Working as a Wisewoman In The Depths of West Cornwall
Working with Sea Spirits
Since moving to Cornwall and living near the sea, Laetitia discovered the ocean played an important role in the reason she came here and working with sea energies has produced remarkable results in her work. Laetitia has researched the connections between the moon, the tides, the shore life, the plants and most importantly the history of ancestral wise women working in unison with sea spirits. She is also intrigued by the myths and legends of the local merfolk and sea monsters.
The history of Sea Witchery is intriguing and Laetitia discovered the following article from “In The Chime Hours”:
It has been told by word of mouth that if a person was suffering from dark energies or illnesses and they wished to be free of this there was no better solution than to immerse themselves beneath the waves of the sea. The best time for this was at sunrise, just as the sun began to appear on the horizon and then to stay immersed in the waters until nine waves had passed over them. This also applied to other waters, whether it be from a holy well, a spring or a stream with nine being a significant number. Many have gathered together at certain times and dates to draw upon the healing powers of the landscape according to ancient folklore of Britain. The Sea Witches of Cornwall, Scotland and Sussex would present the superstitious sailors with a triune knotted rope “selling them the wind” the untying of the first knot would release a good breeze, the untying of the second would release a wind that was high and a fierce gale would be released by the untying of the third knot. Ancient Mariners had learnt this ability from sea witches to “whistle for the wind”. This would rely on direct action of the seafarers to do a strong invocation to the “Prince of the Powers of Air” to work on their behalf. Spiritual invocation with the sea was considered by sailors as highly treacherous and was used as a last resort at a time when there was no wind to fill their sails. It was believed that any seafarers who whistled for the wind without good reason would invoke “ill winds” causing terrible storms that would damage or even destroy their vessels. One of the sailor’s most treasured possessions would be a triangular fish bone in the shape of “Thor’s Hammer”, considered a charm for safe journeys and protecting against storms etc. so that he would never be in a position where he needed to “whistle the wind”. Another was the “caul” the piece of membrane covering the face of a newborn which was sold to seafarers to prevent death by drowning. Sea Witches and sailors would invoke the wind and sea spirits, Saints and even the Devil. It was said that a Sea Witch Trotternish invoked such a fierce gale she drowned her victim by capsizing his boat. Fishermen bring new nets, or repair their old ones on the shore at the time of the rising tides; they would drink whisky as a libation to ensure good luck on their excursions. A form of divination that can be used is to place a bowl of sea water in the sand. If the reflection of the rising sun is glistening and rippling in the water, then the magical work is still in process of completion. If the reflection is steady, then the work has been completed. Using water for scrying has developed with Magicians and Witches through the centuries. This can be done with a receptacle filled with water which can be used anywhere, or sitting by a lake or by a rock pool on the beach. Being out amongst the elements will add more energy to your work as well as being in such a wonderful place.”
Here is a powerful poem by Katherine MacLintok:
I Remember Her So Well: Waves, Her raging stallions Rising, crashing, on our shore; Out there squalling, dancing; The Sea Witch at our door Her eye is fixed, Her path is steady, And her hand will not be stayed: The wind, it is her gauntlet Her standard, “Heaven’s Maid” While mighty men, now fodder, Scramble from her path The Sea Witch, she comes calling, She bears Poseidon’s wrath Far off watchers bow their heads, To whisper silent prayers of thanks That they dwell far and distant, From the landing of her ranks The dolphin, they have scrambled, Abandoning their play For every creature flees, The Sea Witch on Her way Wrapped in Fury, cloaked in Wind; Mocking man with all his error, The Sea Witch marches onward, Commanding hosts of squalling terror No army can bar her passing No ship withstand her might, The Sea Witch, she comes howling, As surely as the night! Lift thine eyes to heaven; Pray for them she’ll scatter! For where they dwelt in safety, Shall now be naught but tatters And fools will find no mercy Who dare to face Her wrath, They’ll die like sheep at slaughter, Those who mock Her furied path Waves, Her raging stallions Rising, crashing, on our shore; Out there squalling, dancing; The Sea Witch at our door Her eye is fixed, Her path is steady, And Her hand will not be stayed: The wind it is Her gauntlet, Her standard: “Heaven’s Maid”!
Nothing compares to the wonderful taste of sea salt on your lips, the feel of sea water on your feet and the cool sea breeze blowing through your hair. Listening to the voices of the sea as the waves crash against the rocks accompanied by the haunting cry of seagulls is nourishment for the body, mind, soul and activates deep healing.
Lamorna, Sennen and Penberth Coves in West Penwith are sublime. Fowey, Mevagissey and Polperro hold special childhood memories. Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen and Boscastle are steeped in ancient history that compels Laetitia to visit frequently. The spectacular views from the cliffs of Tintagel and Boscastle are a site to behold.
Laetitia highly recommends a visit to the Museum to observe the fascinating artifacts associated with many aspects of the Craft as well as its enchanting location.
The Sea Witches of Cornwall, Scotland and Sussex would present the superstitious sailors with a triune knotted rope “selling them the wind” the untying of the first knot would release a good breeze, the untying of the second would release a wind that was high and a fierce gale would be released by the untying of the third knot. Ancient Mariners had learnt this ability from sea witches to “whistle for the wind”. This would rely on direct action of the seafarers to do a strong invocation to the “Prince of the Powers of Air” to work on their behalf.
