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Philosophy/religion

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Any Witches here? Part 20

982 replies

speakout · 16/02/2024 12:56

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

Any Witches Here?- Part 18 | Mumsnet

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 an...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/philosophy_religion_spirituality/4717929-any-witches-here-part-18?page=1

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107
Stepbreathesweep · 02/11/2024 08:54

Hello to all! I have been unable to engage with much for the last couple of months with work and issues with DD2. I have had a lovely hour catching up on all your posts! It sounds like lots of us have found this time of year slightly chaotic. Just feels like a take 1 step forwards and 2 steps backwards.

@speakout your post about how your family rallied around you when you needed them made me feel very emotional! Like you, I am a fixer and life long people pleaser often to the detriment of my own mental well being. How lovely that your family nurtured you when you needed it.

We had a quiet Samhain. Carving pumpkins with DD3 and trick or treating. I made delicious pumpkin soup yesterday.

It was half term this week and I was able to catch up on some life admin and finally made my autumn wreath yesterday and that made me feel better. Going to have a go at my tarot cards and try to find a moment of calm before getting on with the day.

Have a good day everyone.

ISaySteadyOn · 03/11/2024 08:22

Any chance of a picture of your autumn wreath? I would like to make one but lack inspiration.

Craftycorvid · 05/11/2024 22:29

Evening all! I had an unexpectedly lovely Samhain star-gazing by the seaside with a friend. Good to see all the photos and read about what you’ve been doing to celebrate the wheel of the year.

speakout · 06/11/2024 13:04

Hi dear friends. I too would love to see any seasonal wreaths. I like the symbolism of a wreath, the wheel of the year, the idea of eternal life.

Time seems to be moving so fast right now- all the christmas stuff in shops, I don't feel ready for that season- I am still enjoying autumn.

Things are a little easier here, I am having a few days off work, just for a little reset. I need to be watchful of looming overwhelm and take steps before that happens.

It has been enjoyable having a few quieter days, even though a lot of it is catching up with laundry, setting things in order- and I have made a big pot of soup this morning too. I never want to eat more than a small bowlful of soup that I cook, although my family devours it. I have a couple of crusty loaves too- so will feed everyone for the rest of the day.

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Beansandneedles · 06/11/2024 13:54

I very lazily hung my winter wreath outside the backdoor in January and promptly forgot about it. I retrieved it last week and set about stripping it to replace dried evergreen boughs with crisp autumn leaves and other seasonal bits when someone suggested leaving it as it was and instead adding new colour to it for autumn. I'm still not overly convinced it doesn't look like...well, exactly what it is, but here's the result....

I added the rosemary so I'd have a fragrant welcome home. Think it needs more on there really, more leaves collected on walks, more berries (they seem in short supply around here so haven't wanted to forage), pinecones perhaps? I have orange segments but they feel like a December addition to me.

I've been enjoying candles in the evening, a return to soups and stews, crispness in the air, airing out the warmer layers and fluffy blankets, a smell of woodsmoke on the breeze. Love this season.

BlankTimes · 06/11/2024 23:50

Being temporarily immobile, I've not been able to forage, but couldn't resist wondering what I could do with pretty things destined for the recycling. Here's the first prototype. 😋😉

Any Witches here? Part 20
speakout · 07/11/2024 07:21

BlankTimes sorry to hear you are laid up. I hope your mobility improves soon x
Are there any therapies that may help? A gentle massage or reflexology? I know some therapists will do home visits.
The packages you have are quite christmassy in colour, maybe tree decorations. I have never heard of that cocoa brand- it looks delicious.
I have been trying out different combinations and recipes for hot chocolate recently. I usually use cacao, and have some ceremonial grade which I am using up, I bought a couple of different packs for solo home cacao ceremonies after attending one.
But somehow it didn't vibe with me at home, and I realised that I already have simple tea ceremonies that I have been doing for years. I won't let the cacao go to waste though, even though the taste isn't my favourite. It is good enough when mixed up with other ingredients, I have been adding a Spanish hot chocolate mix, vanilla, oatly cream, cinnamon or making mocha.

As things calm a little at home I am using some of that time to nurture myself.
My neck and shoulders are stiff and aching, so I am planning a little extra time in the shower this morning. When I am overwhelmed I carry stress in this area, I feel like Atlas carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders I like to stand with my back to the shower and direct the water flow to my shoulders and back. The warmth eases the stiffness and carries negative energy away for me. All water is powerful, especially flowing water can move energy.
I have a yoga class this morning, and as OH has another long weekend off work I have booked a yoga session tomorrow morning and an aromatherapy massage in the afternoon with an amazing therapist who knows my shoulders. I am planning as much me time as I can over the weekend.
I am also deciding which event to book in the next month or two, there are women's circles, a sound bath, a journalling workshop, cacao ceremony, yin yoga workshop, nidra by candlelight. I won't attend all these - but amazing to see they are all running locally.
When the world seems so out of kilter on a global level, atrocities and happenings fuelling fear and chipping away at hope I like to look closer to home, the day to day. Simple acts of kindness, the goddess manifesting at every turn, small acts of kindness and beauty are all around us.

