Elemental Magic: Tools of Water

So, I was taking a shower when it hit me...I forgot to discuss the tools of Water! Originally I was going to do this in the Water Spells and Rituals post, but I decided long before writing the post that it was going to be long enough as is and that I wanted to separate the tools from the spells. But with all the craziness that has been going on lately, I posted spells and rituals before I posted tools. This is what I get for not writing this down on a calendar or at least in my blogging notebook. Is anyone even using those any more? What day is it? Where am I? Seriously though, I need to print off some calendar pages and get my life back together. If you haven't noticed, the blog has been pretty haphazard this year, mostly because I haven't planned like I normally do because my real life has been a complete mess...as I am sure everyone's has been. I'm taking things one day at a time and talking to a psychiatrist to find the right medication, but needless to say I am struggling. But I digress!

In today's post, I will discuss some of the many tools associated with Water and how you can use them in your practice. Many of these tools were hinted at or discussed when I introduced you to some of the folklore surrounding Water. However, this post is more of a correspondences type list that you can use to quickly plan spells. For your pleasure, I have also included a free 6-page printable for your Grimoire or Book of Shadows. Enjoy!

Black Water: Water that is black due to the minerals found in it and is therefore unsafe to consume. Black water can be used for banishment, shadow work, honoring the dark half of the year, hexes, curses, death magic, and any other "dark" or nocturnal magics.

Brackish Water: A mix of salt and freshwater, usually where a river meets the sea. Because of its liminal nature, brackish water is perfect form spells regarding hedge riding, astral travel, spirit work, and other liminal work. It can also be used for healing or harming and can be used as a substitute for fresh or saltwater.

Dew: Dew is the moisture left on surfaces in the morning due to atmospheric water condensing. Dew is most often used in healing and beauty spells and rituals, especially dew collected on Beltane (May 1st). In some folklore, dirty children and women were often stolen away by the fae where they were then washed with dew. Upon their return, they were said to be more beautiful. Dew is also collected for healing purposes, especially ailments involving the eyes or skin.

Floral Water: Floral Waters are created by combining Water with different herbs and flowers. These Waters can be used for a variety of purposes and generally are infused with the magical properties of both Water and the plant you used. You can learn more about floral waters, including how to make them in my post Charged Waters: Flower Waters

Fog: This liminal water is best for liminal magics such as hedge riding, astral travel, divination, spirit work, and death magic, especially fog that occurs at dusk or dawn.

Fountain Water: In this case, I am referring to man-made fountains and water that comes directly into your home that often contain chlorinated water. These tend to have general properties associated with Water, such as healing, cleansing, and purification, although certain sources have a personality of their own. If a fountain is commonly used as a wishing fountain, Water taken from it can be used in wishing spells and prosperity magic.

Hail: Hail is commonly used in cursing or as a base for War Water. It can also be used in spells that need an aggressive push, as hail is often associated with terrible storms.

Holy Water: Blessed Water that can be used for cleansing, purification, or exorcisms. You can create Holy Water by blessing it yourself with prayer and salt or by purchasing it from a church. You can learn more about Holy Waters in my posted Charged Waters: Holy Water

Ice: Ice tends to be used most often in freezer spells or spells looking to get you unstuck or unfrozen from a situation.

Lake Water: Lake Water is often calm and mirror-like. It can be used in divination such as scrying, as a portal to the Otherworld, in healing spells and rituals, cleansing, purification, relaxation, or revitalizing spells.

Marsh Water: Marsh Water is often dirty, filled with decaying plant matter. In some cases, the Water is also stagnant. Marsh Water can be used in hexes and curses, to stagnate a situation, to cover or hide something, and even during ancestral work. Marsh Water is often associated with death and decay, making it the perfect Water to use when working with the dead.

Moon Water: Moon Water is water that has been charged under the Moon. The properties of Moon Water changes based upon the phase of the Moon under which it was charged. It can be used for a variety of spells, including healing magic, prosperity rituals, and even curses or hexes. See a complete description of Moon Water properties and how to make it in my post Elemental Magic: Water Spells and Rituals.

Mud: Mud is a combination of Water and Earth, and therefore holds magical properties from both. It can be used for grounding, burying objects, and even for cleansing.

Pond Water: Pond water behaves similarly to Lake Water.

Rain Water: Rain Water takes on the property of the storm in which it was born. Sun showers are often used for solar magic, nourishment, and healing, while dreary rain is great for resting, rejuvenation, protection, shadow work, and invisibility. Stormwater, on the other hand, is fierce and can be used in aggressive magics, cursing, hexing, or any spell that needs to pack a punch. Stormwater is also a great base for War Water or even for freezer spells aimed at stopping a person from doing something. You can read more about rainwater in an upcoming post.

River Water: River Water is fast-moving and therefore is great in spells that need speed or that deal with speeding things up. It is also great for cleansing and purifying yourself and objects, as well as for banishment magic.

Sea Water: Sea Water or Ocean Water is extremely versatile. Because it is already salted, it can be easily turned into Holy Water, or used for cleansing, protection, healing, charming, or banishment. It is also commonly used as a representative of ocean spirits.

Snow: Snow tends to be more peaceful in nature than hail and can be used to unthaw a situation or person, help you get unstuck, or in freezer spells. Snow is also great for drawing sigils in and can be stored either frozen or melted. To learn more about graveyard snow, check out Witchcraft Life's post How to Use Graveyard Snow in Your Magickal Workings.

Stump Water: This is Water that naturally collects in a tree stump or hole in a tree. Stump Water is considered to have healing properties and is often used to cure warts. It is also considered lucky. Charms, such as rabbit's feet, can be dipped in Stump Water to enhance their lucky properties. Furthermore, Stump Water is stagnated Water, making it perfect for scrying, ancestral work, spirit communication, necromancy, or as a portal to the Otherworld. The Water also takes on the property of the tree in which it is found and can, therefore, be used to mimic the tree's power in spell work.

Waterfall: Waterfalls are strong flowing bodies of Water. While some are seasonal, many run all year. Like river Water, Waterfall water can be used to remove obstacles, purify, cleanse, or bring movement to a spell. However, waterfalls can also be used in beauty magic and birth rites and rituals.

War Water: A combination of Water and rust that can be used for physical and psychic protection and cleansing, as well as for placing or reversing a curse. Hail is a perfect base for War Water.

Well Water: Well Water is typically calm, clear water that springs up from the Earth. It is most often used for healing and purification as well as for astral travel, hedge riding, and connecting with the Otherworld. The smooth surface is perfect for scrying and water divination. It can also be used for removing curses as well as placing them.

Ammonite: Ammonites are ancient sea creatures that went extinct millions of years ago. Their fossilized remains are used for a variety of spells, including transference, healing, ancestral communication, cycles, protection, and fertility.

