Water Witch

Deborah LeBlanc

· Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

· Publisher: Leisure (September 30, 2008)

· Language: English

· ISBN-10: 0843960396

· ISBN-13: 978-0843960396

Water Witch is the story of Dunny, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary gift. She has the power to find things that are lost or hidden….car keys, water, wallets, as well as missing people and animals. The only drawback is that her ability is tied to an extra digit on her left hand, which she feels compelled to keep hidden with the use of gloves. That, and the fact that there are numerous people who ostracize her for her gift or wish to use it for their own gain, like finding oil on their property.

For these very reasons Dunny has hidden herself away in her ancestral home in Texas where she is blessed to work as a freelance writer. The job doesn’t pay much but she enjoys what she is doing and is able to live off the interest of a somewhat sizeable account left to her by her grandparents who squirreled away their fortune after having discovered oil on their land, thanks to Dunny, a few years before their deaths.

Having given up on the hope for love, a husband, and a family of her own, Dunny has consigned herself to devoting time to her writing and caring for, in her own way, a strange dog that wanders in and out of her life from time to time. The peculiar thing is that each time Fritter wanders into her life something bad happens. The first time she met him, she discovered a brushfire near her home, the second time she was in a minor car accident. With Fritter’s latest appearance, Dunny gets an urgent phone call from her sister, Angelle.

Angelle resides in a small town in Louisiana with her husband, Travis, and earns a living as a school teacher. Not only one, but two of Angelle’s students have disappeared and it seems that only Dunny’s power of dowsing can bring them back, that is, if it isn’t already too late. Dunny’s become comfortable with her life and fears being ostracized in yet another town and so she’s reluctant to come to her sister’s aid. However, she senses that there is more to Angelle’s story, and there is, than what she is saying. Eventually, against her and Fritter’s better judgment, she goes to Louisiana to attempt to find the children.

What follows is a supernatural tale of good versus evil with not only the lives, but also the souls, of two precious children hanging in the balance. With the support of her sister and insight of Poochie, who has more power than even she knows, Dunny must overcome her own fears and insecurities in order to embrace her special gifts to combat a madman who is perverting the sacred rituals of his ancestors for his own gain and bring those children home safely.

At just under 300 pages, Water Witch is a quick read. The author’s easy style makes the story seem to jump off the page. Though we are not privy to a great deal of backstory or history of the characters, they felt like real people to me, their thought processes and actions didn’t seem contrived just to move the story along. Leblanc does an excellent job of allowing the reader to think that he or she has discovered the villain’s true identity, only to surprise us with an unexpected twist. I especially like the character of Poochie and her interactions with the other characters as the plot unfolds. However, sensitive readers may find the liberal use of the “F” word unsavory, as well as her quoting one of Demi Moore’s most famous line from the motion picture GI Jane. Nonetheless, given the circumstances the characters find themselves in you can’t fault them for a few profanities. I also found the author’s inclusion of folk beliefs native to Louisiana delightful, the feux fo lais for example.

There were a few plot points that I found puzzling such as what happened to the shoes in Poochie’s prayer-tree and who exactly were the shadowy beings haunting the villain? Even with these questions somewhat unexplained, it didn’t detract from the story and I found myself wanting the story to continue. I would love to have seen Dunny explore the full extent of her powers. Did they begin and end at dowsing, or did she have the potential to be a “witch” in every sense of the word? Given what occurs at the end of the book concerning the source of Dunny’s powers, as well as a budding romance, I wonder if a sequel will be forthcoming. If so, I would gladly escape into Dunny’s world for a few more hours and would invite you to come along……

---Carolina Dean

Links

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Book Trailer (Youtube)

Looking back on my almost 20 years within the Craft I was searching my brain for something to share you with you, my readers. I find that I've been doing certain things so long that it doesn't seem so original and creative anymore. However, the little rite that I am about to share with you hasn't lost it's original beauty and power and I hope that you have occasion to use it for many years to come as I have these many years.

Now, in the past, I've described for you how to write certain petitions using the Crossing and Covering method I learned while studying the Aftrican American Magickal System of Hoodoo. However, I've never told you how I prepare the paper beforehand.

Typically, I use regular 81/2 X 11 inch paper that many of you have in your printer right now. The night before I know I am going to do a spell or ritual in which I will be writing a petition I take that piece of paper and soak it in herbal tea for about 30 minutes. I then gently take the paper out of the herbal tea and place it on a flat surface where it will dry overnight. Sometimes I place a few drops of essential oil on the paper as well. The paper will become infused with the energies of the herbs/oils and the dark color of the tea will cause the paper to appear aged. In many cases, you can match the herbs you use to the nature of the spell or ritual that you will be doing.

Now some of you may feel that this is all un-neccessary, and I would agree with you. Preparing the paper in this way is not really required for a successful spell or ritual. However, your spell or ritual will take on an added dimensnion when you choose to go the extra mile and make it that much more special.

Carolina Dean

So after some studying, dream-work and dumb luck, I've finally settled on a symbol for my website. It's basically a Roman Numeral Three inside two concentric circles. I debated putting a motto or some other words between the circles, but couldn't decide on anything.

I don't know what to call the symbol (suggestions anyone...anyone) but it is meant to represent the mind, body, and spirit working in conjunction to create balance and harmony. The goal of my website it is to bring information to those who seek it out and assist them in creating balance and harmoney in their lives.

I didn't plan this either, but C (as in Carolina) is the third letter of the alpabet. The letter C also resembles a crescent moon. In addition, the number three is associated with Mercury (the planet of communication, especially the written word) and magick in general.

So, whaddya guys think?

Carolina Dean

Visualize a flaming blue pentagram on the individual's forehead and chant the following three times.

By this star set aflame,

I banish you in the name;

of universal harmony,

that you no longer trouble me!

As someone who has worked in the field of customer service for more years than I care to count, I've used this spell many time on angry cutomers, disgruntled co-workers, and even people on the phone! It works, with practice. By the time you've finished the chant for the third time, the person usually goes away or set their sights on another individual.

Carolina Dean

PS: If you like the photo above, its a silkscreen that one of my students made for me when I volunteered in the South Carolina Department of Corrections teaching a Wicca 101 course. I've been looking for a nice frame for it and will get a better picture of it to share with you all as soon as I do.