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 hope your week is going OK queenrollo, and your DS is enjoying himself.
It is hard to loosen the ties as our children grow, we are so used to protecting them and keeping them safe.
At 18 my DS went to New Zealand for 6 months, working in remote farms with no internet, often there were weeks when I wouldn't hear a peep from him.
It does get easier though, although even adult children need different types of help as I am discovering! My own childhood wasn't a blueprint to follow, I was asked to move out at 18, and had no practical or emotional support at all. I plunged into many years of chaos, abuse, sofa surfing, violence. No life tools in my tool box, becoming an adult was hard. So I wanted to make sure my own kids had support if they wanted it during that transition.

So cold here today, minus 7 degrees, snow forecast, I will top up my bird feeders as soon as it is light outside.
I am looking for a magical boost at the moment, not sure what I need to inspire me. Maybe a podcast, visit a witchy shop, attend an event, my practice feels in the doldrums. I am tidying my supplies, harvesting lots of rosemary and bundling to dry, but would love a bit of magical oomph right now.
Ideas gratefully received!

We made it to the weekend sisters!
This week has had its share of challenges, but some lighter energy too. Yesterday saw a new moon birthed in Aquarius, the energy has heightened our awareness, increased sensitivities sharpened instincts, our ability to see more deeply into situations, people and their motivations. We may not like all we see, but trust the visions of our heart and shore up our boundaries.
An extra helping of self love and compassion is always helpful.

Seems my Saturdays have settled into a routine, OH and I take a short drive to the next town ( passing by an M&S for some weekend goodies on the way), he runs a few errands while I attend a Body Balance class.
Then home for brunch. I have work this afternoon, but that's OK, I have a new candle and a podcast lined up.

Ritual and routine have become so helpful to me, my morning activities get me off to a good start, actions are familiar and feel comforting. My daily rituals tell my subconscious stories of reassurance and contentment, I try to work through simple activities with a measure of mindfulness and cosy calm energy.
There is strong magic in the mundane, whizz bang wizardry is all good and well, but enchantment can seep through the cracks in a quiet soft way if we allow, and can turn a wet dull February day into something much more enchanting.

Finding the magic in the mundane has been one of the best parts of my life since I started practicing.

I felt a deep joy one day on my way to the shop. It was grey, yes, but warm for February and with a hint of spring. And that stayed with me the whole day.

Yesterday DD2 and I went on a walk in our local park and, to our delight, there are crocuses blooming. And that was magic to us as well. The wheel of the year really does turn.

On a different note, what's Body Balance? I am curious.

We collect DS from the airport tomorrow. Today they finally have snowfall at their resort and he is beyond joyous at experiencing proper snow! They have had good skiiing, but today was in jeapoardy as the weather has not been on their side. So waking up to snow this morning has given them all a magical last day.
He has not fretted or missed us one bit. In all honesty I have had few moments of sadness at him being away. I am burnt out and think I desperately needed this break from routine. This is out first proper childfree time in 11 years, and due to his disability the first 7 of those were very intense.

I do feel like I was holding my breath for this holiday, getting us past such a big transition and I feel like it's a threshold into a new phase of life for all of us.

I went in Foyles when in London and picked up The Herbal Astrology Oracle deck. It's the only thing I bought while there, and I had a lovely chat with two ladies who were looking at Tarot.

Having a slow breakfast today. DS requested I didn't put fresh sheets on his bed so he it smells of 'home' the first night he is back. It struck me as such a grounded thing for an 11 year old to say.

queenrollo I am glad this trip has proved to be such a positive experience- for you and your DS. Sounds like it has given both of you a shot of confidence, I am glad it worked out well.
So sweet about the smell of the sheets-! What a perceptive boy!
Navigating relationships with our children as they grow can be hard, and puts us through tests and trials, we can learn so much about ourselves too as we parent.

Body balance was cancelled this morning, but still managed to get some shopping done- including a few food treats from M&S- so still a fruitful trip. Body Balance is a type of exercise class that combines Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates., choregraphed and set to music. It is a global organisation they also run Body Pump ( with weights) Body Attack, Body Combat, and several more.

