*                        Sea Magick

The beach is one of my favorite places, for both magickal and mundane
reasons. It seems no matter what is going on, a trip to the beach just seems
to make me feel better. I don't see how other people live without it.

I don't think I've once ever been to the beach without at least
performing a minor ritual or offering. It could be that I am very
attracted to the types of energies found there, or it could be that the
energies there are too strong for me to resist, In any case, here are a
few tidbits if you are lucky enough to live near the beach or can visit one:

Meditation: The beach is an excellent place for meditation, provided you
stay above the high tide line (in case you fall asleep!), and you can
find a reasonably quiet space, the fourth of July crowd, for example,
would not be the place to attempt meditation. The sound of the waves, and
depending on what type of meditation you are doing, sometimes the site, are
very useful in inducing a meditative state. In addition, people also do tend
to relax more at the beach, a critical part of successful meditation.

Purification: The combination of salt and running water (the waves),
make the ocean an excellent place for removing negative energies from
your aura. It is also useful for cleansing specific objects, such as
amulets, provided you can keep a good grip on them so the waves don't
wash them away. Sea water is also good for purifying your home.

Elemental Offerings: Offerings to the elements of Water and Air are
especially appropriate at the beach. I always carry a pouch of ginger
with me for just this reason. If you perform any spells, it is also wise
to leave an offering for the spirits of the ocean. This is also a good
thing to do if you decide to take anything. For the same reason, it is
very important not to pollute the ocean in any way. Do not leave
wrappers, cans, bottles or cigarette butts. You want to establish a
positive relationship with the deities and spirits of the ocean, so it's
important to treat their territory with respect.

Amulets and Talismans: Driftwood, shells, and stones make good amulets. Some
things can also be made into ritual tools. I made a set of runes from bits
of sea shell. I also made a wand from driftwood specifically for rituals
related to the element of water and sea deities. Choose things that "call"
to you. A bottle of sand can be taken and placed near the door of your home
for protection. I consider Sand dollars or bits of sand dollar, good for
this prosperity. Paint a prosperity symbol on it and keep in your purse or
wallet.

Seaweed: Seaweed is good for protection and prosperity. Some types of
seaweed can be dried and stored successfully and some are better used right
away. Always hold the seaweed underwater and shake it before you take it
home. This will allow any sea life that may be caught in it to break free.
Storing it in water will make it degenerate faster so once you've cleaned
it, keep it as dry as possible until you're ready to use it. It's a good
idea to leave a pinch of ginger to thank the sea spirits anytime you take
anything.

As earlier mentioned, seawater is excellent for purification, so you may
want to consider bringing a small bottle along to collect some.

Tides: Tides are utilized in the same manner lunar phases are. tides
going out for decreasing magick, low tide being the strong point. tide
coming in for increasing magick, high tide being the strongest point.

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