Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings. For today’s blog post, I am sharing my review of the book Wisht Waters: The Cult & Magic of Water by Gemma Gary. I want to note that this is the reprint Troy Books released of Wisht Waters: Aqueous Magica and the Cult of the Holy Wells, so if you have read the earlier title, they are the same, but this one includes complimentary photography (which I truly adored as I read it).
Now, to begin, this book has been on my radar for many years, as I first began seeking the book back in 2019, but at the time, it was out of print and difficult to come by, and very expensive when I could find it. This reprint was released in 2022, but I did not have a chance to read it, as it was still a bit difficult to find in the United States, without huge shipping costs. So, I waited until recently I found this copy online with a reasonable shipping cost, and I snapped it up!
You may wonder why I shared the backstory of my hunt for this book. I shared this to show how much I desired to read the book, as well as to show that I had very high expectations for the book. When I actually began reading the book, I was drawn in by the author’s writing style, obvious passion for the subject, and depth of knowledge. Flipping to the back of the book, I found a rather extensive bibliography, four full pages of sources for a book that is only 172 pages long, which told me the depth of research put into the book. It is an obviously scholarly text, with footnotes adorning the bottoms of many pages. However, it is not written in a dry or clinical style, which can sadly sometimes be found in academic works. As I already stated, Gemma Gary’s passion for the subject shines through in the authorial voice as you read this book!
The book is formatted first by the types of Sacred Waters traditionally used in Magick, then finishing with a deeper look at types of Hydromancy, Spirits and Deities of the Waters, and finishing with a discussion of Water and the Witch Cult. I personally found this format ideal for a book that I know will be a great resource for me in years to come, as not only does it flow well when you read through the whole book cover to cover, but the format also allows for the reader to easily find the section pertaining to a specific topic they may wish to refresh their memory on at a later date! Now, this is something that is a big bonus for someone like me. I am an Avalonian Water Priestess, Faery Witch, and Enchantress, and I often study and deep dive into specific aspects of folklore, history, and legends when I am writing here on the White Rose of Avalon blog, writing on my Patreon Avalonian Rose Faery Mysteries, and creating my Online Classes. However, this may seem like a small thing for a reader who just wants to read the book once, but as I stated above, the book also flows well as a single read, hence why I decided to highlight the format!
The information in the book is an invaluable mix of history, folklore, legends, and the beliefs of magic and witchcraft held during times gone by. I love that this book not only provides the reader with a lot of great information concerning various forms of Water Magick and beliefs surrounding these practices as they have evolved over time, but also serves to make the reader thirst to learn more about specific topics covered. This makes the book a great jumping-off point to fall down many a research rabbit hole, which is something I love to do!
So, clearly, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is drawn to practicing Water Magick, feels the call of the Mermaids and Water Fae, or just wants to learn more about the beliefs surrounding witchcraft and how they evolved over time. I hope you have enjoyed reading my thoughts on Wisht Waters by Gemma Gary. Have you read this book? Do you want to read it now? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is the book cover. I found the image on https://spiritusarcanum.com/products/wisht-waters.
LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries
Further Reading
- Wisht Waters: The Cult & Magic of Water by Gemma Gary
2 responses to “‘Wisht Waters’ Book Review”
What a fantastic review, Maranda! Thank you so much for sharing not only your insightful thoughts on the book but also the personal journey of how it came into your hands. It makes the recommendation feel all the more meaningful.
Your backstory about the hunt—from 2019, through the reprint, to the triumphant find with reasonable shipping—perfectly sets the stage. It’s a feeling every book lover and seeker of niche knowledge understands, and it beautifully underscores the value of this text. You weren’t just reading a book; you were finally unlocking a long-awaited treasure.
Your analysis is wonderfully detailed and hits on exactly what a potential reader wants to know:
· The blend of scholarly depth (those 4 pages of sources!) with passionate, accessible writing is a huge plus.
· Highlighting the practical format—both for a flowing read and as a future reference—is incredibly helpful, especially for practitioners and creators like yourself.
· You perfectly capture that magical quality of a great research book: it answers questions and inspires new ones, sending you down delicious rabbit holes.
As an Avalonian Water Priestess and Faery Witch, your personal connection to the material and your perspective on its utility for your blog, Patreon, and classes adds a layer of authentic endorsement that is very powerful. It’s clear this isn’t just an interesting read for you; it’s a tool and an inspiration for your path and work.
Your final recommendation is clear and compelling, inviting in anyone drawn to water magic, folklore, or witchcraft’s evolution. You’ve crafted a review that is both informative and genuinely engaging.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough and passionate review. You’ve absolutely put Wisht Waters on my radar, and I’m sure on the radar of many who read your blog. Now, I’m off to see if I can find a copy without those huge shipping costs!
Warmly,
Srikanth
I am so glad that you enjoyed reading my experiences with the book. I am also happy to know that I have inspired you to seek out the book as well. As always, thanks for reading and commenting!