Sea Witchcraft Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

What Is A Hag Stone? Lore, Magick & Where to Find Hag Stones

kitty fields — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 18:13:50 +0000

Hag stones, also called holey stones, are curious little charms found in Celtic lore that in modern times are gaining popularity in the magical community. You might have heard them called holey stones, Odin stones, or even fairy stones. But they are all technically the same thing. In this article, we answer the question, what is a hag stone? We dive into their lore and magick, plus where to find these magical little objects. What is a Hag Stone? Origins and Lore Is it a stone that’s come from a hag? No, not necessarily. Though hags like me do enjoy having these stones around. To the point – they are rocks or even pieces of hardened coral that have a hole straight through them. Here’s the key to knowing if you have a hag stone or not – hold the hole up to your eye and see through it. If you can’t see straight through to the other side, it’s not a hag stone. Hag stones are made by natural wear and tear from the elements: water, wind, and erosion over time. They’re steeped in folklore worldwide and have many names. You might have heard them also called holey stones, faerie stones, witch stones, or Odin’s stones. Depending on the region, you’ll hear hag stones called different things because of the various legends attached to them. Some sources also claim they’re the same thing as adder stones or serpent eggs, but there’s no concrete evidence to connect the adder’s stone of ancient myth to the hag stone. Why They’re Also Called Odin’s Stones Why are they called Odin’s stones? In an ancient poem, Odin has a dwarf drill a hole through a magical auger stone. The dwarf is reluctant but finishes the work. Odin shifts into a snake and enters the stone, only to shift into a young man on the other side. You see, the stone gave Odin the ability to move between worlds and shapeshift with ease. Odin’s stone helped him steal the mead of poetry. Hag stones are considered good luck. They’re amulets worn to ward off illness, evil spirits, and negative energy in general. But they’re also known to bring prosperity and health. Place them around the home, on your altar, or wear one to harness its full protective powers. Legend has it Druids once wore these stones around their neck as a sort of badge of honor or status. Where to Find Hag Stones Hag stones can be purchased online or in metaphysical shops. They can also be given to you. HOWEVER, the best way to find a hag stone is to be gifted one by nature herself. Truthfully, I searched for these magical charms for YEARS. Every time I went to the beach or to the creek, I looked. But I never found one. Until one day my daughter pulled three of them up from the ocean bed at the beach. It’s always when you least expect it, and when the otherworld feels you’re ready for the magick. It’s easier to find them at the ocean beach after a storm OR after a round of dredging where the sandy ocean bottom has been stirred up. (You might even find a prehistoric shark’s tooth) Don’t just comb the shoreline where you can see, get into the water knee deep and grab handfuls of sand. See if this methods turns up a holey stone. It was effective for my daughter! I’ve heard people say it’s not a true hag stone if you find it at the beach. These folks are misinformed. A hag stone can be found at ANY kind of beach including the shoreline at the ocean, river, creek, lake, etc. If you find a stone with a hole straight through it near a body of water or on a shoreline, it’s an authentic hag stone and it was meant for you! How to Use Them in Your Magick So you’ve found a hag stone or three or four. What do you do with them now? The options are endless. Truly. However you feel drawn to use them is how you should use them. But here are a few ways in which I use hag stones in my magickal practice. For Protection First, as a form of protection. Which aligns with old British lore. By hanging a hag stone on a red string and hanging it by your front door, you ward off evil in many forms. Hanging a hag stone with any cord, thread or string is protective in general and may align with the concept of the union between male and female (string enters hole). Some see the stone as a symbol of the goddess’ womb, and therefore carrying her protective, nurturing essence. Placing a box of holed stones beneath your front porch guards the household as well. According to author Gemma Gary in her book Silent As the Trees, one particular hagstone artifact is housed in the Scarborough Museums Trust’s Collection in England. This stone is “threaded onto knotted twine, and is labelled a ‘marestane’. It was prepared and sold by an Exmouth wise woman in 1910 to be hung on a bedstead to ward off nightmares.” In addition, the reason they are called hag stones is for this same reason – to prevent a hag from sitting on your chest at night (the supernatural explanation for sleep paralysis). Hang one from your bedpost, next to your bed, or wear it. Interestingly, you’ll hear these stones are used to “see” faeries (as we’ll detail in the next paragraph), but they’ve also been employed to ward off the fae. Especially being hung around horses’ necks to prevent the pixies from riding them at night. According to the historian Grose, they also prevent witches from riding horses, often tied to a stable key. Look into the Eye: The Holey Stone as a Seer Stone In Neil Gaiman’s popular book “Coraline”, the heroine of the story peers through the hole in the stone to “see” […]

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Types of Mermaids Worldwide: 25+ Selkies, Merrows, and More

kitty fields — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 00:57:59 +0000

