Any Witches Here? Part 21

[speakout]

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..

Solstice blessings sisters. I have an early start tomorrow so no sitting out until sunset which will be about 11pm here. But had a fire and paused to just give thanks for the light. That is all I have energy for to be honest. It will suffice.

Belated Solstice Blessings! We had a Street Party again on the Solstice, yesterday and I taught a sun/fire flow yoga class in the morning. I know a lot of people who went to the First Light Festival for the Solstice - which is something I'd like to do in future.

I have a women's circle in a couple of weeks, which I'm looking forward to with a firepit and cacao ceremony.

Solstice Blessings dear sisters!

I hope the day has energised, and you enjoyed celebrations, big or small.

I was planning a little bonfire in Wolf Wood, but my daughter came to visit, so That didn't happen. I did have a lovely day though, OH cooked a meal, and I gave my new Sanctuary room its first viewing to my daughter- she loved it, I was grateful for her bright sunny energy to light up the room. My yoga class was firey, countless Sun Salutations, slow at fiirst but as our breath rate increased and we continued to follow pace the flow became faster and faster- I love my Sunday morning yoga class, it's intermediate, so although still taught we are left to do somethings without calling out- so the teacher may say- Do six rounds of Sun Salutations with open twists and up dog- we all know the sequence so well that we are all in our little bubbles of movement. We are the first group of intermediates that the teacher has taught, and a pretty tight group of 10 or so, all progressing. The teacher knows our bodies so well. he can call out modifications or corrections to us individually. Today is a quieter day-just what I need to recharge my batteries.

Bright Blessings sisters.. I was woken at 3am by the wildest thunderstorm last night- the lightening strikes came every 2 or 3 seconds, and stayed overhead for a good hour. The thunder was deafening too. I spent a while sitting by my window watching the sky. It is a reminder of the power of nature Everything is cool and damp this morning, much fresher than of late. I know many of us here are thunderstorm lovers.

More storms are expected, I am keeping an eye on a lightning tracker app. I will also leave containers outside to gather some thunder water.

I think your storm reached me a little later Speakout,and has now moved on up the country. Steady rain now. Very glad I got the grass cut last night.

Hedjwitch good timing with the grass!

It's so much cooler here now, but I forgot to close my car windows last night- I had to drive to yoga this morning sitting on a black bin bag as the seats were soaking wet.

I know many of us here are solitaries, maybe part of a wider circle or coven. I am curious as to what events others attend. I have been to a number of different women's circles, and mostly very positive and enjoyable. But a couple of weeks ago I attended one and really came away with a bad taste in my mouth. Some ideas and " truths" were spoken- and everyone- including the facilitator were in agreement about an idea I find toxic. I expressed my dissent and tried to explain why, but falling on deaf ears. I felt the facilitator handled the situation badly,and allowed a bad idea to be accepted as truth- I'll share the idea if anyone is interested.
It also planted a seed within me- perhaps I could start a women's circle. I may not end up doing that, but exploring the idea.

That sounds like a really good idea Speakout. You would have a lot to offer.

Mayhemabounds Thankyou for your supportive words.

Lovely swim today at the tidal pool in Pittenweem. Very refreshing. I have finally accepted defeat and given up my yoga class and feel a huge sense of relief. I've really stuck at it for a long time but falling further behind and spend most of my time sitting watching the others do stuff. I have accepted I can't do an hour of Vinyasa Yoga and suddenly dont dread the weekend any more! I've found a different class which might be easier so will give that a try. Sometimes you have to stop fighting with yourself and listen to your body.

Hello, I’ve been quietly lurking on these beautiful threads for a couple of years - and will probably retreat into the shadows after this - but I found a particular post very interesting.

I’ve also been seeing the same number repeatedly over the last couple of weeks, and feel something stirring. I experienced the same thing a couple of years ago where I felt what can only be described as a cosmic pull to completely change my life. I took a leap of faith and it was the most freeing and empowering decision I’ve ever made; it was like my reality shifted and I became a new person. I’m intrigued to find out if you’re about to have a similar experience @CailleachGhlas.

I was actually offered my dream job shortly after this. I'd forgotten about the numbers so much, although I have seen some repeated numbers since!

@speakout could you tell me more about the women's circles please? I've been intrigued by them for a while but I'm not 100% sure, and if there's any kind of bitchiness or cliques then I will definitely avoid them!