Belemnite: Belemnites are fossilized ancient squids and are associated with the Norse god Thor. As such they are associated with lightning and thunder and can be used for protection, especially from lightning, and can pack a powerful punch to spells that are intended to aggressively protect you or our Earth, as well as hexes and curses.

Bowl: Bowls are commonly associated with Water and are used as vessels to hold Water. Darker colored bowls can be used for scrying or as offering dishes. Bowls are also associated with the Feminine, fertility, new beginnings, rebirth, and cycles.

Cauldron: Like bowls, cauldrons are used as vessels to hold Water and are associated with the Goddess. Cauldrons can be used in spells for fertility, rebirth, new beginnings, and wisdom. If you are looking to connect with the fae, don't use cast iron, as iron is harmful to fae.

Chalice: Chalices are commonly used as Water holding vessels and represent the female form.

Comb: Combs are strongly associated with mermaids and other Water spirits. They can be used as offerings, to entwine spells, magic, and charms, remove obstacles, and in glamour magic.

Coral: Coral is often used as protection from the Evil Eye, general danger and ill will, drowning, and nightmares.

Crab Shell & Claws: Crabs are associated with protection, as well as withdrawal and retreat. Claws, in particular, can be used in protection spells or magics involving fighting something or giving something a "pinch." Because crabs often run away, their shells can be used in magics involving retreating or withdrawing, especially if you are trying to get someone else to back down or you need assistance giving something up. They can also be used for binding.

Crinoid: Crinoids are ancient "sea lilies." Usually, only their "stems" preserved, forming bead-like fossils. They are thought to bring good luck and victory to those who carry them and were often used as rosary beads. These make wonderful charm beads.

Driftwood: Driftwood is strongly associated with transformation and endurance. Pieces can be turned into charms and talismans for these purposes, or used as wands.

Fishing Nets: Fishing nets are most commonly associated with snaring or catching something, so they are perfect for use in binding spells or spells involving catching something. Because they are used to catch large amounts of fish, they are also associated with prosperity and abundance and can be used in spells wishing to draw things to you, especially wealth.

Hagstones: Hagstones are stones with naturally occurring holes in them. They are most often used for protection, but the hole can be used to see into the Otherworld or fae folk walking among us. They can be added to your hedge riding sachet or held to increase psychic abilities and ease travel to the Otherworld.

Mermaid's Purse: Mermaid's purses are actually egg sacks from sharks, skates, and rays. They are often black and often referred to as Devil's purses, sea purses, sailor purses, or maid's purses. They make excellent vessels for spells and rituals regarding growth, prosperity, birth, fertility, and renewal. They are also used for the protection of children, pregnancy, and pets. If you find one washed up on the beach, make sure the babies have hatched (there should be a hole) otherwise place it back into the ocean.

Mirror: Mirrors mimic the surface of still Water and can be used for scrying and divination. They can also be used for protection, in reflection spells, or as a portal to the Otherworld. Furthermore, mirrors are strongly associated with mermaids and can be used in glamour magic.

Orthoceras: This is another fossil similar to belemnite. Orthoceras is used in a similar way for protection and healing of the spine because it looks like vertebrae. It can also be used for general healing purposes.

Pearls: Pearls are a direct result of mollusks attempting to protect and heal themselves when grains of sand or other irritants get inside the mollusk's shell. The particle is encased in calcium bicarbonate, the same material used to make shells. As such, pearls are often used for healing and are directly associated with the Moon due to their shape and color. They can be used as offerings to deities, ancestors, and fae, in beauty rituals, rejuvenation and transformation spells, as well as for health and sexual potency.

Sand Dollar: Due to their star-like structure, Sand Dollars are associated with the pentagram. They can be used in money and prosperity spells, as well as rituals to bring wholeness.

Seahorse: Seahorses are most commonly used for protection and luck. Seahorses were also believed to ferry the souls of drowned sailors to the afterlife, and can, therefore, be used in ancestral or spirit work, especially involving drowned souls. Please note that purchasing seahorses online could inadvertently support farming businesses that harvest seahorses for profit. The best seahorses are those found naturally.

Sea Glass: Sea glass is glass that has been worn smooth by the sea. As such, it can be used similarly to driftwood in spells for endurance and transformation. Sea glass is also used in death and rebirth magic, as well as in color magic.

Seaweed: Seaweed, which is actually a protist, not a plant, is commonly used for fertility and prosperity due to its abundant nature. It can also be used for healing (think seaweed wraps) and to bind.

Shark Teeth: Shark teeth, or any marine teeth for that matter, is often used for protection and to add an aggressive kick to a spell. Shark teeth are great for curses and hexes, as well as making a spell more potent.

Shells: Shells have a wide range of uses based on the type of shell being used. For example, Conch shells are used for spirit communication and necromancy (often called oracle shells), while limpets are used for empowerment, courage, power, and wisdom. You can find a great list of shells and their magical uses here.

Starfish: Starfish are most commonly used in regeneration spells because starfish as able to regrow body parts that have been lost. This is why when crabbers started shopping up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean to get them to stop eating their crabs, they actually made the starfish situation worse. All of those pieces grew back into more starfish, causing a population boom. Thus, starfish are perfect for regeneration, new beginnings, regrowth, fertility, and prosperity magic. Being star-shaped, they are also associated with the petagram and therefore protection.

Witch Balls: These are also known as fisher floats, and are glass balls that wash up on shore. They are used for protection and to trap energy.


And there you have it. A complete list of types of Water as well as commonly used tools associated with Water! Below is a free 6-page printable for your Grimoire or Book of Shadows.

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Elemental Magic: Water Spells and Rituals

Water is, by nature, healing. My intuition told me to start with Water, and I am certainly glad I did. Now more than ever we need the healing energies of Water, and as time passes, we will need the grounding energies of Earth, the next element in this series. Today I have a number of spells and rituals that use Water, whether this is connecting with local Water spirits, using Water to heal, or relying on it's cleansing properties. Each of these spells and rituals is specifically designed to deepen your connection with Water, especially locally, as well as encourage you to use Water's healing properties to get us through this trying time.

This ritual is designed to help you connect with the spirits of a local Water source, whether this be a river, creek, lake, ocean, or any other Water source near you. This ritual is adapted from Aligning with a River Spirit from Avalon's Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition.

What You'll Need

• Trash Bag
• Natural Offering (shell, crystal, etc)
• Vial or Bottle
• Blanket (if you are uncomfortable sitting on the ground)
• Notebook

What to Do

Begin by traveling to a local Water source with your acquire items. I suggest the visiting on the Full or New Moon as these are great times to start new relationships with deities. Remember, the Dark Moon is different from the New Moon, and I would save the Dark Moon for resting. Find a quiet spot along the Water where you will not be disturbed and lay out your blanket if you are uncomfortable sitting on the ground. Scan the surrounding area for any trash or debris and pick up any trash you may happen to find. As you do so, take this time to also observe the surroundings. What plants are growing along the banks? Are there any animals? Is the Water cool or warm to the touch? Is there a breeze? What is the energy like in this space?

