Sea witch

Sea witches have enhanced many stories of British folklore for centuries. Traditionally, sea witches were witches who often appeared among sailors along with many others involved in the seafaring trade. Often, sea witches focused on witchcraft relating to the moon, tides, and the weather, which in turn created the tradition of women who could control the seas.citeweb|url=http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/s/sea_witches.htm|title=Sea Witches|accessdate=2008-07-05]

As the name implies, sea witches are believed to be able to control many aspects of nature relating to water, most commonly an ocean or sea. However, in more modern times, sea witches can also practice witchcraft on or near any source of water: lakes, rivers, bath tubs, or even simply a bowl of salt water.

In addition to their powers over water, sea witches could often control the wind. A common feature of many tales was a rope tied into three knots, which witches often sold to sailors to aid them on a voyage or trek. Pulling the first knot could yield a gentle, southeasterly wind, while pulling two could generate a a strong northerly wind.citeweb|url=http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/l/ligature.html|title=Ligature|accessdate=2008-07-05]

Sea witches often improvise on what they have, rather than making purchases from a store or from another person. Common tools include clam, scallop, or oyster shells in place of bowls or cauldrons. Other items include seaweed, fishing net, shells, sea grass, driftwood, pieces of sea glass, and even sand. The Little Mermaid" is a sea witch.citeweb|url=http://www.tvacres.com/horror_witches_ursula.htm|title=Ursula the Sea Witch|accessdate=2008-07-05] There is also evidence of sea witches in Spiderman comic books. citeweb|url=http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix2/seawitchyoung.htm|title=Marvel comics-Sea witch|accessdate=2007-07-08]

References

External links

*http://www.seawitch.org/