#fishcraft

My first post please don't be harsh on the art, ty <3

The most basic of basics when it comes to fish, and aquariums, is the water.

Saltwater

Saltwater is the more difficult of the choices to work with. The chemistry involved is a little more serious to maintain as the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates are more problematic to control than they are in freshwater. The specific gravity (salinity) is also something that must be constantly monitored. I do not reccomend this choice to the beginner aquarist.

This option does come with some magical benefits however. Saltwater magnifies magical intentions, and is great for cleansing, purification, and protection due to the salt content. In my opinion, for the purposes of FishCraft, having a saltwater tank will keep your spell charged longer than just freshwater, and intensify your personal magic and intentions.

Saltwater is also the cradle all life is born from. As such, I find that using it in witchcraft, not just FishCraft, is very beneficial for spells relating to health, long life, and general well being.

Freshwater

Going for simple, clean, dechlorinated freshwater is not only just as beneficial, but also much easier for the beginning aquarist.

In FishCraft there are a few ways you can interpret the magical properties of freshwater. They all have one thing in common, the flow of the water.

If the water is stagnant, like a lake or pond, its great for self reflection, peace, relaxation, and contentment. I personally find still waters excellent for curse or hex reflection.

If the water is slow moving like a creek or stream, its energies are best used for purification and cleansing.

If you have a serious, heavy duty current pump in your tank the water will be like that of a river. River water is best used for change, moving forward, overcoming challenges, and protection.

Brackish Water

Brackish water occurs where freshwater rivers or streams run into the ocean or sea. The salinity content is much lower in brackish tanks than a saltwater setup, and is a little easier to maintain.

Because a brackish tank is both fresh and saltwater its almost the "white candle" of FishCraft. It takes on magical properties of both environments, as well as adding its own flavor to the mix.

Brackish water is mysterious, where it occurs in nature tends to be murky, muddy, and obscured with low visability. This aspect makes it perfect, in my opinion, for use in a curse - to muddy ones eyesight or perception for example.

Its also good for adding mystery, to yourself, your situation, your love life...wherever you feel some mysterious energy is needed most. Brackish water also has a balancing energy, as many plants that grow in a brackish environment are baneful, while many others are not.

To put the properties of each water type in simpler terms, this post will conclude with them in list format.

Saltwater

• Cleansing • Purification • Magnify magical intent • Health • Longevity • General Well Being

Freshwater

• Calm Water - self reflection - curse/hex reflection - peace - contentment - relaxation

• Slow current - purification - cleansing

• Fast current - change - moving forward - overcoming challenges - protection

Brackish Water

• Balance • Mystery • Low visibility curses • Curses in general • Protection • Magnify magical intent

Photo source for legend GIF | Koi pond photo source

Being a water/sea witch, I have a deep respect and connection to all aquatic animals. I believe that fish deserve better than to be flushed down a toilet.

I have been keeping fish for a long time, and I thought I'd share the ceremony/ ritual I perform when one passes.

I start with finding a suitable container to use as a coffin of sorts. (For beta fish, empty emergency medical kit boxes are a good size.)

I then put padding in the box (I use felt). I sprinkle a bit of sea salt on the padding to protect their soul on their journey to wherever they may go.

Along with the salt I sprinkle chamomile so their soul may be peaceful.

I then place an offering inside the box. (I used a shell to ask for the aid of water spirits.)

I then pray to my respective dieties, asking for their help in guiding the deceased soul towards rebirth (if you don't believe in that just skip this part)

Lastly I find a nice place to bury them. I prefer to do it in the forest, because it's a powerful place.

I'd love to hear what you all do for your deceased pets:)