Sea Witches! by William McCain

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Sea witches is a much different practice than regular witchcraft. They derive their practices from most Pagan belief and lore. A Sea witch is more than likely solitary and independent in practice. They embrace the elements of water and wind, also practicing moon magick as well. Why moon magick? Since they are Sea and water oriented they practice moon magick because it controls the tides of the seas.

As far as history is concerned the Sea witch liked to collect objects from the sea namely: Shells, oysters, sea glass, sand, driftwood, and sometime fish bones. They collected these objects to use in their spells and to make tools for their altars. Normally if you see a storm approaching you can bet that a Sea witch is running towards it to charge their tools. Their belief is that the strong energy of the storm charges their tools for the next spell, and the spells are normally cast and carried out at the shore for the mere purpose of being close to the sea to provide more energy and a greater effect in the spell.

Sea magick is considered to be grey magick. It is in between light and dark, this is because the intentions of the Sea witch are good and positive the majority of the time but what they control is a strong force of Mother Nature. Strong winds and storms as well as the tides. They are known for keeping the balance between good and bad magick for using chaos for positive effects and intentions.

Back during the peak of sea trade and sea exploration Sea witches were held in high regard. They were often called upon by Voyagers and Seafarers for a safe and protected journey. At the same time they did a lot of business with the witches. They bought cloth or handkerchiefs that the witches had magically tied in winds with three knots. The seamen would take these handkerchiefs with them on their journey and if they would find themselves stuck at sea with no wind they would use the handkerchief that they bought from the sea witches. Unraveling the first knot was said to give the a soft and gentle Southeast wind. Unraveling the second knot was said to bring a very strong Northern bound wind. The last and third knot was only unraveled in extreme situations for pulling it out was said to bring very violent winds, and gusts even storms.

The Sea witch is not as popular these days due to lack of demand for safe trips and worries of drifting with no wind. Overcrowded beaches also greatly contribute to this too. Sea witchery is not for everyone. A great level of inner peace and self restraint is need to deal and control with the forces of mother nature.