Magic is a captivating element that has been explored in various forms of literature. One renowned author, Ilona Andrews, has taken the concept of magic and created a thrilling urban fantasy series. The series, which begins with the book titled "Magic Bites," follows the story of Kate Daniels, a strong and independent woman living in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology alternate in dominance. The world created by Ilona Andrews is a unique blend of fantasy and reality. It is a world where magic is not only real but has a profound impact on society. In this world, technology fails and magic takes over, causing chaos and uncertainty.
If you don’t have a tub, a shower will work effectively too. Hold the cheesecloth bundle under the water and squeeze the aromatic juice over your body. Or hang the tea ball from the shower head. Alternatively, purchase some appropriately scented soap.
One of the beautiful things about water is that it has so many different structures and manifestations, each of which provides us with symbolic value for our spells and rituals. Forked stick in front, wandering arid land until, somewhat magically and often with the hint of help from some otherworldly power, the witch and the wand divine a spot in the dirt where life-giving water, at some depth underground, waits to be liberated.
In this world, technology fails and magic takes over, causing chaos and uncertainty. This premise sets the stage for a thrilling adventure. Kate Daniels is a formidable protagonist who navigates this volatile world with strength and determination.
Are Water Witches and Sea Witches the Same?
Are Sea Witches and Water Witches the same? This was a question asked in a group this week and I thought, well heck! That is a great question and there are going to be a bouquet of answers so this would make a pretty great blog post!
First let’s start by defining what a Sea Witch is and what a Water Witch is. Though these definitions are my own based on what the general witch/ pagan population is defining them at this time, there will be exceptions to the rule and really it is important to note that these are not rules at all, more like really loose guidelines.
Sea Witch Supplies – Image by Annwyn
Sea Witch
Sea Witches usually define themselves as a witch that works with sea and ocean energies. Their altar may include beach sand and ocean water from their local beach or beaches they have visited worldwide. They also may choose to perform magic along the shore or with ocean treasures such as beach glass, shells, driftwood, bones, stones and fossils. Not all sea witches work with a deity but for those that do they tend to choose sea deities such as Poseidon, Aphrodite, Stela Maris, Yemaya, or Amphitrite, or in some cases the witch is chosen by the deity. They may also choose to work with water spirits such as mermaids, oceanids, nereids or the spirit of sea monsters such as the Kraken or Leviathan. These are just a few examples of course; there are thousands of Sea and Ocean spirits to work with and some choose to work with living sea creatures such as water birds and fish or individual bodies of water as deities or entities in themselves. There are so many ways to practice sea and ocean magic and no one is correct because they all are correct! If you love the sea, it heavily influences your path and the magic you work then chances are you are a sea witch!
Now some choose to call themselves Sea Priestess, rather than witch. This is very similar to being a Sea Witch, though from my perspective a Sea Priestess has a bit of a different calling than a Sea Witch. Witches are generally concerned with magic, spirit work and divination. While a Sea Priestess may also engage in these things, they are less concerned with making pacts and bargains and more about serving. You see the path of the priestess is not one of ego or self-promotion rather it is a selfless path of service. In the case of a Sea Priestess it is a path of service to a sea or ocean deity or devotion to the ocean itself that calls one to be a Sea Priestess. You may find a Sea Priestess on the shores performing healing rituals, energy work or cleaning the shores. Of course Witches can do this as well!
Image by Annwyn
Water Witch
The Term Water Witch is an old term that has a new meaning. Originally Water Witches were folk practitioners who would use a divining rod or rods to find water where one might dig a well or water source. However in modern times, many witches of the Watery nature have found that the term “Sea Witch” does not apply to them. Perhaps because they are land locked or perhaps because the lakes, rivers and sacred springs sing to their hearts the way the ocean does for Sea Witches. Water Witches may be found working at their home altar with beautiful sacred bowls or jars of water based potions. Others may work at a sacred water site such as a holy well where they work with the water and the spirit of the well to bring about healing. While still others may be found cleaning the shores of the local river bed and performing healing rites in a quite spot under the shade of hazel trees.
Additionally if one is drawn to priestess work and fresh water bodies there is no reason why the term Water Priestess can’t be used either. If you are in service to the water, a water deity or spirit and are actively doing work that benefits them then chances are you are doing the work of a Water Priestess.
There is absolutely no reason why a Sea Witch can’t work with water from a sacred well or a Water Witch cant work on the sea shore. There is really a very small difference between them. I believe that the term Water Witch was born out of a need to label someone who was drawn to the water path but was not near the sea or was not drawn to the sea waters as much as the other fresh water bodies.
I personally call myself a Water Witch I work with ALL water, from all over the world, from the heavens and from the depths of the earth. I can divine like the Folk Water Witch diviners and I can pull power from the waves like a typical Sea Witch, but I can also dance for rain and sing for snow and everything in-between. My path to the water came through the fresh water sources and sacred springs. It was the fresh water fae that first spoke to me and sometimes gently and sometimes fiercely showed me the path of the water. However to me, all water is sacred and important, and while my own path and spirituality lies within the Brythonic Water and Faery lore of old, the sea and every body of water on this planet is precious and deserves our honor, reverence and protection.
Greek philosophy places Water among the classical elements, meaning it is one of the substances to which all other things can be reduced. They were also aware of the power represented by the way in which water transforms from liquid to solid and vapor. The Greek observations were certainly not alone in global thinking.
She possesses a unique talent - the ability to sense and control magic. With this gift, she becomes a valuable asset and finds herself embroiled in various conflicts and challenges. Along the way, she encounters supernatural creatures and forms alliances with unlikely allies. One of the most intriguing aspects of Ilona Andrews' writing is the world-building. The authors have created a complex and detailed universe that feels both familiar and fantastical. They seamlessly weave together elements of magic, mythology, and technology to create a rich and immersive experience for readers. Another notable aspect of the series is the well-developed characters. Each character has their own distinct personality and quirks, making them relatable and memorable. The relationships and interactions between the characters also add depth and complexity to the story. Ilona Andrews' writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative is filled with suspense, mystery, and humor, providing a perfect balance of tension and levity. The authors masterfully create tension and build suspense, delivering unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Ilona Andrews' "Magic" series is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy. Through their captivating storytelling, the authors have created a world that is both magical and dangerous, populated by compelling characters and filled with thrilling adventures. Whether you are a fan of magic, mystery, or strong female protagonists, this series has something for everyone..
Reviews for "Exploring the Various Forms of Magic in Ilona Andrews' Novels"
1. Stephanie - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in "Magic insists" by Ilona Andrews. I had heard so many good things about this series, but I just couldn't get into it. The world-building felt confusing and disjointed, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The plot seemed to drag on and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and not worth the hype.
2. Michael - 3 stars - While "Magic insists" by Ilona Andrews had its moments, I ultimately found it to be a mediocre read. The writing style felt lackluster, with clichéd dialogue and predictable plot twists. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard for me to care about their fates. Additionally, the storytelling felt disjointed and hard to follow, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I don't think I'll be continuing with this series.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - I had high expectations for "Magic insists" by Ilona Andrews, but it fell short for me. The world-building was interesting, but it lacked sufficient explanation and left me feeling confused at times. The romance between the main characters felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it hard for me to root for their relationship. The pacing was uneven, with slow sections that dragged on and abrupt jumps that left me disoriented. While there were some enjoyable aspects, overall I was left disappointed by this book.