Water Magick
The properties of water are both constant and variable at the same time. Water exists on the Earth in three forms: solid (ice), liquid, and gas (evaporated). Water magick is very versatile; it incorporates techniques that bring about changes both within and without. For water magick to occur within, one must consume the water or call upon that aspect of the self. For it to occur without, one must bathe in it, swim in it, cleanse with it, etc.
Not all liquid magick belongs in the realm of water. For instance, brews that incorporate vinegar or alcohol as the primary ingredient fall in the domain of fire.
The magickal properties of particular types of water can be used for the following purposes:
Creeks and streams: Purification, harmony, cleansing
Dew: General health, eyesight, beauty. Dew is said to be especially powerful if gathered at dawn on Beltane.
Fog and mists: Creativity, balance, partnerships
Ice: Transformations, balance, creativity
Pond or lake water: Peace, contentment, relaxation, self-reflection.
Rain water: Energy, protection, cleansing. The first rain that falls in the month of May is considered sacred to the Water Witch
River water: Cleansing, moving forward, protection
Seawater: Health, magickal power, manifestation of goals. An old Welsh belief states that a spoonful of sea-water a day will ensure a long and healthy life.
Snow: Transformations, balance
Spring water: Growth, holy water, cleansing, protection, prosperity
Swamp and waste water: Banishing, binding
Waterfalls: Power, energy, success
Well water: Healing, wishes, intuition
The Water Witch also has an attachment to the ares surrounding the water, which can be used for the following magickal purposes:
Beaches: Rituals, spells, fascinations, meditations
Harbors: To promote abundance and prosperity; to serve as an aid in banishing things
Riverbanks: To increase personal power
In Santeria practices, water from particular environments is offered as food to specific Orishas, as follows:
Ogun and Babalu-Aye: Pond water
Oya: Rain water
Oshun: River water
Yemaya: Seawater
In addition, Santeria incorporates the use of a special cleansing water called omiero. Omiero is comprised of sacred herbs, belonging to the Orisha being petitioned, and water. It is steeped upon coals to bring out the magickal properties. The making of omiero is complicated and has a full ceremony attached to it. The resulting product is used for initiation purposes.
