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

Hi wheresmymojo and welcome, find a beanbag by the fire and help yourself to a brew.

I think we are all going through some very difficult times right now and it's so hard to stop and see the good things because the unpleasant things are happening so thick and fast, not just to us, but to everyone we are in contact with.

I think it's more a general trend than anything specifically targeting some people.

Yes, cleanse thoroughly, then add protection.

The type of cleansing to do is whatever you feel comfortable with, sprinkling mineral salt in corners and all door and window openings, with the intention to protect does a great job.

No fuss, no faff, no problem.

You can choose something more complicated if you wish, but remember its not a case of the more ceremony the more effective. A good friend of mine says Will and Intention work wonders, the rest is just foreplay 😉

Welcome wheresmymojo, I hope you find some improvement after the cleansing rituals.
Blanktimes thanks for all the suggestions for cleansing, and useful reminders.

I rarely perform big rituals or complicated spells these days. Decades ago I would plan a spell weeks ahead, researching and writing, sourcing materials, working out favourable times and planetary aspects. Manifestations were usually fast and significant.
But like many of us here I prefer small magic, simple but frequent acts that take no more than a whisper in the wind or lighting a candle to support my sisters. My craft has become so intertwined with my life that there is no separation. My daily activities, work, rest are all magical acts. And I have come to see it has always been this way.

@MindfulGrateful thank you for recommending Danu's Irish Herb Garden. I've been watching some of her YouTube videos. As someone who's interested in food and nutrition, herb and plants seem a natural extension.

@speakout I love the idea of it being entwined in your life, using daily rituals. I think we have lost a lot of meaningful rituals in modern life and have forgotten why we need them.

quirkychick I am glad you think that too.
And yes to everyday rituals. whether blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, crossing our fingers for a desired result- I am sure there are many more.

Food and drink too are suffused with magical energy. We traditionally eat certain things at various times throughout the year- do people still break the wishbone of a turkey or chicken?
Tea lends itself well to magical infusion. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are packed full of ritual. If someone receives bad news they are encouraged to make or drink tea.
Rituals speak to our subconscious and tell stories of safety and comfort. Fire or candle light come with a message of togetherness, grouop energy and support, When actions feel familiar as in a ritual our subconcious can feel safe to stand down, everything is in hand, no need for adrenalin or cortisol bursts, reducing anxiety, stress or rumination.
Having ritual in our lives allows us space , clarity and emotional regulation. It brings us back to our core, our source or centre- and with that feeling of calm and ease.
This is how it works with me- and I have zero training in any of this, but it feels right for me.

@speakout absolutely, it feels right to me too. I have over recent years put in lots of little rituals into my day: tea, yoga, meditation, candles, lights, time outside. I have just put lots of fairy lights ready for Christmas/winter (I tend to keep them all through the long nights). With no dd2 (autistic) around I can put lots of things out that we couldn't previously.

Can I join you in your witchy chat?. I’ve been lurking for a while and reading through but haven’t jumped in just yet. I’m really looking forward to some magical conversations. I consider myself pagan and follow the wheel of the year and the moon cycles, I try to incorporate magic in everything that I do, especially cooking and cleaning.

Hopping in very briefly as I keep losing this thread while trying to catch up amidst chaos! X

Hello tackychristmas and welcome to our kitchen. Pull up a beanbag and have a brew.

I'm glad to see you have been browsing some previous threads, there's loads of interest there.

We have quite a few new posters recently, its lovely to welcome new faces and new ideas.

A warm welcome tackychristmas, I am glad you have joined us. I would love to know more about your small magic. Incorporating magic into our lives becomes so easy when woven into our everyday tasks.
It's very cold here- a blue sky and early dawn landscape dusted with frost. Achingly beautiful.
My intention today is finding calm. Christmas energy still eludes me, but that's OK, I have a great trust in my future self. I will get organised and enjoy the preparation, but not today.
My yoga class is cancelled today, so I will make use of that time to move through my day at a relaxing pace. I will probably bring out my mat and do some yoga at home later, but we will see- I have just started to manage unsupported headstand, but need to work on my balance- I can stay uo for 9 or 10 seconds, and I am very pleased with that, but it needs some progression. It has taken me a while to get to this stage, and I don't want to lose the progress I have made.
Time to make a start to my day.
Witch wildly friends.

Waving to hilariousnamehere oh I know what that's like, think it's affecting everyone. One minute there's a list of tasks and a clear pathway to their respective conclusions, then in a millisecond, it's all being undone, jumbled and suddenly requires so much more of your attention. 🌸

Thank you for welcoming me, this seems like such a lovely corner of mumsnet, I’m so glad it exists.
@speakout I make sure I stir in intentions with my morning cup of tea. I make rollerball perfumes with essential oils and will use them for whatever mood I’m in, if I’m anxious I will use a scent for courage etc. I try to eat seasonally, which I find really helps me connect to nature. There’s lots of little things that mix in with the big celebrations like feasts for the Sabbats or setting intentions with the new moon, that just make every day feel magical.

We have decorated for Yule here. I do love this time of year, though I try to strip it back as much as possible as I find it’s just become so stressful for everyone. I try to decorate by bringing the outside in, so I took DD for a walk to pick up branches and pine cones to decorate the mantle with. I find that the simpler I make Yule, the more magical it is. We still celebrate Christmas and have Father Christmas in our house, but in our house I think we’re all more excited for the Winter Solstice.

Thanks for the reminder about the rollerballs tackychristmas- I have a pack of unused empty pretty rollerball bottles - I have been I have been meaning to do something with them. Do you have any recipes for fragrance blends?
I am not looking forward to christmas planning and buying. Usually by this time I am well underway, but these past months have been so overwhelming that I have little left to give. It is hard not to feel resentful at times. I really question my role in all the caring and family dynamics. We are 4 adults, others seem to accept the fact that there is always milk in the fridge ( even though I don't drink dairy) or that the toilets are always clean. I don't even want to be the one who gives out tasks to others. It seems others don't have my hygiene standards- which are not high I can assure!

This weekend will be busy too, so I am trying to have a quietish day here.
Still dark outside, so quick shower and dress, light some candles and do a little gentle yoga downstairs before anyone else is awake.
I have to work, but that's OK, I really enjoy it if there is no pressure or backlog. Post office then Lidl- maybe not everyone's idea of a quiet day perhaps, but there will be time for rest, meditation, or journalling.

Tomorrow I have a sound bath in the evening- I am really looking forward to that. And of course many opportunities for witching, I already have my spirit honouring candle lit.

@tackychristmas that sounds lovely. I am looking forward to cutting some greenery from the garden to put on my mantlepiece this year. We had to remove all ornaments as dd2 had terrible OCD traits and anything in the "wrong" place triggered horrendous meltdowns. I'm really enjoying creating new (and going back to some old) winter rituals. I've made some pomanders - thanks for the reminder, @Hedjwitch.

You've inspired me to try going to a yoga class @speakout. I've been doing yoga at home for years, but I would like to try to a class, which I haven't done for ages. I have a taster and a get a free extra class.

Caring can be so hard @speakout and it can be the emotional load more than the physical I think. It's good that you make time for your rituals and self care when you can. I love the sound of your early morning yoga and candles, I am tempted to try it but I do find it hard to get up and motivated on these dark mornings!

Ooh good question @speakout ! I think it’s always good to experiment with essential oils because there’s usually a few that have the same effect but some work better for me than others. I’ve found 10 drops eucalyptus and 7 drops peppermint and then the rest avocado oil really helps with congestion, which is great this time of year. Also 5 drops lavender, 4 cedar wood, 4 frankincense and 2 Vetiver and then almond oil is brilliant for sleep.

I completely understand not enjoying the planning and buying for Christmas, especially when you don’t get much help. It is a very magical time of year but also incredibly stressful. I love the sound of yoga by candle light, I always try to do yoga but I never keep to a routine of it. I do enjoy early morning or late night time to myself by candlelight. I usually celebrate the different phases of the moon by making biscuits and herbal tea, and then I have some time to myself by candlelight to set intentions or meditate.

@quirkychick I hadn’t thought of making some pomanders, that’s a good idea for the weekend. It is lovely creating new winter traditions, especially simple ones that don’t cost a fortune!!.

@speakout I agree caring is tough. We have lots of family birthdays this time of year (mine is actually today) and the madness of presents for everyone and food etc can get a bit much. This year it is just dp and I, I am very much looking forward to there being less to do and having more mental space for myself.

@tackychristmas the roller bottles sound a good idea. I have some (ready bought) lavender, jasmine and cedarwood for bedtime, which is lovely. I must look more into essential oils.

@MonstersAndAngels if you haven't already tried one, a lumie light clock is a great way to wake up on dark mornings. We bought the cheaper version for dd2 last Christmas. It also dims at bedtime like a sunset and makes you feel sleepy.

Evening all! Hope you’re all keeping warm and safe, especially people in the ‘red zone’.

Planning a quiet weekend. Maybe writing some Yule cards and nipping out for a few gifts.

Good news at last in that I finally (four year journey) exchanged contracts on my late mum’s house. Hoping to complete by Yule.

Morning all. Sorry I've not posted for a while, life had been a bit hectic. What a wild and witchy morning! I've just got back from walking my dog, we nearly got blown away! I like the energy of a storm though, it feels like all everything that's stale and no longer needed is being blown away, clearing space for something new and brighter. Not so good for anyone travelling today though :(

Sending hugs to old friends, especially those who are struggling with caring responsibilities, busy schedules and health issues. Hello to our newcomers, it's lovely to meet you all.

I'm looking forward to a relatively quiet (and hopefully calm) weekend. Gym this morning, pop in to see my parents who have just returned from a month's holiday in Australia. This afternoon some housework and washing. I like to add essential oils to my steam mop pad to make the house smell nice. Then later I'm going for a spa evening for some much needed relaxation.

I've not really made any progress yet with the Christmas prep. I've bought some presents online, so need to have a look at what's still to buy and start wrapping. I may put the tree up tomorrow. I'm not really a lover of Christmas so I try to keep it as low key as possible. DC are young adults and not fussed either. We really only go through the motions to keep my DM happy!

VIOLET!!!!!!!

Wonderful to hear all is well and hope to hear more from you soon. 😊 * *

Thank you for all the welcomes.

I went to yoga this morning (first time I've gone to a class in years, It's been much easier to practice at home). I'm very glad I did, I bumped into someone I knew ages ago and we caught up, as well as having a lovely class in a studio full of candles, fairy lights and plants. Also, my Herb Book has come.

@Craftycorvid I sympathise about selling your mum's house. We sold late mil's 5yrs ago, the clearing out and probate was hard.

@quirkychick thanks for the lumie light tip, I haven't tried one but I've thought about it.

@VioletCharlotte I love the idea of these winds blowing away all the stale energy and clearing space for something new - sometimes I feel quite unnerved by strong winds so that's a good way to think more positively about them!

Awww thank you! Lovely to see you too. The last few months have been a bit mad. I had a horrible virus which caused reactive arthritis so I was quite poorly for several weeks. Then work has been crazy busy throughout November. Things finally seem to be settling so looking forward to some calm and hopefully finding time for more witchiness in my life 🧙

Good morning, I’m just stopping by to connect with you lovely likeminded women if that’s ok. I’ve been on previous threads with different names but not for a while. I’ve also craving some more witchiness in my life. I think this time of year we would naturally be turning inwards, taking it slower and nurturing what we’d like to grow come springtime. I’m going to promise myself some time for this. I’m no expert but there seems to have been some interesting astrology lately- big shifts and changes and I'm interested to see how that all pans out collectively and individually. Seems apt with the impact of the storms we’ve been having too. I’d be interested to hear from others more knowledgeable than myself about this. I hope everyone has a peaceful Sunday

Just popping in, been a busy few weeks. Am still feeling a very strong sense of change coming but am trying to go with it and embrace it.
On 31st Dec I will stick 2 fingers up to 2024 and have all my hair shaved off in aid of MacMillan nurses. The reaction from people is amusing...its only hair! It will grow back. It's going to be a defining moment for me: I will be welcoming 2025 with a defiant roar and a " come on then! I'm ready for you"
Historically witches aka women,had their head shaved by the Patriarchy to humiliate them. Well feck that. I'll save them the bother and be proud of myself.