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modernseawitch · 2 years

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So Why a Sea Witch?

Although I have been practicing for quite a while, it was with limited knowledge until recently. As I have mentioned before, I purposefully did not look at social media, the Internet, or books regarding witchcraft because I wanted no trace of the subject linked to me. My practice up until that point revolved around me searching for something that provided me solace. I did not have to think real hard to figure that one out. For me, that has always been the ocean.

I have been fortunate enough to have lived all of my life, at the most, only a few hours away from the ocean. When I would feel overwhelmed, it was always the place that I went to or if I could not physically go there, I visualized it. The first hint of the briny tang in the air would relax the tension in my shoulders and remind me sanctuary was close at hand. The cry of the seagulls would lead me closer, across the dunes and down to the wrack line where sea shells and other treasures awaited me. The muscles at the base of my skull would begin to release the tension they held. I watched the pelicans, wings spread wide, as they skimmed mere inches above the swells, their large bills ready to dip into the water for a fish. The sandpipers with their tall legs darted between the breaking waves and stabbed their long thin beaks into the sand for their meal. Then I would drift closer until I finally reached that place between the ebb and flow of the waves. Where you could first feel Mother Ocean’s enveloping embrace. That place that was neither here nor there, where the concept of time no longer mattered. Where the sound of the crashing surf drowned out the negative energy that threatened to consume me. Where I cleansed my soul.

I had made the ocean part of my practice intuitively. I meditated to the sounds of the surf when I needed to quiet the noise of daily life. The ocean’s colors soothed me and I surrounded myself with them. The plants that I grew in my garden were selected to remind me of being along the shoreline. Shells and coral were always on display inside and outside of my home. They provided the grounding effect of the earth element along with the plants, and I drew strength from their presence when I needed it. Their tough exteriors had once shielded a fragile life hidden inside. I crafted windchimes with the shells that I collected to capture the breeze. I also used shells to hold tea lights, lining them with a bed of sea salt or sand that I had also collected. I used shells to hold jewelry when I washed my hands at the sink. I filled vases with them to support floral displays and used them to adorn centerpieces on my dining table. I even made them into tree ornaments. One of my dogs and my cat are both obsessed with them and are always stealing them from the tree.

It took me quite a while to realize what I had done. These items were not simple trinkets that I could easily part with as I could with other pricier souvenirs from other destinations. The practices that I had employed were not simply to make me feel better momentarily. They represented a deeper connection that I needed to acknowledge. I NEED the ocean. It’s an essential part of me. The longer that I stay away from it, the more irritable I get, just ask my husband.

We have all heard that a vacation at the beach is relaxing but for me it is a little different, it restores the balance that I need. I have always loved vacationing at the beach and have done so at every opportunity that I could. I go there frequently even for just the day no matter the time of year. My friends give me strange looks when I have the urge to drive three hours to the ocean in the middle of Winter just to walk along the surf and then drive another three hours back home, especially when I live along another larger body of water that has beaches. It’s just not the same for me, I have tried. I have experience with both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as other larger bodies of brackish water. I am not able to put my finger on it exactly, but there is a tangible difference for me between the two types of water.

Maybe it just comes down to the salinity levels. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a salty witch…okay you can close the browser now, I’ll understand. I have a specific affinity for islands, being completely surrounded by the ocean allows me easier access to its energy I suppose. It is something that I intend to add to my list of studies. I am grateful that I have access to barrier islands that are protected and left wild. I can sit and absorb the wisdom of the ocean for as long as I like without being disturbed by anything except for the local wildlife. I’m an island girl and nothing is going to change that. I was fortunate enough to live on an island for a few years and spent most weekends camped on the beach. I never sleep better than when my head is cradled by the sand and the surf is my lullaby. Seashells, coral, and sand are still my favorite keepsakes and I know my husband will just shake his head as I always bring home more to add to my collection.

When I made the decision to openly practice, I had declared to my husband “I’m a sea witch!” His response, “Awesome! I’m sure you can arrange that I will come back with a nice catch on my next fishing trip.” It wasn't until I decided to practice openly that I allowed myself to start exploring social media on the topic of witchcraft. Lo and behold, I found an abundance of posts regarding the question, "What type of witch are you?" I had no idea there were so many classifications, at least according to social media. I just figured a witch is a witch but I liked the idea of being a sea witch. I had seen boats and cottages with that moniker long before exploring social media and loved the image it evoked in my mind. While I identify myself as a sea witch, I would have to say my practice is more eclectic. I love incorporating elements of the sea into my practice, but I find all forms of the natural world intriguing and don't limit my practice to solely the watery realm. I am free to learn many traditions and practices and then decide what fits best for me. While these social media posts are fun to read and sometimes give me something to explore and think about, I keep in mind that there is no need to pigeonhole myself. My practice should be as unique as the individual I am.

-The Modern Sea Witch

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modernseawitch · 2 years

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A Witch Goes Back to School

I am just trying to learn, to further my witchcraft practice, and to share the experiences I encounter along the way. I consider myself a bit of an anomaly. While I have been a magical practitioner for quite some time now, I did so with very limited knowledge. As far as I am aware, there aren’t many like me out there. Who knows, maybe there are more than I think.

Now that I have lifted my personal restrictions and am free to do as I wish, it is glaringly obvious that I need to address my lack of witchcraft training. There is just so much that I just still do not know. So here I am, back in school again, but at least this time my class schedule looks something like this: Intro to Witchcraft, Grounding & Centering 101, Beginner Wards, Protections & Charms, Intro to Divination, and Basics of Shadow Work, better known as Psychology 101. If anyone actually knows where this physical school exists, I would like to know. That would be a school I would be thrilled to attend. Makes me wonder now, hmmm…. Okay, so that just led to a Google search and a few of them actually exist. So, maybe I will do some research into that subject. But I will have to tuck that away for another time. I tend to stray off onto a tangent if I don’t remind myself to focus, which just proves to me that I really need to get back to the basics.

Luckily for me, we are experiencing a renaissance of witchcraft and other magical practices. We are moving beyond Wicca being the primary source of witchcraft information. Ever since I was a small child and had very bad experiences with formalized religion, I have wanted no part of any religious sects, not even a pagan one. I have never felt the pull to join a coven and learn a branch of traditional, initiation based witchcraft. But I recognize that has contributed to my lack of information. My decision to keep my witchcraft practice completely hidden and not seek out those external sources of information that would reveal me, has left me with an undeniable, gaping hole in my knowledge base. The digital era has completely changed the landscape of how readily available subject material is. In my quest for information I have found that there are so many diverging avenues for learning now. Books, podcasts, videos, websites, online courses and workshops all waiting if one just looks for them. While yes, I have been practicing meditation and grounding, which are cornerstones in the foundation of any magical practice, I was doing so not quite in the ways that I’m reading about now. The subtle shift in techniques and perspectives have made a stark difference. Things that I previously struggled with and had just a vague notion of, are becoming more concrete, more tangible. I am feeling the cogs and wheels starting to turn in harmony in my mind and finally are making sense. This newfound comprehension is truly eye-opening, and I am thoroughly enjoying this pursuit of knowledge.

While it’s wonderful that I have access to so much information now, at the same time I feel like I am panning for gold–slogging away at the sluice and sifting through the daunting amount of data just to find the scant nuggets of actual truth. Fear creeps back in from time to time. Sometimes, it can be absolutely crippling looking at that mountain of material and I just want to crawl back into the comfort of my bed and pull the blanket over my head. Why did I wait this long? I have so much to learn and I wasted so much time not doing so previously. My social media feeds constantly display the younger generation of witches that are sure of themselves and just look at all of the knowledge they possess at such a young age. Then, my newly reconnected inner voice stops me and reminds me this was the path that I chose and I need to focus on moving forward. It’s time to straighten my proverbial witch’s hat and get back to the task at hand. I have always enjoyed research but now actually doing it for witchcraft is feeding that light within, helping me drive Fear away. I have acknowledged my deficiencies and I am making every effort to improve them. I am not looking to become an expert in any particular discipline at this time, but I am striving for a solid grasp of theories and practices.

I also have been working on composing my book of shadows, my repository for all of my research, notes, workings, and correspondences. I am doing my best to be careful to cross-reference the data that I review before including it in my personal notes, making sure to scrutinize the sources the authors have used. In my investigations, I have tried to ferret out the voices that actually have done their research before passing along the information that they have acquired. Quick tip, before wasting your money buying a book, go to a bookstore or library that has the book you are interested in, go to the back of the book and see if the author cites their sources. If they do, you’ll see what influenced them in developing their own theories, not to mention give you more to read. I don’t want to spend my time reading something that in the end is just someone spouting off their personal opinion with nothing to actually back up their contrived reasoning. I want to ensure that I am reading something of substantial value that is critically reasoned, whether it is something I agree with or not. I find that learning all sides of an issue is best before formulating one’s own conclusions.

I have managed to uncover a few of those responsible voices and am still making every effort to locate more. I have even discovered some on social media, as well as video and podcast formats in addition to books. In any format, I have found that there are sound voices as well as those that either just want to try to grab a little fame or make a quick buck. I am neither of those. In an effort to help those that may need help acquiring information, I will compile a resources section on my website that lists resources that I have incorporated into my own practice, but by no means should you take my word as gospel. Do your own research, by doing so, you can formulate your own educated opinion. Remember to take everything with a grain of salt.

There is so much information that I need to learn, but so much of it is incorrect. How am I to know which I am to listen to? You silly girl, listen to your intuition. It hasn't let you down yet.

-The Modern Sea Witch

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modernseawitch · 2 years

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Lurk in the Shadows or Dance in the Light: My Struggle with Fear

I struggled with the decision to publicly write about my practice. Writing everything down is advice that I’ve heard frequently from many. The best way to make improvements as a practitioner would be to document everything. I realized that I needed to record my journey from there on out, now that I was no longer hiding my practice. But should I keep my thoughts private, shadowed and hidden or make them public, putting them in the spotlight? Fear, rooted deep inside, flowed through me like a poisonous tide, exerting its control over me. Then during a meditation, a little glimmer of courage in my core sparked as I sensed a change in my approach was in order to further my growth, both as a witch and as a person. It was my inner voice reaching out from the murky depths she had been banished to. I had been working so hard to connect with her again, she had been locked away for too long in my quest to appease others. I felt that spark ignite and begin to grow, ultimately leading me to my decision. I needed to put myself out there and take a chance on myself. And who knows, maybe it will help someone just like me. I have been lurking in the shadows long enough, it’s time to dance in the light.

In this new chapter of my life, I have been on a deep delve of research into the craft. There is an absolute plethora of information available now. It’s a bit overwhelming at times but I am enjoying fully being able to explore to my heart’s content. My husband has wondered if I actually sleep anymore, I’m always reading or watching something witchy related. I can’t help myself; I’m making up for all those years that I didn’t allow myself to access the information. While some of what’s available is obviously created just to make money, I have found some good resources. I will compile a list of recommended books, websites, social media, and any other resources on the website as I come across them. I may even explore filming videos and posting them on YouTube as another avenue for sharing the information that I learn.

As I’ve finally allowed myself to research and discover different ways to expand my practice, I decided to purchase a tarot deck. I know that for a lot of people, this is one of the first things they purchase when they have a curiosity about witchcraft and the occult, but I didn’t want any traces of those subjects coming back to me that could create a negative image of myself to those I thought mattered at the time. I reached deep inside and felt that ember of courage still aglow and decided I would go to a local metaphysical shop. I had never set foot in one. In this day and age, I do most of my shopping online and could have easily purchased a deck in that fashion. But now that I had decided to break out of my shell and take the leap, I wanted to make the purchase in person. I wanted to be in a space of like-minded people. I needed to make a declaration. I was telling Fear that I would no longer allow it to control me, binding my tongue, rendering my limbs useless. I was taking back my life.

The tinkling of bells announced my entrance and the two clerks looked up to greet me warmly. The scent of patchouli incense wafted in the air, letting me know I was home. It was a Saturday, not to mention the Full Moon was to appear later that evening, so the shop was packed with patrons from all walks of life. There was a dazzling array of crystals-all shapes, sizes, and colors. There were so many that there were white boxes stacked in front of the counters that you were allowed to peruse if you didn’t find what you were looking for in the open shelves. An entire wall just of incense, shelf after shelf of books, counters full of dried herbs. Cauldrons! There were actual cauldrons of varying sizes to suit your needs. Candles in a rainbow of colors, from tea lights to large pillars, as well as decorative holders. I felt like a little kid in a candy store. I wandered the aisles for a bit, taking it all in. I people watched a bit too, trying to see if anyone thought that I looked out of place being there. Then I reminded myself that didn’t matter, I was there for myself and didn’t need anyone’s approval. I finally selected my deck and a guide to help me understand the meanings, as well as some crystals that felt good in my hand when I picked them up. I left there with my head held high and a spring in my step. In my constant battle with my self-doubt and Fear, I had won this round.

I went home and wanted to work with the cards right away but needed to help make dinner and spend time with my family. Later that evening, after everyone had gone to bed, I finally opened the deck and the companion book that would help me decipher the meanings of the cards. It was eye-opening how much information there was to process. I still had not looked into card meanings before my purchase. For a couple of days prior to making my purchase, I watched videos on YouTube where the content creators flipped through different decks showing each card so that I could see if I connected with the imagery and visual style to help me narrow down my choices. After losing count of the number of videos I watched, I concluded I wanted to start with the traditional Rider Waite Smith deck. I wanted to build a foundation of tarot knowledge based on the consensus of interpretations used for more than a century. I was ready to learn about tarot but at the same time I was still a complete skeptic. I settled in to perform my first reading after purifying and consecrating the deck and I was left utterly astounded. I performed a Past, Present, Future spread and even without looking at the book that I purchased for guidance I could see that the Past and Present cards eerily reflected my life and hoped that the Future card would hold true. I know that tarot helps us to hone our intuitive side and we interpret the imagery to apply it to the stated question but time and time again since that first spread it has amazed me how often the cards that I pull for my readings are the exact lesson I needed to learn. There haven’t been many occasions where I had to struggle to see how a particular card related to the question that I posed. While I want to learn the meanings of the cards without having to rely on books and guides, I also have so many other topics that I need to dedicate time to. However, I am getting more familiar with them and am enjoying the self-reflection that it has encouraged.

Remember the signs that I talked about last week? Well, a flurry of them hit me during this morning’s tarot spread. I was doing a spread that I call the “Lesson of the Day.” It's a three card pull with the first card representing me, the second card is the lesson to be learned, and the third card is the outcome depending on whether I heed the insight from the lesson or not. The cards pointed out to me that I was still struggling with making my decision about being open with my practice. I had told my immediate family but not my friends yet. I kept telling myself I would tell them whenever we were catching up with each other. However, when asked how I was doing and whether I had anything new to share, I’d feel my throat constrict and I couldn’t make my tongue form the words. Fear's control was still lingering, and I was trapped in its toxic undertow. I have to stop hiding. Allowing Fear to be in control, letting me believe that I will humiliate my family and myself, lose the respect of a friend, or worse, lose the friendship entirely is doing me no good. I need to stop allowing Fear to have power over me. My inner voice is clearer than I’ve ever known her to be, and that fire fueled by courage is growing in strength within me. I have decided to tell my friends and would like to answer their questions. Fear was clouding my judgment, not allowing me to give my friends the opportunity to make their own decision. I don’t have many close friends and the ones that I do have, I know in my heart that they wouldn’t feel anything less for me for revealing my truth to them.

-The Modern Sea Witch

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modernseawitch · 2 years

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The Puzzle: Witch are you really happy?

