get my appetite back!

@WontLetThoseRobotsDefeatMe welcome to the thread and I hope I am right in assuming your name is from a Flaming Lips song? If so then you will possibly understand my sheer joy at meeting the singer last summer!

Seriously though, the connections through to the original announcer of the birth of christ are well documented, you can trace a direct line in the historical records via various saints etc. The connections with older religions etc only really are documentable in the revival periods of the old ways. So to evidence those links is much vaguer and the connections more conjunction/correlation.

And for those of you who just had your childhood memories of father christmas destroyed. I am sorry. But i have questions of society who felt he was appropriate with his questionable nature. I guess we all live in a less innocent time, where we know and acknowledge that terrible things can be done by terrible people.

@SleepingIceDragons you could argue that father christmas actually comes from Odin...8 legged horse, riding across the skies, sees all. I think your traditions are what you make them.

Our traditions are our own. I've taught my children that long ago father christmas was a person that cared for others (no religion in it) and that we now carry that on. We deliver care packages and our yule tomte sends challenges to raise peoples happiness.

We greet the sun on solstice morning and burn intentions for the year. We make homemade gifts. Bake. Spend time with each other. Good company, good food, good times

Each thing we do is our choice and what ever finds you peace is what you should do xxx

"you could argue that father christmas actually comes from Odin...8 legged horse, riding across the skies, sees all."
Actually no you can't. The Odin worshiping cultures converted typically to the Lutheran faith and the inclusion of a father christmas type figure did not really come until the 80s/90s. The inclusion of Sinter Klaus in Germany can be traced from interactions of its neighbours under the different branches of the Church. The concept of reindeer drawn sleigh is actually a very modern addition, much like the red coat. The history of the development of the myth of father christmas is fascinating but very much wrapped in the history of the Church firstly and then more modernly in commercialism.

The need to disney-fy the old ones rather amuses me. I grew up on the old, dark tales where the faye and tomte/nissen were to be feared and treated with respect and caution. And step out of line and the trolls would eat you.
You bribed the nissen/tomte to look after you and so they didn't do mischief during the remaining year. The tales of death and destruction of farmsteads that failed to give the offering are warnings and fascinatingly dark. There are some interesting native tongue publications of the old tales, and they can be as dark as the old tales of the faye. (fascinating in their own right)

I find the old tales are far more relatable than this portrayal of the old ones as all nice and helpfulness. And whilst the tomte poem hints at the old fear that was held, the old tales in their native tongue hold far more for my interest. They are dark and brooding and hint of the hardness of life that people where trying to come to terms with. But then I didn't grow up on the disney fairy tales either. The little mermaid turned to foam, red riding hood was eaten, and happy ever after was not a thing. And whilst Disney conditioned us to dream for it (it is the ultimate Hollywood dream) life isn't a happy ever after. It is hard, it is work, it is sad as well as funny, weird, happy etc. but without the dark there is no light. And the need to make everything nice and light etc baffles me, as it takes away the full scope of colour from the life experience.

As a hedjwitch I dont do much spellwork but tonight I light a candle,pink for maternal magic, for my daughter. That she may be successful at interview,that she might finally get a job and begin to live independently, that she finds some success. She has lived long enough in the shadow, with her demons.She needs this. I ask you,my sisters,to send your energy that she may have some good news soon and be able to move on. So mote it be.

@Hedjwitch I'm doing an eight O'Clock candle tonight, I will add your daughter to my thoughts.

Thank you for the welcome back upthread. I can't even find the last thread I posted on, life just seems to get in the way!

I really like the idea of taking what we want for the festive season and leaving the rest - I am the worst for setting myself a list of things I Need To Do For A Perfect Christmas. By the time Christmas rolls round, I've made myself ill with the stress. So I made a 'to do' list then edited it heavily. It will (hopefully!) leave me more time to do the things I enjoy, like making the edible Christmas presents. And loafing around reading with a glass of wine.

