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

I hope you are feeling a little better Hedjwitch, that sounds a lot to manage.

Life can be very hard and heavy sometimes. it's been a bumpy ride for me this week.

I came across this patch of toadstools while walking in my Wolf wood this week- I haven't seen them in previous years. Google tells me they are Elf Cup mushrooms- so sweet and such a vibrant colour contrasting with the earthy muted tones of early spring.
I was reminded of a print I saw as a child- a painting by Margaret Tarrant.
My father created a workroom in our attic, reached only by a set of rickety ladders. He had a woodworking bench , the aroma of freshly cut wood was inviting to me. He would allow me to work with him, he taught me some basic skills and correct use of tools.
"going up to the attic " was an exciting adventure, and felt doubly precious because my mother was too afraid to climb the ladders.
I had a corner sectioned off as my place- I had some toys, drawing and craft supplies, desk and chair. The "walls" were thick felt sheets, and I had two framed Margaret Tarrant pictures attached to make things homely. One was the Elf Cup- seeing it again brought back memories. Fitting too as I have been doing a lot of shadow work this week, connecting to my inner child at around the same age.

Morning all.

Glorious sunshine this morning and where my new(ish) neighbours cut down the massive conifers between us my house is flooded with the morning light! My crystal suncatchers are casting so many rainbows across the room.

As I arrived home from the gym yesterday I came across a bad accident at the junction to my village. I ended up helping, first with the injured and then an hour and a half in the pouring rain and wind to stop diverted traffic trying to loop round into our village. Normally it's the most sensible way to go, but unfortunately the accident was right on the junction completely blocking access in/out of the village.
Eventually my DH got home and went up to ask for a PC to be sent to relieve me of duty! I really didn't mind as they were so stretched and better for them to be where they were really needed, but I was soaked through and exasperated drivers were starting to get a little bit less than polite.

I'm not especially traumatised, a nurse on scene was dealing with the very badly injured, but all the adrenalin meant I didn't sleep well last night. I can't tell if I ache from the gym, or my traffic duty!
I did make contact with the mum of a teenager I sat with and am so pleased to hear they are home and ok, just concussed and bruised.

A gentle weekend planned!

Sending healing thoughts to those who need them.

Look after yourself @queenrollo - sounds like a really intense experience.

It’s a bright morning here. We are contemplating venturing out to a moot in a nearby town later on. Part of me wants to stretch my legs but I’m still feeling tired from last weekend when I didn’t get any rest. A friend has been ill and we ended up seeing an out of hours GP at her local hospital. I’ll go and waft coffee fumes under Mr C’s nose and see what that achieves in terms of a decision!

It was lovely here first thing, with blue sky and sunshine but it's starting to cloud over now. Hopefully the rain will stay away, I feel like we've had more than enough rain recently! I've just been out for a walk with my dog and noticed a few magnolia trees coming into bloom, they're so pretty. Every year I say I'll plant one in my front garden but never seem to get to it.

@Hedjwitch sending hugs and strength your way. That all sounds very difficult, especially when you're not feeling well. Try and go easy on yourself as much as you can.

@queenrollo goodness, that was an eventful evening! I hope everyone who was involved is doing ok and hope that the rest of your weekend is more restful.

@speakout those toadstools are great, so magical! They brought back memories for me of illustrations from a book of fairytales I had when I was a child, thank you for sharing. Your attic space sounds lovely, a cosy place to play.

I was due to be meeting up with friends today but plans are cancelled as one friends is unwell. To be honest, I'm quite relieved as I've had such a busy week and it's nice to have a day to myself to catch my breath! I've been to Pilates and walked the dog and just booked to have my nails done this afternoon as a treat to myself.

How lovely to come back from my Body Balance class and find posts from my sisters here.
What an evening you had queenrollo, that all sounds very stressful- out in the dark, cold, having grumpy motorists to deal with. It was a selfless act, I am glad to hear you are planning a gentle weekend.
Craftycorvid your moots sounds inteteresting, but I know how you feel about the effort of going, especially evening events.
I have booked a few full moon women's circle events in the coming months- all in the evening, and I have really enjoyed the few I have attended. My evenings at home are slow and calm, I love a slow wind down and an early night.
I love Magnolias too my DD bought me one a few years ago, it has taken a few years to establish- it is an evening bloom, huge flowers like lanterns seem to glow in the dark. Very dramatic and magical.
I am glad you are taking time to care for yourself VioletCharlotte. I had my nails done yesterday too. It lifts my heart when I hear of my sisters taking time for self nurture.
Self care has not come easily to me. As a child I was fed ideas of self care being a bad trait. Women who did were selfish, overly proud, and conceited.
I can still hear the words " who does she think she is" ringing in my ears.
It has taken me decades to nurture my self worth and treat myself accordingly, and come to see the self deprecating and victim mentality as unhelpful.

Treating ourselves well is so important, and ultimately we actually become a stronger source to support those we love- without resentment or bitterness.

Just finished a Turkish coffee made by my OH, and enjoyed a M&S Bircher bowl for brunch- I am slightly obsessed with these things!

Off to do some laundry stuff, light a candle, put on some soothing music and move in a gentle flow.

Catch the magic friends!

That post is so timely @speakout . I have been wanting to maybe work on looking better but I feel such guilt about it from all sides. It feels anti-feminist to want to look pretty and then it feels vain because I'm a SAHM and don't want to give in to the yummy mummy stereotype. And then I feel like I had my chance in my 20s and should get over it.

I don't know. But at least my sunflowers are happy.

Hello! I feel this might be a good place to post my quest. I'm looking for ways to mark the seasons, small traditions and rituals to introduce into our family unit. Would anyone have any inspiration?

So far I've started treating the spring equinox in the way I'd usually treat new year. This is the time for new beginnings and resolutions rather than at the start of January when I feel like I should be in hibernation. I also plan to plant seeds with my children next week, which we can watch grow as the weather warms. Otherwise I'm not quite sure yet.

Do you have any traditions/rituals you use to mark the year...doesn't have to be around the equinox, I'm just using it as a prompt as it's next week and I'm still uncertain how else to mark it. Perhaps resolutions and planting seeds is enough for now. More will come in time.

Hello and welcome BeansandNeedles, you can't get much more seasonal than Gather Victoria, have a browse and see what you think
https://gathervictoria.com/2023/03/21/the-magical-deviled-eggs-of-spring/

The moot yesterday was pleasant - helped along by good coffee and cake!

Today has been domestic things - shopping, cooking and laundry. My self care has been a stroll with a friend and henna’ing my hair. These days, I’m enjoying dressing up for the fun of it and being playful. For too many good years I dressed either for how I thought I should be or how I aspired to be. Nowadays, if anyone seeing me enjoys my style, that’s lovely. If some people think I look odd or non age appropriate, well, there’s nothing I can do about that and it doesn’t bother me.

Thanks for posting that website BlankTimes.
I know it has been mentioned here before, but not for some time, it is good to be reminded.

I enjoy dressing up, wearing makeup and jewelry when the mood takes me.
I have considered myself a feminist for decades, but I think feminism has lots its way a little.
Women seem to have equality when they can fit into men shaped holes, but not otherwise. Women who are successful in business, finance or education fare best if they eshew ideas of anything that points to womanhood.
So these days I am not even sure anymore. I don't want to change my nature to fit into a man shaped system.
My lovely niece has recently started a new job as a lecturer with tenure at a large university. She is one of the very few female teaching staff in her department and she is subject to low level and casual sexism on a daily basis. She also has a young son with additional needs and tries her hardest to keep all the plates spinning. but it takes its toll.
I feel very fortunate to have no work colleagues!

It has been a blustery night here, the wind is still strong, hopefully no damage outside.
Off to start my morning rituals and get ready for my yoga class.
Have a magical day everyone

Can I join you ladies?
I identify as pagan and I have proudly for a few years now. I’m still learning and I have lots of books that I’m reading about Pagan history, I also live in an area that has lots of magical history. I try to live with the seasons as best I can but I don’t know anyone in real life who shares similar beliefs so it would be nice to chat to doen likeminded people.

Welcome Rose. Someone will be along soon to stoke the fire and make a brew.

Today is the day I have dreaded. Mum leaves what has been our family home and goes into care. Sisters please send strength to get me through today.

RosePombear a warm welcome- and a happy Spring Equinox.

Hedjwitch I hope all goes smoothly today.

i'm agnostic but my daughter wants to get into witch stuff, can someone tell me a bit about it?

@Hedjwitch sending strength and support. What an emotional and overwhelming time.

I've been reading but too tired to contribute due to insomnia and little baby's sleep being disrupted. New parenthood is like thinking you've got your head finally above water, only to relax and have another new wave hit you in some form! Two steps forward one back is a cliche for a reason I think. Feeling very un-magickal lately, it's hard to find it among the doing, the daily tasks and worries.

I wish that all of you lived down the road and we met for cake, tea and respite on the regular!

@MaculataO we need to get together on the astral plane!

I send the virtual scent of the honeycake I am baking for DS' spring fair to, hopefully, brighten your day.

oneinamillieon hi and welcome. We have a treasure trove of information for newbies as well as more knowledgeable folks in our past threads on this board, please have a look and see if that answers any of your daughters questions. How old is she? What is she drawn to? Maybe research that and supervise closely if she is young. Avoid anyone who charges for information, avoid groups until she can judge people well. Spring is a good time to plant herbs and grow and learn about them, both culinary and medicinal properties.

Hedjwitch, hope * *everything went as smoothly as possible yesterday. It’s a other phase of Life when your roles are reversed and you have to effectively be a parent and make so many decisions because they no longer can. It's a hard life experience that no one tells you about, to go through, well all do candles at the 8s, so tune in and find strength. You will emerge through this stronger and wiser, but its a hard part of life's journey.

