#progressive witchcraft

The Realm of Water gives us the sense of hearing and is responsible for the manifestation of all our senses in the other Elements. It is the Element of emotion. In the Astral Realm, these manifest positively, while negative emotions are repressed into the Underworld. Because of this, it is the most commonly used elemental realm with which to access the Underworld. The most commonly found symbolism here is the well, lake, river, etc. While wells and lakes may be used to descend into the Underworld, rivers are often used to mark the boundaries between the different realms, as they mark psychological crossing points. (page 141)

Cailleach bheara. Lake and Weather Goddess who protected lakes from being drained. Beara is a peninsular on the Cork-Kerry border. She dropped the cairns on the hills of County Meath from her apron, moved islands, and built mountains. Originally appeared as a triple goddess, Cailleach Bolus and Cailleach Corca Duibhne. As Cailleach Bui, said to have been a wife of Lugh. The Book of Lecan says she had seven youthful periods, married seven husbands (each of whom grew old and died), and had 50 foster children who founded many tribes and nations. In Ireland, a builder of mountains. In Scotland, a warner of storms and bringer of snow; overcome each spring by the appearance of Brighid, she turned into a stone every April 30 and was reborn every October 31. Some scholars identify the Scottish form with Black Annis. One of the most ancient aspects of the Goddess in the British Isles. In Gaelic, Cailleach basically means a wise older woman, and may be applied to anyone from a nun to a witch. Interestingly, caileach with a single “L” means “chalice” in Irish—an essentially feminine symbol. In Scotland, the Cailleach was also known as the Carline. (page 250)