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be part of their world. Mermaids, that is. I swam in the pool, with my feet “fused” together, and emerged to the surface only to flip my long hair behind me. Just like Ariel. I was obsessed with all things mermaid. Following this Disney affliction (I mean, addiction), I spent years of my life researching and reading about these illusive mythical sea creatures. And I learned that there are literally dozens of types of mermaids…and they’re not just seen in Europe. They’re seen worldwide! First, What Is A Mermaid, Exactly? Are mermaids real? And what is a mermaid, exactly? These are questions that most little girls and imaginative individuals of all ages ask. There was a “documentary” some years back that gave us a glance into the supposed mermaid sightings worldwide. Unfortunately, most of the documentary was fabricated and it confused many of us. They portrayed mermaids as being real, corporeal beings with flesh and bone. I feel the problem with this depiction is that mermaids, mermen, and many other mythical sea creatures are in fact in the spirit realm. They are elementals. Guardians of sea and sky. And if they are in fact spiritual beings, this explains how they are able to shapeshift, traverse between worlds, and much more. 25+ Types of Mermaids Worldwide Mermaids are a comparative myth. This means multiple cultures, on nearly every continent, share similar legends about human-like sea creatures. Dating back thousands of years, we have archaeological proof of people’s belief in these mysterious beings. There were even gods and goddesses who were portrayed as part-fish, part-dolphin, etc. This list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope you learn something new! And, for clarification, any human-like creature whose home is the sea can be called a mermaid or merman. Mer-maid means sea-maid. 1. Alven (Ottermaaner): A Type of Elven Mermaid River Alven are an interesting type of mermaid found in The Netherlands. They are also called ottermaaner, meaning otter-men and are technically also classified as a type of elf. They are similar to the Selkie in that they shapeshift into otters using magical otter-skins (whereas the selkie shifts using seal-skin). Some say the Ottermaaner travel in bubbles, bobbing to and fro above the water. They are most commonly seen inhabiting the River Elbe. 2. Blue Men of the Minch The Blue Men of the Minch are the type of mermaid you don’t want to meet in person. They’re known for being violent and causing shipwrecks along the Scottish coastline. They’re also called Storm Kelpies. With blue skin and a craving for poetry, the Blue Men are sometimes linked to the ancient Picts of Scotland, who painted their skin blue. If you see a Blue Man, floating on top of the water, he’ll ask you to recite a poem to entertain him. If you refuse, he will turn over your boat or, unbeknownst to you, lead you to your death later on. 3. Camenae Speaking of gods and goddesses, the Camenae were Greek goddesses of the sacred wells and fountains. They were invoked to guard and guide women in childbirth and eventually became syncretized with the Greek Muses. The Camenae’s dedicated spring is located just outside the Porta Capena. The Baths of Caracalla sit in the valley that used to be covered in forests and springs. A site in which healing was given to those who sought it from the water goddesses. The Camenae were also known to prophesy. 4. Corrigans The people of Brittany, France descend from the Bretons, a Celtic people who also inhabited parts of the British Isles in ancient times. And we all know the Celts had strong beliefs in faeries and elementals. Corrigans, similar to Camenae, are a type of mermaid that inhabit smaller bodies of water in Brittany. Rivers, springs, wells and fountains are their home. They also share common qualities with Sirens: singing, combing their hair, and luring men to their deaths. Interestingly, they’re one of few mermaids that steal children and replace them with changelings. 5. Dracs: A Dragon Type of Mermaid in France No, we’re not talking about Dracula. Though the names correlate. The syllable drac means dragon. And so we have these French female water-serpents that shapeshift into anything they please including beautiful young women and dragons. Oddly, dracs also appear above the water as golden chalices…only to lure you to the water’s edge. When you reach in to grab the treasure, the drac pulls you under! This terrifying type of mermaid is seemingly related to the dragon-spirit Melusine. They’ve been seen in the River Rhone, but are also known to visit nearby towns searching for children and young women to steal. 6. Finfolk The first time I read about the Finfolk, I was utterly taken. These sea gardeners are best known in the Orkeny Islands for growing and tending to lavish underwater gardens. Finfolk appear to be of the same species as your typical mermaid or merman: half-human with the tail of a fish in place of legs. Finwives (female finfolk) are beautiful, have long hair, and were often kidnapped and forced to marry human men. Finmen (male finfolk) were less attractive, had dark countenances, and cause ships to wreck when their territory is threatened. Some stories say finfolk kidnap humans and take them to their underwater world, forcing them to marry and stay there forever. 7. Mal-de-mer: An Evil Type of Mermaid Yet another type of mermaid from Brittany is the Mal-de-mer. Their name translates to “evil of the sea” or malevolent mermaid. They are also accused of wrecking ships. Not surprisingly, mal-de-mer is also a term that means seasickness. 8. Mermaids and Mermen The longer I study mer-beings, the more I believe mermaid and merman are more general terms for human-like sea creatures worldwide. It’s a general classification. Similar to saying a blue jay is a type of bird. You’d also say a Drac or Corrigan is a type of mermaid. But, […]

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Binding Rituals: What Are They, When & How to Bind

