Most witches use elements of water in their magic, often as part of cleansing and healing rituals. But water magic can be used for much more than just cleansing.
Water represents emotions and flow so water magic spells are perfect when we feel stuck or a bit depressed. Water can be also used for divination (by creating a scrying bowl) which can connect us to our intuitive wisdom. In addition, many witches like to work with water spirits connecting with the consciousness which inhabit natural water sources. If you have an affinity with water and love working near lakes, rivers or the ocean then water magic could be a really satisfying way for you to practice.
Whether you love working near rivers or the sea, or have just a small space in a city apartment, water magic is a simple but powerful practice that any witch can easily use.
Creating a Water Magic Practice
Water is so essential to life, but it’s not something we pay much attention to in the modern world. We take it for granted that when we want a drink we can simply turn on the tap or when we are hot and sweaty we can take a cool shower or that when we are tired or stressed we can soak in a bubble bath can help us relax and unwind.
Being beside bodies of water also makes us feel good. Who doesn’t feel more relaxed lying on a beach and listening to the lapping of waves on the shore, or walking by a trickling stream? And after weeks of summer heat those first autumn rains can be such a blessed, refreshing relief.
So, perhaps the first step of creating a water magic practice is just to notice and appreciate all that water does for us. Take a moment to sip a glass or ice cold water or a steaming mug of herbal tea and say thank you for the abundance of water in your life.
When we offer gratitude for water’s life sustaining gifts, we begin to feel more connected to its life force and this helps us to work with its energy more intentionally.
Here are a few more practices that can help us attune with water’s energy.
Connecting with Water
Begin by incorporating mindful water practices into your routine. Here are a few simple examples.
- Hold a glass of water, breathe slowly and imagine your energy mingling with the water’s energy.
- When you drink water, pause and acknowledge it as a life-giving force.
- Notice how water feels different at various temperatures, how it sounds when poured and how it reflects light.
These small observations help attune you to water’s subtle energies
Observing Water in Nature
Water takes on many forms in nature, from from trickling brooks to crashing waves, from bubbling hot springs to frozen lakes. Take time to notice the bodies of water you encounter. Each form of water carries distinct energy – rushing rivers feel dynamic and cleansing, while still ponds hold reflective, meditative qualities. Spend time near natural water sources when possible, even if it’s just sitting by a fountain or pond in a city park.
Three Simple Water Magic Spells
The following three spells are simple to do and require only everyday tools and ingredients. Feel free to use your intuition in making an changes to the spells to make them feel right for you. Of course you can also adapt your spells so they align with your own witchcraft practice.
Cleansing and Healing Bath
This healing bath is a lovely magical self care practice. It’s very simple, but the effects can be transformative!
Cleanse and prepare your space by lighting a white candle and setting your intention for healing and release.
- Run a warm bath and add a handful of salt and a sprig of fresh rosemary or a pinch of dried rosemary to the water.
- As you soak, visualise the water drawing out any pain, stress, or negative energy from your body, imagine it dissolving into the water.
- When you’re ready to drain the bath, say “I release what no longer serves me” and watch the water carry away what you’ve let go.
Close by thanking the water for its cleansing power and extinguish your candle.
Freezer Spell for Protection
Cleanse and prepare your space for this freezer spell by lighting a white candle and holding your intention to create protection from negativity.
- Write the name of the negative person or situation on a small piece of paper, then place it in a small container or ice cube tray with water.
- Hold a piece of quartz (or any crystal) over the container and say “This negativity is frozen and cannot reach me.”
- Place the container in your freezer, knowing that the situation is now “on ice” and its power over you is suspended.
Close by blowing out your candle, sealing your protection spell.
Remember that freezer spells should be used to help protect you rather than to control another person. You should also be careful not to rely on freezer spells to solve porblems. Freezer spells can give you a sense of control and some peace and space to work out how to deal with difficult situations.
Flow and Movement Spell
This spell is perfect for when you are feeling stuck in life or a little down or depressed. Of course, it is not a substitute for proper health care but it can be a helpful addition to other healthcare and self care practices. You might like to write in your journal before this ritual to help you work out what issues are causing you to feel stuck.
Cleanse and prepare your space by lighting a white candle and focusing on areas in your life where you feel stuck.
- Fill a bowl with water and add a pinch of salt, then hold your hands over the water and speak about what you want to move or change.
- Stir the water clockwise with your finger whilst visualising energy beginning to flow in the stuck areas of your life.
- Pour the water down a sink or washbasin, saying “Energy flows, blockages clear, new paths will now appear.”
Close by expressing gratitude for the movement that’s now beginning and extinguish your candle.
I hope you have found this introduction to water magic helpful. If you have, please consider sharing it with like minded folk. For more exclusive witchcraft content, don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter.
Blessed be
Eva x
If you’d like to know more about using the elements in your magic. Check out the following posts.