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

@Slightlylostalongtheway second that! I love reading the thread before bedtime (albeit rarely with enough energy to contribute) as it's so calming and full of good energy, despite the variety of the beliefs, traditions, and topics discussed!

@Hedjwitch I'm sorry you are having a difficult time. Care and love for others sometimes bring us pain, it's hard but remember all the good times that same care and love brought over the years. I'm lighting a candle to send positive and healing energy to you and your loved ones xx

I've had a rollercoaster of the week - busy at work, last minute pre-Christmas diy that un-did all my cleaning efforts (hubby taking angle grinder to the stone work top - covering the house in fine dust), trip to London (a necessary appointment), two Christmas parties, the latter one followed by a sleepless night - I was close to crying with exhaustion by Saturday. I'm not at all as close to being ready for Yule as I'd like to be - I planned to bake, decorate and get a proper Yule log - but established it's not worth it, I'm on wind down now

@Hedjwitch I realise this is shocking and stressful

FWIW my dad had it decades ago, the techniques are much better now, and he returned to his usual "Tigger on steroids" condition pretty quickly. Didn't eat for a few days after but as you probably know, the body wants all the energy for healing in the first few days. Sending good vibes to you both.

@BlankTimes Alexander Technique is really jumping out at me. My body stores so much tension after the spinal injury, it's quite mad.

I think this might be a light bulb moment in looking at the accumulation of what's gone wrong since then. Technically I made a very good recovery according to physio, but this body stress might be what's left over. Add it up with dyspraxia and it means I find a short walk stressful. It's not painful at the injury site, just stressful.

One practitioner within walking distance, one two train stops away. Thank you so much!

I am sorry to hear that things are difficult for some of us.

Life can be hard, painful, demoralising it is easy to become overwhelmed, especially at this time, every way we turn we have challenges. The world is telling us to be merry and bright and often that isn't what we need at all.
ErnestCelendine welcome, I am gad you have joined us. I hope you have found a way to celebrate- however small.
Like you and violetcharlotte I have been through talking therapy this year.
It has been life-changing giving me the awareness and tools to heal.
In the past I have tended to sweep things under the carpet for a very long time,
I would push away negative thoughts, and feelings, not allowing myself to feel the feels, but those emotions will come and express themselves in different ways, manifesting in depression,overeating, anxiety, codependancy.
That takes great courage to accept our emotions, , to be curious, self compassionate.
And in all that we find trust in ourselves, and the promise that we will cope- no matter what.
When our fear is lessened we may find our anxiety lessens our rumination or catastrophising every time we hit bump.
When we lessen our fears then we canbecome authentic, integrated and joyful.
I consider my yoga practice as fitness training, spiritual healing, mind calming, and a physical way to allow the body to disperse the baggage we carry.

It has been a busy day here yoga class, christmas shopping, food shopping house tidying, cooking,laundry.
And that has been lovely. I don't often take days off work, but that is me finished until after christmas. It feels amazing to be able to take my time doing chores.
Off now with some sleepy tea and an early night

@Hedjwitch I'm so sorry to hear that things are stacking up for you in a not very awesome way. I fully feel for you. And you seem such a generous soul. When it's one thing after the other, you simply feel you can't catch a break - it sucks it really does. Sending lots healing thoughts to you and your DH.

Over here, I know it pales by comparison, but DH and I seem to be arguing a lot. Two tired new parents its inevitable. But doesn't mean it doesn't really hurt when it happens. I am tired - I imagine I have been moany and not great company. But I also have clinically diagnosed insomnia. Sometimes I feel DH doesn't process stuff well and it can often just come out as so rude and such a gut punch. I try very hard to 'argue smart' - not name call or bring other things or events into play, just deal with the matter at hand. But sometimes I wonder why I bother, when I don't get that consideration in return. (Well, I know why - I hate mud slinging, and can't sleep on even the slightest argument, but hey)

EmmaEmerald AT is a really interesting practise. Do let us know how you get on. The last 30 mins or so of every session are spent lying flat on your back with head raised on a low support (3 thin paperbacks ) hips flat, knees raised and feet flat. The practitioner gently manipulates the joints if necessary to ensure the clients body is stress free.* *

