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Traditional Witchcraft
Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore
Although we are an island race, few are fortunate to live near enough to the sea to use the shoreline as a regular magical working area. And yet for the natural witch, born and bred by the sea, the beach and rocky shore are equally as magical as the inland woods and hills of more traditional approaches to witchcraft. The author takes us on a magical journey along the seashore and reveals how to work with the natural oceanic tides and energies. Learn how to harness the powers of the deep, and collect flotsam and jetsam for use as ritual tools. A book like no other.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2012
32 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Melusine Draco
74 books41 followersMélusine Draco originally trained in the magical arts of traditional British Old Craft with Bob and Mériém Clay-Egerton. She has been a magical and spiritual instructor for over 20 years with Coven of the Scales and the Temple of Khem, and writer of numerous popular books including Liber Agyptius: the Book of Egyptian Magic; The Egyptian Book of Days; The Egyptian Book of Nights; The Thelemic Handbook; The Hollow Tree, an elementary guide to the Qabalah; A Witch's Treasury of the Countryside; Root & Branch: British Magical Tree Lore and Starchild: a rediscovery of stellar wisdom. Her highly individualistic teaching methods and writing draws on ancient sources supported by academic texts and current archaeological findings. She now lives in Ireland near the Galtee Mountains and has several titles currently published with John Hunt Publishing including the Traditional Witchcraft series.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 13, 2014
I recently heard a presenter on Radio 4 say something like “Of course, there weren't any real witches” as a throw-away line, as if assuming that the whole movement itself was something dreamt up by misogynistic religious nuts with pyres in need of human kindling. Yes, the genocidal witch-hunters hated the old religion and drove it to extinction. But there was actually an old religion there to destroy. Gradually, that movement is re-emerging, mostly in the form of Wicca. And what a wonderful thing it is - devoid of the dogmatic power-trips of monotheistic religions, immersed in science and folklore, and most of all promoting a tangible connection to the environment. Surely it is a religion for our times? Yet it treads warily. There is still much prejudice - even fear and loathing - aimed at witches, who are generally grossly misunderstood.
The ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ series provides varied information about what it means to be a practising witch in modern times. In places, it feels like a guide, or self-help book. But there is much more to it than that. What strikes me is the amount of science running through the book. To understand nature is to live as a part of nature, and ultimately to become one with its changing patterns and cycles, to synchronise one’s own psychic or magical energy with natural tidal forces and the elements. So a witch, like no other religious practitioner that I’m aware of, must study her environment carefully, and attune her life to it. For a witch devoted to the sea and seashore, that involves learning much about the tides, weather, flora and fauna of the coastline, lunar cycles, as well as the folklore and myths of the sea:
"The world of the sea-witch is not confined to the shore and the water margin. It is a multi-dimensional world of light and shadow, of reality and illusion, where we have moved into the subjective world of the spirit - a rich fishing-ground for those who trawl in these inner seas. The Mystery is now within and around us. By immersing ourselves in the world of myth and legend to such a degree, it has become as tangible to us as the 'real' world, forming a continual back-ground to our daily life." (p133)
The learning is multi-disciplinary, and feels almost as if one was studying a textbook written by a poet. Yet the science collated in these pages is interesting, and pragmatic. Intermingled with the factual information is much about rituals, superstitions, beach treasures to collect for magical means and, of course, spell-casting. The witchcraft seems real enough - the engagement in the rituals and practice requiring as much faith as any other religion as to its efficacy. The author warns against the use of black magic, but does not shy away from revealing some of its secrets.
Each witch finds their own path, and the sense here is mostly of a solitary journey rather than the work of a coven. Indeed, many times the author cautions the reader about how to conduct her craft in public spaces so as not to draw attention to herself. That wariness is still very much apparent, and after centuries of religious persecution perhaps that is wise counsel. Yet, the old religion is never far from the surface even in everyday life - you just have to know where to look. The book shows how seafarers and those whose lives depend on the sea, cling to superstitions deeply entrenched in the old lore. The crafts of sailors of yesteryear are closely related to the spells and rituals of the sea-witch e.g. the tying of knots. Witches, through their personal study and observation of the coastal environment, were able to attune themselves to the weather, and thus predict in-coming storms - very useful for local folk before satellite/computer based forecasting, but this was also a knowledge that created a sense of unease. Knowledgeable women made the local patriarchs uncomfortable, of course - plus ça change.
