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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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Craftycorvid · 08/06/2025 21:26

Evening, sisters! Well, that’s it now - no going back. A friend left three tomato plants in a trough on the front step for me to get me started. And Mr C is growing coriander. 🍅🍀🌿🌱

speakout · 11/06/2025 11:47

Hedjwitch I am glad you enjoyed the performance- doing things like that can take us outside of ourselves for a while, and give us a welcome break.
I didn't think I was a ballet fan at all, sitting through dreary professional performances, all net tutus, I found quite twee.
That changed when I saw a contemporary production of the Crucible 5 years ago. Like the production you saw it was dark, gritty and powerful. I didn't know ballet could be like this.
Craftycorvid it seems gardening has decided that it is for you! Is your OH growing coriander from seed? I would be interested in how that goes. I have tried, but plants seem to bolt so easily. Too fragile for outdoors here in scotland, and doesn't seem to like the warm front porch either!
I went through a phase some years ago of planting things from my spice cupboard- whole seeds and beans- I laid them out in damp tissue to germinate, and many did. Of course unpredictable results, many of these spices are hybrids.

I am in need of support- any candles or wise words would be appreciated.
My mother now has her flat at sheltered housing ready to go,, but is so full of drama. OH and I have worked hard to get her new place ready we have taken days off work and my mother signed the tenancy some weeks ago, but is in a flap.
She told me this morning she has changed her mind, and has been slamming drawers and doors this morning as she has no clean clothes to wear. She packed everything up and we dropped it at her flat, but she is so super cross right now. I understand that she may feel anxious about the move, but it will be good for her, and indeed the whole family. I am very confident that she will love it.
My mother and I have never discussed feelings or emotions ever if we could then I can give reassurance.
So instead she is angry, and has said some pretty hurtful things to me today.
I am trying to rise to the bait, but it is hard.

Thankfully her day centre called to offer her a cancellation today, and the minibus has picked her up.
I had a word with one of the carers/organisers letting her know that my mother is finding this tough, so she has agreed to raise the subject in conversation.
Several of her day centre buddies already live in the same complex and love living there.
I have been so full of adrenalin and cortisol for days, I am exhausted.
I also have a meeting today with a financial/benefit advisor to fill out some new forms for my son's disability payments. I find that so hard too, being forced to talk about the situation is very hard, and I know I will cry at some point- so plenty tissues to hand !
I am so in need of respite right now, but I am not sure when the space for that will come.

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quirkychick · 11/06/2025 12:48

@speakout I will light a candle for you, you poor thing it sounds so hard. I'm not sure if my words are wise, but you have my sympathy and understanding. I can't talk to my dad about emotions, either. I tried recently, but it was almost more upsetting than not. I completely get about the disability payments and paperwork. Not only is it extremely distressing, it is also such a fight. We're going through a formal complaint with SS for dd2 and just their response, which is accusatory and full of errors lies.

speakout · 11/06/2025 14:27

Thankyou quirkychick for your support.

I am back from my CAB meeting and feeling so overwhelmed. I just want to walk away and hide in a corner.
The CAB person was unhelpful. I have used this service before and the advisors have been amazing, new the systems inside out and pretty much filled in the forms for me. But this time not. She knew nothing about scoring systems, new legislation that happened two months ago, she was using stuff I had gleaned from the internet and printed off, I was even searching google to explain stuff to her.
So I am back home now,having to phone Department of Work and pensions to get clarification. Currently now on hold for 45 minutes.
I am just ready to throw in the towel.

Why is life so hard?

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quirkychick · 12/06/2025 10:26

I the DWP! I am still having issues with them overpaying Carer's Allowance from over 7 months ago when dd2 went into Residential Care. I have contacted them loads of times, to no avail. I'm sure I'm going to get a nasty letter, even though I've tried to sort it out.

Craftycorvid · 12/06/2025 18:28

@speakout yes, coriander from seed in a trough. It’s a couple of inches high at the moment. I’ll keep you posted!

So sorry it’s a battle with your mum. Sounds as though she’s panicking. Does it help if you reassure her that her feelings are totally normal when on the brink of a big change? It doesn’t mean she’s made the wrong decision, simply that it’s all brand new and scary.

BlankTimes · 14/06/2025 06:57

Good morning sisters, I'm soon to light a candle for those of us and any readers who are troubled in any way. May today be a little brighter for us all. 🔮
My outdoor seedlings are at last growing a little, hopefully they will become plants and actually flower, although it looks like there's a way to go. Fingers crossed and whispered incantations to help.

Have as peaceful a weekend as you can, 🌟✨⭐

Any Witches Here? Part 21
speakout · 15/06/2025 18:39

Thankyou Craftycorvid and Blanktimes.

Happy to report that Mum moved on Friday, and has started to settle in.
The manager of the facility is outstanding, getting mum sorted and giving lots of reassurance.
The other residents have been phenomenal. made her feel very welcome, she has been having tea with lots of new friends, they are constantly popping in to see that she is OK.
Seems there is a gathering most days and evenings in the communal area, tea and biscuits- I went down to drop off some things this morning and two residents were having a heated debate about whose turn it was to take her down to the lounge in the lift. - Very sweet.

I want to take time to breathe and restore. The past while has been stressful and emotional, for now I just want to expand a little.
There is lots to be done in my house, I need to clear out and strip my mother's old room, strip the bed, gather up the rubbish.
But that can wait. I am in no hurry to fill the gaps that are appearing with more work.

I am gifting myself a few weeks of restoration. doing things that are soul nurturing, magical, grounding.

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speakout · 15/06/2025 18:41

Impressive cultivation Blanktimes!

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quirkychick · 18/06/2025 11:09

I agree, impressive cultivation @BlankTimes ! I'm glad your mum is more settled @speakout it's been very difficult for you. Not exactly the same but I couldn't habe predicted how much better things were for everyone with dd2 in Residential.

I'm feeling wobbly today, with not much sleep due to the heat. I also had an email from my dad, saying how upset they were not to be in much contact, but that he was being quiet as he didn't want to cause me pain. I'm happy for his emotional honesty (it's the most I've had in a year) but feel I'm just getting my life together: finishing my course, thinking about looking for work, doing a formal complaint and we have a tribunal coming up for dd2. I know I will need to have a difficult conversation with him - regarding dd1 and dp, but I'm just not ready for it - practically or emotionally. I've had so much upheaval in the last 12+ months, I'm not ready for more.

speakout · 18/06/2025 14:32

quirkychick I am sorry you have so much on your shoulders.
All the life stuff, emotions, practical stuff- adulting can be overwhelming.
No sooner than we pick ourselves up then another wave comes crashing in.
So much to deal with.

I really need some quiet life, there seems to be so much drama and trauma at every turn. My DD is going through a bad situation at work, she was crying and distraught, so I charged through to her flat - 20 miles away to calm her tears and help her find a practical way forward. DDs situation will need ongoing attention for some time to come.
I know it's all "other people's stuff" but when we love someone we want to help, even if it comes at a great cost to ourselves.
I can't remember the last time there was a week clear of difficult situations.

I was planning some soul nurture, but if I wait until a quiet time then it will never happen. So I need to charge on with my restoration anyway, despite hard times.

I had a lovely yoga class this morning, it was small, and not our usual instructor, he asked if there was any topic or asana we would like to explore- no one spoke up so I asked for some attention to be given to the power of drishti- our focal point, particularly when balancing.
He was happy to oblige, it was a very powerful class, and my balance has improved so much , just in that hour.
Lessons learned in yoga stay with us in our life, and I finished the class feeling very calm, balanced and centred.

I hope things improve for you soon quirkychick

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quirkychick · 18/06/2025 16:28

@speakout thank you and for you, too. Your yoga class sounds lovely.

I went for a long walk this morning and have a Yin Yoga class this evening. I've done a few admin jobs today, but not much - I submitted my assignment on Monday, so that's one less thing. Lack of sleep and sticky heat are not great, it's also nearly a year to when everything kicked off, so it all feels a bit raw. I've copied your idea of having a mental health first aid list, so I can tap into it.

I'm looking forward to the weekend, we're going to see Santana at the O2 and having a street party on Sunday.

speakout · 18/06/2025 17:20

quirkychick oh wow- Santana- there's a blast from the past!

Now that I have a car audio system that speaks to my phone I have been exploring- rediscovering music that I loved as a teenager and in my 20s and 30s.
Music jogs so many memories. studying for exams, having a crazy dance session in my bedroom with my best friend, falling in love, music I loved when travelling. Poignant, nostalgic and healing.

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Craftycorvid · 18/06/2025 22:23

Evening all! Hope this warm weather is suiting you and yours. Impressive cultivation @BlankTimes My toms and coriander are doing well! Plants are so much more straightforward than complex human relationships.

Hedjwitch · 19/06/2025 22:27

Greetings all. Not too hot yet here in Scotland but 26 forecast for tomorrow. Bring it on!

Tonight I made myself a mug of chamomile and lemon balm tea, from plants sown as seeds and grown in the garden. There is a lovely feeling of completeness and going full circle.I use paper teabags so tomorrow it will go into the composter and begin again. The circle of life in such a simple thing.

speakout · 20/06/2025 07:27

Hedjwitch I completely understand about the feeling of completion drinking tea then composting after the whole cycle of planting the seed. And a lovely example of how "small" magic is monumental magic in all its majesty.
Craftycorvid yes, plants are so much more simple than people aren't they.

I haven't planted much this year- only one thing but my garden is in full swing with hundreds of apples, cherries, blackberries, pears growing fast. I have some herbs, and lavender and mint in pots. I usually forget about the pots and they dry and wither, but as I have done no other gardening this year I am keeping a close eye on them, watering daily or even more in this warm weather.

I had a yoga class booked this morning, but I have just cancelled. I have an overwhelming urge to do yoga in my garden today, to mark the solstice ( strictly speaking tommorow) with a magical practice.
I will set my mat to cardinal points, bring a few tools, materials and incense and practice yoga as a magical act to honour the sun without and within. My garden is my temple, my mat is my altar. I will have the witnesses of trees, wildlife and the sycamore sisters.
My body will enjoy the solar energy, my skin will absorb the goodness.
I will move as my body tells me, I have no plan- but those are often the best yoga sessions! Allowing my subconcious to lead the way.

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hilariousnamehere · 21/06/2025 14:23

Solstice love sisters, I hope you're all enjoying the sun rather than melting in it! If indeed it is even sunny - it's a ridiculous 31° here in Essex but a friend in Edinburgh says it's cloudy and cold there!

I am full of mermaid magic today having swum in my big performance tail yesterday for the first time in a few years and I ache all over but it's worth it. Off to see mum and gran in a bit, seeing one of my coven friends tomorrow and hoping to find some time this weekend for a solstice tarot reading 💙✨

speakout · 21/06/2025 14:28

Happy Solstice sisters!

Any Witches Here? Part 21
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Hedjwitch · 21/06/2025 14:44

Blessed be sisters. It's very overcast here in Central Scotland which is disappointing. However it's been a positive day so far with yoga this morning and then a quick dip in the sea with DS.
Now in the garden hoping the sun is going to come out.

speakout · 21/06/2025 16:06

Hats off to you Hedjwitch , swimming in the sea !

The sky has darkened and heavy rain has started. I have been outside just to smell the petrichor, such a beautiful fragrance. Temperature is now a comfortable 17 degrees, it feels so familiar!

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quirkychick · 21/06/2025 16:09

Happy Solstice, we are on the train to London (sunny and hot) to see Santana and then tomorrow we have a Midsummer Street Party. The sun salutation yoga and sea swimming sound truly magical.

Hedjwitch · 21/06/2025 20:43

Enjoying a decent red wine and a fire in the firepit. Birds singing, wood crackling and all is well.

IamnotaStepfordHousewife · 21/06/2025 22:08

Happy Solstice 🌻

Hedjwitch · 22/06/2025 21:39

Has anyone read " The Untethered Soul" by Michael A Singer? Recommended by a friend but finding it very hard going

AshJ1997 · 23/06/2025 07:21

Hedjwitch · 22/06/2025 21:39

Has anyone read " The Untethered Soul" by Michael A Singer? Recommended by a friend but finding it very hard going

Good morning sisters! First time poster on the thread!

I haven’t ready it yet, it’s one of the books on my list for upcoming maternity leave. Also, came recommend by a friend.

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