Once the area is clean and you have taken stock of the surrounding energies, return to your blanket or resting spot and sit or lie on the ground. Begin breathing deeply and exhaling slowly to reach a meditative state. Close your eyes and imagine your energy seeping into the Earth under you, helping you ground. Once grounded, keep your eyes closed and reach your energy out to the Water. Take a few moments to feel the energy of the Water, letting it wash over you. If the energy is light and receptive, continue with the ritual. If you feel uneasy or unwelcome, stop, thank the spirits for their time, and leave. You can try again on another date. Sometimes it takes time to build a relationship, especially with land spirits that are used to being abused.

If you feel the spirits are open to communication, open your eyes and walk into the Water if possible. If not, dip your hands into the Water. Close your eyes again and feel yourself becoming one with the Water. As you do so say, "This witch seeks to know you, spirits of the water, How your water ebbs and flows. How the Moon graces your rapids in the evening sky, and how the Sun warms you during the day. I seek to know the spirit of the water and all those who dwell upon its banks."

Pause and listen. You can remain standing in the water or return to your blanket on the bank. Sit in silence, paying close attention to any signs or messages from the Water spirits, especially any animal behaviors you may witness. If you don't see anything with your physical eye, try close your eyes and opening your Third Eye to see if you can sense anything on a spiritual plane.

When you are satisfied with this encounter, take your bottle and your offering and return to the water. Tell the spirits you are taking some Water to place on your altar to charge with positive intent and that you will return it in a moon cycle's time. Leave your offering in the Water or on the banks and return home. Place the Water on your altar and work with the Water you collected daily for a full moon cycle. This can be as simple as holding the vial every day and meditating with it. At the end of the moon cycle, return the water to its source and continue attempting contact. The more often you visit and work with the spirits of place, the more likely they are to help you in future magical workings. Remember, relationships take two people. Spirits do not want to work with witches that neglect them or fail to keep promises. Keep your word and continue to foster the relationship with the Water spirits by visiting regularly and meditating on the banks.

This is a pretty commonly discussed Water spell, so I am not going to go into too much detail here because online resources are so prevalent. Moon Water is Water that has been magically charged using moonlight. However, Moon Water isn't just created under the Full Moon; instead, it can be created using any phase of the Moon and therefore has different properties. If you are looking to work with a Moon phase, but weren't able to during the actual phase, Moon Water is an excellent substitute!

What You'll Need

• Glass Jar
• Filtered or Spring Water
• Label

What to Do

Begin by filling the glass jar with filtered or spring Water. You can also use Water from a local source, such as the river, lake, or ocean you have developed a relationship with. Once full, wait until night and place the jar somewhere it will receive moonlight. Leave out for as many hours as possible. Do not allow the Sun to touch the Water. When ready, bring inside and label the jar with the date, Moon phase, weather, and astrological events. Each of these will affect the properties of the Moon Water. Store in a dark place away from the Sun.

Types of Moon Water

New Moon Water: Water charged under the New Moon. Great for spells relating to new beginnings, such as a new job or business, new relationships, or if you are moving to a new place. New Moon Water is also great for watering newly planted seeds.

Waxing Moon Water: Water charged under the Waxing Moon. Great for spells relating to manifestation, attraction, growth, development, and evolution. Waxing Moon Water is great for success and money spells, as well as luck spells.

Full Moon Water: Water charged under the Full Moon. This is probably the most common form of Moon Water and can be used to strengthen spells and spiritual power. It can be used for just around anything, including bath and beauty spells.

Waning Moon Water: Water charged under the Waning Moon. Great for spells relating to banishment, and removals. Whether you are looking to get rid of a person, habit, or spirit, Waning Moon Water is the most potent Moon Water for getting rid of things.

Dark Moon Water: Water charged under the Dark Moon. While there is no moonlight during a Dark Moon, the energy of the moon is still potent. Dark Moon Water is best for hexes, curses, binding, and other otherwise "baneful" magic. On a lighter note, Dark Moon Water is excellent for justice spells, shadow work, protection magic, and death magic.

This water is similar to Moon Water, but instead using the Sun to magically charge the water. Sun Water is great for spells pertaining to strength, power, courage, happiness, lust, and love. Use it in solar energy spells, rituals, and baths, or as anointing or blessing water.

What You'll Need

• Glass Jar
• Filtered or Spring Water
• Label

What to Do

Begin by filling the glass jar with filtered or spring Water. You can also use Water from a local source, such as the river, lake, or ocean you have developed a relationship with. Once full, place in direct sunlight for several hours. When ready, bring inside and label the jar with the date, weather, and astrological events. Each of these will affect the properties of the Sun Water. Store in a dark place.

This simple spell is excellent for stopping someone in their tracks, especially if they are doing something to you that is causing harm. Freezer spells can also be used to freeze events and even emotions if you so desire. It's important to note that not all freezer spells work as we intend them to and they do not heal the situations causing us grief. Make sure you are specific in your intent. However, this spell is really easy to undo, so if it backfires, simply allow the spell to thaw!

What You'll Need

• Freezer-safe Container
• Totem- a piece of paper, hair, picture, etc
• Water

What to Do

Begin by picking out your container. By nature, freezing and binding spells are container spells designed to constrain or restrict the spell's target. I would go with a basic plastic container as they are the most freezer safe, but you can also use a "container" that resembles what you are trying to freeze, such as a cow tongue to stop gossip or cucumber/peach to stop unwanted sexual advances. Next, place your totem into the chosen container. Pictures, belongings, and hair work best for people, but writing their name on a piece of paper will work as well. If you are trying to bind and event or feeling, you can write the event/feeling on the paper as well. Fill the container with as much water as possible (vinegar or pee if you are really looking to spoil someone's intentions), seal, and place in the freezer.

Once the spell is in place, you have a couple of options as to how to go about breaking or disposing of the spell. If the spell backfires, simply unthaw the mixture and dispose of the spell contents in the trash (if it's safe) or bury them away from your home (if they are environmentally safe to be buried). If the spell works and the person, event, or feeling is "permanently" gone and unlikely to return, throw the entire container, unopened in the trash and remove it immediately from your home. You also have the option of leaving it frozen forever, or as long as you possibly can to prevent future "flare-ups." If the spell works for a time, but then the person, event, or feeling comes back, unthaw the spell slightly then refreeze. Do this every couple of days to increase the potency of the spell.

