Member Reviews

I am so far enjoying this series of books on the elements. This particular book focuses on the element of water. Topics covered included deities, beings, herbs, crystals etc that are affiliated with water. Also included are instructions for spiritual baths. As Lilith Dorsey is a Voodoo Priestess there is a heavy emphasis on her customs. She did go into detail about Bridget, which I enjoyed. This will be a useful reference for years to come.

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As a water witch through and through I was excited to get this book in the series. I liked the different aspects it tackled. Some new spells and tips to add to my practicing craft.

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I am always looking for sources to help expand my spiritual workings and understandings. My main affinity lies with fire, so while magic 101 sort of entails moon waters and such, I never knew how to utilize them meaningfully. Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey was quite a welcome resource.

I much enjoyed the author's involvement with multiple cultural involvements of other magical religious traditional gods, goddesses, and spirits. She provides multiple activities for connecting with mater magics, spirits, and deities as well as ways to observe proper reverence to such entities.

The section on baths, house cleansings, and floor washes, etc was quite a stand out for me, I have all these collections of moon waters, sea waters, eclipse, hurricane, and big storm waters that now could be utilized.

That is not to say I didn't enjoy the histories and gem/stone associations also detailed and how the folklores and ancient practices differed across different cultures and regions.

I recommend this book for those looking to begin or expand on their water-based magical workings and repertoire!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity in reading this book. I enjoyed learning about the magical properties of water.

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it was nice learning about water magic and how to use water in the craft. As a sea and water witch, this book helped.

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I enjoy the overall structure of diving into the elements from a practice and occult-focused point of view. I love Lilith Dorsey's work and she did not disappoint with this title! I thought this did an excellent job of covering folklore, practices and modern suggestions without getting too "in the weeds" or becoming dull. It's definitely a book meant for practitioners and I appreciate that!

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This book is packed full of information on working with the water element. I appreciated that the history and folklore of water magic was included.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This book was a fascinating insight into the power of water and the various ways in which practicing witches can engage with the element. I found Dorsey a very reliable guide, never too patronizing but very clear and thorough.

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An insightful dive into true water magic. This series seems so so informative and important!!

I loved all the incorporated aspects for water to culture to folklore and everything in between.

Solid read.

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Although it covers many topics and many caught my attention, I felt that it was left on the surface in terms of theory. It is a fairly practical book, with many formulas, mixtures, alternatives when carrying out work, but there was not much theoretical material, at least not as much as I expected. It is an ideal book for those who want to start incorporating water in their spiritual work and want to explore some myths and figures related to this element.

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The first entry in Llewellyn's exciting new Elements of Witchcraft series . The series will contain three book releases. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

I have always been interested in water magic as part of my practice. I had not found a book prior to this that was so well done and informative. I loved the spells and rituals included that anyone can incorporate into their practice. The author has historical water magic information of how different cultures view water over time and incorporate water rituals. The folklore section was fascinating and fun to learn. Shells and shell magic are included here.
I enjoyed reading this and will use many of the spells in my practice. Thank you to the author for such a well researched informative fun book. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to the next books in the series.

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Water Magic: Elements of Witchcraft by Lilith Dorsey is the first book in a series by Llewellyn publishers dedicated to the alchemical elements. It is separated into Three (3) Parts and begins with the History, Folklore and Myth of alchemical/spiritual water. The remainder of the book flows from the “how to’” of working with water’s energies and ends with specific tools of application and ways to engage more deeply in the nature of water.

Part 1: History, Folklore & Myth, “Chapter 1: Water Throughout Time and Culture” takes the reader through early myths and creation stories that have founded the basis of our spiritual and mundane work. We are physical beings composed largely of water and the natural resonance within ourselves and the alchemical nature of water are readily available for deeper connection. We are taken through the cultures of the Sumerians, Muslims, Hindus, Native peoples, Haitians, Asians, Christians and others. These stories and ways in which throughout generations and ages, water has been a stabilizing and fertile force opening us to the deeper nature within.

I especially enjoyed “Chapter 2: Mythological Watery Beasts and Places”. These are listed in alphabetical order with brief introductions to their stories and powers. The usual suspects are represented-Selkies, Mer-People, Sirens, Leviathan and a generous listing of more, many of which I had never encountered before. Very cool! The author explores the Divine beings represented in Water and the Divine (Chapter 3) and includes a very simple journeying experience to open you to the water deities. Sacred Water Sites (Chapter 4) is a journey of sacred geography and introduction to these places of power and healing.

In Part 2: Working with the Element of Water, Ms. Dorsey provides the practical application of water as ally and tool in magickal and spiritual endeavors. These chapters cover water in all of its representations…

… The element of water is vital for all living things. Magically it helps us heal, get in touch with our emotions and the emotions of others, to travel and to transform. By fully exploring and understanding the element of water and all it is associated with, its true power and ultimate potential can be unlocked…..

Chapter 6: Water Herbes and Botanials familiarizes the reader with those plant allies that resonate with water. Subsequent chapters provide the points of connection from the mineral kingdom (Chapter 7: Water Crystals, Stones and Shells) and animal kingdom (Chapter 8: Water Animal Guides).