Not everyone tuned into the sea can physically live near it, of course, and the book also provides advice for the budding sea-witch who lives inland, even in an urban environment. Much information is provided on how to build a sea garden sanctuary, away from prying eyes, to conduct ritual and relax in. The tides still extend their reach inland, as science has shown through its study of the remarkable tidal recalculation made by inland oysters (p115-6).
Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore is like a Radio 4 feature about witches - not that one could ever imagine that happening, or imagine a witch providing ‘Thought for the Day’ on the Today programme! But it has that sense of quiet wonder about it, supported by education, knowledge and, above all, wisdom.
Andy Lloyd Book Reviews
This book recognises that we can't all live in picturesque cottages by the coast and that if we light a huge Fire of Azrael (made famous in Dion Fortune's Book The Sea Priestess) on some popular tourist beach we are unlikely to be left alone to peacefully scry into its embers.
Instead, Melusine offers a selection of easy pathworkings and visualisations plus traditional folk spells and that you can whisper quietly or just go through mentally without saying anything aloud while sitting by the seashore or standing before the waves. The book also suggests creating a small garden containing such things as shingle, bits of driftwood, shells and plants that are happy growing on dunes and shingle or inland. Even if you live in a town or city, you can spend time in your sea garden and imagine you are by the coast.
Lucya Szachnowski | Badwitch
The ‘Traditional Witchcraft’ series provides varied information about what it means to be a practising witch in modern times. In places, it feels like a guide, or self-help book. But there is much more to it than that. What strikes me is the amount of science running through the book. To understand nature is to live as a part of nature, and ultimately to become one with its changing patterns and cycles, to synchronise one’s own psychic or magical energy with natural tidal forces and the elements. So a witch, like no other religious practitioner that I’m aware of, must study her environment carefully, and attune her life to it. For a witch devoted to the sea and seashore, that involves learning much about the tides, weather, flora and fauna of the coastline, lunar cycles, as well as the folklore and myths of the sea:
"The world of the sea-witch is not confined to the shore and the water margin. It is a multi-dimensional world of light and shadow, of reality and illusion, where we have moved into the subjective world of the spirit - a rich fishing-ground for those who trawl in these inner seas. The Mystery is now within and around us. By immersing ourselves in the world of myth and legend to such a degree, it has become as tangible to us as the 'real' world, forming a continual back-ground to our daily life." (p133)
The learning is multi-disciplinary, and feels almost as if one was studying a textbook written by a poet. Yet the science collated in these pages is interesting, and pragmatic. Intermingled with the factual information is much about rituals, superstitions, beach treasures to collect for magical means and, of course, spell-casting. The witchcraft seems real enough - the engagement in the rituals and practice requiring as much faith as any other religion as to its efficacy. The author warns against the use of black magic, but does not shy away from revealing some of its secrets.
Each witch finds their own path, and the sense here is mostly of a solitary journey rather than the work of a coven. Indeed, many times the author cautions the reader about how to conduct her craft in public spaces so as not to draw attention to herself. That wariness is still very much apparent, and after centuries of religious persecution perhaps that is wise counsel. Yet, the old religion is never far from the surface even in everyday life - you just have to know where to look. The book shows how seafarers and those whose lives depend on the sea, cling to superstitions deeply entrenched in the old lore. The crafts of sailors of yesteryear are closely related to the spells and rituals of the sea-witch e.g. the tying of knots. Witches, through their personal study and observation of the coastal environment, were able to attune themselves to the weather, and thus predict in-coming storms - very useful for local folk before satellite/computer based forecasting, but this was also a knowledge that created a sense of unease. Knowledgeable women made the local patriarchs uncomfortable, of course - plus ça change.
Not everyone tuned into the sea can physically live near it, of course, and the book also provides advice for the budding sea-witch who lives inland, even in an urban environment. Much information is provided on how to build a sea garden sanctuary, away from prying eyes, to conduct ritual and relax in. The tides still extend their reach inland, as science has shown through its study of the remarkable tidal recalculation made by inland oysters (p115-6).
Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore is like a Radio 4 feature about witches - not that one could ever imagine that happening, or imagine a witch providing ‘Thought for the Day’ on the Today programme! But it has that sense of quiet wonder about it, supported by education, knowledge and, above all, wisdom.
Andy Lloyd Book Reviews
This book recognises that we can't all live in picturesque cottages by the coast and that if we light a huge Fire of Azrael (made famous in Dion Fortune's Book The Sea Priestess) on some popular tourist beach we are unlikely to be left alone to peacefully scry into its embers.