This spell using both Water and a Water symbol to help you let go of what no longer serves you. I find this spell works best for releases old feelings, habits, and even people we no longer need in our lives.

What You'll Need

• Seashell

What to Do

This spell is best performed at the beach but can be performed at any body of water if you already have a seashell on hand. Walk along the shore, looking for a shell that speaks to you. You may pass over many shells before you find one that is perfect for the intent of this spell. Pick up the shell and hold it in your hands. Close your eyes and think about what you want to release. Visualize all aspects of the emotion, event, or person. How does it make you feel? What pictures can you conjure up? Feel the seashell warming in your hands as you charge it with your intent. When ready, blow on the seashell, acting as the final infusion of your intent into this seashell. The act of blowing not only transfers the intent from you to the seashell, but also allows you to release the emotion, event, or person from yourself. Place the shell near the water where it can be washed out to sea. Stand on a shoreline for a while, feeling the ocean pull the emotion, event, or person away from you, swallowing it into its depths. Thank the ocean for accepting your burden. Leave a small offering, such as a piece of your hair or spit as thanks.

This bath combines the power of water with bay leaves and anise seeds to pack a powerful, purifying, protection punch. Do you like the alliteration there? Water and salt are great at washing away negatively and unwanted energies, while bay leaves and anise seeds are potent purifiers and protectors. Take this bath before a ritual, especially if you plan to work with spirits, or whenever you are feeling stagnant.

What You'll Need

• 10 Bay Leaves
• 2 Tablespoons Anise Seeds
• 2 Cups Boiling Water
• 1 cup Sea Salt or Epsom Salt

What to Do

Bring two cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the bay leaves and anise seeds and allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the infusion to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, fill your bath with warm water and add the salt. Stir the bath counterclockwise for banishment three times, then stir it clockwise three times for protection and luck. Hold you hands over the water and envision the bath filling with golden, purifying light. Strain the infusion and pour the strained water into the bath. Bathe for as long as you wish, imagining the negativity washing away while a protective shield forms around you.

If you don't have a bathtub, this mixture can easily be poured over you in a shower or you can use a washcloth to bathe your skin in the water before washing off. The infusion is very potent and should not be allowed to sit on the skin very long as it could cause skin irritation, rash, and even burning. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, avoid using them.

This spell bottle uses creatures of Water, as well as Water itself, to make a potent healing charm. It can be carried on your person, placed on your altar, placed on the afflicted area, or placed under the ailing person's bed/pillow.

What You'll Need

• Small Spell Jar
• Pieces of Coral (preferably red)
• 3 Pearls
• Full Moon Water
• Blue Sealing Wax or Candle Wax

What to Do

Cleanse all of your items using your preferred cleansing method. Hold the coral and pearls between your hands feeling them warm. Close your eyes and imagine them filling with healing white light. As you do so say, "I bless these objects of the sea. Bring me healing in my time of need. Ease my pain and suffering. Fill me with good health and well-being. So it is." Open your eyes and blow your intention into the coral and pearls. Place them into the spell jar and fill with Full Moon Water. Seal the jar and coat with blue wax.

Coral and pearls are known for the healing properties. Red coral, in particular, helps heal diseases of the blood, especially those related to womanly issues. It is also a symbol of immortality and was often used by sailors to protect their ships and ensure safe passage. Furthermore, coral is believed to reduce overall stress, thus helping aid the body in fighting infections. Pearls, on the other hand, are often associated with healing various organs, including the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and stomach. It is strongly associated with both the base and heart chakras, and works as a potent healing "crystal."  Furthermore, pearls are said to harmonize the body, allowing it to flow with the Moon cycles, thus allowing the body to heal naturally. The Full Moon Water, which has natural healing properties, is used to enhance the potency of the coral and pearls. The blue wax not only keeps the jar sealed completely but also aids in the healing properties of the spell jar, as blue is the color of health and water.

***

These spells are just some of the many uses of Water, some of which you can find elsewhere on my blog. You can also use Water for scrying, saining, as an offering, and as a base for elixirs and potions. The uses are endless! How do you use Water in your practice? Share your spells and ideas in the comments below!

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

If you liked this post and would like to support future content, please consider leaving a small tip in the jar. 

Elemental Magic: Connecting with Water Ritual

Now that we have covered water folklore and correspondences in great detail, its time to actually start working with water! Today I share a ritual to help you connect with Water more intimately and start building the foundation for healing and change. There are several tasks in this post and I encourage you to perform each of them with fidelity. Before we get started, however, I'd like to discuss what I put together for the first task presented last week.

The first task was to discover local water sources, map out where they are, and learn as much as you could about them, including their source, ending point, and any associated folklore. I set out to learn a little bit more about the bodies of water near my home, which included me discovering a new creek just down the road!

I am situated outside of Atlanta near two large lakes: Lake Allatoona and Lake Acworth. There are no naturally occurring lakes in Georgia. Every single one of them is man-made, including the two I live closest too. That doesn't make them any less magical, however. While I couldn't find any folklore associated with either of these lakes, I remember the "rumors" about them I grew up hearing. You see, I grew up in a house that backed up to Corp property. That meant we had trails galore heading down to Lake Allatoona. I spent all of my summer days and evenings tromping through the woods, playing in the creek, catching salamanders, and swimming in the lake. I came home muddy and smelly every day, but it was so worth it. As a child, we had all sorts of stories about how the lake formed. Supposedly the state flooded the area of a Native American burial site and the souls of those bodies now drown by the lake were restless and would sweep across the water at night. This explained the mists hovering above the water in the early morning hours. However, it isn't a flooded burial ground, but parts of it were part of a campground prior to the construction of the Allatoona Dam. The lake is mostly used to prevent flooding, generate electricity, and act as a recreational site. Several TV shows and movies, such as The Ozarks were filmed on Lake Allatoona and it brings in a lot of revenue each year. Its fed by a number of streams and creeks and rivers and "ends" in the Etowah River.

The Etowah River is also right by my house with the easiest location to enter it being roughly 5 or 6 miles down the road. The Etowah River begins in Dahlonega, Georgia and snakes around the upper part of the state, including right by my home, and into Rome, Georgia where it ends to form the Coosa River.  It's roughly a U-shape and while on paper it looks like it shouldn't flow the way it does, the elevation north of me in the mountains is actually lower in elevation than where I live! There is more folklore associated with the Etowah River because of the Etowah Indian Burial Mounds, but not much otherwise.

Apart from these two large bodies of water, I found through Google Maps a large pond behind my neighborhood that is part of a horse farm, a small unnamed creek behind the neighborhood next to mine, and W. Creek about a mile down the road. Unfortunately, I couldn't find public places to enter these bodies of water, but when I was stuck in traffic, looking at W. Creek, I was able to take a moment to reach out my energy to it and found that this is probably the most magical body of water close to my house. I am going to spend more time figuring out how to get to it and maybe ask the local landowners if I can visit. I am an environmental science teacher and I would like to test the water quality after all.