I nearly did the practitioner training. * *

EmmaEmerald I think you are wise to realise that your body holds our energy and stress.
There is an interesting book called The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van de Kolk. The body holds stress, trauma, and just as how the mind can affect our physical body, the body affects our mind also, just as a soak in the bath can calm our mood.
I think some kind of body work can be very healing. It may be exercise - of any kind really, yoga, pilates tai chi, dance,but also bodywork such as Reiki, AT, massage, accupuncture or many hands on techniques.
Hedjwitch I hope you are feeling a little better today, and hope you have time for nurture.
MaculataO I am sorry to hear things are tough. Having a baby turns our world upside down, and lack of sleep makes everything harder. Take every moment to care for yourself. No matter the situation you don't deserve name calling or anger towards you.
I have a quiet day today, my mother is out at a church christmas event, so I am making the most of my time off work. I have a nail appointment at 8am, then home for a healthy breakfast. I will do some tidying and starting a mini deep clean of the kitchen, but at a languorous pace. Meditation, pedicure, Tarot and yoga at home are all on the cards today. If I have time I will drop off a box of crispy creme donuts to my local post office staff and nip in to my favourite charity shop.
I may not get all these things done, and that is totally fine. Having time on my hands does not happen often. I have checked my records and see that I have had two days off work in the past 7 weeks.

@speakout thank you. I read a summary of the book ages ago but I didn't realise till @BlankTimes mentioned the AT that I am holding stress with every walking step, especially in this sort of weather.

I do yoga but interestingly have got worse, I think I'm carrying a bone deep tension but hadn't realised as I don't have aches and pains.

I have vertigo which was late onset after my spinal injury, and one day in yoga I had to look up....and fell straight down! I've also fallen off a ladder. Living alone and being unable to change a light bulb is crap.

I make a mess of wrapping gifts, never used to, so the injury has affected my fine motor skills I think.

I had been thinking of seeing a physio because I know there are residual effects of the injury - but someone is a bit more specialised may be a good shout.

I have to walk a lot as I don't drive. I was puzzling over why I was feeling "worse" with more walking but there's nothing painful or uncomfortable.

@ISaySteadyOn articulated a lot of it and it is combined with dyspraxia. I've seen a few websites talking about "the natural movements of childhood". I never had those. I had to try and create them as a teen.

but I think you clever ladies have found some answers! Thank you 🤗

Morning all! @Hedjwitch sending you a virtual hug. And to all struggling as we head towards the shortest day. I think the winter solstice prelude is draining of our resources whilst amplifying the things that burden us.

I’m plodding on - doing chores and sorting out Mr C’s appointments. I decided to take extra time off over Yuletide - I won’t get paid but I need the rest. In previous years, we’d greet the solstice dawn at a local landmark. More recently, we’ve watched the Stonehenge livestream whilst tucked up in bed!

I am glad to hear that some of us are slowing down and looking at ways to heal.
Life can be so hard, and we don't always have control over our circumstances, but safeguarding our health and mental well being is paramount.

I have had a pleasant morning, had my nails done, a quick trip to the supermarket, then delivered a box of donuts to the staff at my post office.
I bought some good things in the second hand shop, a duvet set and a few pretty wicker baskets with cotton liners. I am having a cup of cacao and a rest then will go through my purchases, remove the cotton liners and put everything into wash.

I have been mesmerised by the geological situation in Iceland for many weeks, I turn into geekmode easily, I love maps and diagrams. My natal astrological chart has most planets and happenings in fire signs, so always an element I have warmed to.
Watching the eruptions unfold is a reminder of how fragile we are, living on a green crust with firey magma beneath our feet and unimaginable distances of the universe and inhospitable space above.
Too much to really comprehend, but seeing the inside of our planet in these glimpses shows humans are not really in charge.

Off to do some laundry magic, hunt down some gift bags and write a few cards.

Have a peaceful day sisters.

Fascinating to read through recent comments (and sending thoughts to those who are struggling). My therapist is all about the body keeping the score, and makes me find and sit with feelings I didn't know I had, often resulting in nausea, teeth chattering, shaking etc and talking through the origins of these feelings with me to help process the trauma (compassionate inquiry). It's not always easy or pleasant, but ends up being very positive.

Went to a yule yin yoga session yesterday which was bliss, and even got the preteens to watch and enjoy a sunrise with me while we drank tea and chatted / they danced - mornings are usually carnage so a definite shift in energy here that I need to embrace and maintain! A yule miracle, no less!

Less fun day today as got my period so trying to slow things down, go easy and not eat all the Christmas cheese and every carb I see.

Dh still waiting for surgery. Its a trek to the hospital and back and am exhausted. Wish they would give him a date but realise others may have priority.
I will curse if its Friday. Had been invited to friends for Christmas/ solstice drinks. They live on a river bank near an old Abbey. Perfect for Solstice stuff.

I hope today has been a better one for you Hedjwitch. I will think of you at my 8pm candle tonight.
The therapy you had sounds intense ErnestCelendine, peeling back the layers can open up painful wounds, but can also lead to great healing.
I can recall my therapist asking me several times if I can sit with the pain a little longer so we can explore- not easy, but has been a transformation for me.

I am just back from a trip to the city where I met my DD, I took the train- only 18 minutes from home, and far easier, and quicker than driving.
We had a lovely lunch then explored some lovely craft shops, including Black Moon Botanica - a pagan shop. We walked fast and far as it was cold, but had a break at the National Museum to look at Neolithic exhibits and have a hot chocolate.
I am home now, the city is good for a visit, but I am happiest living in a rural area.
I lived in the city centre for 15 years ( pre-children) and loved it, it's much busier now of course, but walking around places I used to frequent brought back many memories, some good, some not so good, loves lost, lives not lived choices and directions we take and only know the outcome when we retrace our steps.

DH will have surgery tomorrow or Friday. I will be staying in Edinburgh Thursday and Friday night. Does anyone know if anything will be happening Solstice wise on Calton Hill?

Solstice Blessings sisters. I hope the days ahead are filled with light and love.

Solstice blessings 💫
I found a lovely image and quote I wanted to share but I can't upload it unfortunately.

@Hedjwitch sending love to you and healing energy to your

@Craftycorvid im glad you've taken some time off, caring for others can be exhausting. I hope Mr C is making good progress.

@ErnestCelendine that sounds very similar to the type of therapy I'm doing. I'm finding it really powerful, much more so than the CBT I've had in the past. I'm learning that the feelings I've been experiencing are responses to trauma. Having to sit with the feelings is hard, but it's really helping me to understand that how I'm feeling is normal and my body and brain doing what they're meant to do to, rather then there being something wrong with me.

@speakout sounds like a lovely day with your DD. I love Edinburgh, I'm hoping to visit again next year. I'd like to have a couple of days in Edinburgh and then spend some time travelling round the Highlands.

I'm marking the solstice with some quiet reflection. This year, particularly the last few months, has been pretty transformative for me, so lots to think about and be grateful for, and some clarity on what to let go of 💫🌟

Blessings all.
DH was scheduled for surgery at 13.30. At 12.30 it was postponed. It has NOT been a good day, to put it mildly. He goes again tomorrow at 08.30. Hopefully.

oh dear, so stressful, I really feel for you both.

hope it's all go tomorrow.

blessings all.

Solstice wishes my loves, from a low energy me who is very grateful for you all and the acceptance of life's ebbs and flows in this space.

@Hedjwitch crossing everything for tomorrow x

Warmest Winter Solstice blessings to you all! Thank you for being my on-line sisterhood this year. I love reading about how you all find ways to mark the turning of the year. I did not get up to greet the dawn today, instead I slept on and dreamed about my old room at my mother’s house (still not finalised a sale!) In the dream my old room was bigger than I remembered and I realised it had a door in it leading to a whole other room that was big and bright and full of potential. I do hope there is a portent in that image!

Mr C is struggling with the energetic ebb of this time of year but is otherwise doing very well. He clung onto his hat yesterday as we braved the high winds for a trip to town. Later we marked the Solstice eve by dancing to Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club - he recalled first listening to that album whilst travelling as a student in the 60s. The wonders of technology mean I could just find it and play it for him through my phone and some Bluetooth speakers.

Tonight we are having a few Pagan friends round for food and shared stories. I will make a note to light my Yule candle at 8pm and will think of you in your own homes doing the same.

Surgery done. I went to Calton Hill this morning and paid my respects to the witches murdered there.
Then visited a wonderful witchcraft shop and ended up buying a set of rune stones Not something I've ever used before. Looking forward to learning about them.

Claiming the "pagan of the year award" - prepping, looking forward, planning the sunrise watching and Stonehenge live stream...for Saturday! For months I had it in my head that the solstice is on Saturday!
So I missed it all and spent the day at work behind screen 

Anyway, making it up now enjoying the dark-but-not-completely-dark in the garden. Happy Solstice everyone!

@Hedjwitch I had you and your husband in my thoughts yesterday and today - wishing him a speedy recovery xx

So glad I’ve found this lovely thread ❤️ where do you all look for inspiration? I’m thinking books, podcasts, places to learn?

Hedjwitch I'm so glad the surgery is complete, everything will progress now. I wish him a speedy recovery.

SeaEssence. oh well done, you won't be the only one by a mile. I have to smile at SH televising the sunrise, when the Monuments construction suggests its the .idwinter sunset that was celebrated there.

I missed the Newgrange televised light beam couldn't get the player to work and missed the nacreous clouds too.

Postie brought me a treasure trove of gifts I wasn't expecting and a friend shared some great news,so I've ended up on non nacreous cloud 9 all day.

crazypiglady a warm welcome, pull up a beanbag by the fire and pour yourself something from the Magic Teapot, it pours the hot drink you'd like.
If you want to learn, follow your instincts And your interests. Do read the previous threads, they are a mine of information.

Solstice Blessings everyone.

My Solstice candle. Lit it with good wishes for you all!