Water is not just a physical necessity for our bodies and the Earth, but it also plays a role in rituals, spells, and cleansing practices within the realm of witchcraft.
The word water is inherited from Germanic, dating prior to Old English. Old English had a wide variety of spellings based on the dialectical area it was found in. Northumber had the most variety with uæter and uætter. In the transition between Old English and Early Middle English, the u at the beginning becomes either w or v. There is a note on the Oxford English Dictionary that our modern spelling of water was seen in Old English, albeit very rarely.
Water is often associated with emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. In witchcraft, it is believed to have the power to cleanse, purify, and heal. Water can be used in various forms, such as rainwater, river water, sea water, or even water from a sacred spring. It is often consecrated or charged with intention before being used in rituals or spells. Water can be sprinkled, poured, or used in rituals involving scrying or divination.
Sources:
“Water, N.” Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford UP, June 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/1136754417.
Personal experience.