What were you able to find on your search?

Finding local water sources in your area is the first step in developing a deeper relationship with the elements that is also local in nature. I cannot stress enough how important it is that your craft be a local one. It's much easier to develop relationships with the spirits nearby than it is to attempt a long-distance relationship. As much as we may want it to work, things always end up falling apart, unless your in the movie the Lake House or something. Those two loved each other across time, but most of us find those types of relationships extremely difficult to cultivate and grow long-term.

Before we can dive into connecting fully with these local bodies of water, however, we need to establish a connection with Water in the first place! This ritual can be performed in a bathtub, shower, or by simply dipping your hands into a dish of water. I recognize that not everyone has a bathtub or can easily bathe on their own. As long as you are able to feel the Water in some way then you're good.

Ingredients:

• Bathtub, shower, or bowl of water (large enough to place your hands in without water spilling over)
• Glass of cool, drinkable water
• Towel

Directions:
Begin by running a warm bath or shower, or filling a bowl with cool water. Place the glass of water and towel somewhere you can reach it during this ritual.

If you are performing this ritual in the bath or shower, undress and enter the bath in a sitting position. Dip a finger in the water and draw an upside-down triangle around your naval. If you are familiar with chakras, this would be your sacral chakra which is associated with Water, intuition, and emotion. hence why people often say they have a "gut feeling" about things. Next, close your eyes and enter into a light meditative state. If you are using a bowl of water, submerge your hands into the bowl. Feel the Water around you and envision it in your mind. Hold onto this vision and reach your energy out to the Water around you. Feel its warmth or coolness seeping into your skin becoming one with you while your energy blends with it.

Hold on to this moment as long as you can and when ready let your mind trace the water down the drain or through the floor, back to the water treatment plant or underground, and out to the river. Travel with the water through the rapids, becoming one with it. If you are in a bath, sink into the water, melding with it as you travel. Try to travel with the water all the way to the ocean, becoming one with the salty waves. Feel the stresses of your daily life leaving you and the wildness of water replacing it. As you travel out into the ocean, feel it becoming calm and soothing. Allow your cares to wash away with it.

When you are ready, slowly pull your mind back to your body. You may find that your light meditation has deepened and it takes some time to return. Slowly open your eyes and if you are laying down lay there for a moment before sitting up. If you sit up too quickly you may become dizzy. If you are using a bowl of water, remove your hands and lightly dry them with the towel.

Grab the glass of water and close your eyes. Envision a blue or silver upside-down triangle in front of you then visualize it sinking into the glass infusing the water with the power of water you just experienced. Swirl the glass in your hand, slowing swirling the symbol of Water into the glass. When done, drink the glass of water, thus allowing the element to become one with you. Sit, drinking the water until the entire glass is gone. Not only will this help you join with the spirit of Water, but it also helps ground and rehydrate you after your journey.

When you are finished, lightly towel off, thank the Water for its time and be sure to journal about your experience. Keeping detailed notes is an integral part of any practice, and will help you keep track of your elemental magic journey should you need to come back to parts of it later. Next week I will include a ritual for connecting specifically with local water sources.

I love altars. I like designing them. I like looking at them. I like using them. Altars, especially when placed somewhere you frequent, are a great reminder to practice magic daily. They are also a great way to build a relationship with something, such as an element. Once you have established a connection with Water through the ritual above, you need to continue to nurture it so it may grow and one of the best ways to do that is with an altar dedicated just to water.

At least until Ostara, dedicate your altar to Water. How you set up your altar is completely up to you, but I encourage you to place a bowl of water on your altar as well as other symbols associated with Water. Below are some ideas of items to include:

• a blessed bowl, cup, or chalice of water
• seashells
• lapis lazuli, pearls, amethyst, aquamarine, blue agate, sodalite, moonstone, coral
• ammonite, crinoid, or fossilized horn coral
• cup tarot cards
• ferns, moss, willow, or seaweed
• driftwood
• fishing net
• witch balls
• blue or green marbles or jewels
• sea glass
• sand
• any other gifts you have collected along rivers, streams, lakes, or oceans

Once you have set up your altar, spend about 15 minutes a day lightly meditating about Water and the ritual experience you had. Dip your fingers into the water and draw an upside-down triangle around your belly button each time you do this. This process will ensure you form a bond with Water so you may use it intuitively in your spells in the future.

***

And there you have it! Let me know how things went in the comments below.

Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

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Elemental Magic: A Complete Guide to Water Folklore & Correspondences

The first stop on our elemental journey is Water, the element of emotions, healing, purification, and renewal. It is the perfect element to work with during the winter months because it is during winter that we spend time reflecting and setting goals for the future. This reflection process often includes shadow work where we confront past traumas to heal and break bad habits. Shadow work is by no means easy and takes more than a little self-reflection to work, but Water can help with the process greatly, especially in the beginning stages. In today's post, I will discuss the element Water in all her glory, from her history to her correspondences to how she works with the other elements. Because of the brevity of folklore and my personal background as a hedgewitch, I am mostly going to focus on European folklore regarding water. Saddle up because this is an incredibly long post because the history of water began with us.

Humans have always been deeply connected with water, which makes sense considering we are mostly comprised of water and need it to survive. Just a couple days without water and we die. Our ancestors knew this as well and discovered quite quickly that water had the ability to sustain and restore life, as well as take it away. Throughout history and across all cultures, water was revered, being associated with deities, spirits, souls, and the Otherworld. One of the most famous tales is of the River Styx, the river in Hades or the Underworld that separates the living world from that of the dead. To cross said river, you had to secure passage from Charon, the ferrymen, by paying him a coin. However, water folklore goes back even further.

Before the Roman invasion, much of Europe was inhabited by a series of tribes, united by a common language and similar spiritual beliefs, called the Celts. The Celts believed water to be sacred and viewed it as a liminal place, a place between our world and the Otherworld. As such, a series of myths arose around major water sources across Europe. When the Romans, who had their own set of water beliefs and rituals, invaded, they meshed many of the Celtic ideas of water with their own. These traditions were so prevalent and such a cornerstone of society, that when the Christians invaded sometime later, they found it impossible to squash the pagan beliefs. Instead of trying to stamp it out, they wrote over the pagan names with Christian names (much like they did with our holidays), thus preserving much of the folklore related to water, even to this day. From wells and springs to rivers and lakes to the wide-open ocean, folklore abounds.

Across Europe, especially in the UK, there are several sacred wells and natural founts or springs riddled with folklore. While different in location and water type, it was generally believed that these sources of water were imbued with healing properties that could cure just about any ailment. Archeological sites, folklore, and existing wells inform us that there were a number of sacred wells designated across Europe as healing wells. Many of these wells were originally revered by the Celts and later picked up by the Romans who enhanced many well practices across the continent by encouraging the practices and adding their own twist. The Roman philosopher Seneca declared, "Where a spring rises or a water flows there ought we to build altars and offer sacrifices." The Romans took this very seriously, building a series of shrines across the continent. When the Christians arrived, they adopted these same practices, turning the sacred wells into holy places with holy water named after saints. Some of the most famous of these healing wells include Chalice Well in Glastonbury and the Temple of Sulis at Bath. Chalice Well is a red well, meaning the water has a reddish tint due to iron deposits, which has long associated the well with blood and healing. It is believed to be the final resting place of the Holy Grail, hence the name Chalice Well. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the well has been in constant use for over two thousand years, long before the Christian arrived in England. In fact, dozens of flints have been found from the upper Paleolithic to Mesolithic period as well as a sherd from the Iron Age. Historically, the water was used to heal a variety of ailments, including to cure asthma. More recently, the well has become known as a symbol of feminine transformation (again think blood). The Temple of Sulis, however, is one of the few remaining wells or baths with a name that is not Roman or Christian. This suggests that the goddess Sulis, the Goddess of the Gap, was so entrenched in the culture that she couldn't be removed. The Temple of Sulis is a hot spring outside of Bath that has long used for healing and rejuvenation, the warm water being used as a cure-all for whatever ailments one had. The springs were popular well into the 20th century. In fact, it was so heavily used, it shows up in literature from the time and modern-day movies and some of the baths are still open to the public today. These curative properties associated with wells makes sense when we look at the chemistry of the water. Water that bubbles up from the earth is full of minerals that also have therapeutic properties while others are toxic. These minerals include calcium, bicarbonates, irons, sulfur, magnesium, and salt, but also arsenic and radon gas. Magnesium helps regulate cellular processes and muscle relaxation while iron cures anemia and fatigue and calcium aids in bone growth and healing as well as digestive disorders. Radon and arsenic, however, are toxic, and likely explain the visions people received after drinking or bathing in these water sources.

However, like all things, wells not only had the power to heal but also the power to curse. Despite Sulis Temple being largely used for its healing and restorative powers, it was also used for cursing, an ode to the dual nature of the Goddess of the Gap, the goddess between our world and the next. When archeological digs began, more than one hundred lead curse tablets were found inscribed mostly with curses for people who had done them harm or stolen from them (likely their clothes!). Part of this association with cursing may also arise from the fact that some of the sacred wells contained toxic water or even water that would turn living things to stone, like Dropping Well. Items that fall into Dropping Well, including animals, leaves, insects, and votive offerings, quickly turned to stone. At the time, it was believed to be the work of witches, but modern science tells us the waters at Dropping Well contain high levels of carbonates, sulfates, and silica that coat the objects in a layer of mineral thus turning them to "stone." As a hedgewitch, however, I find that I am most drawn to the folklore surrounding wells as being portals to the Otherworld.

Water has often been viewed as a liminal space, a point between our realm and that of the spirits. Wells, in particular, had been not only been revered for their curative and cursing properties but also for their connection with the Otherworld as a portal. One of my favorite stories that hint at wells being portals is The Horned Women. In this Celtic folktale, a wealthy woman's home is overrun by 12 horned witches who set to the task of spinning wool. The woman, upon seeing all these witches in her home tries to awake her family and finds she cannot move or speak until the witches ask for her to make them a cake. She asks to fetch water and they tell her to use a sieve and return with haste lest her family suffer. Try as she might, she cannot fill the sieve with water and falls to the ground weeping next to the well. A voice from the well tells her to not despair and that she should fill the sieve with yellow clay and moss and when she returns home she should say "The mountain of the Fenian women and the sky over it is all on fire." She thanks the well and does as she was asked. Upon hearing the mountain was on fire, the witches cry out in anguish and flee. The well again speaks to the woman and explains how she can safeguard her house from the witches. Not long after the witches return, demanding entry, but the spells hold and they are not allowed to enter the. In a fit of rage, having lost what they believed to be an easy meal, they flee into the night, cursing the well for cursing them. The voice in the well suggests that spirits can cross between realms at such locations and that it may be possible for humans to do so as well. The latter is also mentioned in the Brothers Grimm folktale, Mother Holle. In the tale, a young girl pricks her finger on a spindle and falls into a well where she passes into the Otherworld and meets Mother Holle who gifts her with gold after she completes a series of tasks. Again, this tale strongly suggests wells can be used to travel to the Otherworld. In the Yucatan forest, the Mayans, like the Celts, viewed their wells as portals to the Otherworld known as Xibalba. They believed that the holes filled with water, also called cenotes, were passages back in time to the time of the gods. And this isn't just wells that are associated with being portals. Lakes and rivers are also deeply associated with astral travel and the Otherworld, as seen with the Lady of the Lake and the River Styx.

In modern hedgecraft, wells, rivers, and lakes can be used to help you travel to the Otherworld by acting as your beginning location. When you begin the visualization to enter into the Otherworld, many witches, especially those deeply connected with water, can visualize a body of water to act as a gate. To travel to the Otherworld using a well or another body of water, visualize yourself descending into its waters, swimming deep into the darkness until you reach a light at the end of the tunnel. You may find yourself just about to give up, running out of air, before you finally break the surface on the other side. Once you have reached the other side, be sure to travel back the same way you came so you can return safely to your body.

Apart from wells and founts, rivers played a key role in many folktales that still survive to this day. As already mentioned, several myths involving the Underworld include traveling across a river, such as the River Styx or Sildir from Norse mythology. As such, rivers became associated with death as well as life. In the case of the Egyptians, the Nile River was viewed as a life-bringer as annual flooding brought life-giving water and fertile silt to the valleys so crops could flourish. The Nile was so prominent in Egyptian life that it was given its own god, Hapi. The annual flooding was often referred to as the "Arrival of Hapi." However, the Nile was also viewed as a portal to the Underworld, that the souls of the dead crossed the "river of heaven" heading west to set and then rising again to be reborn in the east. Mesopotamia had similar myths. In the Sumerian poem, Gilgamesh and the Netherworld, the god Enki travels to the Underworld via a boat on a river. This idea is further perpetuated in The Babylonian Theodicy which states "Of course our fathers pay passage to go death's way, / I too will cross the river of the dead, / as is commanded from the old." We see similar stories appearing across Europe as well, with the Greek River Styx and the Celtic lore involving the ferryman Barinthus. The name Barinthus is derived from Barrfind which translates to "white hair." As such, Barinthus is often depicted with white hair and a white beard, a personification of Death himself. Today witches call upon Barinthus to ferry them to Avolon or the Otherworld while journeying. Across all cultures, there are stories of the Weeping Woman, Banshee, Bean-Nighe, or the White Woman found near rivers, often washing clothing sometimes stained in blood. These women are viewed as omens of death and anyone who sees or hears her cries will soon die or experience death within the family. Slavic funerary songs also mention souls traveling across a river: "A river runs here, a fiery river, / From east to west, / From west to north, / Over that river, the fiery river, / Drives the Archangel Michael, the light. / He transports souls, the souls of the righteous..." As such, rivers can be used like wells to cross into the Otherworld, communicate with spirits, or commune with the dead. North-flowing rivers can be used to send messages to the Otherworld or send spells on their way.

