The water witch is a term used to describe a person who has the ability to locate water sources underground using dowsing or divining techniques. This practice has been used for centuries and is believed to have originated in Europe. Dowsing involves using a dowsing rod or a Y-shaped twig to locate water. The water witch holds the dowsing rod or twig and walks slowly across the area where a water source is believed to be located. When the rod or twig reacts, usually by moving or trembling, it is believed that a water source is present. There are various theories as to how dowsing works.
Praise for Book One of The Fairwick Trilogy: The Demon Lover
“Dark’s letter-perfect gothic style is a satisfying tribute to previous gothic novels, and the paranormal elements, including incubi, fae, vampires, and witches, make this a stellar romance.”—Booklist, included in its list of the year’s “Top 10 SF/Fantasy Titles”
“Steamy and nuanced.”—Kirkus Reviews
Callie s grandmother, a prominent Grove member, demands her granddaughter s compliance, but half-witch half-fey Callie can hardly betray her friends and colleagues at the college. That experience acquainted him with the navigational intricacies and dangers with which his characters must deal as they carry out the central action of the novel, the repeated attempts by a British naval cruiser to capture the brigantine commanded by a notorious smuggler known as the Skimmer of the Seas.
There are various theories as to how dowsing works. Some believe that it is based on scientific principles, such as the ability of certain materials to conduct electricity or the presence of electromagnetic fields. Others believe that dowsing is a form of intuition or psychic ability.
1874 Rare Victorian Book - THE WATER-WITCH by James Fenimore Cooper Illustrated by F. O. C. Darley.
Author: James Fenimore Cooper. (F. O. C. Darley, illustrator).
Title: The Water-Witch; or, The Skimmer of the Seas. A Tale.
Publisher: New York, D. Appleton & Company, 1874.
Language: Text in English.
Size : 9.5 " X 6 ".
Pages: 183 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good decorated full cloth binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, gilt on spine slightly faded - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright and tight, some light foxing and staining - as shown, name of a previous owner on the first endpaper).
Illustrations: Complete with the seven nice black & white full-page plates and title page drawing by F.O.C. Darley.
The book: Rare Victorian edition of The Water-Witch -- an 1830 novel by James Fenimore Cooper. Set in 17th century New York and the surrounding sea, the novel depicts the abduction of a woman, Alida de Barbérie, by the pirate captain of the brigantine Water-Witch, and the subsequent pursuit of that elusive ship by her suitor, Captain Ludlow.
Waterwitch, New Jersey is named after the novel.
The author: James Fenimore Cooper (September 15, 1789 – September 14, 1851) was an American writer of the first half of the 19th century. His historical romances depicting colonist and Indigenous characters from the 17th to the 19th centuries created a unique form of American literature. He lived much of his boyhood and the last fifteen years of life in Cooperstown, New York, which was founded by his father William Cooper on property that he owned. Cooper became a member of the Episcopal Church shortly before his death and contributed generously to it. He attended Yale University for three years, where he was a member of the Linonian Society.
The illustrator: Felix Octavius Carr ("F. O. C.") Darley (June 23, 1822 – March 27, 1888) was an American illustrator, known for his illustrations in works by well-known 19th-century authors, including James Fenimore Cooper, Charles Dickens, Mary Mapes Dodge, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving, George Lippard, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Donald Grant Mitchell, Clement Clarke Moore, Francis Parkman, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Nathaniel Parker Willis.
Chiefly set on the waters and islands of New York Harbor in the early years of the 1700s, James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Water-Witch (1830) paints a vivid picture of life in the little colonial port. It was familiar territory for Cooper, who a century later had served as a junior officer on board an eighteen-gun sloop-of-war stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. That experience acquainted him with the navigational intricacies and dangers with which his characters must deal as they carry out the central action of the novel, the repeated attempts by a British naval cruiser to capture the brigantine commanded by a notorious smuggler known as the Skimmer of the Seas. As in all of Cooper's nautical novels, the scenes of ship-handling and naval combat in The Water-Witch are rendered with absolute authenticity, but here he envelops them in a cloud of mystery and magic that is dispersed only in the chaotic climax of the book. This scholarly edition includes an informative historical introduction and thorough explanatory notes. It also serves as an example of the processes by which an authoritative text is established.
Regardless of the theories, dowsing has been used successfully in many instances to locate water sources. Water witches have been employed to find water for wells, irrigation systems, and even in archaeological excavations to locate underground water channels. It is worth noting that dowsing is a controversial practice. Skeptics argue that it is a pseudoscience and that the success of dowsing can be attributed to chance or the power of suggestion. However, there are also numerous accounts of dowsing being used successfully, which has led many to believe in its efficacy. Today, the water witch is still sought after in some areas, especially in rural communities where access to water is crucial. While modern technology, such as satellite imagery and ground-penetrating radar, can also be used to locate water sources, dowsing continues to be used by those who believe in its effectiveness. In conclusion, the water witch is a person who possesses the ability to locate water sources underground using dowsing techniques. While the practice is controversial and its efficacy debated, it has been used successfully in many instances. The water witch plays an important role in helping communities access water, especially in areas where modern technology may not be readily available..
Reviews for "The Water Witch's Familiars: Spirit Guides from the Deep"
1. Emma - 2/5 stars - I really wanted to like "The Water Witch" but I found it to be incredibly slow-paced and predictable. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to form any kind of emotional connection to them. The story itself had potential, but it just fell flat for me. The writing style was also underwhelming, lacking the descriptive prose and engaging dialogue that would have brought the narrative to life. Overall, I was disappointed and couldn't fully immerse myself in the world of "The Water Witch".
2. David - 1/5 stars - I regretted picking up "The Water Witch". The plot was confusing and convoluted, making it hard to follow the storyline. The pacing was slow, and it felt like nothing significant was happening throughout the book. I couldn't connect with the characters, who seemed shallow and were poorly developed. The dialogue was also unnatural and forced, making it difficult to believe in the interactions between the characters. Overall, I found "The Water Witch" to be a tedious and unenjoyable read.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "The Water Witch" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The world-building was lacking, with minimal exploration of the magical elements that could have made the story captivating. The characters were also unremarkable and felt like mere placeholders rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. The writing style was mediocre, lacking the creativity and depth that could have elevated the novel. I struggled to stay engaged and ended up feeling unsatisfied with the overall reading experience.
4. Mark - 2/5 stars - "The Water Witch" left much to be desired. The plot felt disjointed, with many loose ends that were never properly tied up. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others rushed. The romance aspect of the story felt forced and contrived, lacking any genuine chemistry between the characters. I also found the world-building to be underdeveloped, leaving me with many unanswered questions. Unfortunately, "The Water Witch" didn't live up to my expectations and I was left disappointed by the end.