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ISaySteadyOn · 07/11/2024 07:27

This morning, I went into the garden with my coffee and listened to the birds and squirrels arguing. I let the dawn break over me and just appreciated nature.

That was certainly a small act of beauty with the coffee steam rising slowly in the air.

I am loving the morning autumn mists at the moment and trying hard to ignore Christmassy things.

BlankTimes · 07/11/2024 09:42

Thanks so much Speakout, It's a longer term thing, but I'm still trying anything and everything that may work Something will.

Love all the events that are on in your area, the yoga nidra by candlelight would be my first choice, then all of the others!

www.williescacao.com/?v=79cba1185463
It's my favourite chocolate, the company has expanded so much since I started buying it.

I use this Cacao,
www.amazon.co.uk/Sevenhills-Wholefoods-Organic-Cacao-Powder/dp/B00M423I92/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_pp?

I love this recipe
https://www.deliciouslyella.com/recipes/cacao-almond-energy-ball/

I make a quarter of that recipe at least once per week
The thing I've found with Cacao is definitely less is more.
Normally for a more chocolate taste I'd add more, but with Cacao, that just makes it bitter.

I'm having a lot of trouble typing this, links and text are deleting, here goes, if it's gobbledygook I'll post again...

Cacao & Almond Energy Balls | Deliciously Ella (UK)

Boost your day with our cacao and almond energy balls, a perfect vegan snack for sustained energy and deliciousness. Follow the recipe and enjoy!

https://www.deliciouslyella.com/recipes/cacao-almond-energy-ball

speakout · 08/11/2024 07:47

Sounds a perfect start to the morning ISaySteadyOn.

Life troubles can feel so overwhelming, I know I have been guilty in the past of sitting so deeply in my challenges that birdsong seemed irrelevant. I felt that small points of pleasure were no match for the sad and unfixable situations in my life.
But I have learned differently.
Life will always be full of bad and good things, and much of it we can't control.
Birdsong can seem an ineffectual remedy when we have big scary sad life situations.
But finding joy becomes even more important then.
If we can open to pleasure , peace and joy then we have a mighty resource.
If our joys are simple then they are very easy to find, but bountiful.
The nudge of a cat's nose seeking attention, the smell of a new book, the sight of dawn breaking, the sound of a river.
Mindfully noticing these things can enrich our lives beyond measure.

BlankTimes thanks for the chocolate links, I will explore them this afternoon - with a mug of cacao in hand.

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ISaySteadyOn · 08/11/2024 08:17

Or a cat's paw gently but insistently patting your face.

I find the winter months especially difficult so I think I need to make a concerted effort to find the good.

speakout · 08/11/2024 19:55

Or a cat's paw gently but insistently patting your face.

Isn't that the best. Animals give us unconditional love don't they, no judgment, no ego, just simple and bare.

I know many of us struggle with darker months. Nature tells us to slow down, coorie in, sleep and rest more.
But society and commerce urge the opposite- all the expectations of christmas, more shopping, more food, more socialising, more activity, more pressure.
I don't dismiss depression and SAD, but I also think the contrary nature of energies are hard to sit with.

Our ancestors would have spent more time in the shadows, sleeping more, huddling around fires, singing and telling stories.

It helps to remind myself that we are no different to the humans that existed in Neolithic times, that winter is a time to slow down, to lower expectations.
A cosy winter evening may be calm and simple, candles to tell our minds stories of ease and safety, reading, writing, warm drinks, snuggling under blankets pouring balm onto our roots.
It is OK not to do more. It is OK to take it easy.

Go gently sisters.

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BlankTimes · 10/11/2024 08:20

Wise words Speakout it is so easy to get caught up in the social and commercial aspects of the season that it becomes difficult to disengage from the meaningless and find the meaningful.

Our Neolithic ancestors knew so much more than modern academics give them credit for.
Their society had no writing so we have no records to consult, yet they had the ability to build huge stone structures which have survived in the landscape for around 5,000 years. Not only are many of these structures built with vast amounts of massive stones, many are aligned to mark the change of seasons by capturing a beam of light on certain significant ( to them ) days. Midwinter sunrise and sunset are now recognised as very important to their culture and nowadays there is a huge amount of enthusiasts investigations ongoing as to the celestial significance of the places they built and the type of stones they used, often sourced from a different area and transported over rugged terrain to their destination. Quartz played a very significant role, one which is not fully understood today.

Its now definitely a time of quieting down, finding the stillness and appreciating the darkness, before Sunreturn.

Theordinary · 10/11/2024 11:50

I'm finding peace in nature, yoga and peace and quiet at the moment. In my life I have several huge and (for now) unsolvable problems. I feel like there's nothing to be gained from stressing about them when it can't change the way things are. I could easily opt out of this rat race and take my family with me. The more I think about it, the more I feel this way of being is the right way to be. Sometimes I feel guilty that I'm becoming a little too chilled out. Is that a thing I should worry about?!

speakout · 10/11/2024 14:38

BlankTimes thank you for that information.
My eyes light up whenever I see you have posted- I love the fact that you have so much knowledge about our ancestors.
It also annoys me little that these ancient civilisations thought of as "pre- history" as they are without documentation, I think it is a silly rule and uses the idea that only the past couple of millennia are important..
"history" doesn't apply to recent events of first nation people too, and it is only a few hundred years are valid.

I am fascinated by human development, too but no expert- only 50 thousand years since Neanderthals roamed Europe is incredible.

Theordinary I don't think that is anything to worry about- quite the contrary. Nature, peace and yoga is just the ticket and a wonderful antidote to the dictats and expectations of modern life.

It is easy to find calm and centre ourselves in an Ashram, off grid or a retreat, and I don't doubt all soul nurturing.

Finding peace in the everyday hurly burly is the real challenge!

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speakout · 14/11/2024 07:18

Good morning magical sisters- I am watching a beautiful dawn, not quite broken yet, but the sky on the horizon is a deep azure blue. The bird chorus has already started to herald in the sun. Such beauty.
I have spent some time yesterday booking fun and nurturing events for myself, a yoga class christmas lunch, new moon women's circle, Yin yoga by candle light, a sound bath. I had to cancel quite a few events in the past month or two, so it feels good to turn my attention to such things again.
My diary ( a real one) is an academic one, so I have been writing in the last few blank pages.
Was a bit frustrating, so I have ( after much deliberation) bought a new diary for the coming year.
I love a real diary, especially if they have moon phases, illustrations, recipes.
In the past few years I have had a couple of Willow Tree diaries, Earth Pathways and Lunar Diary.

Do any of you use a diary? Any recommendations?

I also have a pile of old diaries- they are so beautiful I don't want to throw them away, I had thought of making a scrap book or christmas cards/tags with them, pasting in one of my grimoires or journals.
I am off for a rose spa shower, before getting ready for a yoga class.
Bright Blessings sisters.

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MonstersAndAngels · 14/11/2024 08:47

There have been some lovely sunrises and sunsets in the last couple of days. Last night the sky was gorgeous and there were a couple of blackbirds silhouetted, very special.

I'd be interested in diary/almanac recommendations too.
Not a diary, but I often buy a moon phase wall chart which I look at often. I've looked at wheel of the year charts/posters too and wondered about making my own one day.

BlankTimes · 14/11/2024 10:59

Good morning Speakout and all our sisters.

Thank you for your wise words, we each have to make our own path and find our own way, but we all have so much to share. If one spark from someone else's post lights one of yours so you pursue and investigate something new, then that's magic.

As you raised the Neolithic in a previous post, and because its a great interest of mine, maybe this will be of interest, do browse the whole sitepage to get an overview, but this describes a type of construction that was carried out in several countries about 7,000 years ago.
www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=98783
Our ancestors' engineering prowess is often maligned, but it's hard to think that constructions like Newgrange were designed and built by people without the ability to read and write to communicate the precise locations of stones, the levelling of the ground inside to produce the optimum visual effect and the precise alignment to a celestial event. The physical scale they worked to was in some instances immense.
They built several different types of constructions, over the UK, Europe and beyond, many seem to have similar blueprints.
Also, quartz in many forms was important to the builders, either incorporated into the large stones, scattered in layers on the ground, included in the designs as large blocks, so many combinations yet their significance alongside the builders' intent is a mystery to us.

Yesterday morning, 7.30am, sky still tinged with the pink of sunrise, a cool nip in the air, fresh sunshine a red kite languidly soaring over my garden a few feet above the treetops.
Absolutely magical.

speakout · 15/11/2024 13:40

Thanks for that link BlankTimes , so fascinating.

It is incredible to imagine these structures were built without written communication.
Some mathematical knowledge must have been used, those ancient experts who mastered "sacred geometry" or knowing and predicting celestial patterns would have been considered mystics.
Megaliths or earthworks seem to be so common to many ancient civilisations.

And these ancient peoples who were obviously skilled and intelligent were rebranded as savages- mostly by the church- allowing a clear passage to tame the natives and make colonialism more palatable.

We must have lost so much wisdom from the ancients, they knew how to treat their patch of the planet, how to live sustainably.

I read with great sorrow this week of the young people abused in plain sight by the established church. While the violence and abuse of power is horrific I am very pleased that the heart of the church has been cracked open, allowing a glimpse of its fetid and rotten core.
Church support is in fast decline, only 5% of our under 30s identify as christian in the UK, a huge deciine in just a few decades.

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Craftycorvid · 15/11/2024 22:50

Evening, sisters! I’ve enjoyed the wonderful full moon tonight and noticed that these moments of connection to Nature are especially precious as my life seems to be revolving in quite small circles these days - pun possibly intended. I do have much for which I’m grateful but I’m missing something, too. I’ve been thinking of a former covenstead that is sadly no more. And just the things that used to enrich life and for which I now seem to have no energy or interest: books, theatre trips, music - they’re all still there and available, I just can’t summon the oomph for them. I guess this is just like one of those dull, muddy stretches of a long hike, so I’m trudging along and glimpsing the moon through the trees.

Hedjwitch · 15/11/2024 23:25

I'm hoping the full moon will being me some ease and positivity.
My fibromyalgia is bad and beginning to suck the life out of me.
I visited a crystal shop and bought a piece of rose quartz which I found hard to let go of, and some pretty banded agates. They are outside charging.

There was a woman in the shop asking for help with crystals for healing for herself and her 13yr old daughter. In April she gave birth to Dd2 at full term but born asleep . They were struggling to cope. I was humbled by this woman, thinking only of how to support Dd1 while dealing with her own grief.

Perhaps sisters,you could send strength and healing to her. The child was born in April. My adored mother died in April.she had 10 grandchildren but longed for a great grandchild. She used to say " I just want a baby to hold". I hope she is looking after this little one.

speakout · 16/11/2024 12:49

Craftycorvid I am glad you enjoyed the full moon- it was spectular this week.
I make a point of leeping with my curtains open on a full moon, my window and bed are in a perfect place to receive direct moonshine.
You mention that you are not finding so much pleasure in your usual places, things that used to make you happy.
I feel similar, I know I have changed over the decades of my adult life. My pleasures have beome simpler, more nuanced, but no less worthy, and I am at peace with that. I still enjoy river and forest walks,trips to the city drain me, so planning a meal out will be just that- eat and get back home. Periods of calm and rest are important too, I love a very early night with a book and a warm bed.

I have lit a candle for you, and the woman and daughter you met, sending healing to you all. I am sure your mum, the baby and all those loved ones who have pased are basking in love and ease. x

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Craftycorvid · 16/11/2024 19:06

Thank you @speakout It is true that the more ephemeral pleasures are less attractive these days. I have been feeling rather like I’ve forgotten how to be joyful - then today I saw a woman dancing, not a young woman but she was just so full of vitality. I was with a friend at a fund-raising event for the local CND. My friend joined in the dancing, too (my painful knees stopped me). It was so lovely watching people making music and making merry. And to add to the sense of comfort, I found a greengrocer who was selling russet apples - something I never see anymore. Russet apples say Christmases past to me as well as being such a beautifully flavoured fruit. So the day has brought some consolations. Wishing you all a peaceful Saturday evening.

Voltefarce · 17/11/2024 22:32

Evening, ladies. I’ve been listening to this episode of “Not just the Tudors” with Prof Ronald Hutton. It may be of interest to you. Witch

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vMBNuE1iTCcHluxo0a5r2?si=5qa3rT0DRCi3NP1Ay9oLKA

speakout · 18/11/2024 07:48

I am so glad to hear of your pleasures Craftycorvid.

I think allowing simple pleasures to be important can be life changing. And when we do that our days can be abundant.
Thanks for the link Voltefarce, I will give that a listen, I enjoy podcasts while I am working.
It is very cold here today, my thermometer is reading minus 5, and frost is covering everything- it is so beautiful.
I have started to set up my winter bird feeding stations in my garden, gave the cages and containers a good wash in boiling water, and started to hang them back outside.
I need more bird food, I like to feed selectively as seagulls and magpies like to visit, but scare off the smaller birds.
I have been using a cherry tree as my main station, but this year I now have a pear and a couple of apple trees that are sturdy enough to hang feeders.

I need to forgo my usual Monday morning yoga class, as I am meeting my DD to help her get a new car. Car salesmen can be pushy, and insidious, which she finds difficult to handle.
I however don't find it difficult at all. And although I am seldom rude I am impossible to coerce!
Such is one of the many gifts that become stronger in the crone years!

I am off for a quick hot shower before doing some yoga downstairs to start my day.
Have a enchanted week sisters.

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