Apart from being associated with death and the Otherworld, rivers have long been associated with healing and life as well. South-flowing rivers are believed to be healing rivers in Scottish folklore while other Celtic traditions believe water traveling toward the Sun is gifted with healing properties. Several charms call for water from a river to cure anything from headaches to curses, as the running water was believed to wash the ailment away. One of the most famous myths surrounding the healing properties of rivers is once again the River Styx. To prevent his death, Thetis took her son Achilles to the River Styx where she held him by the ankle and dipped him into the water. This made Achilles invulnerable to harm, except around his ankle where his mother held him. As such, Achilles grew strong and was never sick nor injured until his untimely death due to a stray arrow hitting his "heel." Today, the Ganges River is said to purify the soul, removing impurities from past lives and corporeal sins. As such, rivers can be used to wash away negativity, impurities, ailments, and stress.

Like wells and rivers, lakes were also viewed as sacred places. The most famous of lake tales comes to us from Arthurian legend: the Lady of the Lake, a faery woman who gifts Author with the legendary sword Excalibur, enchants Merlin, and raises Lancelot after he is orphaned. We also have the famous Loch Ness monster, believed by many to be an elusive water horse. Both of these myths suggest, much like all water sources, that lakes are a liminal place where spirits and humans can pass between realms. And, like other water sources, lakes can be used for healing purposes as well. Being still and calm, lake water is believed to heal, remove curses, and treat illnesses especially those related to stress and anxiety. Flowers growing along the banks were believed to have more potent healing potential than similar flowers growing away from the lake as they were imbued with the magical waters. The still lake water was also often used for reflective magic or for divination, the waters acting as a mirror.

But not all folklore surrounds freshwater sources. Being as vast and dangerous as it is, the ocean has played a dominant role in human history and thus has its own magical properties and folklore. You could write an entire book on sea folklore and witchcraft, and people have, so I am just going to give a brief overview here. The ocean played a major role in the development of civilizations around the world. For a long time, the ocean was impassible and untameable, which led our ancestors to tie the sea to destruction, instability, and chaos. It was believed that the ocean was ruled by the gods, which had any variety of names including Neptune, Poseidon, and Aegir, and without currying their favor, there was no way you could pass. In Celtic lore, the sea was also heavily associated with witches who were believed to be able to control the weather, especially on the open ocean, and could, therefore, bring the demise of travelers. The Odyssey is one of the best surviving myths surrounding the ocean where we see just how fickle the gods could be when it came to allowing travelers to safely pass. Odysseus, the hero of the epic, blinds Poseidon's son, Polyphemus, thus incurring the wrath of Poseidon who makes Odysseus' journey home extremely difficult and long to ensure he returns home to even more problems. The story is also filled with one of my favorite nature spirits, the siren. Sirens were originally companions of Persephone and when they failed to prevent her rape, they were transformed as punishment, condemned to lure men to their deaths for all eternity (Love it!). In The Odyssey, Odysseus ties himself to the front of his ship so he may hear the sirens first to alert his crew to stuff their ears with wax so they may safely sail out of harm's way. Sirens continue to appear in a number of myths across multiple cultures, including another Greek tale involving Jason and Orpheus. Jason commands Orpheus to drown out the siren's songs with his lyre so they may safely pass. Folklore is also filled with another favorite mythological creature, the mermaid which according to Assyrian legends, began with the goddess Atargatis when she transformed herself into a mermaid after accidentally killing her human lover. Originally, mermaids were believed to be the causes of floods, storms, shipwrecks, and drownings, much like sirens. Either way, the sea was believed to be full of dangers, and rightly so, as many travelers have lost their lives to its fickleness.

With the somewhat taming of the sea, the ocean began to be associated with life, abundance, and plenty as it provided an abundance of food. Later myths show a change in mermaid folklore, portraying them to be benevolent beings who bestowed boons on sailors and human lovers. Christopher Columbus reported seeing a mermaid during his voyage, which may have led to his safe passage. These boons sometimes took the form of mermaid's purses, shark, skate, or ray egg sacs that washed up onshore. (You can read more about mermaids here). Furthermore, the tides often brought in all sorts of treasures for beachcombers that could be used for a variety of purposes in daily life or to create sailor charms. For example, white hag stones, stones with a hole naturally worn in the middle, were often combined with a Mary bean or Malaga nut from Brazil to bring good luck and protection to sailors. Sea urchins were placed on mantles in homes and even in ships to ensure there would be bread to eat.

While many of the deities associated with the ocean are masculine, the ocean is heavily influenced by the Moon, a feminine aspect, which controls the ebb and flow of the tides. In Norfolk and Suffolk, it is believed that children born at ebb tide, the period between high and low tide when the water flows out, would face many challenges in life, while more children were born during flow or flood tide, when the tide is coming in. Being a movement of water inward, these children would likely face better prospects in life. Ebb tide was used for banishing, destroying obstacles, and sending things or people away. Flow tide, on the other hand, was used for growth, expansion, hastening, creation, and creativity. High tide and low tide were also heavily associated with magic. High tide was used for prosperity and abundance magic while low tide was used much like ebb tide for banishing, shadow word, chord cutting, and breaking habits.

And these are all just bodies of water! There is numerous folklore about dew, mists, and rain! Again, there is absolutely too much folklore on these subjects to include in this post, so I'm going to very briefly summarize. Dew has long been a prized magical ingredient, especially in protection and glamour magic. Especially lazy and dirty women and children were believed to be taken away by faeries where they were carefully cleansed by morning dew becoming more beautiful upon their arrival home. Most famously, however, dew was often collected and applied before sunrise on May Day (Beltane) to heal and as a glamour. On the Summer Solstice, it was believed that dew would increase one's strength. Across Europe, especially in Britain, dew was believed to have curative properties. It was often applied to the eyes to help eye pain or rubbed on warts and freckles to remove them. Dew collected from stones with depression or cups called Bullaun Holes were used by wise women and men in medicines to enhance their restorative qualities. Sometimes the dew was collected with a white rag and tied around the ailing part to help it heal faster.

