Merry meet!
Thank you once again to all those who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge- Dual Wielding
After bringing opposite forces into balance in our practice, it’s time to seek out another kind of peaceful harmony within ourselves
The theme for this week’s challenge was suggested by the kindhearted @RyuWyn and is…
Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the act of addressing a past wrong and trying to make amends- whether it is with someone who wronged you, a situation that is haunting you, or even something within yourself.
While there are times when forgiveness may be rushed or faked in order to reach a goal (be it in a workplace, at school, in a relationship, etc.), true forgiveness is a very valuable thing with strong internal and external benefits.
By putting a heavy burden aside through forgiveness, you may be able to find new freedom, happiness, and finally be able to overcome something that has been holding you back- opening up new possibilities in both your spiritual and daily life
Art by Mario Sanchez Nevado: Forgiveness
Forgive and forget
Forgiveness is not the same as forgetting- it is possible to forgive someone and put the situation to rest while still holding onto the lessons and wisdom you learned along the way.
Remember that sometimes the act of forgiveness isn’t something we do for other people- sometimes we forgive to set ourselves free
That being said, please note that this challenge is not asking you to forgive everything. You may decide, in your reflection, that there are some things you cannot forgive- and that’s okay! It is 100% your choice and up to you to decide where to draw your lines
The goal of this challenge isn’t to forgive all the wrongs of the world (although if that calls to you, feel free to pursue it!)- the true goal here is to explore the benefits of reflection and meditative thoughts in the pursuit of finding freedom and peace within
In many cases, practicing magick that works with forgiveness will echo Shadow Work in that it will likely unearth difficult or painful memories.
So just as you would with Shadow Work, please practice safely and save some energy for some wholesome self-care work afterward!
Are you ready?
Because it’s… CHALLENGE TIME!
Picture from The Art of Living: The Hidden Magic of Forgiveness
STEP 1 : Finding Forgiveness
Before embarking on this challenge, take some time for reflection: is there something or someone in your life that is holding you back? Something you are holding onto that is preventing you from moving forward?
Your source to forgive may be anything at all. Here are a few example things you might consider:
- A memory
- Your coworker
- An ex-partner
- A friend you lost touch with
- A parent
- Something you said or did in the past
- An emotion you can’t move on from
- A past failure
- A global situation
- Etc!
Again: Remember that forgiveness does not mean forgetting- it also does not mean we are agreeing with or giving into what happened. Forgiveness here is acknowledging the problem in order to decrease its power and be able to move forward
If you are struggling to find something to work on for this challenge, you may want to spend some time meditating or do some deep-dive Shadow Work for some inner reflection
STEP 2 : The Magick of Forgiveness
Once you have chosen something you’d like to forgive, it is time to bring in your magick From spells, rituals, prayers, chants meditations, and more- this challenge calls on you to use your magickal skills to find freedom in forgiveness. How you do so is up to you!
To help you get started, here are a few ways you might pursue forgiveness in your practice…
Forgiveness Spellwork
Cast pre-made spells and rituals (or make your own!) that deal with forgiveness.
A Farewell Letter
Say goodbye and put the situation to rest with a farewell letter. You can use a pre-made template or design your own letter to help you move forward.
→ A Conscious Rethink: How to Write a Forgiveness Letter for Self-Healing
→ Positive Mom: How to Write a Forgiveness Letter to Yourself
…And more!
From the many forgiveness meditations on YouTube to prayers of forgiveness (like this Buddhist forgiveness prayer here!) there are many other ways you might pursue forgiveness in your practice!
Let your creativity be free as you pursue freedom in forgiveness
Art by Kate Garner: Forgiveness
STEP 3 : Share Your Experience
Click here for notes about challenge inclusitvity
All witches are welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!
That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a shout-out, you will have to share your experience with the forum.
To participate in the challenge, please share:
- How you used magick to examine/find forgiveness in your life
(Note that for this challenge you do not have to share exactly what it is you are forgiving if you’d like to keep that personal!)
For your entry to be counted, please write about your experience in the comments below and/or create a new thread in the forums.
Note : If you choose to create a new thread, please tag the challenge by adding a hyperlink back to this post so that I can easily find it- thank you!
This challenge will close in 6 DAYS
To join in, please share your experience by:
Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
( 2021-12-14T12:00:00Z )
For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!
Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.
After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given.
Picture from Experience Life: The Art of Forgiveness
A warm reminder that all challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice
If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team .
And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways
Picture from TED Radio: Forgiveness
Hardships and worries, problems of the past
They cling on and linger- how long will they last?
Though painful and hard letting go may be-
I empty my heart and set myself free!
Blessed be!