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Any Witches Here? Part 21

681 replies

speakout · 09/03/2025 08:25

Just settling into the new place, plumping the cushions and opening the windows. Welcome to n everyone, newcomers, old friends, the curious.
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..

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speakout · 23/06/2025 10:45

AshJ1997 a warm welcome, glad you have found us, grab a comfy seat.

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speakout · 23/06/2025 12:48

Hedjwitch I haven't read that book, but he has a really good youtube channel, his ideas and concepts are explained well.

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quirkychick · 23/06/2025 13:35

Welcome @AshJ1997.

That sounds interesting, I'll check out the YouTube channel.

AshJ1997 · 23/06/2025 13:41

Got a few weeks of free time on my hands will definitely check out the channel as well!

Hedjwitch · 23/06/2025 21:49

I'm finding it all very hard to understand. All this being conscious about your unconscious consciousness..

speakout · 24/06/2025 07:42

Hedjwitch I am still learning about ideas and models. Ideas and schema about how our mind works-. It is a confusing arena.

I'm not sure what is meant by "being conscious about your unconscious consciousness.", and it is further confusing as different experts, therapists, spiritual leaders use different terms, different ways of looking at things.

There is the idea of our mind being split into different parts with different functions, and often have difficulty communicating to each other.

I am no expert at all, but through my magical practice and therapy it has been necessary to swot up on such things in order to deepen my healing.

So I could tell you of how I see it,, but I am not qualifed and others may come to a different understanding.

My first step in hearing was about becoming aware of my thoughts and feelings.
Although they feed each other they are often at odds in understanding. We can become triggered or suddenlly feel anxious, our thinking mind is left questioning- "what is that all about?"
We can't think ourselves happy, but we can think ourselves into doing activities which nurture our feelings and mood.
Although I have only touched the surface of CBT I think these three things are important in that modality- thioughts/emotions and activity.

Our emotional mind is harder to access, growing from our subconscious seat it doesn't understand words, except perhaps mantras, spells, song.
This is where feelings are born, is home to our shadow, creativity, inner child. It is also where we keep our unresolved pain, it can be a scary place to access, but contains huge treasure. Our unconscious is our primeval brain, home to gut feeling, spidey instinct, survival mechanisms and it does what it can to keep us safe. It can hit the sympathetic nervous response, flooding our bodies with cortisol and adrenalin , gut churning, our hands sweating.
Our subconscious has no sense of time, so has little discernment or triage- responses are often OTT - to our limbic system everything is happening in this moment.
It also contains deep memory, so will sometimes attach a past trauma to a present day occurrence - which is why we get triggered.

This feature however does allow us to do shadow work, inner child healing, as we can move into the areas of pain and start to dismantle things.

Sitting with a feeling rather than pushing it away will sometimes give us an awareness of how that feeling is connected to past or similar feelings and that is an area to start healing, bringing our self into the light and begin to integrate.

Again this starts with awareness. To start with it was work to constantly check in with myself, "what am I thinking right now, what am I feeling right now" but with practice it will happen naturally.

This emotional work can be scary, we repress things for a reason- too painful, to powerful, and sometimes we need a trusted guide or therapist to navigate these deep waters.
There are gentle techniques to do alone, just bring a big bucket of compassion and nest in.

As I say I am no expert, so please feel free to disagree or dismiss the above!

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Hedjwitch · 24/06/2025 09:01

Thanks @speakout that all makes sense. It's the old Id/Ego debate but just in different language. The author of this book is saying,I think, that we are not our thoughts. We are a higher consciousness that sits behind our thoughts,but we get dragged into the endlessly flowing river of mental chatter and this consumes energy. He says to repeatedly ask yourself " Who am I?" but I disagree with the " who". Surely the question is " what am I?" if we are a higher energy source contained temporarily in human form?

Lordy,I need coffee!

quirkychick · 24/06/2025 09:29

@speakout I think I am on a similar healing journey, sitting and acknowledging how I feel (having spent so long pushing it down in order to function). I do a lot of Headspace and there's definitely a lot of they're just thoughts, allow them to come and go, you are not your thoughts. Accessing your emotional mind is a life's work, I think! I was listening to a podcast about tapping into your wise mind - a middle path between your rational and emotional mind. So interesting.

@Hedjwitch both Who am I? and What am I? are great questions! Though, I agree different. I was talking to a neighbour at our Street Party on Sunday and we were having a similar conversation. She's a retired Psychologist who's trained as a yoga and bodywork teacher. She was saying psychology is too much in our heads and ignores how our emotional healing is interralated with the body.

speakout · 25/06/2025 10:50

Hedjwitch it is absolutely a life's work! Self compassion is paramount, making mistakes, taking steps backward in our journey are all part of the healing journey.
I really take exception to the idea that we are somehow less than perfect. Ideas of perfectionism are part of the ties that bind.

I have just come across this youtuber Britt Hartley - she is an atheist with a rich spirituality, pulls apart the patriarchy and the connection of women to organised religion. Deeply feminist she talks of women's work and women's connection, the importance of everyday acts as spiritual practice, - as we sometimes call "small magic".
It is deeply powerful, full of wisdom, I had goosebumps listening to her words. I urge you to watch it, such a distillation of ideas.

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quirkychick · 25/06/2025 12:50

@speakout that looks interesting, I'll have a look. I dislike the idea of perfect, it's as if there's only one unattainable way of being. We should aim for what feels right for us at this moment.

quirkychick · 25/06/2025 15:36

Oh wow, I also had goosebumps and a lump in my throat watching that. That whole beginning about male spirituality, so pithy.

speakout · 25/06/2025 16:33

Powerful isn't it quirkychick.

Follows ideas that I juggle with, and highlights the common threads throughout religion and society.
I have come to similar conclusions about people like Einstein, the "great" composers, Beethoven, Bach etc, and recently about Buddhism- who was washing their socks and caring for their children ??!!

All very well being a mystic or a genius when you have a family and life support system run by unseen women.
My OH is a lover of classical music, and I can't even listen to it if it starts playing in his car !

It's been a strange couple of days here, feeling a little unwell, not sure if my tummy problems are caused by a bug or anxious feelings.
I had a new moon women's circle booked tonight, but I have cancelled, just not what I need tonight. After a lunch visit from DD and my mother I just want some quiet time, tea and rock painting is on the cards.

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sunshinesuperwoman · 25/06/2025 19:36

I hope I’m not intruding, but I just wanted to ask if any of you have been feeling under the weather or not quite yourself recently. I’ve been feeling really out of sorts the last few days and apparently it’s something to do with the new moon, I’m not sure if any of you know about that?.
I’m pagan but follow the wheel of the year mainly, although I do keep up with the moon cycle but I’m not the best at knowing about the specific planet or house or what not that the moon is in, so just wondering if any of you lovely people know a bit more than me?

quirkychick · 25/06/2025 20:03

I have definitely been feeling out of sorts this week. Not sleeping well, v tired and unmotivated. Someone who knows more about planetary alignment than me can probably tell you more.

sunshinesuperwoman · 25/06/2025 20:54

quirkychick · 25/06/2025 20:03

I have definitely been feeling out of sorts this week. Not sleeping well, v tired and unmotivated. Someone who knows more about planetary alignment than me can probably tell you more.

That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling, I felt absolutely brilliant last week and the stuffing has been knocked out of me since around Friday. I couldn’t work out what it was but it seems like loads of people have been feeling it. I don’t always find the time to set intentions with the new moon but I definitely shall be doing so tonight.

Craftycorvid · 25/06/2025 21:38

Good evening and it is lovely to read of everyone’s solstice celebrations. I was away for the solstice itself (training weekend) near the coast, and my summer solstice morning greeting was the call of gulls weaving in and out of the sounds of someone playing jazz piano in a nearby house. It was peaceful and magical.

BlankTimes · 26/06/2025 10:22

Welcome sunshinesuperwoman, grab a beanbag a cuppa and a cake.

My own feeling out of sorts has somehow been made physical as well. I went from just being ordinary to all of my 'normal' either plummeting or rocketing dramatically and I was in hospital for a few minor things last week and currently have the District Nurse here every few days and will do for the next few weeks.

Looks as though we all are a work in progress and once more have all been unpreparedly thrown into the deep end of complex situations, but without any directions on how to navigate to a more peaceful place.

quirkychick · 26/06/2025 10:54

@BlankTimes that's very true, mine started with being woken up by asthma on the 22nd. I feel I've got lots to deal with and no means (emotional, physical, mental... ) to deal with it. I'm supposed to be doing my CV and can only find the template, not the one I started. Now, I'll have to start all over...

speakout · 26/06/2025 11:10

I am feeling it too- just out of sorts, and hard to feel calm.
I have had a dicky tummy for a few days, but it feels more related to my emotions than a bug.
It has been a maelstrom of significant astrological activity this month, most planets have changed sign, and there have been several difficult conjunctions.
A huge shake up, and although moving to calmer times, still a couple of events before the month is out.

I had a disturbed night, my mother's alarm was activated at 2am, the alarm company phoned me and I had to drive to her sheltered housing apartment.
She was OK, had been wearing the pendant in bed and rolled over onto it, causing it to be activated. Of course she found the situation hilarious.
I was just trying to settle again at home and received another call. I ignored it and tried to sleep, but then woken again at 6am by another call. My OH was awake and drove down to check- again all was well, again my mother finding the whole situation " hilarious".

Lack of sleep is not helping my emotional well being today, I am just so worn out taking care of others.
My DD brought my mother to visit yesterday. I made a big pot of soup, and noticed that I was carrying through lunch trays for them both. My DS was asking for indigestion tablets so I went to a local shop to buy some.

I am tired of being the capable one. I know much of it is of my own doing, but sometimes I feel so utterly consumed.

We are a small family, I have one sister who lives abroad, and doesn't even know our mother's mobile phone number or know that she has moved house.

I need to take stock of myself today.
Work is unusually slow, but that sometimes happens when the she decides I need to use my energies inwards.
I have meditated this morning and decided to visit my local favourite charity shop. It is an " old school" type of shop, not a chain, inside it is a bit messy and piled high, nothing costs more than £2, most tops, trousers are 50p or £1- great brica-brac and homeware too, a great place for a rummage. I love the homely atmosphere, always puts me in a good mood.
I may even grab a hot chocolate from Starbucks on the way home, very overpriced, but soothing, and even better as someone made it for me!

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sunshinesuperwoman · 26/06/2025 11:12

I have just been reading through everyone’s solstice celebrations, they sound so wonderful. I usually do a big feast, even my non-pagan family come over as they enjoy the food😂. We tell stories and sing songs, I’m slowly but surely building a collection of seasonal stories. I also made a sun catcher with our boys, although it was mainly me doing it as they watched😂

Craftycorvid that sounds stunning!

BlankTimes I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been so unwell, I hope things are on the mend for you💐

speakout · 28/06/2025 07:37

Your celebrations sound lovely sunshinesuperwoman

Blanktimes I hope things have settled down for you. so much of life is unpredictable.
I am in a better place today. I have spent the past couple of days treating myself as a much loved best friend, having a lot of rest and doing things that are cosy and soul nurturing, lots of sleep, lots of good food, lots of meditation and yoga.

I bought myself a beautiful pair of trousers at my local charity shop - £1- in a light subtle sage green colour. They have the store labels attached (£175 !) and never been worn.
They are made of chiffon, with a jersey fabric lining, so comfortable with a deep high waistband which gives me flattering support- too small for maternity!

I love them, but they are too long by about 5 inches. I have only basic skills with a needle and have no sewing machine, but detemined to do the hemming myself.

I did make one attempt, but it looks bad, they don't hang well. I was hesitant to cut them, but I think I will need to. I watched some videos explaining rolled hem technique and considering my next move. I think I may have to hem the jersey lining and chiffon separately? I am determined to make this work!
Anyone with sewing skills give me advice? I have carefully unpicked my previous attempt, but need to consider my next step!

This morning brings an easy Neptune -Pluto trine. A harmonious aspect which tunes into our creativity and instinct, more easily understanding the feelings and thoughts of others.
This evening however a Mercury- Pluto opposition occurs which can cause clashes with others, and not the time for serious conversations or life problems.

I am off to Body Balance this morning, spending time with OH, and picking up some nice food treats for myself. A slight detour on the way passes M&S, always good for some yummy things.

I am continuing my rock painting this week, it is such a pleasurable and relaxing activity. I have a river 300m from my home, and there are lots of lovely smooth oval or round palm sized rocks that I use. I love even looking for the rocks- so many that I can sit in one place on the river bank and simply look around me.
Creatures and images often jump out of the rocks, painting those ones are easy, I have an eidetic drawing ability.

I am making compass point holders for spellwork, and plan a planet and sign series too, this painting has such a calming effect on my mind.

Off for a quick shower, I have ordered a few new essential oils this week, so enjoying using them.

Have a magical day sisters.

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BlankTimes · 29/06/2025 05:19

Just a quick check-in as I had the door open to try to prevent some of the alleged heatwave entering the house and as ever all I could hear was birdsong.

Thanks once more Speakout for the amazing Merlin bird ID app Quarter to five am, we have

Thrush
Greenfinch
Blackbird
Wood pigeon
Goldfinch
Wren
Sparrow
Jackdaw
Linnet
Crow
House Martin
and what a joy it is to hear them. I can now identify some of the songs thanks to the app.

Indoors its still very hot, thick walls radiate heat, I have bought a Meaco 'Sefte' fan, being delivered today. It has to be better than our existing old pedestal fan and its running costs are so small.

Have a good day sisters and stay cool 😎

speakout · 29/06/2025 06:51

BlankTimes I am doing exactly the same thing as you this morning.

I love the Merlin app too.

This morning I have found

Carrion crow
wagtail
house sparrow
blue tit
blackcap
common chiffchaff
long tailed tit
great spotted woodpecker
jackdaw
wren
magpie
common wood pigeon

I agree it is a good teaching tool, I can now recognise quite a few bird calls more than before using the app.
I'll have a look at the fan, although temperatures here are not set to get very high.. It's 11 degrees right now.
I hope the heat is manageable for my magical sisters.

I have woken pleasantly early this morning, fed the cats, now drinking my coffee.

I am tempted to take a trip down to the river and sit in the woods for a while, but I have things to do.
My local cat rescue centre has an open day today, usually a fun event, with stalls, tombola, books, plants, cream teas, and also little tours round he facility to see the more sociable cats
My DD will be picking up her gran and me, we are meeting DDs friend there too.

I want to make a big pan of rice pilaf this morning chicken/vegan/gluten free options, so we have something easy to heat and eat afterwards.
I already have some cashew nuts soaking in hot water to make berry smoothies.

I also have to work at some point for a few hours to fulfill orders and I have a yoga class at 11.30 this morning that I don't want to miss.

So probably have more to do today than I realise, the river visit will have to wait, I may go down this evening if I have the energy.

Blanktimes I have noticed different bird songs depending on the time of day, I will record again this evening to compare.

This life is so suffused with magic and wonder.

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Hedjwitch · 29/06/2025 09:23

Another fan of the Merlin app too. Late night last night putting the world to rights with an old friend and feeling knackered! Late nights and me just don't get on!
Had planned a sea dip with my dipping/dooking group but might give it a miss and just rest instead. Got a we chat call with my brother in China today do looking forward to that.

quirkychick · 01/07/2025 18:00

On your recommendations I've downloaded the Merlin app. Just in the last hour, I've got Eurasian Blackbird
Wood pigeon (their nest is in the hedge)
Eurasian Robin (I think they're in the hedge too)
Common Swift
This is my brave visitor, still a bit fluffy and keeps me company in the garden!

I've got the firepit barbecue out and the very hot, sticky weather seems to be cooling, but I couldn't face cooking in the kitchen.

Any Witches Here? Part 21
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