Any Witches here? Part 20

[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

Ring of Brodgar tonight. Utterly peaceful, just the song of the skylarks. I offered fresh rosemary,bread and salt, a rowan twig cross, and a moon crystal.
It is now 11.30 and still light. Blessed be.

What beautiful images, @Hedjwitch - tha k you for sharing.

Thank you for reviving some exceptional memories of ancient Orkney with your lovely photos Hedjwitch

Solstice Blessings to all our sisters and don't forget to look out for the pink Strawberry Moon tonight. It should appear larger than usual at moonrise and be a pinky colour.

Bright solstice blessings and a merry Litha to all my witchy, magical and otherwise wyrd sisters 😌

I’ve not posted much on this thread, maybe only once in fact, but I follow it with interest and affection, and find it very comforting and inspiring. Solstice seemed a good moment to jump in a little deeper.

I spent some of yesterday completing my poppet project. Sewed some items inside her representing love, healing, tranquility and clear minded-ness. I’ve yet to undertake any poppet workings but am very excited to start. Also planted out a lavender into the ground; pretty sure my garden has poor drainage so this is just a reckless experiment really. Hoping for thriving lavender all the same!

Feeling very energised magic and spirituality wise, so I think more spells/rituals are in order tonight or over the weekend. Would love to make the most of the strawberry moon.

On the way out but flying in to share this www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/jun/23/tv-tonight-suranne-joness-first-documentary-is-all-about-witches

It's on tonight, looks interesting!

Evening all.

Life has continued to be challenging, I currently have a poorly 11 year old. DH is going away for a few days this week as his mother has been a bit unwell. He was worried about her last time he spoke to her, so I suggested he go and see her.
I went to a gong bath last night. My first time, and it was definitely an experience! I feel amazingly serene today so it has definitely done something!

Watching. Its very interesting.

Yes interesting, but Very chilling. I think the veneer of civilisation is very thin, and that is why I keep my practice and beliefs a bit quiet. Especially in troubled times, people always look for someone to blame.

Hi all

I don't label myself a witch as such but was drawn to the thread, and actually on reading through I realised that my interests and focus are very similar to those of many of you. So I hope you don't mind me popping in!

I love nature, spirituality, the paranormal, tarot, oracle cards, reiki, crystals, meditation, dream interpretation, journaling, reading.

I am very interested in listening to various spiritual teachers such as Eckhart Tolle, Michael Singer and Ram Dass,

My interests and faith keeps me going through what has been quite a dark journey for much of my life.

I hope you're all doing well. Thanks for the link about Suranne Jones's documentary, it sounds worth watching.

Hello all

I’ve only recently found this thread and been reading through so thought I’d say a quick hello.

I’ve been following a pagan path for many years, attend a few local larger events but probably consider myself more of a solitary. Always been drawn to this path but it became much stronger as I got into my early/mid 40s, I’m now in my 50s. Definitely helped me through some horrible difficult times although generally speaking I’m a glass half full type. I’d find it hard to label my path as such, suppose it’s quite eclectic, but a connection to the landscape, ancestors, nature & the natural world and its energies are at the heart of it.

It’s always nice to find like minded people and thanks also for the documentary recommendation. My daughter and I have a particular interest in the witch trials so will watch this with interest. 😊

Welcome to our kitchen existentialpain and SkylarkDay

Grab a chair or a beanbag and make yourselves at home. Our magic kettle will serve you the brew if your choice and our magic chiller will provide your favourite to cool you down. Raising my glass of Elderflower and Rose presse to you and looking forward to a chat soon.

Finally have a chance to sit down, have a croissant and iced coffee and catch up here with my magical sisters. Life has been full on for weeks, lots of stuff going on – good and bad ( mostly bad).
Good to see you tattygirl, I hope your lavender thrives, such a wonderful scent, and very magical too.
Thanks for that link Violetcharlotte. I started to watch it, but it was too difficult to watch. It looks very interesting, but I will wait until my mindset is in a more robust place.

I agree with the idea of civilization being a thin veneer probablymagrat, although the whole idea of “civilization” . I would question. To me humans living in a tribal structure in touch with the earth, themselves and each other are far more “civilized”. I was watching some clips of the US presidential debate. Is this the best we can do? From arguably the two most powerful people in the world- sitting stuffed into their suits arguing about golf handicaps. Trading tit for tats. What hope do we have if this is the best homosapiens we can find. I am actually embarrassed ! What if aliens come to visit and make judgements over our species based on these two men?

Existentialpain a warm welcome. I love a bit of philosophy too, and often listen to podcasts or youtube while I work. I am a fan of Eckhart Tolle – he has such a great wit, I enjoy Michael Singer too, but he is a Christian, despite that his words do contain wisdom. I also like Alan Watts and Gabor Mate.
A warm welcome to you too Skylarkday, I am glad you have joined us.

Despite my recent and ongoing life challenges I have managed to pack in self nurturing activites. My DD came to visit, cut my hair and gave me a root touch up- saving ££££s. We act out a hairdresser/client pretent visit ( despite my DD being 24 lol) all the usual“ have you had a holiday yet?” to revealing hilarious “personal secrets”, a lovely time to be close and laugh a lot.
I attended a full moon/ Solstice women’s circle last weekend, we lit a bonfire in the woods, had ceremony and talked from our soul. That deep connection was so healing, I plan to attend a few more events over the summer. Daily yoga and meditation have also kept me afloat.
It is often hard to find e the time to attend events or classes, but I never regret going.
Off to start preparations for dinner. Have a magical weekend sisters.

Hi SkylarkDay, I'm also a very solitary person, would you say you are an introvert? I'm in my 40's, have always been on a spiritual path, but circumstances and life events have now transpired to make this a strong focus. Nature has always helped me cope. Everything is energy and all connected.

Speakout - Eckhart Tolle has a wonderful sense of humour! If I'm feeling low I like to listen to an extract from one of his talks, it always cheers me up! I didn't realise Michael Singer was Christian - are we talking about the same guy? Untethered Soul? He has set up meditation and yoga centres so I didn't think his beliefs were particularly Christian, but in any case like you say there's wisdom in what he says. I think there's the essence of truth in almost all paths and it's the details/mind stuff people disagree on. I like Alan Watts too and enjoy his humour, although I find some of his talks hard to understand. He was very wise before his time.
Your full moon/solstice ceremony in the woods sounds beautiful! I would love that!

Anyone use oracle cards? I like the Divine Feminine and draw one every morning. The choice is usually very apt. I do a meditation every morning as well, been meditating for years and now my mind and body crave it.

Wishing everyone a great day.

@existentialpain Hi, yes definitely an introvert!! Love time by myself as it recharges me. As you say, nature is one of the best medicines. I too meditate, do home yoga and try to keep it every day/every few days. Can be hard sometimes because life gets in the way and I can certainly feel the difference when I haven’t had time. My brain turns into what I describe as a beehive that’s been poked with a stick! I also use tarot cards for divination. Haven’t seen the Divine Feminine ones, I’ll have a google. I have a set of Rider Waite. I’m still very much learning to read/feel the deck but find them beneficial and helpful in helping me see things I hadn’t seen/considered and bringing my subconscious thoughts out, especially if I’m at a crossroads about anything. They always seem so startlingly relevant!

@speakout your woman’s circle sounds amazing, must be so nice to find a circle of people that you feel a connection with. A bonfire in the woods sounds like my ideal night out! I have tried our local moot with another witch friend but it was all a bit feisty. Think we walked into some ongoing social politics within the group so decided it wasn’t for us. They were split over trying to oust another member! I’m not very good with conflict so we gave it a swerve. However I’ve booked onto a women’s Lunar circle group in August so hoping that may be better, they meet once a month at a place I’ve already attended other events. I’m hoping they are a little more gentle socially. Other than that I attend bigger events locally as I live between the west side of the South Downs/Wessex Downs/Salisbury Plain so there’s a good few things on within easy reach. But always so nice to virtually chat to others.

@BlankTimes thanks you so much for the welcome! I look forward to chatting soon 😊

existentialpain I had assumed Michael Singer was religious? He makes a lot of reference to god in his videos.- I would be delighted if I am wrong!
I use Tarot and Oracle decks, I have several of each. My favourite at the moment is the Goddess Dream Oracle by Wendy Andrew. My favourite Tarot Deck is The Everday Witch Tarot. I bought that deck several years ago, instantly became my favourite Tarot deck and has remained so. I know several of us on this thread love this deck too.
I have often considered myself an introvert, but I am not sure anymore. I love my own company and alone time.
Interesting point about energy. When we get down to the quantum level energy and matter blend into one. Light has characteristics of both wave energy and particles.

It's a dull day here, yoga this morning, and work. OH has the weekend off work so does all the shopping, cooking, lifts and errands so I can work uninterrupted.

I would love some help in finding a lost key. It's the door between my kitchen and garage, the key disappeared on Friday evening. I remember locking up, then went into autopilot.
The door is used a lot, I have my PC, printer, freezer and food storage in the garage. I can still access the garage from the big door in the garden, but that will be a pain in the long run.
OH is very enthusiastic in the DIY department - but lacks skill and common sense-last night I had to ban him from using his angle grinder and axe to solve the problem.
I have been searching for hours yesterday, checking rubbish, bags, under furniture, unlikely places.
I have given my Brownie lots of chocolate piled up at his doorstep- and that usually always works.
I may try some dowsing later with my pendulum and a house map- but I need a fix today- finding the key would the best solution.
Any ideas- magical or otherwise gratefully recieved.
~

SkylarkDay - I thought you were probably an introvert. As am I. I have the Raider Waite deck too and read for myself and others sometimes. I'm very inexperienced but the cards always seem to be apt and the people I've read for are generally happy with the outcome.

Speakout - I understand the confusion now. Michael Singer does indeed mention God a few times, but the definition of a Christian is someone who follows the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. A person can believe in God and not be a Christian (believe in Jesus). Lots of spiritual but not religious people can believe in God or call it by another name i.e Divine, Higher Power, The Force etc. I'm one of them. I think a lot of Eastern religions also mention God (or Gods).
The Goddess dream oracle sounds right up my street, I will have to check it out. I will look up the Everyday witch one too. Yes everything is one - we are all connected on an energy level. We only perceive matter the way it is because of how we are wired.
I'm not the best at finding things on a psychic level but I will try and tune in and if I pick anything up about where your keys might be I will post back. Otherwise hopefully someone can help.

@SkylarkDay and @existentialpain warm welcome

@speakout have you checked the fridge? Not attempting psychic abilities, it's always the fridge for me 🤦🏼‍♀️

Summer naturally brings lots of social events which are exciting and enjoyable, but also tiring, also the school finishes soon so sports days, prize givings etc. I feel like I've been disconnected from the nature for a while and it's not comfortable. My plants grow on their own with very little help, I haven't been to the woods for almost a month and just cut down some brambles in the garden to fill up the bin. Usually by the time I get to sit down I'm too tired to ground or meditate. I need a recharge!

Good morning magical sisters.
I hope everyone is staying afloat and managing to find some joy.
I haven't been well for a few days, but on the mend. I was in bed all weekend, slept a lot and felt very miserable- I think it was a wake up call , I have been doing too much for others for too long. My energy is returning, although I am pacing myself. I had an amazing aromatherapy massage yesterday, it was so nurturing. I have used the same therapist before, she really understands the whole mind/body/emotion connection, the room was lit by candles, soft soothing music, warm fluffy towels, she used geranium, ylang ylang, rose and a couple of other oils. It was heavenly. She gently eased out all the tension in my shoulders and back, and I felt so much better afterwards. And it was free- I am so fortunate to have access to this suport.

So I am taking it easy today, OH filled the fridge last night with ready meals, salad, yogurts, milk-, cheese, cooked meats, there is plenty bread, fruit snacks- I have already announced that I am not cooking or catering for anyone right now.
I plan a very short gentle yoga at home, just to loosen things off-my normal gym is a voting place, so no classes. I am glad for the break.
I still have some work to do, but not too much, and for that I am grateful too.

I wanted to make a Green Goddess dressing today, I will roast off some veggies and have that for dinner. Any favourite recipes?
I love the name of the dressing- but there are so many variations.

I have fresh parsley, coriander and basil, but I could substitute tarragon for one of those? If you have a favourite then please let me know.
I was going to make it yesterday, but was too tired, and in the end ate some hummus with sliced pears for dipping- which turned out to be a lovely combination. I bought a pack of pale yellow skin pears at M&S, they were marked down to 50p, as they were past their sell date and hard, but perfect as a hummus dip, crispy and flavoursome.
So I will add that to my meal tonight. My family would turn up their noses at such a meal, but that's OK, they can sort themselves out.

Just having a slow start, off for a spa shower with geranium oil, will do some Goddess Oracle work and have a gentle day.

Bright Blessings enchanted ones.

Good afternoon, all! I love the sound of pears and hummus, @speakout I’ve just made a slightly experimental soup in the pressure cooker: carrots, courgettes and dried split fava beans, harrissa paste to flavour. We’ll see how it all turns out. Just batch cooking to use up my veg’ box contents and fill the freezer. When I get a tub of something home-made and defrost it, it’s as if someone has made dinner for me (albeit that someone is me!).

The soup sounds delicious Craftycorvid- let us know how it goes. is it fun to experiment.
I am carrying on a very slow pace, managed to get to the supermarket to stock up on fruit and veg, and just sipping on a home made smoothie before chopping veg to roast. I like to cook things like that in the slow cooker- a handy gadget.

Just feeling exasperated with my mother, she saw I was going out and asked for a lift to town she wanted to go to the bank- not a problem, I had to visit the post office, then morrisons- it's a small town,a short high street of shops,no more more than 5 or 6 minutes away. So we arranged to meet inside morrisons in 30 minutes- sitting in the cafe, or seats just inside the entrance.
30 minutes came and went, I spent another 45 minutes walking through the town, up and down aisles at Morrisons, I phoned her mobile 6 or 7 times- no answer.
Eventually she answered- she was already home- and said with a giggle- oh I saw a taxi and jumped in that instead to "save you the bother" of giving me a lift home.
She is well able to use her phone to make and receive calls, but decided not to bother.
It isn't her age or memory- she has always been like this.
This is the first time I feel a little better after being ill from Saturday, but still feeling weak and dizzy- she knows that.
i said I had been searching for her for almost an hour and a phone message would have been helpful- but she said she was helping me by making her own way home. She is now slamming doors, telling me I am ungrateful, and how "everything " is always her fault.
I am sorry this isn't a very witchy post but needed to share!

@speakout The soup turned out….hm, lacking a certain something whilst being perfectly ok. It will be a decent stand-by meal all the same.

Ah, I completely get the frustration with your mum! I’d be very annoyed if someone did that to me.

Craftycorvid thanks for the validation.

Your soupl sounds lovely-Could you zing up your soup with some toppings? Chopped herbs, spring onions. fresh chilli, coriander or parsley, flavoured oil, black pepper, a swirl of yogurt or creme Fraiche.
I will attempt a yoga class this morning, the first since I became ill. I will see how it goes, ut my energy is not still up to par, I will be taking the easier options.
I feel a little stiff already, although it's only been a week.

It is not unusual for my mother to do this kind of stuff. Last time was at an out patient appointment at the hospital. I know things an be slow, but I waited for a few hours. In the end staff told me she had her appointment a while ago, and they were concerned she had disappeared, searching all over the department, toilets, staff rooms, sluice rooms. etc. Turns out she had walked out and got a taxi home to "save me the trouble", knowing I was in the waiting room. She doesn't have memory problems or Alzheimers when I came home she was already there, = again I was the ungrateful one because she was saving me from having to give her a lift home, she was doing a kind thing for me and I am ungrateful for her "help".

Not going to let that spoil my morning.
Off for a spa shower, geranium and rose, I am still feeling the benefits of my recent massage, and these are some of the oils she used.

I may also attend a woman's circle tomorrow- not too sure yet, but there are still places, the work is ancestral, honouring our lineage, acknowledging and healing intergenerational traumas, and reclaiming ancestral wisdom. It's only two hours, but can be energetically demanding. I will see how things work out this morning before booking.

Have a magical day sisters.

Good morning sisters, I think we are all having a trying time.

Craftycorvid, in Ireland, instead of serving bread with soup, they serve scones. I've always made scones with soup after a holiday there.
Would it be possible for you to make some savoury scones to contain the missing flavours the soup needs. You could freeze the scones too, so they were ready to serve each time you serve the soup.
I'm a big fan of Marigold Bouillon in the green tub, it's vegan now but not lost any of its taste.

Why is it when I start to write a post, something urgent happens and I have to do that instead?
Back later ...

BlankTimes the scones sound an excellent idea. I don't have baking skills unfortunately- if you could post an easy recipe that would be amazing,

I went to yoga this morning, and it was OK. It was a beginners class and very gentle. I did stop to rest-child pose etc, but otherwise glad I went,

I also visit my favourite charity shop, bought some little ceramic bowls for dips, sauces etc, a cotton traders fleece for me, two cotton traders t shirts for my DS, a new shower curtain, a new handbag, still with shop label still attached, two cushion covers- cost me £6 for everything in total.

I do love a small spending spree in my fav charity shop!

Evening all, I’ve only just caught up as we only got back from holiday last night. @speakout I hope you are feeling better and sorry to hear your mum treated you this way. I’m totally no contact with my mum so understand how difficult & hurtful it can be to have a complicated relationship with a mother. Good job on the shopping trip though, I love a rummage in a charity shop and it always cheers me up. You find some real treasures! My husband bought me the most amazing crystal ball from one recently. It looks so pretty on my shelf!

We had a few days away, it was lovely but I struggle enormously with holidays. Not enough time to myself and I find them a bit intense. Plus it takes me out of my routine. This one was a city break in a very hot and incredibly crowded city so I feel like I have a sore, burnt out and overstimulated brain!! My daughter was keen to go there and as she leaves for Uni this Autumn I wanted her to choose where we went. However, I’m very much looking forward to recovering with some good books, my knitting and the cat! Also I don’t get time to meditate or do yoga when away either so that’s not great. I don’t know why, but as I’ve got older, I find I need more time to myself. Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow as a walk in the woods will probably help ease my brain too! Just wish I was a bit better at holidays for the rest of the family 🙄