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'm slowly de-Christmassing too. The tree is still up, but I'll be taking it down Saturday as I like to have the house fresh and clean for the new year. I'm going away Sunday - Wednesday to Devon with a friend. When I booked it, I thought it would be nice to have a few days by the sea after Christmas, but now it's come to it, I wish I was staying at home. I'm totally 'people'd out' and all I want to do is be in my own home by myself.

The weather has been awful here, but not like the storms you've had in Scotland. I hope you're all cosy and snug indoors. @SeaEssence I hope the weather hasn't spoiled your break

@Hedjwitch that's so frustrating, I can't believe they didn't leave a note 🙁 No wonder you're fed up. I hope DH is doing ok.

@speakout I'm so sorry you experienced such traumatic childhood experiences, no wonder you don't like New Year with such awful memories. I'm glad you're enjoying some peace and quiet and taking things slowly.

@speakout that sounds really terrible, especially after you mentioned in the past your family being very religious Christians...

@Hedjwitch oh no! Is it badly damaged?
Got no candles on me but I'll think of you and send positive energy at 8pm x

We're trying to make the most of the time here, yesterday was a good day as we completely avoided the weather issues, today we aimed for a scenic drive with stops in between the showers, but it was just a lot of driving really. I want to come back in the summer, the country is stunning! Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny so hopefully we'll get to do some walking.

It has been another stormy night here, my DD phoned me last night as she was worried her windows were going to blow in- she is in a second floor flat.
I think many of us have experienced difficult childhoods or hard times in our lives. It can be hard moving on, but healing can always be done.

SeaEssence yes my family are religious, but thankfully was only subject to mild indoctrination at school and home, so my transition to atheism and loosening christian shackles was not too difficult.
My sister moved abroad when I was 11, she then joined a very strict evangelical church, became "born again", started working in the school which the church ran.
She brought up her children in the same church and school, they experienced little of life outside the confines of the faith.
My mother was converted and became " born again" on a visit, by this time I was an adult, ( and a practicing witch), so not vulnerable to church tactics.

Hedjwitch I hope you have a better day today.

Trenzalor I have feelings about places too, like you I have arrived in places that feel ominous, bad energy, and I want to leave.. Similarly I have visited places that feel so good, uplifting, calm.
I am not sure why places have feelings attached to them.
Perhaps that spot had something bad or sinister take place, an attack, or murder . Or could be the site of some telluric energy that we pick up, similar to ley lines.
I think we can sense some of the artifacts of earth's interior. Deep caves, rivers, waterfalls maybe.
Under the crust we stand on a sea of molten nickel and iron, it moves and swirls. This molten sea gives rise to earth's magnetic field, and while mostly static ( for now- until the flip!) there are areas of turbulence, whirlpools, which have local influence. In some parts of the world a compass will point North instead of South for few miles. There are many such artifacts all over the planet, and I do wonder if we can sense this with our bodies and emotions.

Another gentle day here, a quiet house, some work, yoga later this morning, a trip to the post office later this afternoon. More rain is forecast, so light levels will be low all day, perfect for daytime candles and fluffy socks.
Have a good day sisters.

I hadn’t heard of Teleri’s energy, @speakout and that would make a lot of sense. I feel it was a place people passed through but bad things happened. It is quite a soulless place.

Trenzalor I feel the same. How do the feelings present or manifest?
I can get a "sense" of a place and some sounds- I find if I touch a wall or the ground then the sounds become louder.
In my local small town I have to pass through a close, a vennel, ( not sure if these are just scottish words) with very old stone walls either side. Once part of dwellings, I can make out stone fireplaces, door lintels, and chatter of centuries old family life. I often stop to touch the walls and listen in.

I have a physical reaction to the place. It exhausts me and I begin to shut down. It’s like it’s too much for me so some massive barrier tries to go up but the energy needed to keep it is too much.

Although I’m a big toucher of things, I tend to “see” things in a sense that I can see almost a photographic overlay of a place before over that’s there is now. In this place, in my minds eye, I can see druids passing through but then some kind of mass slaughter. At first I wondered if it was used for sacrifice but then when I tried to research it seemed that this might be when romans fought the Celtic tribe of the area which makes more sense to me.

There’s an Iron Age barrow and a stone circle and cove very close. However they are out of the town and feel quite different.

Glad you're exploring some of the many energies that are all around us.

The druid/human sacrifice stuff isn't borne out by evidence. Ritual killings or sacrifices in the UK are usually single and rare, often Bronze or Iron age, often by water, more often offerings of swords and knives.
Look up bog bodies, sacrificial offerings to water deities for more info.

There are many different forms of energy, the Chinese have Dragon Lines, the Irish have fairy paths and spirit roads.

Many places are liminal, ancient places rererred to as burial mounds sometimes contain no bodies.

Search for Stone of knowledge, seed of plenty, it's free to read online and has some fascinating experiments and results.