MaculataO, you are at a different stage of lifes lessons, its tiring but will give you some of your most precious memories. Savour it while you can, its fleeting and wonderful, even if it diesnt feel like it at the time 😁

May the balance of equinox give us all time to pause and strengthen.

oneinamillieon I agree with blanktimes, the support- if any you give will be very age dependant.
Personally I haven't been keen to raise my children as pagans, but supported an interest in nature, seasons, basic astronomy, mythology, cooking, use of herbs and spices.
If your DD is an adult then stepping back but being supportive is all she needs.

Many of my family are fundamental christians, and that has caused deep pain, so I am a little biased.
Many of us on this thread are agnostic, atheist, religious.
If asked I tell acquaintances I am an atheist, although that is not totally accurate..
I

dd will be 17 in august. thanks!

oneinamillieon your DD is almost 17 has she asked for support?
"witchy stuff" can mean many things and no two individuals walk the same pagan path. "Witch Core" is popular on social media and many young people are drawn to the aesthetic.
Your DD may want to become a Satanist or sit with fae energy in the forest, and all that comes between.
Does your DD want your help?

Thank you for the lovely welcome everyone, I’m really excited to join this chat!. I’ve had terrible wisdom tooth pain for a few days so I haven’t been able to get up to much but we took a walk to the harbour today and I feel a lot fresher.

Hedjwitch I hope everything went smoothly for you.

speakout happy spring equinox to you too, my favourite time of year, I cannot wait to enjoy this spring.

MaculataO I feel for you. My DD is 6 months old and I spend most days barely keeping my head above water. I hope your sleep goes back to normal soon.

MaculataO and RosePombear I hear you- life can be very hard with a baby.
I remember the first 6 months with my first child, he was born tiny, and breastfeeding worked really well for us, but he fed every two hours, day and night for months. I found life very difficult and had no family support OH worked away for several nights a week and I was was being told to "make the most" of this time and " enjoy every moment", and although having my babies was wonderful it felt like my life had been scattered to the winds.
Each stage of motherhood brings joy and challenges- even now as my children are adults.
RosePombear I hope your wisdom tooth pain has eased.

It's been another challenging week here, dealing with low mood and anxieties. Thankfully I have learned how to deal with things, but it has taken energy and work to do so.
My DD visited yesterday- which was so lovely, we had lunch at a local garden centre and lots of chat. She came back with me to help her with an essay for college-her final submission is due on Monday, so we cozied up on the sofa with laptops open and worked on her project. She told me I am the "Wordsmith" in the family- I am flattered!
I have an Astanga yoga class this morning in my local town. I usually take my classes at a council gym, but teacher is away this weekend, so giving myself a treat at a private studio. Too expensive to attend regularly, but lovely as a one off, and I love their heated floor in the studio.
I also have my full moon women''s circle coming up soon, led by an amazing Shamanic healer from Brazil, she is a beautiful soul.
The moon spends the day in Virgo today, a good time to illuminate the details of our lives, whether financial, interpersonal or physical. A gentle flow energy will be around, a good time to catch up with paperwork, meal plan or clear space and clutter with mindfulness and calm.

It's a blustery morning here, wet and windy as I start my morning rituals with a sweet pea scented candle and a little work with my Goddess Dream Oracle cards- I have been working deeply with this deck recently, it has brought a huge amount of goddess energy into my life in the past few weeks, bringing me peace and strength.

Have a magical day sister friends.

Good morning magical friends.
Still chilly but I woke to bright spring sunshine- it's so welcome after weeks of rain.
OH is home and not working so I am taking the opportunity to relax a bit while he keeps the house running.
I am taking time to recharge and refill.
Yesterday's yoga was very challenging, and a small class so no hiding at the back, but an unexpected sound bath session afterwards during meditation.
I have yoga again today and my women's full moon circle tomorrow- I am excited about that. I'm not sure of the exact location as it varies through the year. In summer months it is held outside, either in a nearby forest round a fire pit or a large yurt. Of it may be indoors in a large rambling farmhouse or a large garden complete with standing stones- very "Outlander" !
Incredible how female energy and close connection can be built in such a short session.

The dry bright day also means laundry magic, I already have sheets and covers in the washing machine, I need to wash my impractically coloured winter rain jacket too.
Venus is sextile Jupiter today which brings harmony and ease to our relationships. This stirs a mood or atmosphere of tolerance, consideration for others, warmth, and openness.

I hope everyone enjoys the calm warm energy today.

Good morning everyone, there's lots of lovely sunshine here this morning, a cheery start to the day. It certainly feels like calm warm energy. I hope all of us can wake up to this and embrace it.

The spring bulbs and flowers are in full bloom already, with the promise of more to come. It was so windy when these photos were taken that they are a bit blurred, but the colours and exuberance are still there.
For some reason mn have tagged the photo of primulas I'm trying to attach as "sensitive" so it may not appear. The other one of hellebore has not been tagged, so I won't know if 1 or 2 photos will attach until I press 'post'

We all seem to be beset by difficulties lately, as do other friends, I don't know anyone who has had a smooth ride lately, particularly health wise.

Here's hoping today will bring some positive calm, peace and serenity today.