Sometimes you have to stop fighting with yourself and listen to your body.

Absolutely Hedjwitch- you are very wise. Our body communicates with us constantly, emotions can manifest as aches, and if we force through a situation our bodies have a way of telling us to stop. No yoga for now is really valid, when we listen to our instinct then we feel great ease. You are not saying no forever to yoga, but no to that particular class. You may want to try another class at some point, or even a different exercise, but your future self can be relied upon to make those decisions.
luzclarita glad you have joined us.

CailleachGhlasI am no expert on women's circles but can tell you a little of my experience.
I've attended maybe five different types of circle, the intent and flavour differ. Overall I would say these are pretty un- clique events. Maybe a few people know each other, but most don't and attend alone. Once the circle starts it really doesn't matter if you know others or not. Sizes can vary, I have attended one with three participants, and others with up to 35 or so. I know many of us feel challenged when talking in public, I feel with bigger groups participants may feel less on the spot- despite being greater in numbers it is easier just to observe and listen. Sometimes there are round robin discussions, maybe to talk a little of our life challenges or even say one word connected to healing or intent. There is encouragement to speak if you wish, but no obligation, and many don't.
Formats differ, depending on the skills of the facilitator. I attend some circles run by a native Brazilian shaman. She runs a powerful circle, drawing on the skills she has from her own culture and training. So there will be invocations to the guardians of the cardinal directions. Smudging with a feather and sage- that is passed around. She uses drumbeat and her own incantations, guided meditations, lots of ritual. In good weather she runs the circle outside, by a campfire. There are other secular facilitators, and they sometimes have skills or training of some description, so incorporate some soundbath time, some gentle body movement, meditation, breathwork, cacao ceremony. Sometimes craft or journalling too. Each circle is different, I would encourage you to try one out. Costs vary my shamanic circle is free or by donation. Others around the £12- £15 mark, although that price can jump significantly in the cities.

Sisters. My husband died this morning. If you could light a candle for Paul I would be grateful

@Hedjwitch I am so so sorry to read this. May he journey well.

I will light a candle for Paul xx

So very sorry. Will light a candle for him, and one for you too.

Hello, I hope it’s ok to ask this. I had to say goodbye to my lovely cat of 15 years 3 weeks ago. She was so much more than a cat and others often described her as my familiar.

I want to plant a tree in her memory, she loved the garden I have so many photos of her just sniffing the air and loving her green space.

The thing is we are hoping to move next year so it will need to be in a large pot for perhaps a year until we move and I can plant it in the new garden.

I want to be able to take her with us instead of feeling like we’ve left her behind in the house where she died.

I’m thinking of a Rowan tree but I wonder if there’s something else I should consider. Not only will it hold her memory but work for the wildlife.

I hope it’s not a daft question, it seems I’m far more sentimental that I thought! Thank you.

Hedjwitch I am so sorry. I will light a candle too. x

What a lovely way to remember your cat.

I would also consider hawthorn. It's an old native species that supports a huge diversity of native insect life and of course is decorative too.

I am sorry to hear about your cat WildFlowerBees relationshipwith our animals are so loving, so significant. The idea of a tree sounds very special.

@Hedjwitch I will light a candle, I'm so sorry to hear this. Look after yourself.

Thank you 🪴

Thank you.we have been married almost 40 years. Now planning his funeral .

Hedjwitch I have been thinking of you. Having such a loss is huge. Life is so beautiful ,but so full of sorrow and pain. And that's the deal.One cannot exist without the other.
Lean into us here.We are a strong collective and we want to support you Doyou have family or friends around ?.I will light a candle for you today to send calm and healing. x

Thank you Speakout. Family and friends are rallying round. The children have been magnificent, each in their own way.
I think I'm in coping mode and not really processing it tbh. I got the death certificate today so tomorrow can find a funeral date and start planning that. Its all a bit surreal.

Hedjwitch I am glad you have family support. There is a lot to do when a loved one passes. Funerals can be healing, a point after which healing can begin. Your brain will be on auto pilot , just getting through the practical stuff. And that's OK, it's a protective mechanism. Take extra good care of yourself - and allow others to help. Whaterver self care looks like to you, whether walking in nature or sitting with a cool drink.
Flames- candles are significant. They tell us tales of old, with messages of calm and safety. I hope you can find gentleness at this time.