Let me know if there's anything specific in the 'Earth Energies' field you want to know.

That's really helpful BlankTimes, I love your contributions to topics like this.

The idea that we were violent savages really suits the christian narrative, that religion came along and saved us from devouring our children giving us the moral standards to exist as a species.

When in fact many ancient peaceful cultures did exist, often the ones that allowed women a voice.

The idea that our neolithic or paleolithic ancestors were stupid thugs is so disrespectful.

BlankTimes I know this your area. If you have any examples or tales to share I would love to know more.

I am still reeling a little from a yoga class yesterday when the instructor ( male and quite new) called us a bunch of "gossiping fishwives"

I would love to Speakout I have a friend coming for early tea so I'll be back this evening.

Wish I could do links on the phone, but every time I leave this page, it gets wiped off, so I can only advise what topics to look at.

What an absolutely vile man prat at Yoga, he would have received a thorough put down from me if he'd said that within earshot.

Thanks BlankTimes , I would love to know more about prechristian societies which were peaceful.

And yes happy report that I did respond to prat yoga teacher, I gave him a public dressing down in front of my 20 classmates. I was calm, controlled but let him know my views.

I'm so pleased to find this thread! Posting to say hello and then I'm going to have a good read and dig into past threads.

Just checking in to say hi

Just popping in to say hello and I hope you all had a lovely yuletide, and will all have a peaceful new year. Although I don't do new year and plan to be tucked up in bed by 10 as usual.

Can I ask some advice from the hivemind? I feel that I need to protect an elderly relative from financial abuse from their step child. Its a very strong feeling I cannot ignore, but I am also happy to be proved wrong in the fullness of time iyswim.

But in the meantime does anyone have a good protection/strength spell for my relative I can do. I am doing a regular candle meditation, but I feel I need something a bit stronger.

Many thanks if anyone can help.

Wow @speakout ! I’m glad you spoke out to that yoga instructor!

I think the Romans may have essentially wiped out the celts in that place. I was never sure about the idea of sacrifice, I just knew the place felt wrong. Thanks for all the ideas for further research @BlankTimes

Black dog always gets me at New Year and this year no different. Tried self help...frankincense in the burner, a warm mineral bath and facepack, read a bit more of "The Greenwitch" by Arin Murphy-Hiscock which Im finding interesting. Drank more water and, most importantly, no alcohol. I really need to get a grip of that!
Looking after DH is exhausting. I've had a lemon balm and passionflower tea and 2 Valerian tabs so here's hoping for a peaceful night.

Evening everyone! @Hedjwitch wishing you comfort and cheer. Caring for a loved one is far from easy. My evening has been cooking something for dinner, starting a loaf in the breadmaker and sorting out Mr C’s medications. A wild affair, I think you’ll all agree. I do generally like the quiet calm of the days running up to New Year. I tend to catch up with a few jobs, do some reading and a bit of admin.

We’ve been a bit subdued as a member of our Pagan community locally died suddenly (and far too young) a few days ago. The person had a lot of health problems but had seemed in fair spirits.

A warm welcome eclecticwitch, I am glad you have joined us. Grab a comfy chair by the fire and settle in.

Caring for others can be a hard road.
I would suggest making yourself top priority, you can't pour from an empty cup- I know we all know that, but worth repeating and reminding!
Carers need nurture- whatever form works for you. And feel no guilt when it comes to caring for yourself.
And do seek help and support, emotional, practical, respite.
Contact social care, local Red Cross, any carers support organisations. Some pharmacies will fill tablet dispensers or make bubble packs for regular medication.

It is hard watching a loved one being financially abused. It may be worth contacting CAB, or the bank, even the police. Financial abuse is a form of theft.
My bank has a vulnerable person's department, and have been incredibly helpful too.

Just about to start my day, I have slept for 9 hours and feel very refreshed. I have work, but it is quiet and such a pleasure at a slow pace.
Yoga later- prat man lol, so we will see how that unfolds.
Otherwise a calm easy day hopefully, the church take care of my mother for a while, they pick her up, service then womens group, followed by buffet lunch. before bringing her home. Christianity does have its uses!

Good morning sisters, although at the speed I type, it could well be evening by the time I post it.

If any of the following seems interesting to you, please do investigate further.

There are many names in different cultures for their energetic or life force systems.

The Chinese call it Chi, and its very well documented over thousands of years. Very simply put, their medical system, from which acupuncture is derived, is determined by pathways of energy in the body called meridians and all illnesses are said to be caused by blockages in these pathways. Remove the blockages and you have a free flow of chi.
Robert Peng is a modern day practitioner of QiGong (has many spellings like chi gung)
Somewhere online is an audio presentation of his life story, it's definitely worth a listen as it involves ancient physical and meditative practices, culminating in "enlightenment"

The Japanese system is called Ki and again is seen as one which can be used to restore the free flow of energy. The practise of Reiki is possibly the best known in the West and as with all matters of something becoming acceptable to another totally different culture, certain aspects are modified or even invented. Never have I read or heard of so much rubbish being portrayed as Truth as there is about Reiki in the West. Don't let that put you off though, at its heart it's an amazing system and so easy to incorporate into your daily life. It's promoted as a stand alone healing system in the West, whereas its founder Mikao Usui introduced it as only a small component of a much wider practise.