Part 3: Recipes, Rituals and Spellcraft brings all of the information together. These correspondences are fused into recipes for Magical Waters, Baths, Salts and Washes (Chapter 9) including the keynotes of daily planetary rulings Monday-Sunday to enhance the intention of any work. Chapter 10: Water in Divination and Dreams encourages the intention of alchemical water

… Divination and dreams are inherently watery. They are deep, elusive and mysterious. By calling on the elemental power of water we can gain true insight and understanding…..

And, Chapter 12: Holidays, Rituals and the Water Wheel of the Year offers a lovely ritual as conclusion of that chapter, “Beltane Water Blessing and Renewal Ritual”, which gives a decidedly different perspective on a ritual that traditionally is considered to be of Fire.

The Appendix is a snapshot of correspondences that can be readily used to personalize and hone in on what will be of nest support for your intention. The Bibliography has a robust listing of title to dive into and broaden your understanding of water’s potency.

Would I Recommend:

Water Magic: Elements of Witchcraft by Lilith Dorsey would be a wonderful reference book to add to your collection. It is largely formatted as a book of correspondences that gives enough information for each category of water’s assignation to make application of the energies easily doable. The value of this book lies in not only the cursory read through, but in having in one compilation a read that can be returned to as needed and hone in more dynamically to precisely the watery energy that would bring the biggest enhancement. Hopefully, the remainder of the books in this alchemical series will deliver the same thoroughness of information that flows through Water Magic: Elements of Witchcraft by Lilith Dorsey.

Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2020/10/09/book-review-water-magic-elements-of-witchcraft-by-lilith-dorsey/

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The first in an Elemental series, Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey has something for everyone. From folklore to water beasts, mermaids to sea witches, and so much more between, Dorsey has created a watery world to take a quick dive, coming up recharged and refreshed, and leaving some prepared to do so water ritual if they so choose.. This fire sign couldn't have been more pleased to discover some additional ways to cool my fire when needed. I especially enjoyed the section that talks of scared water sites as I was excited to read about Bayou St. John in Louisiana and absolutely delighted to see a lake 5 minutes from my home in CT discussed. Who knew? Like I stated, this book has something for everyone.
I'm looking forward to the rest in these series and highly recommend Water Magic to anyone looking to start a elemental practice or for other seasoned magicals. Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Genre: Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Release Date: October 8, 2020

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I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Water Magic is part of a new elemental series of books about different types of magic - this one obviously being Water.
This book teaches you how to use water (especially during normal everyday tasks such as laundry, washing pots etc) within your practice of water magic.
I enjoyed reading about the folklores, ancient practices and how it differs across different cultures and beliefs and loved the part about mythical creatures too. I didn't realise how many ancient water sites there are across the globe either!
I really enjoyed the authors take on water magic and loved her floor wash spells which I've never heard of before and sound amazing.
I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series!

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An overall really good book. Really consider this book this book if you are a person who connects with water. How water connects all of us in cultures, creatures, places, and deities. Spell work and other activities mentioned. Really good book and I believe it is the first in an elements series - so really cool for that.

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An excellent book if you want to learn to work with the water element.
It's well written, full of excellent and interesting ideas and examples.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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Water magic by Lilith Dorsey is a wonderful dive into water based rites and spells.
I enjoyed that the author manages to pack in a lot of information with very little unneeded or unrelated tangents.
The e arc version I received did have some rendering issues but I suspect that these came from my reading device.
I am looking forward to exploring more books by this author .

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A fantastic addition to any witch's or magical person's library!

If you're looking to work more with the element of water, look no further. This book is the primer for anyone, be they novice, intermediate or advance.

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Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey

This book has a great deal of information presented concisely if briefly. What do I mean by this? Well, the first section, as an example, mentioned history, folklore and myths including religion, sacred sites, divinity, mythological beasts and places, etc. Any one of those topics could be a book in and of itself SO my feeling is that this book is a great introduction to the water element that a beginner could use to get ideas and if one idea resonated they might then choose to do further in-depth research.

I found that while reading I would say to myself, “ah ha” and then think about water in a new way. I know that there is swamp water and pond water and ocean water and dead sea water and river, brook and stream water…there is active and inactive water and what is in the water may vary BUT to think about how any one type of water might impact a spell or what it might do if one were to bathe with intent in one body of water instead of another…well…that was a for-instance that came to mind.

I have heard of animal guides, tarot, divination, crystals, pendulums and other topics but, again, had not thought of various items mentioned in direct relationship TO water…and now will be doing so and also thinking about those same items in relationship to the other elements. Reading through the lists compiled of god/desses and mythologies, sacred sites and more I also realized there is a lot I do not know and would like to learn more about.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to have it in my library? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Worldwide for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

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Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Genre: Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Release Date: October 8, 2020

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey is the first book in Llewellyn's new Elements of Witchcraft series and is an excellent resource regarding water magic.

Part one of the book dives into the history, folklore and myth surrounding water magic. I enjoyed the poems and essays included in the text.

Part two of the book goes into detail about working with the element of water, including chapters on water herbs & botanicals, water crystals, stones, & shells, and water animal guides.

Part three is filled with recipes, rituals, & spellcraft. The chapters include information on magical waters, baths, salts & washes, water in divination & dreams, water spells, and holidays & the water wheel of the year.

There is so much information in this book that one read will not be enough. If you are looking to expand you knowledge of water magic, you should definitely read this book!

I'm so grateful to Lilith Dorsey, Llewellyn Publications, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

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