THREE MAGICAL WATERS
Scott Cunningham
Water has long been a tool of mystics and magicians. Throughout the world, this substance has been carefully gathered and preserved for ritual use. Purification, love, healing, money attraction, protection—these are some of the wonders that practitioners have gained through the ritual use of special waters.
Less than one hundred years ago, collecting water was an arduous task, as it continues to be in parts of the world today. In these times of reliable plumbing, many have forgotten the old magic of this precious substance. Here is a short guide to utilizing three distinct types of water:
Rain Water
Rain is a blessing from the gods. In times of drought, many rituals were performed to entice the clouds to release their heavy loads. Perhaps half of all water magic is related to the bringing of rain.
During a rainfall, place large non-metallic containers outside to collect rainwater. (If it hasn't rained for several days or even weeks, wait for an hour or so for the skies to be cleansed of dust and pollutants before collecting the rainwater.) As you place your collecting bowls, say these or similar words:
I collect you, oh rain,
to assist me in my magical rites.
When the rains have stopped, or your containers are full, transfer the water into large glass jars, using a funnel if necessary. Plainly label the jar Rain Water," and indicate the date you collected it, including the day of the week.
Rainwater is suitable for purifying magic circles. Adding a bit to a purification bath enhances its effectiveness. Rainwater is also the ideal liquid in which to wash ritual jewelry, tools and even magical robes (if worn during ritual). It can also be used in making magical cosmetics and brews for both internal and external use.
The day upon which the rain falls indicates the water's other magical uses: a Monday rain is fine for psychic awareness washes or baths; Tuesday's rain for stimulating the mind (wash the forehead); a Wednesday rain for vigor and courage; Thursday's rainwater is used to anoint silver to increase money or, added to a bath, to find employment; a Friday fall is suitable for love charms and baths; Saturday rain is best used to magically purify the home (wash floors and windows with this water), while Sunday's rainwater is ideally suited for protective washes and brews.
Rain that falls during lightning storms is highly charged and is a wonderful addition to strong protective rituals or, indeed, for any type of magic.
Spring Water
Water bubbling up from the earth has long been thought to be magically pure and potent. Some old spells direct the magician to gather water from three springs," and many springs in England are linked to Pagan deities.
When collecting water from a spring, use a silver or earthenware cup. Gather the water in a clockwise circular motion. Pour it into a glass jar and label it.
Spring water is sprinkled onto the sick as a part of healing spells. It's also fine for all purification baths, sprinklings and washes.
Dew
Dew has long been viewed with magical awe. This water, which mysteriously appears during the night, is considered the purest form of water: it's quintessence.
For several centuries, dew has been collected at daybreak on May 1st and used for a variety of purposes: washing the face will guard against evil spells, enhance beauty and bring luck." Rolling naked on dew-covered grass is thought to resist skin diseases, and pets can be protected by dabbing a bit of May Dew on them with a short protective chant.
Dew collected from specific plants contains some of those plants' magical energies; thus, dew from lavender or roses instills love; from pine needles, health; from oak trees, strength; from catnip, peace. To utilize these energies, apply the dew to your hands and face (or, preferably, your entire body). You can also add it to bath water.
Traditionally, only dew gathered on May 1st is magically potent. Collect it from leaves and grass with a small spoon or even your finger, carefully brushing the precious water into a small container. Or simply roll in dew-covered grass early on May 1st. Or rub wet leaves onto your body.
1991 by Scott Cunningham. All Rights Reserved. | 