While dew was often seen as a healer, mists were viewed as a magical veil that was used by spirits of the Otherworld to shroud themselves. Furthermore, Celtic folklore suggests that not only did the fae and other spirits arrive with the mist, but the mist could carry you away as well, bringing you to the water if you weren't careful. With mist and fog, it is believed all manner of devilish creatures can walk the Earth. People often report seeing black dogs, an omen of death, in the mists or hearing the luring voices of women calling them out to sea. However, in the Haudenosaunee myth The Maid of the Mist, the maiden is a savor who warns her village of impending doom. In almost all legends, the mists act as a portal or gateway between realms, thus becoming an excellent hedge riding tool for astral travel.

Rain, on the other hand, as a complete set of unique myths, but in most cases, rain is associated with life, fertility, and healing. Originally, the rain was associated with spontaneous generation and was believed that frogs and worms came directly from rain, thus associating it with life, abundance, and fertility. Oden, a Norse god of fertility among other things, was also associated with the rain. I'm sure you can figure out what the rain was meant to be in this case. In Greek mythology, rain is believed to be the tears of Calandra, daughter of Hades, mourning the death of her beloved, Orestes, son of Zeus. Zeus and Hades, upon hearing of their love, struck down Orestes and locked Calandra in the clouds to mourn for all eternity. Rainwater has been used in all manner of magical ways, including spells for rejuvenation, healing, protection, cursing, and nourishment. Rainwater alone deserves a post of its own, which I'll likely do this year sometime in April because "April showers bring May flowers..."

Phew! That was a lot to cover! As you can see, I've only scratched the surface of water folklore. There is plenty more from Asia, Africa, and the Americas that wasn't touched on here. There simply isn't enough time for me to cover everything in great detail, but this folklore provides a deeper understanding of how important water has been throughout human history. It is the bringer of life and death, a healer and a curse. Without water and all its amazing, properties humans would not be where we are today. It nourishes our bodies, helps our cells and organs function and while aiding plants in creating food. It helps us and our planet maintain a relatively constant temperature and allows cell membranes to form a double layer. Its a universal solvent, acting as a carrier for all manner of solutes such as salt and aiding in digestion. Its uses are endless, both practically and magically and no amount of writing will ever do it justice.

Below is a quick correspondence guide for water, including a free printable page for your Book of Shadows!

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Moon, Neptune, Pluto
Time: Twilight
Season: Fall
Direction: West (although if the closest body of water to you is a different direction, use that instead)
Tarot Cards: Cups
Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Symbolism: emotion, intuition, psychic abilities, love, unconscious mind, fertility, self-healing, reflection, lunar energy, deep feelings, curses, death
Symbols: Ocean, lake, river, fog, mist, creek, well, spring, pond, rain, shell, sea glass, driftwood, cup, chalice, bowl, trident, seaweed, hag stones, cauldron
Deities: Oshun, Davy Jones, Danu, Grannus, Lir, Llyr, Sinann, Selkie, Sulis, Nix, Nerthus, Nehalennia, Aegir, Achelous, Alpheus, Brizo, Ceto, Doris, Eurybia, Graeae, Nerus, Nerites, Poseidon, Tethys, Thetis, Coventina, Fontus, Juturna, Neptune, Salacia, Tiberinus, Ap, Yami, Ganga, Mokosh, Veles, Anuket, Hapi, Nephthys, Satet, Sobek, Tefnut, Enki, Marduk, Nammu, Sirsir, Tiamat, Hebo, Mazu, Gonggong, Suijin, Susanoo, Cerridwen
Nature Spirits: Undine, nymph, mermaid, finfolk, lake ladies, water maidens, Cailleach, water horse, kelpie, bean-nighe, banshee, white woman, washerwoman, water cows, faeries associated with wells, streams, ponds, or lakes
Colors: Blue, silver, white, gray, seafoam, indigo, aquamarine, bluish-silver, black
Food and Drink: water, tea, apple, pear, coconut, strawberry, watermelon
Herbs: seaweed, aloe, fern, water lily, lotus, moss, willow, gardenia, apple, catnip, chamomile, cattail, lettuce, kelp, birch, cabbage, coconut, cucumber, comfrey, eucalyptus, gourd, geranium, grape, licorice, lilac, pear, strawberry, tomato
Crystals and Gemstones: Moonstone, pearl, silver, aquamarine, amethyst, blue tourmaline, lapis lazuli, fluorite, coral, blue topaz, beryl, opal, coral
Animals: fish, snake, frog, crab, lobster, eel, shark, dragonfly, seahorse, dolphin, sea otter, seal, whale, alligator, crocodile, beaver, octopus, penguin, salamander, turtle, starfish, koi, coral, barnacle, manta ray, manatee, jellyfish, nautilus, heron, duck, geese, crane, swan, water birds, ammonite, dragons, serpents

How does water work with the other elements?

Water with Fire: Water can be used to extinguish Fire, while Fire can evaporate Water forming steam, mist, and fog.
Water with Earth: Water can feed the Earth, providing it with life-giving properties so plants may flourish. However, Water can also destroy Earth through waterlogging, flooding, and erosion.
Water with Air: Water and Air can combine to corrode and dissolve metals or Air can act as a carrier for Water, transporting water vapor around the world, thus aiding in the water cycle. Furthermore, Air can be used to make Water, as Water is one part oxygen and two parts hydrogen (both originally gasses). If combining their more potent forms, Water and Air can combine to form hurricanes and thunderstorms.

Your task for the next couple of days is to research local bodies of water where you live. Where is the nearest body of water? Can you walk to it? How clean is the water? If it man-made or natural? What is its source? Where does it begin? Where does it end? Is there any folklore associated with it?

Don't worry about traveling to this body of water just yet. You can use Google Maps (with satellite view on) to get a good idea of what your local terrain looks like from above. This is a great way to map out your area and begin finding those magical places. Take stock of where your local water sources are and write down anything you learn in your Book of Shadows or Grimoire. While it seems simple, this task is extremely important and helps you build a more local practice.


Interest in the rest of the series? Here's what's to come!

Elemental Magic Series

Introduction to the Elements
Water
Water Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Water Ritual
Tools of Water
Water Spells and Rituals
Earth
Earth Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Earth Ritual
Tools of Earth
Earth Spells and Rituals
Fire
Fire Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Fire Ritual
Tools of Fire
Fire Spells and Rituals
Air
Air Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting With Air Ritual
Tools of Air
Air Spells and Rituals
Spirit
Spirit Folklore & Correspondences
Connecting with Spirit Ritual
Tools of Spirit

Putting It All Together

Looking for more information on the elements? Check out my posts on the topic:

Representing the Elements with Crystals
Infograph: Water
Infograph: Earth
Infograph: Fire
Infograph: Air

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