Instead, Melusine offers a selection of easy pathworkings and visualisations plus traditional folk spells and that you can whisper quietly or just go through mentally without saying anything aloud while sitting by the seashore or standing before the waves. The book also suggests creating a small garden containing such things as shingle, bits of driftwood, shells and plants that are happy growing on dunes and shingle or inland. Even if you live in a town or city, you can spend time in your sea garden and imagine you are by the coast.
Lucya Szachnowski | Badwitch
June 6, 2014
Such a wonderful book! It's definately a must-have in your sea-witchery library.
This book is not just for those who live along the seashore (because it concerns the seashore and weather lore) but also by rivers or estuaries and there is even something for those who live a distance from the sea. You can even find in this book details of how to recreate a sea garden at home.
The author gives us some practical 'Magical Tasks and exercises' throughout the book and there is also a little spell book at the back of the book that is full of useful tasks and activities for all occasions.
This book is not just for those who live along the seashore (because it concerns the seashore and weather lore) but also by rivers or estuaries and there is even something for those who live a distance from the sea. You can even find in this book details of how to recreate a sea garden at home.
The author gives us some practical 'Magical Tasks and exercises' throughout the book and there is also a little spell book at the back of the book that is full of useful tasks and activities for all occasions.
August 2, 2018
While I really liked the science base in Paganism approach I felt like I was reading a biology textbook. Hell, I have read more engaging biology textbooks before. I couldn't continue reading this book it was just so incredibly boring. Not to mention that this book is pretty useless if you don't live by the sea.
December 28, 2017
Sections are rather disorganized, and it focuses heavily on the British Isles. But there is some great information and idea-spurring bits in it. I also like how she uses science to aid our understanding of sea magick and sea-centered devotional work.
June 6, 2024
I picked this book up as an addition to my sea-witch literature collection and was mildly disappointed.
Starting with the positive; this book is PACKED FULL of information in all of its 150 pages. I appreciate the focus on folk based magic and how it covers most topics associated with sea magic. There is a good amount of warnings given on the possible dangers of working with and by the sea, which i greatly appreciate. However...
Most of the information, spells, references to body's of water, cultural references, etc. are based on/in the british isles. I was hoping for a more diverse context, but it's fine. Keep that in mind when buying the book.
The author is not capable of differentiating their personal opinion from fact. This wouldn't be a problem, as all magic is personal and I'm expecting subjective experience in a magical book, but it's basically always done by talking down of the way other people practice. The tone is infuriating to me, " doing it that way is TOTALLY WRONG, and you NEED to do it like this blah blah blah", it greatly negatively affected my rating on this book. Even the points in which I agree with the author were frustrating because they just DONT GIVE ARGUMENTS or reasonings for the things they are saying.
Critical reading skills are required when reading this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to beginners because there's just so much non-logical stuff in here. Get this: In one of the first chapters, the author recommends THROWING A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE OCEAN as a spell without once mentioning the negative impact this will have on the environment. This was the first of many times where I questioned if this author is a sea witch at all. Wouldn't somebody who talks about connecting to the ocean and its spirits listen to what they have to say? IF YOU ARE AT THE SEASHORE AND NEED A CAPSULE USE A SHELL AND SEAWEED. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT PLASTIC??? The edition I have, was published in 2012, but I really don't think this can be signed up to the book being "outdated".
I really should have trusted the reviews about this book. You get what people complain about.
Overall, this book is underwhelming, and personally, I find it infuriating. If you're a beginner; it's not worth it. You can find the same information done better elsewhere. If you're experienced; this book is fairly useless, nothing special or groundbreaking in it. Honestly, unless you're a completionist like me and are trying to build up a library of all sea magic books in existence: it's not worth it, don't buy, .
Starting with the positive; this book is PACKED FULL of information in all of its 150 pages. I appreciate the focus on folk based magic and how it covers most topics associated with sea magic. There is a good amount of warnings given on the possible dangers of working with and by the sea, which i greatly appreciate. However...
Most of the information, spells, references to body's of water, cultural references, etc. are based on/in the british isles. I was hoping for a more diverse context, but it's fine. Keep that in mind when buying the book.
The author is not capable of differentiating their personal opinion from fact. This wouldn't be a problem, as all magic is personal and I'm expecting subjective experience in a magical book, but it's basically always done by talking down of the way other people practice. The tone is infuriating to me, " doing it that way is TOTALLY WRONG, and you NEED to do it like this blah blah blah", it greatly negatively affected my rating on this book. Even the points in which I agree with the author were frustrating because they just DONT GIVE ARGUMENTS or reasonings for the things they are saying.