It wasn’t until the last few years that I really started to piece things together. For the greater portion of my life, I was intent on being the best at whatever I was doing at that time and doing it according to what society’s social norms dictated. If I had friends over for dinner, I would prepare a meal that was Instagram worthy and if the evening didn’t turn out the way I thought it should, I took it hard and dwelled on it internally for days. If I saw a picture or post on Facebook, I would only like or share it if I thought others would approve of the image or post that I shared. I didn’t want anyone to think negatively of me. There were a lot of goals over time that I had set for myself that I just did not attain and was absolutely crushed every time that occurred, which was more often that I care to admit. I hid it when something affected me negatively, I needed to be the solid foundation for my family. It was completely draining, both physically and mentally and I lost myself. I was completely focused on that outward image I was trying to achieve and the things that I could control. Control, that lovely illusion. As soon as you think you have it in hand, it evaporates into the ether.

Time and again, control would slip away from me. Signs began to appear that I needed to make a change. When I began to notice them, I cast them aside. I kept telling myself that I had to do things the “right” way and I would continue to plod along. Ha! Look at where that has gotten me. My soul was worn threadbare, to near nothingness and I wasn’t seeing any hope in sight. Luckily for me, the universe took it upon itself to come at me hard with signs that I could no longer brush aside. Some were subtle, others smacked me right in the face when they presented themselves. I am not listing them as I don’t want to influence you as to what should be taken as a sign, but I do believe if you stop and listen to your intuition, you’ll know. I have no doubt that signs occur when the situation calls for it and should be listened to in order to help you make better choices in your life.

I needed to outwardly acknowledge that I was a witch. The time had come for me to leave the safety of the broom closet. I had explored as far as I could go with the limitations that I had placed on my practice. I had been slowly emerging from the dense fog that had engulfed me and found a little clarity as my practice in secret grew. Meditation became a larger part of my practice as it would not be immediately linked to witchcraft and provided me with the techniques to aid me in reflection and contemplation. Grounding, or earthing as some call it, also became more important. I have always enjoyed being out in nature, but now it made sense to me why. I need to feel that connection with the earth and the universe beyond in order to help me feel more myself. When I dig my bare toes into the sand, go for a walk in the woods, or even just sit and gaze at the stars and moon, I can feel the negativity begin to melt away from me. We live in a modern world and are surrounded by man-made creations, and at times we need to strip away those modern trappings, get back to a simpler setting so that we can more clearly feel that universal connection.

These times of contemplation made me aware that I wasn’t truly happy, I was just trudging along in life. It wasn’t that I wasn’t happy with my husband or my children, it was that I wasn’t happy with myself. I hadn’t allowed time for myself for the greater part of my life. I didn’t have enough time, energy, or resources to make myself a priority, my family was my focus. But now that my children were not needing me as much, I began to bring the focus back to myself. And I most certainly didn’t like what I was seeing. But I didn’t know how to fix this. That’s when paralysis set in. I didn’t know how to fix it, so I wouldn’t think about it. What’s the point? I’m really good at ignoring an issue when I set my mind to it. It’s a survival technique I developed at a very young age.

Going back to those signs the universe was presenting. When they started happening regularly, they were fairly subtle. Sometimes, I wasn't sure that it even was a sign. I didn't want to create signs out of thin air or turn simple events into a meaningful event. But during that time frame, a thought started to float to the surface of my conscious mind, “What can I do to be happy?” After the seed of that thought was planted in my mind, the signs started coming faster and were more obvious. There was no mistaking them now. I knew they were telling me I needed to figure out how to fix this, but I knew I couldn’t access the information that I wanted given the limitations I placed on myself. It was time. The closet had shrunk to the size of a suitcase, and I didn’t fit inside of it anymore.

I can say that it was the right choice for me, and I am glad that I am no longer living with the restrictions that I placed on myself. I am the happiest that I have been in a very long time and the weight that has been lifted from me is obvious not only to myself but to my family and friends as well. I am learning to embrace all of my qualities, even the ones I’m not crazy about. It is a slow process and I’m sure I’ll stumble at times. I’m working on outwardly expressing myself for solely my own personal satisfaction. Whether that is through my writing, my photography, my craft, or any other medium I choose, I am doing these things for me, no one else, and to help me be a better person.

-The Modern Sea Witch

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