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Philosophy/religion

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Any Witches Here? Part 21

772 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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quirkychick · 09/07/2026 12:52

@Hedjwitch take your time to process, whatever that looks like to you. It's still early days. I'm glad you have a good support network around you.

Mysteise · 10/07/2026 11:58

There seems to have been a real theme of loss over the last few pages and I’m so sorry to everyone who’s going through it right now especially@Hedjwitch

I’m bringing a jug of iced tea and a big slice of lemon cake to leave on the kitchen table so please help yourselves.

I’ve been reading this thread for years, although I only posted many moons ago. I’ve found myself coming back because I wanted to ask if anyone has experience of losing their familiar and how you processed it.

I lost my beloved cat and familiar suddenly this week and I’m struggling more than I can put into words. What makes it harder is that this last year I’ve had a huge caring responsibility and I wasn’t able to be there for her as much as I wanted. We had so many wonderful years together, but I feel wracked with guilt that the last one wasn’t the way I wish it had been.

Part of me always thought she would somehow live forever. She knew all my secrets and was the only soul who knew about my path. She was there through so much of my life that the house feels impossibly quiet without her.

Because of my caring responsibilities, I also haven’t had much time for my craft over the last year and I feel disconnected from that part of myself too.

If anyone has been through similar loss and has any wisdom on how they found their way through the grief I’d be so grateful to hear it. I have read all the lovely responses to previous posters experiencing loss and found comfort in them too

Blessings to you all especially those carrying heavy heart at the moment.

quirkychick · 10/07/2026 12:14

@Mysteise I'm.so sorry to hear about your cat. I haven't been in that position for a long time. Though, I have lost a dear friend who shared a lot of my early adult life. I haven't really processed it, just parcelled it away for a while, to look at again later. I agree there has been a lot of loss on this thread. I can completely empathise with the caring responsibilities, which take you away from those you love, including yourself. Be compassionate with yourself, which can be easier said than done.

Mysteise · 10/07/2026 14:25

Thanks @quirkychickfor your lovely reply. I like the sound of parcelling it away as I certainly don’t feel able to process it right now.
I know we have 6 weeks left of high summer but this hot, humid weather really amplifies my heavy feelings. I find myself longing for the first whispers of autumn and a less exuberant, light season.
Hope everyone is taking things gently today especially @Hedjwitch

quirkychick · 10/07/2026 14:41

@Mysteise you are very welcome. I find the hot weather very difficult too. Not only do I struggle in the heat, it holds difficult memories for me.
My problem is I'm too good at parcelling it up and not very good at dealing with it later.
How are you @Hedjwitch ? I hope you are being surrounded by support and taking the time you need to do what works for you.

In fact, I re-referred myself for therapy and at a recent assessment realised how sad I am under the surface.

I have been planning things to look forward to. We had a great Women's Circle last weekend. The Beltaine Circle had been postponed due to poor weather, so we had a nod to that with choosing flowers in the fields and making flower crowns. We also had an Oak altar and Cacao ceremony. Tonight I have been making an effort to go to yoga classes and have a couple of social events this weekend.

Mysteise · 10/07/2026 15:17

@quirkychickI think you’re right. It really does help to have things planned when you’re feeling sad. It’s good that you’ve identified how you’re feeling too, as that’s often the first step. I know I’m not at my happiest when I don’t have anything to look forward to. It becomes a bit of a vicious circle, doesn’t it? I hope you enjoy yoga tonight, and thanks again for taking the time to reply.

The heat of high summer is difficult isn’t it. I used to love it when I was younger but now I generally find it harder to stay on an even path during these months. I’m not really sure why. Craft seems so much better aligned with the other three seasons, whereas summer often leaves me feeling a bit adrift.

speakout · 10/07/2026 15:44

I am sorry for those dealing with loss right now. It doesn't make it easier,but without loss there would be no life. That's the deal, it's heartbraking, and we have to try to find ways to carry on and find joy.
So many of us- myself included carry pain and trauma. It's easy to bundle it up and consign it to a dark corner in our psyche, but it will manifest somehow- it may turn up as anxiety, depression, poor self esteem, insomnia. It's a bit like Whacka Mole. It is hard to unpack our trauma, and I think counselling or therapy can really help. Uncomfortable feelings come with a message and we need to pay attention, become curious, and give the feeling room to explain itself.

I love all weathers-but I know tihngs are extreme right now. We have 29 degrees here, I know parts of the UK are hotter than that. I find a hot summer with such bright light very exposing, makes me feel more vulnerable somehow. The lower light of Autumn doesn't mind that my windows need cleaning or my legs shaving. Physically we are all a bit more on show, and many of us not very body confident.
Having said that I was at yoga this morning, it felt blissful in the studio, the aircon was set to 18 degrees, it was so refreshing.

I am baking rhubarb muffins this afternoon. I have always considered myself as a poor baker. Cooking I feel fairly competent,but cakes have always turned out wrong. Thanks to Google AI I have been trying out different recipes for muffins, and have made a few batches recently which have turned out really well. So far I have made chocolate miuffins, lemon muffins, cherry muffins. I have a large bag of frozen rhubarb in the freezer which won't stop looking at me, so Rhubarb Muffins it is- I'll bring round a plateful later, if someone could sort out some iced drinks!

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Mysteise · 10/07/2026 16:02

The whackamole analogy is so true. I am finding it very hard to dress for this weather too and feel over exposed or just not like myself in most of my summer wardrobe. It’s funny how our clothes act a shield isn’t it. I’m glad you enjoy your yoga class. When I get a bit of free time back, I am keen to try yoga or Qigong.
I’ll bring some icy elderflower lemonade to accompany the rhubarb muffins!

Hedjwitch · 11/07/2026 08:20

Thank you sisters. The elderflower lemonade and muffins sound lovely. I'm very tired,not sleeping despite help from my herbal friends. Funeral will be next Friday.

quirkychick · 11/07/2026 11:22

I so agree with the whackamole analogy! Like a lot of women, I'm very good at pushing stuff down and getting on with stuff, but I had a resurgence of anxiety (there were a lot of meaningful dates, that I wasn't even consciously thinking about). I really think I need that space that therapy brings to work them out.

@Hedjwitch the sleepless nights are so difficult. I really sympathise, sleep is something I struggle with too.

speakout · 11/07/2026 17:20

Hedjwitch you are in my thoughts. Lack of sleep makes things more difficult to deal with. Don't be afraid to speak to your doctor, during difficult times my GP has prescribed some sleeping tablets- jusr 4 or so - to get me through. I appreciate that isn't for everyone, but for challenges like this can help you function.

It's been a cooler day here, almost chilly. There has been a thick haar that hasn't really lifted. OH and I went to a new little coffee shop at the coast - just a 10 minute drive, the fog was very dense, and 15 degrees. A hot chocolate was needed to give me a little cosy boost !

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Hedjwitch · 17/07/2026 07:30

DH's funeral today. I shall wear a sprig of rosemary for remembrance. Its going to be a tough day

FizzingAda · 17/07/2026 09:04

Thinking of you today, Hedjwitch 💐

quirkychick · 17/07/2026 10:18

Thinking of you also @Hedjwitch I will light a candle for you.

speakout · 17/07/2026 12:56

I hope today goes as smoothly as it can Hedjwitch. I will whisper words of calm and ease into the wind for you.

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Hedjwitch · 17/07/2026 17:23

Thank you sisters.

speakout · 17/07/2026 17:54

Hedjwitch I imagine a difficult day. I have been thinking about you. Know that we are here- chat or no chat, whatever works for you. Be tender with yourself. x

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TheWytch · 17/07/2026 18:46

Hedjwitch · 17/07/2026 07:30

DH's funeral today. I shall wear a sprig of rosemary for remembrance. Its going to be a tough day

Strength and blessings sent. I will light some of my special herbal blend that I use when making memorial jewellery tonight for you and Paul

queenrollo · 18/07/2026 07:20

@Hedjwitch i am only just catching up and seeing your terribly sad news. I am so sorry.
I find the time between the loss and the funeral a sort of limbo and the real work of grieving seems to kick in after the funeral.
Do take care of yourself, deep nurturing is necessary. I am sending you love and warm energy to envelop you as you process.

Hedjwitch · 18/07/2026 09:29

Thank you all. I feel the love and understanding of you wise women all around me.

quirkychick · 18/07/2026 15:26

@Hedjwitch sending much love your way. Take whatever time and care for yourself as you need.

Mysteise · 18/07/2026 23:44

@HedjwitchI am thinking of you after your difficult day Flowers and hope you find small things to bring you comfort where possible

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