kitty fields — Tue, 05 May 2020 23:06:07 +0000

Binding is one of those hot terms in the witch community. Some people do them, others proclaim against them. In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of binding and answer your questions: what are binding rituals? When should we cast a binding spell? And give you a few examples of how to bind a person, event, or thing. What Are Binding Rituals? First of all, let’s define the term binding in the magical sense. What you’re thinking when you hear the word binding is probably already correct. Binding means to tie or adhere two things together OR to bind something/someone to itself. Some people believe binding rituals get into gray magic and go against universal magical laws. Others claim binding rituals are effective and should be used when necessary. We’ll get into the ethics later on. 2 Kinds of Bindings There are two kinds of binding rituals. The first is binding something or someone to itself. If you get the metaphorical image of a rope tied around someone or something to keep it in its place, then you’d be right. Magically speaking, witches and magicians use this form of binding ritual typically to prevent someone or something from causing harm to other people/things or to themselves. The second kind of binding ritual binds two people or two things together. An example of a binding ritual of this kind is a pagan Handfasting ritual in which two people swear their love to one another for a year before deciding on marriage or not. This is a voluntary binding when both parties are willing. A more dangerous form of this is to bind a person to you without them knowing. Ancient Binding Magic There is evidence to suggest binding rituals are as old as time. While there are many ways to do a binding, originally it was done with knot work, ribbons, and ties. Hence the name binding. The ancient Egyptians used knot work in their rituals and magic, indicating they were engaging in some form of binding rituals. Sea Knot Magic: “Binding the Wind” Sailors across the world believed in the power of knot magic. They often employed witches and other magicians to “bind the wind” with knots in a magical rope. Then when the sailors were stuck at sea with no wind, they would un-tie the knot to summon the wind. This form of sea knot magic could also be used to summon a storm and overturn an enemy’s ship. The Magic in Cloth and Linen-making Think of how clothing and linens have been made over the centuries. Weaving, knitting, sewing, etc. are all forms of binding one material to another that then create something new from it. Many witches also knew how to weave or make clothing, and as they performed their craft they would imbue each stitch or braid with intention. Essentially binding their magical goals into the fabric itself. This is why witches in Medieval paintings and artwork are sometimes depicted riding a distaff instead of a broom. Braiding, knotting, sewing, etc are all powerful forms of binding rituals when done with intention. Bonding and Binding One to Another There are many other magical traditions that use different methods of binding rituals all over the world. Hoodoo, a form of American folk magic, uses binding often to bind one person to another. In ancient Ireland, a man would braid his hair into a bracelet and give it to his love. If she accepted, they were bound together by his gift. The binding of an object like bracelets, knot work, and more, gives way to the metaphorical bonding of one person to another. In modern times, we pledge ourselves to our partner and place a ring on our finger…this is a form of binding! When Should Binding Rituals Be Done? Morals and Suggestions The topic of magical morals always comes up with binding rituals. But why? When we look at why people bind other people or things, we see sometimes it’s for selfish gain. For instance, when someone binds another person to themselves in love without the other person knowing or consenting. We may pine for someone’s love, but if that person doesn’t love us in return, and we do a binding ritual to force them to…it always turns out bad. For both parties. What if that person turns out to be abusive and you’ve bound him to you for life? And what of the person’s free will? When Binding May Be Necessary… Next, if we choose to bind someone from hurting themselves or others. I always think of that scene in the movie The Craft when Sarah is “binding” Nancy from doing harm. She has a photo of Nancy, the target, and she’s wrapping a black ribbon around her while chanting, “I bind you Nancy from doing harm, harm against other people and harm against yourself.” In this case, Sarah is trying to defend herself, Nancy and other people from Nancy’s violence. Sometimes work like this is justified. But you have to be darn sure it’s justified in that there’s no other way to help the individual before performing a binding of this nature. Binding Rituals for Illness and Bad Habits What about binding things such as illness, bad habits, or even ourselves? You can absolutely bind an illness or a bad habit; however, keep in mind that you’re not necessarily getting rid of those things by binding them. In these cases, a banishing ritual followed by protection rituals are best. This way you’re exiling that habit or illness from being anywhere near you and then shielding yourself from its return. You might also choose to do a cord cutting ritual, to cut the ties between your soul and that bad habit or illness. Binding Yourself: Not Advised Someone once asked if they could bind themselves from doing a bad habit. While you can choose to do whatever you’d like to yourself, in my experience binding yourself magically is never a good idea! While you may […]

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3 Ocean Spells and SIMPLE Beach Magic Rituals and Charms

kitty fields — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:05:12 +0000

Whether you live near the beach or spend your vacation on the beach, there’s magic to be done, witches! The water calls to us to use our intuition, embrace our emotions, and increase our psychic abilities. Here we provide you with 3 powerful ocean spells and ways to do SIMPLE beach magic rituals! 3 Powerful Ocean Spells The ocean is like the heart – wild and unruly sometimes, sometimes contained and introspective. It all depends on the day and weather. We have so much to learn from Mother Ocean. She lends us her intuition, dreams, psychic abilities, secrets, and spiritual transformation. There are so many ways to use the ocean in your magic; moreover, here are three of our favorite ocean spells: 1. 7 Waves Cleansing Ocean Spell We all know how important cleansing spells truly are. They rid us of negative energy that may tear us down spiritually or physically. For this ocean spell, all you need is yourself, the sunrise and the ocean. Wake up before the sun comes up. Go to the ocean and when the sun rises, wade into the water until your deep enough to dunk under. As the sun rises, allow seven ocean waves to crash over you, cleansing you of all negativity and sorrow. 2. Sand Castle Intentions Ocean Spell This ocean spell is effective for nearly any magical intention. All you need is yourself, a shovel or two, and the sand on the beach. While at the beach, make a sand castle. While you build the castle, visualize your intention: drawing love to you, a new job, a peaceful home, prosperity, etc. The castle you’re building is your intention…your goal. Build it close enough to the water that when the tide comes in, it will take the sand castle to sea. When the ocean takes the castle, it’s also taking your intentions to manifest. 3. Footsteps in the Sand Ocean Goddess Dedication Spell This ocean spell is specifically for those who want to dedicate themselves to the goddess of the ocean. Leave your footprints in the sand where the ocean will sweep them away. With each step, say or think, “Mother Ocean, I dedicate myself to thee. I walk in your footsteps. I invoke your power and glory. So mote it be.” SIMPLE Beach Magic Rituals, Charms, and More In addition to the simple ocean spells provided above, there’s SO much more magic the ocean has to offer. Here are a few ideas to get you going: 1. Beachcombing for Magic Supplies One of my favorite things to do at the beach is to gather magical supplies. Seashells are an obvious, yet powerful choice for many reasons: they draw love, fertility, abundance and more. Sand from the beach can be used in candle spells, put in spell bags and bottles, and used to draw ritual circles for ocean workings. Driftwood makes beautiful wands and other witchy tools. Sea glass is gorgeous in a bowl on the altar or around the house. I’ve even seen people make jewelry and mosaics using sea glass. Don’t pass up a shark’s tooth, feathers, or crab shells either! 2. Set-up/Tear-Down Beach Magic Altars Witches leave their house and want to know how to take their altars with them on vacation. It’s easy…make a natural set-up/tear-down altar! On the beach, use things like seashells, driftwood, feathers, twigs and more to build a small, natural altar. Bring a few tools in your beach bag (such as a tarot deck) to use at your beach magic altar. You’ll find the energies at the beach are strong, and the spirits are willing to speak. When you’re done, you can tear down the altar or leave it! 3. Undine and Mermaid Invocation If you’re a true sea witch, you’ve probably been drawn to mermaids and water elementals since childhood. While you’re at the beach, why not invoke their energy with this beach magic ritual? How to invoke an undine or mermaid: bring an offering with you to the beach. Something liquid and natural is best to keep our ocean clean! Honey, rose water, an herbal infusion, or wine is perfect as an offering. As you pour the offering into the ocean, chant/repeat the following, “mermaid of the deep, accept my offering, awaken from your sleep, grant me your sight and psychic abilities. By the power of the ocean and three times three. So mote it be.” DIY Beach Magic Charms Some of my favorite tools have come from the beach. Select a piece of driftwood as a wand, add seashells, lace, and pearls to it along with carved symbols to make it your own. If you look close enough, you can also find seashells with holes in them. These are awesome to string onto necklaces, dreamcatchers, witch’s ladders, and much more! Coral with holes straight through and stones with holes are called hag stones. These are used to see into the spirit realm during ritual and bring the bearer good luck! More WATER Magick: How to Be a Sea Witch A Sea Witch’s Familiars The Water Element: Properties, Uses and More

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Maria Hallett, the Pirate Witch of Wellfleet (Tales of American Witches, 3)

kitty fields — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 18:11:58 +0000

In this series of articles, we tell our favorite, intriguing tales of American witches in the hopes that it will inspire and light a spark in the imagination. Some will be called witches, some shamans, and others midwives, grannies, and healers, but all are an integral part of American history and folklore and thus should be appreciated. The sad story of Maria Hallett, the Witch of Wellfleet is told below. Maria Hallett: The Heart-Broken Witch of Wellfleet Seems like so many stories of women gone rogue begin with their hearts being broken. This American witch folk tale is no exception to the rule. We travel to Cape Cod, where a woman named Maria Hallett fell in love with “Black Sam” Bellamy. The Prince of Pirates Black Sam was a well-known pirate in the early eighteenth century, originally born in England eventually left for the Americas. He began as a sailor, graduated to captain, then began pirating with a crew. Black Sam captured over fifty ships and it’s said he was the richest pirate in history. He also had a reputation for being kind to his captives and crew, and earned the title “Prince of Pirates”. Maria’s Condition During his time in Cape Cod, he met a woman named Maria Hallett. Maria, also known as Goody, lived in the nearby town of Wellfleet. The two fell madly in love and before long Goody was pregnant. Unfortunately, Sam had gone off on his ship to do what he did best – scourging the waters. There was talk of a huge fortune that had washed up on the coast of Florida, so Sam was on a mission to clean up. He wasn’t aware of Goody’s condition. When the town discovered Maria Hallett was pregnant out of wedlock, they exiled her. But she knew Sam would return for her and the baby. She moved close to the shore and watched day in and day out for her soul mate’s return. But he never came. The days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. Sam didn’t return and Maria grew full of sorrow and despair. There were rumors in town Maria was a witch, and she came to be called the Witch of Wellfleet. The Whydah’s Demise & Maria Hallett’s Loss The Witch of Wellfleet continued to wait for Black Sam, and one fateful night in 1717, a ship known as the Whydah approached the harbor. Black Sam Bellamy had taken the ship and was bringing it home with a sizable treasure. Sadly, a storm arose and overturned the ship. Sam and the majority of his crew perished, the bodies washed to shore and the town buried them. Maria “Goody” Hallet, the Witch of Wellfleet, was in no better shape than she had ever been before. What was left of her heart died along with Sam. Or so the legend goes. Others claim Maria had caused the storm that took Sam’s life. Was the Maria Hallett, Pirate Witch of Wellfleet Real? No one knows if the baby survived. No one even knows what the Witch of Wellfleet’s real name was, but it was speculated to be Goody Hallet. The name Maria was given to her by an author in the 1930’s, but there’s no documentation to support the claim. No one knows whether Maria actually existed or if she was a fairy tale. Though there are people who’ve researched the name Hallett and confirmed it a legitimate name in Cape Cod in the eighteenth century. Maria Hallet – Another Pirate Witch I have noticed a pattern with American witch tales…a few include pirates. It seems any woman who fell in love with a pirate was automatically accused of witchcraft. Or any woman who associated with a pirate, in the case of the Screecham Sisters (see link below to read their story). Living on the outskirts of town and away from society nearly always slapped the Colonial woman. On the other hand, it is possible that pirates befriended known witches in hopes their magical skills would come in handy. American witches were able to locate lost items, as well as foretell the future. These are two skills pirates would have use for. Or maybe it’s just that all witches were likely to befriend outcasts and rebels, for they too were outcasts and rebels. Exiles have to stick together, after all. More Tales of American Witches: Tales of American Witches: The Witch and the Baker’s Dozen Tales of American Witches: The Screecham Sisters, a.k.a. Pirate Witches American Witches in the Mountains: REAL American Witches, Grannies and More!

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Mermen: Old Legends, Merman Sea Gods & Sightings

kitty fields — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:00:25 +0000

When you hear the term mermaid, what do you think of? I think of a red-head teenage girl wearing a shell-bikini top with fins for legs. But to only focus our attention on the mermaids would be a dishonor to the other merpeople – the mermen. In addition to the many mermaid legends, there are just as many mermen legends. Some stories say they were ugly and mean, others remain neutral. In certain countries, mermen were benevolent. Let’s explore the fascinating and sometimes frightening world of mermen. This time we’re leaving Ariel out. Ireland & Orkney Mermen: Merrows and Finmen The merman legend penetrates cultural barriers; however, in Western Europe it was quite prevalent. In Ireland, merrows were merpeople who were both bad and good, depending on who told the tale. In the Dark Ages, male merrows were hideous, nasty creatures while the female merrows were beautiful. Male merrows were seen wearing red caps, which was thought to give them the magical ability to breathe underwater OR on land. If their cap was stolen, they would never return to the sea. Mermen Legend: The Finfolk Finfolk were vicious creatures, coming to the Orkney shores at certain times of the year to hunt their next victim. They would kidnap a woman. Then enslave her for eternity. The finfolk lived in an underwater place called Finfolkaheem. Silver is their weakness. To prevent from being captured by one of the finfolk, cast silver in all directions to distract the merman. Finmen are tall and skinny and have magical powers. They transform into something completely invisible so that they are able to sneak up on their prey. There were also male selkies, the Bluemen of the Muir, Nixes, and the Dinny Mara. Each of these mermen have their own unique characteristics and tales. Ancient Mermen Gods: Gods of the Sea While the merman legend dominated Western European folklore through the Dark Ages, but the merman was present in every age. In ancient cultures, there is a myriad of gods that are half-man-half-fish. Triton: Greek Merman God King Triton was the father of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, but his name pre-dates Disney. Triton was an ancient Greek god of the sea. He was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite. He caused great storms at sea, and also was a very erotic spirit. Some myths say he was a vicious lover. He carried a conch shell for a horn and often accompanied his father, Poseidon. He is depicted as a merman – half-man-half-fish with long hair. Shapeshifting is one of his abilities. Glaucus Glaucus was another merman god of the sea in ancient Greek mythology. Though his story is a different than Triton’s. Glaucus consumed a magical herb that inevitably led to his transformation into a sea god. He had fish-like features, and he was an advisor and protector of sailors. Enki: Sumerian God of the Sea Enki was a Sumerian god of war and wisdom and also thought to be a creator god. Other names for Enki include Lord of the Water and Ea. Sumerian mythology says Enki saved the Earth from the Great Flood. He may manifest in the merman form. Olokun: Orisha Sea God To the Nigerians, Olokun was the King of the Sea and manifested in the form of a merman or serpent. Olokun is a psychopomp, leading lost souls to the other side. This is a common belief of mermen and mermaids. They often lead drowned sailors’ souls to the other realm (at least the nice ones did). As a ruler of the sea, Olokun also has dominion over rivers and streams. These are just a few of the ancient mermen gods across the world. In the Middle East, archaeologists found bronze statues and carvings of mermen that predate written history. The belief in mermen goes back thousands of years. Mermen: Are They Good or Evil? There are conflicting accounts of the mermen temperament towards human beings. Some legends tell of mermen who help drowning sailors. While others depict the merman as being a vampire, a human-eater or kidnapper. The merman had the ability to lead souls to the other side, but often would take pleasure in capturing the sailors’ souls and keeping them in pots or cages at the bottom of the sea. Never to be freed to cross on to the other side. A Merrow Who Collected Souls In a story recorded by W.B. Yeats, an Irish man was friends with a male merrow (merman). They drank together and carried on as old buddies would, until one day the merrow asked the man to join him for a drink on the sea bed. The man agreed and found the merrow had been keeping sailors’ souls in pots. The man knew the right thing to do was to free these souls and was able to get his merrow-friend intoxicated. Then he stole his red cap, swam to the bottom of the ocean, and freed all of the captured souls. This legend gives the reader the idea that mermen were in fact malevolent towards humans. Selkie Lovers Male selkies of Shetney were attractive and were desired as lovers for human women. A woman could cry seven tears into the ocean and a male selkie would appear. In this light, we see mermen differently. Also, there are tales of mermen saving drowned people and taking them to shore. We have only to read the stories of Glaucus (above) and see that he was a guide to humans. So were mermen good or evil? Are they nice or mean to humans? Or perhaps it just depends on the kind of merman or the individual merman. “Real” Mermen Sightings In recent years, thanks to Hollywood, there’s been a resurgence of interest in mythical water creatures. Animal Planet made a “documentary” called Mermaid: A Body Found. Since then people wonder more and more whether merpeople are real. Are they really human-like creatures or just an unidentified sea creature? There have been some real mermen […]

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Ritual Baths: Your ESSENTIAL Guide to Spell and Spiritual Bathing

kitty fields — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:45:40 +0000

Water is cleansing, healing and relaxing. Are you someone who loves taking a long bath to soothe away worries and stress? Magical baths are becoming more and more popular in modern spirituality for good reason! Whatever your reason for taking ritual baths, we have the ESSENTIAL guide to spell and spiritual bathing for you here including how-tos, ritual bath recipes, and more. First, What is a Ritual Bath? A ritual bath is a bath taken with a spiritual purpose. Maybe you want to cleanse your aura, heal your heart, or draw money into your life. Ritual baths are effective for these intentions and so much more! Since ancient times, people bathed to clean their bodies but also to purify their spirits. To rid themselves of disease and ward off evil spirits. Water is cleansing, healing, renewing, and refreshing. And when we add things to the water, we boost its magical effects. Water acts as a conduit for spirit and therefore enhances our connection to the universe. Learn more about the power of the water element here. Herbs and Flowers in Ritual Baths When you look up spell baths or spiritual baths online, you’ll notice lots of people adding things to their bath water. Herbs and flowers are a favorite. Here are some favorite herbs and flowers to add to your ritual baths: Rose petals Chamomile Rosemary Peppermint Lavender Oats Dandelion Jasmine WARNING: Make sure whatever herb or flower you add to your bath doesn’t irritate the skin. Try a bit of it on your arm first before bathing yourself in it! This way you’ll know if you have an allergy or not. Do your research first. ALSO, pregnant women should be extra cautious of what herbs and oils they’re using in their ritual baths. Your health is in your own hands! There are dozens of herbs and plants that can be added to your spiritual baths to enhance the experience, rejuvenate the skin, and cleanse the aura. Don’t forget to look up the herbs’ magical properties to match your intention. Ritual Bathing: Optional Herbs to Add By Intention: To Draw Love: Aloe, Apple, Lemon Balm, Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, Chickweed, Gardenia, Ginger, Hemp, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Lotus, Mallow, Marjoram, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Peppermint, Plum, Plumeria, Raspberry, Rose, Rosemary, Rue (be careful – this herb sometimes causes folks a rash), Spearmint, Strawberry, Sugar, Thyme, Vanilla, Violet, Yarrow Make Money Bath Herbs: Almond, Basil, Orange Bergamot, Blackberry, Chamomile, Clover, Dill, Elder, Fern, Ginger, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Marjoram, Mint, Oak (3 leaves is plenty!), Orange, Pine, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Rice, Wheat Cleanse the Aura: Basil, Blueberry, Chamomile, Coconut, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Lotus, Parsley (especially the roots), Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue (again, watch this one for allergy…test first!), Thyme Uncrossing (ridding yourself of bad luck): Basil, Fern, Garlic, Leek, Mallow, Mint, Mullein, Peach, Pine, Rosemary, Yarrow Herbs to Promote Health: Marjoram, Mullein, Oak, Thyme To Bring Peace: Gardenia, Lavender, Passion Flower, Violet Increase Intuition and Psychic Abilities: Honeysuckle, Lemongrass, Lotus, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Saffron, Star Anise, Thyme, Uva Ursi, Yarrow How do I add flowers and herbs to my bath? There’s a few different ways to add flowers and herbs to your ritual baths. One way is to throw the herbs and flowers directly into the tub. But, to be honest, this makes for a messy clean-up and sometimes takes away from the experience of the ritual itself. Yes, it looks pretty on Instagram and social media, but the experience is far more different than pictures online. Trust me. An easier way is to put the herbs and flowers in a muslin bag or teabag and let the herbs steep in the tub…like a big cup of tea! And yet another way to make an herbal ritual bath is by brewing an infusion on the stove first, then adding the strained concoction to your hot bath. Crystals and Stones in Spiritual Baths In addition to adding herbs and flowers to your spell baths, crystals and stones can also lend their magical energy. HOWEVER, just like with herbs, do your research before bathing with crystals. Some crystals and stones dissolve in water and some even have toxic materials that will come off into the water and then onto your skin! It might be safer to set the crystals around the top of the tub instead of in the water with you. The crystals I like to place around the tub include rose quartz, clear quartz, amethyst, and agate. Taking a Spiritual Bath at the Right Time: Moon Phases, Etc. You can take a ritual bath any time you need to; however, when you align your intentions with the moon’s phases, ritual baths become SO much more powerful. When powerful cleansing or uncrossing is needed, take a bath on the Waning or New Moon. When you want to attract love or money into your life, bathe on the Full Moon. When you are growing a new business, take a ritual bath on the Waxing Moon. In addition to moon bathing, you can also time your ritual baths with sabbats and certain magical times of the day. Other Ritual Bath Items and Practices Truly your ritual bath is special because of the thought and effort you put into it! There are so many ways to take a spiritual or spell bath, including dimming the lights and lighting a few candles. Play relaxing music or nature sounds that match your intentions. Salts can be added to the bath for extra purifying effects – epsom salts are popular. Infusing moon water, sun water, or holy water into your bath amplifies the magick, too. Milk and dried fruits are also magical ingredients. Some use essential oils in their spiritual baths, though I prefer to leave oils out. There’s too many stipulations on what oils are dangerous or not dangerous and in what amounts, etc. Ritual Bath Recipe #1: Spiritual Bath for Money Here’s one of our favorite recipes for a spiritual bath for money. Money’s not going […]

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9 Magical Waters: How to Make & Use Moon Water, Sun Water, and More

kitty fields — Sun, 05 May 2019 15:10:22 +0000

Water is cleansing, quenching, and enchanting. It carries the vibrations of the ocean and the moon. There are many different kinds of magical waters you can make and use in your craft. Here’s how to make moon water, sun water, rose water and many more! We also give you tips on how to use magical waters and cast water magic spells. The Water Element and Its Properties Before we talk about specific magically-infused waters, let’s talk about the power of the water element. Our planet is covered in 71% water. Our bodies are made up of at least 60% of water. So this should come as no surprise that water is crucial to our survival. Physically, we need it to function. But so do animals, plants, trees, and the earth overall. In addition to its physical qualities, the water element holds special magical properties. Water represents our emotional side, our dreams, our intuition. When used in magick and ritual, water is a purifier and brings many qualities to the table. Learn how to harness the energy of the water element and make some of these magical waters. 1. Magical Moon Water Moon water is water that’s been charged by the moon. This water has been infused with the energy of the moon itself. This magical water is especially useful to witches for spells, rituals, sabbats, cleansing, and more. Timing of Moon Water (Blue Moon Water, Blood Moon Water, Etc.) Depending on which moon phase the moon water is made will give it certain magical powers. For example, if you make full moon water, magical properties include love, protection, and abundance. You can also choose a special full moon to make your moon water (i.e. blue moon water, blood moon water, lunar eclipses, etc.) And keep in mind the astrological sign the moon is in while making moon water. For example, a waxing moon in Taurus will carry different properties than moon water made under a waning moon in Pisces, etc. How to make moon water: What You’ll Need: a silver bowl (you can find these at thrift stores): optional air-tight jar or bottle water herbs of your choice (optional) tablespoon salt (optional) Instructions: Place any herbs and ingredients in the bowl/vessel (this is completely optional as many witches prefer moon water by itself). Fill the silver bowl/vessel with water. Set it outside or in a window where the moonlight will touch it. Leave it to charge in the moonlight over-night. Bottle the moon water before the sunlight touches it. You may choose to strain out the herbs and salt or not. Again, this is up to you! Label it and keep on your altar. Moon water has many magical uses. Use it to cleanse and bless your magical tools and altar. Anoint your third eye with moon water to invite psychic visions and dreams. Add a splash to your magical baths. Wash your hair with moon water to aid in growth. Pour it back into a silver bowl and scry. Add a cup to the laundry! Use in various water magic spells to represent the moon, ocean, emotions, intuition, dreams, the lunar goddess, etc. Technically, you don’t even have to make moon water. Any water collected from a natural source that’s just been touched by full moonlight is moon water! 2. Sun Water Sun water is water that’s been charged by the sun. It’s the same concept as moon water. Make sun water by leaving water in a bowl, jar or bottle to charge in the sunlight for one full day. Bring it in at sunset or before the moonlight touches it. Uses for sun water include: charging tools and altars for sun gods, giving any spell or ritual a boost of energy, to help “grow” an intention, or to cleanse a space or object. Add to the bath for energy and vitality. Its also very helpful in healing rituals and to boost self confidence. 3. Storm Water Storm water is water that’s been collected during a thunderstorm. This magical water has been charged with all the powerful energy of the storm from which it came. The lightning, thunder, wind, and barometric pressure have all added their energy to storm water. Collect in a pitcher or jar. Then label and use to super-charge your water magic spells. You can also charge a pitcher or jar of water with storm energy by leaving it in a windowsill during a lightning storm. Some witches gather hurricane or even tornado water, which is rain that comes along with these two powerful storms. Be aware of how powerful these magical waters can be. They truly amplify any intention. 4. Snow Water Snow water is water that was collected in snow form that has melted. Many witches collect a bit of snow from the first snow of the season, then store it in a jar to use throughout the year. It has all the magical properties of the element of water, with some unique ones. Snow water properties include: purification, peace, serenity, pause, reflection, healing, and beauty. Bathe in it to cleanse negative vibrations and bring peace to an anxious soul. Snow water is a magical water that also holds transformation properties (i.e. water has been transformed into a solid form, then back again). 5. Rose Water: Magical Love Water A magical water that’s been infused with the essence of roses is called rose water. Rose water is popular in many magickal traditions including hoodoo and has been used as medicinal headache relief in years past. There are different ways to make rose water, but the more traditional involves infusing the rose essence into water via heat. Click here to learn how to make rose water. Magical Uses for Rose Water Roses are ruled by Venus and are beloved to many gods and goddesses of love. Therefore, use rose water in magic spells for love. Pour into the bathtub to attract love into your life. Infuse rose water into perfumes, hair sprays, soaps, and more! […]

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8 REAL Mermaid Sightings from Israel, Africa and More

kitty fields — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 17:45:22 +0000

Mermaids are one of those mythical creatures that have haunted our imaginations for thousands of years. There are literally hundreds of mermaid legends spanning continents dating back centuries. Why are there so many stories of mermaids, if there isn’t some kind of truth behind the legend? Turns out, real mermaid sightings have happened in recent years from Israel to Africa to Canada! Perhaps they’re more than just mythical… 1. A Real Mermaid Sighting in Israel What happened and when: In 2009 a huge hub-bub in Israel swept the nation; one could call it the “mermaid craze.” What happened? On a small beach in Kiryat Yam, a real mermaid sighting took place, leaving the city and the entire country enthralled. For a period of several months, locals and tourists witnessed a real mermaid appear and then disappear into the ocean. The sighting: The woman, or mermaid, had the tail of a fish and the upper body of a lady, was beautiful. She was at first mistaken to be a sunbathing tourist by a few local men. Then, as they drew closer to the woman on the beach, they noticed she had a tail. She then dove into the water and into the sunset, without resurfacing for air even once. They knew then that they had experienced a real mermaid sighting. The craze: This is what began the mermaid craze in Israel. After that first real mermaid sighting, more individuals claimed to have seen this real mermaid. She only appeared at sunset and seemed to play tricks on eyewitnesses, never allowing them to get too close to her before splashing into the sea never to be seen again. The aftermath: The town of Kiryat Yam saw a major increase in tourism after this mermaid craze. They even offered an award of one million dollars to the person who could catch the mermaid on film. Of course, no one ever did get that real mermaid sighting evidence that the town so longed for. But we can still hope. 2. Mermaid Songs A friend of mine told me a story of how her father heard mermaids singing from within the depths of the ocean. He and his mates were in submarines and would hear the seductive song of mermaids emanating from the ocean waves. Some men would even jump off the vessel while in a trance from the mermaids’ songs. 3. Antartica: The “Ningen” There have been real mermaid sightings, or what the Japanese have called “ningen” sightings, in the waters off the coast of Antartica. These sea creatures appear to be very human-like, but are completely white and obviously live under the water just as other mermaids of legend. 4. Mermaids in the Middle Ages During the Middle Ages in the twelfth century, a merman was caught from the waters off the coast of Orfold Castle in Suffolk. The owners of the castle held the merman for about six months, but then escaped and returned to his home in the ocean. The stories say that this merman was quiet—he apparently never said a single word to his captors, and would only eat fish when provided with meals. 5. Real Mermaids in Dyfed In Dyfed, twelve people watched a beautiful mermaid bathing in the water. She had the body of a beautiful human woman, but a black tail splashed from behind her. This real mermaid sighting occurred in July of 1826 and was talked about for years after the occurrence. 6. Mermaids in Zimbabwe Mermaids were seen and heard in Zimbabwe in 2002 from men who were working on a reservoir. They were driven away by mermaids, and wouldn’t return to work again. A mermaid report was published in the papers and backed by the Minister Nkomo. Apparently, all of the workers were terrified to go back to work and so the resolution was to brew traditional beer and offer it to appease the mermaids. After they did this, they were able to return to work on the reservoir. 7. Canadian Mermaid Sightings In British Columbia, Canada, a real mermaid sighting occurred in 1967 when people saw a woman with the tail of a dolphin. She had beautiful blonde hair and was spotted eating salmon. Some tourists on the ferry actually saw this mermaid in Active Pass near Victoria. The town went nuts for the mermaid, but she has not been seen since. 8. Mer-child Sighting on the Isle of Man One intriguing story, written and published in the British Press in 1810, tells of mer-children found on the Isle of Man. Apparently, a fisherman thought he heard a dying bird and went toward the noise. There he found one dead mer-child and another that had been injured in a recent storm. He took the injured mer-child home and nursed it back to health. The mer-children were under two feet in length, had the torso of a normal child and the tail of a fish. Also, their hair was like seaweed, stringy and green. The mer-child ate mussels provided by the man and sometimes drank milk. What Do YOU Think? Do Mermaids Exist? Most modern people will deny the possibility of the existence of mermaids. But our ancient and Medieval ancestors might disagree. I believe there’s too many legends and sightings worldwide to definitively say there are no mermaids or mer-beings. Maybe they existed once and their numbers are dwindling now with overfishing and too many ships on the oceans. Maybe they exist but are in hiding. While it seems far-fetched, I don’t believe we can attribute these sightings to mere mix-ups. You and I would both know the difference between a seal and a mer-child if we caught one in our nets and took it home, don’t you think? Read More About Mermaids: Mermaid Origins: Lemuria & Atlantis Scottish & Irish Mermaids: Selkies, Kelpies and More

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Sea Witch’s Familiars: Sea Birds, Dolphins, and More

kitty fields — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 19:11:42 +0000

The sea witch‘s sacred place is the sea. She casts her magic and connects with the divine by the sea. So, naturally, the sea witch’s familiars are animals and spirits by the sea. Learn the sea witch’s familiars and their sacred water energies here. The Sea Witch’s Familiars List The sea witch’s familiars covered in this article: Sea Birds Dolphins Whales Crabs Turtles Manatees Rays Fish Sharks Seals Sea Birds To name a few of the sea witch’s familiars in the form of sea birds: sea gull, heron, pelican, osprey, puffin, sand piper, egret, cormorant, penguin, albatross, tern, skimmer, and boobie (tee-hee she said boobie). As a sea witch, you have a plethora of sea bird familiars waiting to gift you their knowledge. The sea bird familiar has a special kind of magic no other bird shares – the ability to cross spiritual thresholds. Like the line between land and sea. Sea birds are associated with two elements – water and air. They act as guides through the liminal and messengers for the sea gods. Dolphins One of my favorite sea witch’s familiars is the dolphin. When we go out on the water and we see dolphins, the whole family is ecstatic. Dolphins are not only incredibly intelligent, they are fast and strong. The mothers nurse their young and raise them for a long time. They have been known to save human lives in wreckages and near-drownings. You are a lucky witch if a dolphin graces your presence at sea. Call on the dolphin familiar to aid in dream work, motherhood, and circumstances of survival. Whales Like dolphins, whales are loved by humans. They are intelligent, mysterious, and have some sort of magic special to their species alone. Whales have much to teach us, particularly sea witches. Some even believe whales are from a different planet and are here to help us expand consciousness. If you’re ready to dive deep into the water element and therefore your emotions, call on the whale familiar. Crabs Crabs can be one of the sea witch’s familiars? Absolutely! Crabs are also land/sea creatures so they are able to bridge the gap between the mundane and spiritual like sea birds. Crabs are scavengers, which grosses some people out. HOWEVER, crabs clean up the sea…they turn death into life by consuming the old in order to create energy and then reproduce. From destruction comes new life. Call on the crab for protection, gray areas of magick (think walking sideways), and for renewal. Sea Turtles Another sea animal the sea witch loves is the sea turtle. When you see these guys swimming in the water, you can’t help but smile and saw AWWWW. The sea turtle as the sea witch’s familiar teaches us resilience, patience, and adaptation. They too move between land and sea but spend most of their time in the water. Call on the sea turtle when you need to get through a tough time, and when casting spells related to the water element. Manatees Manatees are majestic, gentle giants of the sea. They have the rare ability to go from salt water to fresh water and back again. In the old days, they were mistaken for mermaids. The manatee as one of the sea witch’s familiars teaches gentleness and to do magic at your own pace. The manatee also teaches us to simplify things that become too complicated or confusing. Summon the manatee familiar when traveling through the rocky waters of life, to increase intuition, and also for adaptation in a new job or new place. Rays Sting rays and manta rays are interesting as a sea witch’s familiars. Have you seen Disney’s Moana? Moana’s grandmother’s spirit animal was the manta ray and she becomes the ray after death. Rays are mystical and teach the sea witch energy flow, grace, and how to glide through tough emotional situations. The manta ray knows how to stay clean and sweep off the debris, just as the sea witch should sweep off the negativity. Not to mention, they have an affinity for making love under the full moon. What sea witch doesn’t love a good full-moon-romp? Fish Why would the sea witch’s familiars include fish? What’s one of the most abundant species in the sea? Fish! There’s so many different kinds, and each kind has something to teach or bring to the sea witch’s magical practice. Did you know some fish change genders depending on the needs of their school or habitat? Fish may be “small-minded” but they are instinctual. Call on the fish familiar for abundance, fertility, and to embrace your instincts. Sharks I’ve been scared of sharks my whole life. They are my shadow animal. But as a sea witch, I understand and appreciate their ferocity, focus, and strength. They offer sea witches an energy of protection and will drive off your enemies in a heartbeat. Shark, as scary as he seems, will aid in your neediest of magical workings. Seals Seals and sea witches go together like peanut butter and jelly. These cute sea creatures have a long history for being magical creatures. Look up the word “selkie” and you’ll find a myriad of stories of seals turning into beautiful women or men. They were thought to be shapeshifters and therefore can be called upon to teach shifting to a sea witch. Just be careful when working with elementals like selkies, while they are powerful they can also be unpredictable. What Do Sea Witch’s Familiars Do? I believe a sea witch’s familiars are different from the modern idea of a spirit animal or guide. The sea witch’s familiars teach him or her lessons, but they also aid in magical workings and enhance spiritual practice. For instance, a sea witch calls upon the shark familiar to “sniff out” and drive off his or her enemies in a banishing or protection spell. The sea witch calls upon the seal familiar to teach shapeshifting in alignment with the sea. Sea witches soar with the sea gulls and […]

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