ISaySteadyOn I feel that joy sometimes too- it has happened a couple of times this week. Like everyone my life can be messy and challenging, but I have stopped waiting for things to be "fixed" before I enjoy life.
I cultivate my calm, I try to come back to the moment, rather than replaying past narratives or worry about things in the future that may or may not even happen.

After a very difficult few months, a weekend away with my best friend to Dumfries and Galloway. I didnt take swimming gear as forecast to snow but actually it wasnt too bad so...skinny dipping it was! Havent swam in the sea in my knickers since I was a kid. It was so liberating I was shouting with joy. Its great being a crone and just not giving a damn!

Oh wow! That looks great!

wonderful photo! Go, you! I’m in the stage of looking at the elder wise woman tribe and saying ‘budge up and make space for me. I’ve earned my place at the table.’ Maybe not plunging into deep water though, I can’t swim! 😆

@Hedjwitch so impressed that looks fabulous!

Craftycorvid I am well and truly in the Crone club- it is a wonderful place to be!

I have found freedom in caring little about how others perceive me,especially strangers. It is wonderful to no longer be the focus of the male leering gaze.
I am reclaiming my authenticity, integrating lost parts of myself, I no longer beat myself up for saying the "wrong" thing.
Caring for myself is top of my list, doing that means I have a greater capacity to care for others too.
I fly my freak flag with pride, all the odd and strange things about me are badges of honour, not things to be hidden for the sake of conformity.

The Moon spends today in Pisces, bringing a soft mellow energy to our day. A good time for journaling, daydreaming, creative pursuits and divination.

OH wants to visit Ikea today, we need a few kitchen things, but such a big busy shop, and crowded on a Sunday.
I often nip in the back door near the tills- it is kitchen wear we need, and I think that is nearby. I don't want to start the weird meander around all the departments which seems to last days!!

I love the idea of ‘flying my freak flag’ @speakout 😄. I’m a lifelong odd one out and none the worse for it. It never really happened for me with men, in that I never seemed to appeal to most of them. I went through a long period of mourning and reflection about that at menopause, but it would now take a god-like being who could cook, provide entertainment and wisdom - and was happy to leave me alone most of the time - in order to tempt me! Mr C is very lovely until then. 🤣

How is Mr C doing now?

I had another of those odd episodes where I woke up afraid but I remembered what @speakout said about cortisol surges, I think. I remembered that it would pass and as a result, it only lasted for about 5 minutes so thank you because that helped a lot.

I planted my snapdragons, geraniums, cinquefoil, and echinacea yesterday and last week it was my tomatoes, chilli peppers, pansies, sunflowers, chamomile and dill.

Now I need more propagators.

Have blessed days everyone.

@ISaySteadyOn Mr C is making very good progress - he’s at the ‘bored but not quite there yet stage of being able to do things for himself.

Cortisol surges are horrid! I get them and a few minutes later, quite a mild hot flush. A friend has been giving me acupuncture, which has helped a lot.

Like you Craftycorvid I was never a traditional "beauty", but I worked in a very male-dominated industry, in my 20s I worked in a department that had 64 men and me- a lone female. So I had to keep my head down. I took refuge in my oversize lab coat!

ISaySteadyOn your planting sounds so lovely, gardening is such a healing and calming activity. I am not sure if I plan to plant much this year, time is always an issue for me, I have many things I love, but I have to prioritise. I have planted a number of shrubs and fruit trees in recent years, so I can still have some pleasure without too much work. I have some perennial herbs, I noticed yesterday my magnolia is in full bud waiting to push through, and I am excited for my lilac I planted two years ago and has yet to flower- I will inspect today!

I am glad your anxiety episode passed quickly. These morning episodes happen a lot to me at the moment, but I feel empowered to deal with them, and calm myself within an hour or so.
Becoming aware of our emotions and thoughts is a huge step in dealing with them.
I am glad to hear Mr C is progressing well, Craftycorvid, I hope that means you have more time and energy for your own needs.

I woke to the sound of loud birdsong this morning- the first dawn chorus for many months.. Birds in my garden are very hungry at the moment, I feed them every day, but is becoming expensive to keep up supplies.

Have a magical day sisters

I would like to know more about cortisol surges.

Flying in to say hello. Sorry for not posting much recently, life has been busy, but I'm enjoying catching up on all your posts.

It really felt like spring was in the air today. When I walked my dog at lunchtime, it was so lovely to see some sunshine and feel some warmth. Crocuses are starting to poke through and everything just seems a little brighter ☺️

Evening lovely witchy ladies. I am going to catch up on the thread, it's been a while...hope everyone is in a good mood and feeling spring in the air!

I'm not sure this is the place but if there is anywhere I feel comfortable to share and ask advice is here, I feel so bad. DC applied for a couple of indie schools - he prepped for a year, lost holiday time to study, took it seriously (though in retrospect we should have done more), we saved and financially planned to the last penny, only for him to not get an offer (waiting lists only). I won't lie, I was (am) devastated - I know he will be perfectly happy at the local school, it's the disappointment after all the effort. I've been drawn to my tarot deck in the anticipation of the results and since, and two cards keep cropping up whenever I have the subject on my mind - the page of pentacles and hanged man. The waiting is excruciating (esp as it's only for the tiny chance of the waiting list moving). DC copes admirably, I'm the problem, not them - more than anything, I struggle to manage my feelings, disappointment, bitterness, and embarrassment for having those feelings for such a third world problem. I'm a positive person and generally kind and loving, all this negative energy feels foreign and overwhelming.
Any advice for self healing would be most welcome, as well as help with the interpretation of the tarot cards, I'm only learning and maybe I'm not interpreting it correctly (though what else is there to do but wait)...

SeaEssence I am sorry you are struggling with this situation. It may be a "first world problem", but your feelings are real.
Your Tarot picks seem to illustrate your situation, your DS as the page, the Hanged man shows your frustration.
I would pull a third card while meditating on possible outcome or solution.

We all want the best for our children, but sometimes what we think is best for them won't produce the best outcome. You feel strongly about this situation- perhaps some spell work will give that extra nudge in the physical realm.

Take time to manage your own feelings, they are allowed, you have a perfect right to feel the way you do. But feelings emotions and thoughts can be hard to deal with, and hinder attempts to move forward.
We all have different coping mechanisms, some are good, others not helpful at all, dysfunctions from our past or childhood can be deeply entrenched.
Becoming curious about negative thoughts or feelings helps me a lot. Unpicking, examining, finding associations, links to possible past events can give clues about the current moment, and some understanding..
Your son's current situation has no "bad" option really, and I think you know that. You may be disappointed at the outcome, but all the preparation in the past while is not wasted- we can learn so much as we move through a process like this, coming to know ourselves a bit better, opening new possible scenarios and considerations. You have saved, but even if your DS ends up at the local school you have a fund for extra curricular activities and tutors should you need them, and he may be very happy there.
I understand how it feels to want the best for our children, but sometimes that road is not how we plan it. Success and happiness come in many forms.
VioletCharlotte lovely to see you- thanks for the spring energy. X

@speakout thank you for your words and support. I'm fully aware there is no bad outcome, as you say. What kind of spellwork are you thinking? I haven't dabbled in spells as such yet, I thought of burning a blue candle, maybe burn a wish on a piece of paper, but I was discouraged by the Hanged man card which I took for an instruction to be patient. Not sure about doing more in case it goes wrong and this is not the time to get it wrong. On the other hand, I haven't done spells before because I didn't come across a situation where my intention would be strong enough to warrant one (still a newbie!) - now though I feel I could formulate my intention...

I drew three cards today - no hanged man today, I got reverse nine of pentacles, upright six of swords and the emperor. I'm drawn to the six of swords, can't take my eyes off that card.

This thread is almost full, so I have opened a new thread here

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/5009222-any-witches-here-part-20?reply=133072158

I'll put the kettle on and see you there!