Could I ask if anyone has read this and whether they'd recommend it? https://www.waterstones.com/book/wintering/katherine-may//9781846045998

Thank you @Probablymagrat

Adding my energy and good wishes for your daughter @Hedjwitch xx

Adding my best wishes and positive energy for your daughter @Hedjwitch

Adding my energy @Hedjwitch, all the luck in the world

@SleepingIceDragons I'm well aware life isn't all sunshine, currently going through cancer for the 2nd time and had mastectomy yesterday. I grew up with Hans Christien Anderson and Grimm brother versions not disney...maybe that's why I aim for the lighter side. As I said in my post what you choose is what you choose, all power to you! I'm certainly not all love and light but prefer colour to monochrome!
Whatever you wish to get rid of, continue with, see the world around you like etc etc is your choice...enjoy 😉

Joining in @Hedjwitch . I’ve been in this same situation and know how worrying it is. May all be well for your daughter.

Slightlylostalongtheway I have kit a candle for you to aid your healing x

@BrightYellowDaffodil i have read that book, but it's not one I will read again so if you would like my copy, PM me your address and you can have it.

Thank you sisters. What beautiful energy and kindness is on this thread.

@Hedjwitch more positive energy for your daughter. Getting off the starting blocks can be so hard.

Finished my wreath. I think it maybe needs tiny lights but that would go against the all natural look. Have woven in rosemary,sage,thyme and yarrow.

@speakout thanks so much! Very battered and bruised but I will get there. Arnica, calendula, peppermint tea and rest!

Sending support to everyone else who needs it, this year seems particularly trying in so many ways for all of us, so many unexpected major challenges, thank goodness we can support each other.

Hedjwitch your wreath is beautiful.

For everyone struggling or just wondering what to incorporate and what to ignore over the festivities I'd say choose your own way of celebrating and be comfortable with it.

I much prefer Solstice as my celebratory time, but don't even mention it to anyone else who is not like-minded.
As a vegetarian I've never liked traditional Xmas Dinner but continued to provide one until we no longer had family visiting.
As there were just the 3 of us at that time, I suggested cooking everyone's favourite meal instead of the usual traditional one, as simple or complicated as each of us wanted That was greeted with enthusiasm and we've done that ever since.

Doing things differently does elicit many and varied responses, but don't forget that you don't have to give reasons for your different celebrations, you need only say that's the way you prefer it.

Above all, do something you enjoy and organise your festivities so they are as stress-free as possible for you.

Morning all. Huge healing hugs to you @Slightlylostalongtheway . Rest indeed. @Hedjwitch love the wreath. And hope all goes well for your daughter. I had a tough start in my early 20s, so I feel for her, but it does come good! Even if it takes a bit of time.

Redundacny meetings over here and still waiting on my health bobbins. Limbo is not a fun place to be.

@WontLetThoseRobotsDefeatMe it sounds like that tarot deck chose you, how magical!. You can’t beat a good mooch in a charity shop.

@speakout it’s interesting that you talk about mental health being woven with our craft. I have a degree in education and psychology and found that many forms of alternative education focus on ‘spiritual well-being’. So many ways that these provisions encourage spiritual well-being reflect pagan practices e.g, seasonal celebrations, lots of time out in nature etc. I always found that interesting.

@Hedjwitch your elderberry brandy looks amazing, as does your wreath. I love your table cloth. I will add your daughter to my thoughts when I light my candles tonight.

@hilariousnamehere I’m sorry to hear about your grans fall, I hope she’s okay.

@SleepingIceDragons I look forward to hearing about how you change your holiday traditions. I find that how I celebrate is such a mash up of many different traditions, we keep Father Christmas here as my DC are really little and I did find it so magical when I was young so I like keeping that.

@MaculataO so sorry to hear you’ve been having a hard time.

@queenrollo I hope you get the results you want. I really sympathise with you, I’ve had some health issues and had a period of being tested for multiple things, it was a strange time for me. I was happy that I was finally getting answers but the tests were so invasive and I became so drained from it. It was a huge relief when I had been diagnosed and it was all over.

I baked some cookies with my little boy today and we had the music on as we baked. He’s growing up so fast and is quickly slipping away from toddlerhood and into a proper little boy. He has a favourite song that he’s constantly asking for, he made up a dance for it and knows all the words. I’m loving these little glimpses of the man he will be become.

I’ve spent the rest of the day washing tiny baby clothes and getting the house ready to welcome our new arrival. Physically we are ready, emotionally I’ve still got some work to do. Tonight I will be wrapping up warm and spending some time outside alone to gather my thoughts and try and prepare myself for my upcoming labour.