Critical reading skills are required when reading this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to beginners because there's just so much non-logical stuff in here. Get this: In one of the first chapters, the author recommends THROWING A PIECE OF PLASTIC IN THE OCEAN as a spell without once mentioning the negative impact this will have on the environment. This was the first of many times where I questioned if this author is a sea witch at all. Wouldn't somebody who talks about connecting to the ocean and its spirits listen to what they have to say? IF YOU ARE AT THE SEASHORE AND NEED A CAPSULE USE A SHELL AND SEAWEED. WHY WOULD YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT PLASTIC??? The edition I have, was published in 2012, but I really don't think this can be signed up to the book being "outdated".
I really should have trusted the reviews about this book. You get what people complain about.
Overall, this book is underwhelming, and personally, I find it infuriating. If you're a beginner; it's not worth it. You can find the same information done better elsewhere. If you're experienced; this book is fairly useless, nothing special or groundbreaking in it. Honestly, unless you're a completionist like me and are trying to build up a library of all sea magic books in existence: it's not worth it, don't buy, .
June 13, 2018
I loved the way this book was written, as well as the content. The focus on science and reality, while still embracing magic, was awesome and I agreed with a lot of it. There were some... *questionable* rituals included, like when the author encourages the reader to go and throw medicine bottles into the ocean. That's littering, I don't think that's in the spirit of nature... So yeah, it has some problematic parts but was overall every insightful and well-written.
May 4, 2022
I really had high hopes for this, and did enjoy the majority of the content. As a budding sea witch, I was so excited to find a book dedicated to working on the seashore. However, I didn't realize that the author is based on the UK. All of her observations, spells, anecdotes, etc. are all from lore and geography in the UK. While still a great read and very helpful, a lot of this book simply wasn't applicable to my seashore experiences. The last quarter of the book was also a bit "filler-y."
June 13, 2022
Yeah I DNF-ed this less than 10 pages in. I am not about to trust anyone who suggests throwing plastic into an estuary.
September 6, 2023
Honestly, I DNF'ed this when the author suggested throwing plastic containers into the sea as part of a spell.
Read
January 25, 2012TRADITIONAL WITCHCRAFT FOR URBAN LIVING and TRADITIONAL WITCHCRAFT FOR THE SEASHORE Mesuline Draco (Moon Books'/John Hunt Publishing Ltd www.moon-books.net £9.99/US$16.95 each 143pp and 149pp)
The author of these books was an initiate of the late Bob Clay-Egerton's Coven of the Scales and she has been a practising occultist, magical teacher and writer on esoteric subjects for over twenty years. These two books are the first volumes in a series on modern traditional witchcraft for beginners.
'Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living', as the title suggests, is a guide to being a witch today in a town or city environment and still connect to nature, the elemental forces and the land. The other book is for those who live near or often visit the coast and wish to magically commune with the sea and its energies. You will not find any 'Wiccan Rede' or invocations to Cernunnos and Ceridwen here and the featured charms are mostly Christianised ones as traditionally found in historical witchcraft. Both of the books are written in a down-to-earth style with a refreshing commonsense approach and are rooted in the folk traditions and Old Ways of the British Isles.
Recommended.
Michael Howard. Editor The Cauldron
The author of these books was an initiate of the late Bob Clay-Egerton's Coven of the Scales and she has been a practising occultist, magical teacher and writer on esoteric subjects for over twenty years. These two books are the first volumes in a series on modern traditional witchcraft for beginners.
'Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living', as the title suggests, is a guide to being a witch today in a town or city environment and still connect to nature, the elemental forces and the land. The other book is for those who live near or often visit the coast and wish to magically commune with the sea and its energies. You will not find any 'Wiccan Rede' or invocations to Cernunnos and Ceridwen here and the featured charms are mostly Christianised ones as traditionally found in historical witchcraft. Both of the books are written in a down-to-earth style with a refreshing commonsense approach and are rooted in the folk traditions and Old Ways of the British Isles.
Recommended.
Michael Howard. Editor The Cauldron
November 4, 2015
Taken from http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/03/rev... this is part of a much longer review of Path to the Mysteries, written by 'bad witch' Lucya Starza.
I've tagged the other books in the series, which Lucya refers to in her review, and also David Salisbury's excellent 'Deep heart of witchcraft'.
I've tagged the other books in the series, which Lucya refers to in her review, and also David Salisbury's excellent 'Deep heart of witchcraft'.
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March 26, 2016even if you only have a passing interest in modern pagan beliefs, this book is still really interesting. a lot of science and history here gave a lot of depth abd was just really informative about nature.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews