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Sea Magic: Connecting with the Ocean's Energy
Invoke the Power of the Sea and Transform Your Life Purifying, mesmerizing, and transformative―the sea has long been celebrated for its beauty and mysterious power. By connecting to the ocean's energies, you can deepen your experience of the natural world and enrich your life. Whether you live near or far from the coast, Sea Magic takes you on a unique voyage of spiritual rejuvenation. Explore various types of shells and sea creatures, both real and mythical. Call upon sea deities and saints to amplify your spiritual practice, and try a wide array of relaxation exercises and meditative Dive into your inner world of emotions, imagination, and creativity―and let the sea's timeless wisdom guide you on your life path.
240 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2008
68 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Kynes
56 books124 followersI describe myself as an explorer of myth and magic. My inquisitiveness has led me to investigate the roots of my beliefs and to integrate my spiritual path with everyday life. I like to develop creative ways to explore the world, which serves as the basis for my books. I have written nine books; numbers ten and eleven are in progress. In addition to writing, I am a yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 18, 2019
Was good.
This book takes you in depth with working with sea magic.
Not completely a beginner's book. It has great reference sections and it has step by step instructions for several meditations and shamanic journeying. It also has journal entry prompts which are always helpful when you're learning.
It also explains how you can use this type of magic even if you are not living near an ocean/beach which is extremely helpful to the majority of us. This book can literally be used by anyone.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone interested in the subject.
This book takes you in depth with working with sea magic.
Not completely a beginner's book. It has great reference sections and it has step by step instructions for several meditations and shamanic journeying. It also has journal entry prompts which are always helpful when you're learning.
It also explains how you can use this type of magic even if you are not living near an ocean/beach which is extremely helpful to the majority of us. This book can literally be used by anyone.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone interested in the subject.
April 22, 2020
1.5 stars.
As I mentioned in , I've recently discovered Sea Witchcraft, and it feels like the path for me. Wanting to learn more, I bought a few books out of the very few that are available, and Sea Magic by Sandra Kynes was one of them. Unfortunately, it left me feeling quite disappointed.
There are quite a number of witchraft 101/witchcraft introductory books, and I expected Sea Magic to be similar, but looking at the specific path of Sea Witchcraft. It's not. It's not really a practical guide at all. Arguably, the title is misleading, because there's hardly any magic in it at all. There are a lot of meditations and visualisations in this book, which definitely makes it a spiritual book, but there's no actual magic.
Don't get me wrong, there is some useful information in Sea Magic, especially with regards to the different sea shell types, and their correspondences (however, there are no photos, and even looking them up online as you read isn't quite as helpful, because a number of them are quite similar). There are lists of sea deities readers can work with, as a guide to help you decide which to research further, which is helpful. There's also a list of mythical sea creatures, as some people believe in them, so again, a good way of helping you decide what to research.
But it is absolutely not a practical guide. There are no spells in this book at all, to help a beginner see what kind of spells they can perform and what that would look like. Kynes talks about sea altars, and casting a sea circle, and ways to bless shells and salt. There is a Ninefold Sea Blessing with which to start your journey with working with the sea. Kynes discusses how you can use shells, salt, and sand, but doesn't go into how. It's a book of vague hints, with meditations and visualisations, and not much else.
However, is a practice that had me concerned about cultural appropriation. Kynes talks about a form of divination using cowrie shells - one she has adapted from Diloggun, a form of divination used by those who practice Santeria, which makes me distinctly uncomfortable. It smacks of, "We can't use this form of divination because that would be cultural appropriation, so I'll just change a couple of things, and it'll be fine." I really don't think it is fine. She has changed things so that nine shells are used instead of 16, and uses numerology rather than Christian proverbs, but I can't see how that can be ok. I'm pretty sure it's not only wrong to take something that's sacred to other cultures, but to also then change what is sacred to suit your own needs. It seems extremely offensive to me.
As I said, I'm pretty disappointed with Sea Magic. I found more useful, practical information online in individual articles, than I did in the whole book. Sea Magic is widely recommended in the Sea Witchcraft community, though, so perhaps it's just disappointing to me because of my specific beliefs and path. If you're interested in Sea Magic/Witchcraft, and combined mediation and visualisation is your thing, you'll probably get something out of it. Do read some other reviews, there are so many positive ones on Goodreads. Just maybe don't go expecting any real practical information on how to incorporate actual Sea Magic into your craft.
As I mentioned in , I've recently discovered Sea Witchcraft, and it feels like the path for me. Wanting to learn more, I bought a few books out of the very few that are available, and Sea Magic by Sandra Kynes was one of them. Unfortunately, it left me feeling quite disappointed.
There are quite a number of witchraft 101/witchcraft introductory books, and I expected Sea Magic to be similar, but looking at the specific path of Sea Witchcraft. It's not. It's not really a practical guide at all. Arguably, the title is misleading, because there's hardly any magic in it at all. There are a lot of meditations and visualisations in this book, which definitely makes it a spiritual book, but there's no actual magic.
Don't get me wrong, there is some useful information in Sea Magic, especially with regards to the different sea shell types, and their correspondences (however, there are no photos, and even looking them up online as you read isn't quite as helpful, because a number of them are quite similar). There are lists of sea deities readers can work with, as a guide to help you decide which to research further, which is helpful. There's also a list of mythical sea creatures, as some people believe in them, so again, a good way of helping you decide what to research.
But it is absolutely not a practical guide. There are no spells in this book at all, to help a beginner see what kind of spells they can perform and what that would look like. Kynes talks about sea altars, and casting a sea circle, and ways to bless shells and salt. There is a Ninefold Sea Blessing with which to start your journey with working with the sea. Kynes discusses how you can use shells, salt, and sand, but doesn't go into how. It's a book of vague hints, with meditations and visualisations, and not much else.
However, is a practice that had me concerned about cultural appropriation. Kynes talks about a form of divination using cowrie shells - one she has adapted from Diloggun, a form of divination used by those who practice Santeria, which makes me distinctly uncomfortable. It smacks of, "We can't use this form of divination because that would be cultural appropriation, so I'll just change a couple of things, and it'll be fine." I really don't think it is fine. She has changed things so that nine shells are used instead of 16, and uses numerology rather than Christian proverbs, but I can't see how that can be ok. I'm pretty sure it's not only wrong to take something that's sacred to other cultures, but to also then change what is sacred to suit your own needs. It seems extremely offensive to me.
As I said, I'm pretty disappointed with Sea Magic. I found more useful, practical information online in individual articles, than I did in the whole book. Sea Magic is widely recommended in the Sea Witchcraft community, though, so perhaps it's just disappointing to me because of my specific beliefs and path. If you're interested in Sea Magic/Witchcraft, and combined mediation and visualisation is your thing, you'll probably get something out of it. Do read some other reviews, there are so many positive ones on Goodreads. Just maybe don't go expecting any real practical information on how to incorporate actual Sea Magic into your craft.
September 28, 2010
Consider me completely blown away by this book. I adore the sea, love to learn about it, find it quite magical and this book was an explosion of all those things. There was so much in this book that made me intruiged and amazing.
There's great quotes I never knew of. A new form of divination I'm definitely looking into trying out.
I was so amazed by the amount of historical (quotes, sea logs, etc) and physical science work done (like the tides and tidal bulges of the moon, how it worked and why), and how every chapter was full of expansive lists of what they were cover (the best being the extensive lists of Sea deities and creatures throughout recorded time).
(I have to tell you the fact this book has twelve pages of bibliography [out classing the index by a good six] at the end, because each of its references is cited, also may have made my heart pitter-patter quickly.)
There's great quotes I never knew of. A new form of divination I'm definitely looking into trying out.
I was so amazed by the amount of historical (quotes, sea logs, etc) and physical science work done (like the tides and tidal bulges of the moon, how it worked and why), and how every chapter was full of expansive lists of what they were cover (the best being the extensive lists of Sea deities and creatures throughout recorded time).
(I have to tell you the fact this book has twelve pages of bibliography [out classing the index by a good six] at the end, because each of its references is cited, also may have made my heart pitter-patter quickly.)
January 6, 2022
I wish I had bought this book instead of borrowing it from the library because I can see myself referencing it quite a bit in the future.
If you live within a reasonable travel distance from the ocean like I do, you’ll want to check out Sea Magic by Sandra Kynes- it’s packed full of information on various seashells and not only their history but also metaphysical meanings, meditations, deities (of all backgrounds- including an Armenian god of storms! So rare and a large part of my ancestry), and more.
I wish I had more time with this book before my next beach visit, but I’ll likely order it in the coming weeks! Highly recommended.
If you live within a reasonable travel distance from the ocean like I do, you’ll want to check out Sea Magic by Sandra Kynes- it’s packed full of information on various seashells and not only their history but also metaphysical meanings, meditations, deities (of all backgrounds- including an Armenian god of storms! So rare and a large part of my ancestry), and more.
I wish I had more time with this book before my next beach visit, but I’ll likely order it in the coming weeks! Highly recommended.
July 6, 2008
A wonderful book about the wonders and magic of the oceans. Practical magic mixed with factual information makes a powerful magical book. Well-written, too.
June 9, 2008
I've always had a fascination with and connection to the sea. Two of my patron deities are sea deities. So getting this book was a given for me. And I've fallen completely in love with this book.
The author makes this book very non-denominational, and actually encourages the reader to reshape her rituals and practices to the reader's own belief system. It's concise, clear, and very informative.
This certainly isn't your typical "fluffy bunny" kind of book.
The author makes this book very non-denominational, and actually encourages the reader to reshape her rituals and practices to the reader's own belief system. It's concise, clear, and very informative.
This certainly isn't your typical "fluffy bunny" kind of book.
June 2, 2020
This book wasn’t what I was expecting but it was a secondhand gift so I’m not too bummed about it. It’s very yoga and New Age centered and quotes people like Wayne Dyer. It’s not awful but definitely not the witchy book I anticipated. It’s also a bit dated in some wording and has some of cultural appropriation in it. The lists of magical properties for shells, symbolism of water related animals and mythological beings is short but informative. So there’s that.
June 3, 2015
Not a bad book, but a fairly cursory one. I found it to be lacking in depth (ironically, considering its topic), and to spend far too much of its meagre page count on long lists of the results of fairly limited research. Put it this way: the much shorter individual chapters on Sea Magic in Scott Cunningham's books are much more useful.
July 25, 2018
Sea Magick was okay. The content isn't mind blowing. Just basic new age information. Easy meditations and information on shells and animals. It was mostly the author talking about herself. Why Kynes loves the sea. If anything this book is akin to a therapy session. On the other hand, Sea Magic was short and simple to read.
April 25, 2012
I've enjoyed the information on the different Sea Gods and Goddesses, shells and meditations. Especially love the Ninefold Sea Blessing.
September 26, 2019
This book would have been better if it were shorter and focused more on Sea Magic and less on the author’s personal experiences.
October 15, 2019
A lot of unique information here but I found the writing style so dry. I will return to it in the future for reference but it's not a pleasurable read, list after list.
April 18, 2021
"Magic is an attitude toward the world and an awareness of its natural rhythms."
Was surprised by how incredibly eclectic this book is. She starts off by saying we don't have to have any certain system of belief to practice sea magic.
Although many of the practices presented here are spiritual in nature, they are intended to support your religious orientation, not replace it.
It's a very personal book, with some of her journey and experiences intertwining with the information presented, I really enjoy this type of read.
There are whole sections on the science and importance of the preservation of the ocean, there are guided meditations to suit all kinds of people and there's A LOT of sources and historical/mythological research.
I'm enchanted.
On a downote there's lots of lists - seashells, animals, etc - it's a bit tiring and may be a put off.
So this may be a good read only for those who are really interested in the subject, and/or feel a deep connection with the ocean.
Was surprised by how incredibly eclectic this book is. She starts off by saying we don't have to have any certain system of belief to practice sea magic.
Although many of the practices presented here are spiritual in nature, they are intended to support your religious orientation, not replace it.
It's a very personal book, with some of her journey and experiences intertwining with the information presented, I really enjoy this type of read.
There are whole sections on the science and importance of the preservation of the ocean, there are guided meditations to suit all kinds of people and there's A LOT of sources and historical/mythological research.
I'm enchanted.
On a downote there's lots of lists - seashells, animals, etc - it's a bit tiring and may be a put off.
So this may be a good read only for those who are really interested in the subject, and/or feel a deep connection with the ocean.
July 16, 2021
I absolutely loved this book!! I am a mermaid at heart , who loves the ocean & moon 🌙 💙. I have been working on incorporating sea magic in my spiritual practices more , and I have gained so much insight by reading this book . I can’t wait to incorporate what I have learned into my own practices .
This book is broken down into six sections :
- The Call of The Ocean
- Myths , Deities & Saints
- Altars, Tools & Divination
- Sea Shells
- Sea Fetches, Totem Animals & Mythical Sea Creatures
- The Moon, Meditations & Everyday Life
Although this book did have quite a few typos, I greatly enjoyed this book . I am glad I purchased my own copy because it is a great reference book! 10/10 would recommend to a fellow sea witch 🌊💙
This book is broken down into six sections :
- The Call of The Ocean
- Myths , Deities & Saints
- Altars, Tools & Divination
- Sea Shells
- Sea Fetches, Totem Animals & Mythical Sea Creatures
- The Moon, Meditations & Everyday Life
Although this book did have quite a few typos, I greatly enjoyed this book . I am glad I purchased my own copy because it is a great reference book! 10/10 would recommend to a fellow sea witch 🌊💙
January 14, 2021
Everything you did want in light magic of the sea
A very respectful and stimulating analysis on Sea Magic, suitable for any Path. I enjoyed Keynes' tone and personal honesty in explaining different ideas and practices. It is a book that builds integrity with its warm message of self love. I'm more of a woods and fields cottage witch, but this book came to me at just the right time. I've been hoping to reconnect with my Greek side and we are spending the summer in Greece for our wedding this year. Keynes' perspective showed more a lot about what I need to do to engage with and indulge my inner chid who loved the Sea like a natural mother.
A very respectful and stimulating analysis on Sea Magic, suitable for any Path. I enjoyed Keynes' tone and personal honesty in explaining different ideas and practices. It is a book that builds integrity with its warm message of self love. I'm more of a woods and fields cottage witch, but this book came to me at just the right time. I've been hoping to reconnect with my Greek side and we are spending the summer in Greece for our wedding this year. Keynes' perspective showed more a lot about what I need to do to engage with and indulge my inner chid who loved the Sea like a natural mother.
December 22, 2019
Really lovely and helpful book about sea magic. Spells with shells, the sea water, waves, sand. How to communicate and connect with the sea. It helps you on how to identify with you sea Goddess or God. It talks about different rituals you can do at the beach. It gives you information about shells. It mentions all the sea deities mention throughout out history and from different religions and mythologies. It is a really easy and nice read.
March 26, 2020
A nice general survey that covers many aspects of sea magic. She devotes a considerable amount of time on the basic science of things like mollusk anatomy and the tides, which may be a plus or a minus depending on what you came looking for. But also practices, thoughts on altars, sea deities, ocean creatures both natural and mythical, divination, magical uses of various shells, and so on.
July 14, 2022
Not as awesome as Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition, but a definitely fun companion read.
March 14, 2023
My favourite book as an avid sea witch!! 🐚🧜🏻♀️ I often use it as a guide for my sea witchery. It is beautifully written as well, with insights about the Ocean that profoundly resonate with me. The last words of the book are as holds: "Tenet mare sal sapientia: the sea holds the salt of wisdom."
March 5, 2019
Fabulous book
September 13, 2019
Beautiful.
And informative.
And informative.
August 9, 2022
Does not contain sea magic. I found this book dull. Contains journal prompts, meditations, chakras, repetitiveness, content inspired by others.
July 22, 2023
A lot of things inside are wrong and totally illegal to do. It's forbidden to picking up seashells, to protect the nature.
It is nice to be clother to the ocean, but please, respect it.
It is nice to be clother to the ocean, but please, respect it.
January 10, 2026
I liked this book because it was very easy to follow. I am a beginner witch and I will be using this as a reference to help build my practice.
August 6, 2016
Really superb book on the subject. Spending a lot of time near the ocean and the sea one gets the fact that this book is very much in tune with that life and the spirituality that goes with it. The issue of mindfulness in one's life and behavior is crucial and Kynes is gentle but consistent in this theme. The integration of the sacred and the secular in life connected with the sea is vital for those who visit and those who take the spirit with them as they travel or live elsewhere. The large bibliography at the end serves as a wonderful resource for pursuing ones sea journey as the spirit takes one. I conduct several ceremonies on the beach and this book has contributed materially to enriching these activities personally and for those who have happened to be there at the time. One of these is sounding a conch horn (triton, actually) at sunset. The protocols are very carefully done and aligned with the sea and the time. The kind of sound, the way it joins with the sea, the sun, and the elements serves as a powerful aligning and rejuvenating influence. Many return, some have told me they'll treasure the memories. That is what sea magic is about. At first I thought this book was a bit "Pacific culture light". Not much of Hawaiian spirituality in it, for example. The other side of this, as a result of oral-formulaic tradition, is there are not many written records in this area. The concept of Malama Honua, for example, has only recently become popular. As the Hokulea voyages become known this will increase. Kynes and Sea Magic both employ the advice of the book: be mindful. As a result it succeeds nicely in carrying through the spirit and practice of Sea Magic in a way that nearly anyone can integrate in their life. Sea Magic does a nice job of outlining the relationship and responsibilities one has with the oceans and the sea and spirit that lives in us all.
One can always find things any given book does not include. That is a good thing. The important element is that a book like this can bring the light and show the ways to these things and make life fuller as a result.
It was a great book on first read, and now lives on my shelf for reference as the days go on. Not bad for a book of this size.
One can always find things any given book does not include. That is a good thing. The important element is that a book like this can bring the light and show the ways to these things and make life fuller as a result.
It was a great book on first read, and now lives on my shelf for reference as the days go on. Not bad for a book of this size.
March 11, 2024
I live at the beach, so I was hoping for some ideas on how to incorporate the ocean into my magic a bit more, and that is here in some parts of this book. It focuses a lot on shells, in particular, giving a list of associations for different shells, which is useful. It would be more useful if it had better information on identifying shells, which is not yet a strong suit for me, but I guess you need to use another resource for that. There are similar lists for animal spirits and mythical creatures, but the mythical creature one didn't seem all that well researched, where different listings were frequently just for different ways of spelling the same thing, and it listed kami as Japanese sea spirits, which is a gross oversimplification and even a basic knowledge of Shinto would tell you that was wrong. That makes me wonder about some of the other listings. Of course, the author's knowledge seems to skew more towards Celtic sources, so those might be a bit more accurate. This book falls prey to a common issue among pagan books, which is filling pages with extensive lists that are not particularly detailed or helpful. I know it stems from correspondence lists being common in older books, and those can be helpful, but not all lists are created equal, and several of the ones here are not all that useful. The author also seems to assume that you might occasionally visit a beach, and not so much live there, which is likely the case for a lot of people, but the techniques to access ocean energy at a distance are less useful when you live there. The author does clearly have a passion for the ocean and there are some solid suggestions for using that energy in different ways, but they were small ideas, and not strongly linked to nautical or coastal folklore like I had hoped.
June 13, 2010
Very good book, giving details of how to conect to the sea even if not actually living by the sea. At the end of the chapters there are questions to ask yourself to help in your journey. Very insiteful, need to spend time going through these questions.
May 20, 2011
Loved this as I am a lover of the waters (oceans, lakes, etc.). I have an extra copy I bought which is in perfect condition because I never used the second copy.
July 1, 2012
LOVE this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews