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

Evening, sisters. Been a quiet one here at Crafty Towers. I did shopping, laundry and a kitchen clean. Bread is in the bread oven. Ordered some organic essential oils on line. Hoping to visit a Samhain craft fair tomorrow.

Glad you feel better @Hedjwitch

Is anyone else unsettled, as if something is seriously amiss? Despite feeling a bit better yesterday,am exhausted again today..a heavy,dragging exhaustion. The cake I baked didnt rise,the casserole wasnt right. Been chatting with a Druid friend who feels equally unsettled. He says a huge energy pulse is coming and to put in place protections.
I randomly picked up some crystals just for comfort and the rose quartz was actually pulsing in my hand. I dont really understand crystals or their meanings but it seemed to help.
Is anyone else feeling like this...apprehensive and sluggish? Doesnt help that the wind is raging outside!

I've felt like that for quite some time Hedjwitch it doesn't seem to matter what simple thing I try to do, it suddenly becomes really complicated, takes 3 times as long as normal to sort out and it's hardly a satisfactory conclusion or resolution when I do.
Also, if planning something nice to look forward to, something untoward happens and the nice thing has to be abandoned because something serious that needs dealing with immediately has happened.
It often seems as though I put 100% effort into something yet the results are mediocre.
The exhaustion is awful to deal with.

I'm sure part of the unsettled upheaval is to do with Samhain, I am always aware of the shifting energies for at least 2 weeks before and 2 after.

But like your Druid friend, I do feel as though we are in the midst of something that will have to be dealt with because a wave of change is coming. I reckon bend like the reed may be the best way to deal with it, even if it goes against the grain.

Rose quartz is a lovely gentle stone, in tune with the heart centre, it's effects seem subtle, but are very powerful. Yes, all crystals have their own energy which we can feel in different ways, often the hands can feel pulsations, like a heartbeat, or tingles, static or gentle waves. Practise and you'll find in time you will get to know the stones you have and the ones that attract.

There's a great video on YouTube which explains how you can start to use this, I'll have to edit this post to include it, because if I leave it and look for a link, the entire post could fritz into the ether.

Instead of an edit ... Chi Ball how-to

I like Robert Peng, his life story is amazing if you can find it online.

In the 80s there was a TV series about 2 brothers exploring the far east and making a documentary about their travels. They encountered a man named John Chang. Their film of his demonstrations of Qi - Chi, Ki, Prana Mana,awakened my interest. Remember, this was pre Internet, the first demo of its kind as far as I'm aware.

Nowadays, there's a lot on YouTube about that footage of John Chang, which may be of interest.

I always feel unsettled at this time of year, I think its the thinning of the veil. I start jobs, then get distracted half way through, everything seems to cost a lot more than I think it will, stuff breaks down, and other people seem to be even more irritating than usual. Even the dog seems a bit down in the mouth, but he might be reacting to my mood.

I kind of feel there is a lot of whispering just out of earshot, and that gets annoying. I don't try to tune into it, because I would rather not. I get a lot of dreams, and my tarot readings either go awry, or are very accurate.

I do a lot of protective spells and circles, which I find helps a bit, and at least the house smells nice from the incense even if I haven't managed to clean it very well. Ritual baths are calming, with sea salt and protective herbs. I also make sure that I get a lot of time on my own for reflection and meditation, or even just a good read.

Hi :)

Could I join please? I'm really interested in dabbling in a witchy way of life and am just starting to dip my warty toe into it. I am interested in the psychological benefits of witchcraft and performing rituals with intentions to try and communicate messages to your subconscious and retrain your brain. Am I right in thinking this is Saas witchcraft? (Apologies if I'm getting in wrong).

Saying all that, although I have never considered myself spiritual and don't believe in supernatural things, I do feel a connection to nature and want to be more in tune with its rhythms and forces. I am also interested in witchcraft as an empowering, feminist identity.

Are there any books you would recommend reading to get started?

Thanks 😊

Welcome! I don't have many book recommendations but I can tell you that you've found a lovely supportive thread.

I am feeling the shifting as well. It's not preventing me from anything but I do feel on edge. DS started a new school today plus I put his secondary school application in. I am really hoping he has had a good first day.

Hi there a doingitalone635.

Book recs, it depends on what you are interested in. Pick an interesting subject, research it and see how it fits, if you are comfortable with it, explore it a bit more, if not, drop it and choose something else. Find your own path via your own experience, we dont teach, just support if asked.

You mentioned sass witches, never heard of them, Google turns up this and other definitions

Reddit r/SASSWitches: A place for Skeptical, Agnostic, Atheist, and generally Science-Seeking folk to share ideas, support one another, ...

If that's what you want to practise, maybe that forum or others on the same subject would give you the insight you are seeking?

We have all types of beliefs here, but confrontation and argument about others' practises are not encouraged. e.g. similar to discussing Yoga, there are always those who enthuse about it as a physical exercise, but refuse to acknowledge the spiritual practises that go with it, which is fine as it's their opinion, BUT they then denigrate anyone who chooses to believe differently. That type of "discussion" isn't welcome here.
No-one's beliefs or practises are better or superior to others'.

Edited to remove an absolutely massive link to Reddit, other hopefully smaller links are available 😉

Hi @ISaySteadyOn That's lovely to know, thanks :)

@BlankTimes thanks for the info. I understand completely what you are saying and I'm not looking to challenge or denigrate anyone's beliefs. I believe all beliefs are valid in so much as they carry meaning for people and no one has an authority on the "truth" of the universe. I'm of the school of thought that the only thing that I know for certain is that I know nothing and, although I have my own beliefs, I understand there are other perspectives and am interested to learn them :)

Soon to be Samhain. I'm traveling 200 miles for the occasion to spend it with the old coven. We have all moved to various parts of the country to set up our own groups but we try and meet up once a year. Can't wait.
Better than school reunions any day.

That's great to hear doingitalone635 Try picking a few of our previous threads at random and see if anything in them sparks your interest.

This is for everyone. I love creativity and have seen these videos for the first time. The Fey are all around ...
https://www.davidmbird.com/pages/becorns-video-episodes

I know the fey are here, in my photos on the phone today was one I've not taken and it's one no one else has sent me. It's a photo of four vintage Flower Fairy books by Cicely Mary Baker.
🍄 There's also been other oddness around the house for the last couple of weeks or so, nothing scary, just whimsical if anything. 🍄

I’m feeling very unsettled too. I haven’t been around for a while because I feel like I am on a washing machine spin cycle. Without actually being overfull of commitments life somehow feels completely manic.
I just can’t get past this feeling of holding my breath waiting for something big to happen, a conclusion before a new beginning. But not on a personal level.

I do have personal stuff going on though, a flurry of medical appointments, a possibly serious spinal issue. My eldest child travelling abroad for the first time, my youngest not coping with secondary school homework. Season shift makes my husband’s chronic illness flare up and my own chronic pain gets worse.

I am really hoping a more peaceful energy is on its way.

@BlankTimes I love those becorns - I found David M Bird a few months ago and love his videos, so clever!

Just wanted to pop in- I am in the thick of it right now, after a fall last week - and a cracked pelvis-my DM has been sent home once and discharged twice.
The hospital claim she can manage stairs alone when she was sent home on Friday it was clear she couldn't even stand without help, and had another fall within 2 hours of coming home. Luckily I was sitting on the floor a few feet away and was able to lunge myself towards me, catch her as she fell into my arms- so a soft landing- resulting in a third 10 hour wait in A&E in one week.
I have manage to avert a planned discharge today, but I know hospital are considering tomorrow.
This weekend I have been researching criteria, finding out about baseline mobility, unsafe discharge, rights of appeal, my head is spinning.
But I have more work to do today to find out my rights etc.

I have been holding up well all week, but last night I had a total crash, and lay on my bed sobbing uncontrollably. My DS heard me and came to my aid.
He gave me strong arm cuddles and loving words- told me to wash my face, then looked out the electric overblanket, came downstairs and sat with me while we watched a feel good movie. (anyone who knows my struggles will understand how significant that is) My OH supplied me with copious amounts of peppermint tea, has shopped, meal prepped for the next few days and cleaned the kitchen. As I was going to bed my DD phoned and we had a long talk about me as a "fixer" how I Need to step back more from everything and how much my family love me.
I fell asleep feeling so loved, so supported.

I hope my sisters are well, I think of you often.

@speakout sorry to hear about your mum. Sounds like you really needed to feel nurtured and looked after. I hope it made you feel better. We're having a very spiritual holiday. So far we've been to the Chalice well and walked through the pool and drank some of the red water. Thursday we're going back to visit the white well and the fire ceremony at the Chalice well. Hoping to visit Avebury Stones too. The countryside here is beautiful. This morning we heard owls and saw a family of wild deer! Just what I need after a horrendously stressful few months.

Good morning sisters,

I see the upheaval continues for all of us. It's so easy to think we are the only ones whose lives are turned upside down and having to deal with so many un envisaged situations. I hope we can all get some respite wherever we can find it until this surge of whatever it is, subsides.

MonstersAndAngels lovely to see another fan of the becorns. I love anything which enhances our appreciation of Mother Natue and there's a particular magic with that type of animation. It also transcends the need for spoken language as the main communicator, which is a big thing on its own.

Speakout Sending love and support, it's outrageous that people are plunged into these situations with family members too infirm to manage alone.
Do you have any organisations, often charities, that could advise on the best way forward for you?
Last year, I looked into a convalescent provision to assess and teach competency skills between hospital and home, but it was £1300 per week. Not many people can afford that. There's a board here on MN which may be useful too, Elderly Parents or similar.

Theordinary I've been many times, it's a beautiful place around the Wells. You can breathe in the peace there.

I hope you do make it to Avebury,
www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=7
it's so much bigger than most ancient sites so allow loads of time, it has much more there than "just" the stones. The view of Silbury from the car park is enchanting. Its' moat may be there as we've had so much rain.
www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=145

Swallowhead Spring is worth a peek. Do try to visit West Kennet longbarrow too, the chambers have resonant properties and more.

Have a look on the above links for nearby sites.

Are you into dowsing, earth energies etc. If so, check out Maria Wheatley's website about her and others' findings. Ignore the word power.
https://theaveburyexperience.co.uk/articles/megalithic-power/

I could waffle on all day about my passion for ancient places but I'll shut up for now.
I know you will have an amazing time there.

Speakout

www.mumsnet.com/talk/elderly_parents

Sahmain Blessings magical sisters.
I will be having a quiet celebration, over the years marking this time has taken many forms for me. Hosting adult parties, children's parties, coven work, spellwork, tonight will be some simple divination and a positive step into the shadow, planning healing work, exploration and root nurturing in the months to come.
I love the collective energy that Halloween brings, a time when we can break out of the cupboard and no-one thinks twice of the besom at my front door
Living in rural Scotland we have an unbroken tradition of Halloween celebration- most towns and villages around will be buzzing with little witches, wizards and gouls, led in small groups or parents as they go around "guising"- as we call trick or treating in the Celtic Fringe.
My grandmother was born in 1890 and would tell me stories of dressing up in a sheet, or using soot from a candle to paint her face as she went around the doors guising. Of course in those days- and my own childhood we used a hollowed out swede ( turnip) and used a candle stump inside. The smell of burning turnip is firmly etched in my mind!

Enjoy the day friends, however you plan to celebrate - or not.

@speakout I remember that turnip lantern smell too, and having to continually go back home to light the candle again as it kept going out! I always enjoyed going out with my children trick or treating when they were little, or welcoming other children going around the village. We live on quite a remote road now, so don't get anyone calling, but we'll be watching a spooky film (as yet undecided) with older teenagers.
This year I'll take some time to think about close people who've left us recently too, maybe I'll light some candles for them.
Hope everyone has a peaceful Samhain.

DD1 has just finished carving our pumpkin by herself. She asked to be in charge of it this year.

I felt nervous and had the first aid kit at the ready but it wasn't necessary. I think that's a good start to today.

Blessings to you all.

I shall be sitting in the garden with a fire tonight,and some incense burning. Really.looking forward to it.
Samhain blessings to all.

Samhain blessings, sisters! 🎃🍁🍂

Happy Samhain all! 🎃 I made some pepperoni pumpkin pastries for lunch for DP and I today (hoping the picture will attach!) which are always well-received, and some chocolate chip cupcakes in Samhain cake cases. I’ll be performing a ritual at home today to honour ancestors and my personal Gods, and this evening I’ll be attending a public ritual with a big group which I’m sure will have a very different feel! We’ve got some Halloween pasta for dinner tonight (yellow, orange and purple pasta in the shape of witches, owls, pumpkins, spiders and bats!) before I go. Looking forward to it!

I have set a chair by the fire for guests are welcome tonight.