I'm writing this in several posts, just in case it fritzes into the ether like many of my posts do ...

India gives us Prana, probably most recognised in the West by Yoga practitioners.
It also has given us the chakras and the doshas, all of which are worthwhile studying.

Tibetan Buddhism has long been a fascination of mine, again there are so many practises and teachings within that umbrella that further research is needed. Since the 1950s, its been suppressed and much of it, like all religions, appears to be shrouded in mystery, so be open minded but discerning.
Many of the monasteries are built in seemingly inaccessible places with stones and rocks seemingly too large and heavy to be transported by humans or using yaks. Online there is a wonderful eyewitness account with illustrations from a western explorer in Mmaybe Victorian times who describes seeing a semicircle of monks on the ground surrounding the large stones, then by chant, playing drums and horns, the stones floated up to the mountain ledge.

Backtrack to QiGong
Look up John Chang on YouTube. You particularly need to see film of him taken in the 70s? for a naturalist type documentary called Ring of Fire filmed on a shoestring by 2 brothers.
In those days, it was not a tourist area, most Westerners were clueless about it.

Ancient being that I am, I watched that on tv the first time it was broadcast and it sparked the fascination I have with advanced energy practise to this day.

The YouTube excerpts show John Chang in his part of Indonesia working as a healer.
And one segment where he ignites some paper using his own chi.
Bear in mind the era it was filmed and that it was a budget production, I have no reason to believe the footage is anything but genuine.

Of course nowadays, we could all probably produce that effect with more spectacular results on our smartphones. With the advent of AI, we soon literally won't be able to believe anything we see in print or on screen.
However, that wasn't done for monetary gain by anyone involved, nor did it result in stardom, riches etc. for anyone involved in it.
It was a simple documented account of the qigong practises the brothers witnessed.

Of course there are many more energetic and healing systems around, if you're interested, please investigate and share.

Earth energies are much the same as the universal life force energies discussed above.
Globally, there are liminal places, often called thresholds, where the veil is thinner and the otherworld(s) can be reached more easily. Some of us can feel these places or sense they are somehow different. It can be feelings of awe and wonder, of unpleasantness or revulsion, but a definitive difference to any surrounding areas.

It's hard to look at the past objectively, we automatically put our own interpretations on things according to our thought patterns and beliefs, which isn't necessarily the right thing to do. Also, in pre history, there were no written records so the only things we have are what traces the people left behind. Most of which are constructions made from stone, or deposits of objects.

Speakout, your post about peaceful societies reminded me of a trilogy of novels I read based on a matriarchal society in ancient times, and the coming clash with patriarchy. Set in Western Europe and around the Black sea. The first book is called The Year the Horses came. The author (Mary Mackey) based the work on history and archaeology, I did do some research when I finished the books. Excellent reads.

BlankTimes thank you for such an interesting post, very juicy, full of ideas which really spark my interest.

The idea of Prana- breath or - as used in yoga is the core of yoga practice.
We often use mudras to focus on energising Chrakras too.
Those books sound very interesting FizzingAda, I will look them out.

I have long suspected that the church paints an inaccurately bleak picture of humanity before chritianity.
I know that ancient Crete was an example of a peaceful society, where women were of equal status to men. as were ancient Malta, Gozo and closer to home in Orkney. Excavations of Scara Brae found many well preserved items dating back to 3000BC,- also thought to be a matriarchy. No weapons were found, although beads, jewelry, flints and knives used in food preparation.

It is sad that history confines itself to studying only events and cultures in societies that use the written word.
It neatly sidesteps much of social history, and even recent events that happen to first nations people who don't use writing as a method of communication.

For an idea of the type and number of ancient sites, check out megalithic.co.uk for the world and the interactive Voices of the Dawn website for Irish sites

Worldwide, there are a lot of similarities with many differing types of sites having orientation of light and shadow effects at certain times of the year. Many of these effects have survived in lore and legends
although their actual definitive purpose is lost in the mists of time. We can guess but not know.

Also bear in mind that any conquering civilisations who had written records often demonised the conquered people to justify their actions. Rewriting of history to favour the conquering society is nothing new!

Some places in nature are also liminal, some the ancients marked with stones, others they left natural but venerated like springs, the junctions where rivers meet, the shore and sea, mountaintop and sky,

As for how prehistoric societies were structured, we simply don't know. We can guess from some of the places they left behind and some of the carvings they left in stone, but who erected the megaliths, and why, remains a mystery.