Agnes Waterhouse, also known as Mother Waterhouse, is a prominent figure in the court of Witch Elders. As both an Ancestor and Spirit Guide she has much wisdom to share with witches of all levels of experience.
Historical Background:
Agnes Waterhouse was tried for witchcraft in 1566 in Chelmsford, Essex. She was accused alongside her daughter Joan Waterhouse and another woman named Elizabeth Francis. Agnes was found guilty of using witchcraft to cause harm and was executed by hanging. Agnes was accused of various acts of witchcraft, including causing the death of William Fynne, a local farmer, through the use of sorcery. Her daughter, Joan, and Elizabeth Francis also faced similar accusations. A central part of Agnes Waterhouse’s trial was her alleged use of a familiar spirit, an entity in the form of a cat named Sathan. According to testimony, this familiar helped her carry out acts of witchcraft.
Folklore and Legacy:
Witches having familiar spirits, often animals, is a common belief in European witch folklore. Agnes’s cat, Sathan, is one of the earliest recorded instances of a familiar in English witch trials. These familiars were believed to assist witches in their magical practices, often in exchange for the witch’s blood or other offerings. Agnes Waterhouse’s trial and execution marked a significant moment in the history of English witch trials. It set a precedent for subsequent witch hunts and trials, contributing to the widespread fear and persecution of supposed witches in England. Agnes Waterhouse remains a figure of interest in the study of witchcraft and folklore. Her story is a reminder of the historical injustices faced by those accused of witchcraft and the enduring legacy of these events in cultural memory. Agnes Waterhouse’s trial and execution represent a critical moment in the history of witchcraft in England, highlighting the complex interplay of fear, superstition, and social control that characterized the witch hunts of the early modern period.
Here's a basic outline for a ritual to conjure the spirit of Agnes Waterhouse, keeping in mind that this should be done with the utmost respect and seriousness:
Materials Needed:
- A quiet, private space - preferrably at night
- A picture or representation of Agnes Waterhouse
- Black and white candles
- Florida water
- Incense (frankincense or myrrh)
- A bowl of water (or scrying mirror)
- Glass of water for spirit offering
- Personal protection items (such as a protective talisman or amulet)
- Paper and pen
Preparation: Cleanse your space physically and spiritually. This can involve sweeping the area, lighting incense and asperging with florida water. Set up your altar or ritual space with the candles, incense, water bowl or mirror, representations of Agnes Waterhouse and her water glass offering.
Personal Protection: Ensure you have protective measures in place, such as wearing a protective talisman or amulet. This is to protect you against trickster spirits. Ground yourself by visualizing roots growing deeply into the earth.
The Conjuration Ritual
Circle of Protection: Lay a Ring of protection around your working space. Visualize a sphere of white light surrounding you, creating a safe boundary. Get into a meditative state by breathing deeply and clearing your mind. Focusing only on the current working.
Invocation: Light the black and white candles. The black candle can represent the past and the spirit world, while the white candle symbolizes protection and purity. Light the incense and place it on the altar. Place the glass of water close to the Image of Agnes and verbalize that it is a spirit offering for her.
Calling the Spirit: Stand or sit in front of your altar. Gaze into the water as you focus your intention on contacting Agnes Waterhouse.
Say the following invocation: “Spirit of Agnes Waterhouse, I call upon you with respect and sincerity. I seek your presence and your wisdom, From the realms beyond, I invite you here. Agnes Waterhouse, hear my call, I summon you in peace and with reverence. Come forth, and share your knowledge with me.”
Communication: Pay attention to any sensations, thoughts, or changes in the atmosphere. Spirits can communicate in subtle ways, so be open to receiving messages. You may use a pendulum, tarot cards, or another divination tool to facilitate communication if you prefer.
Listening and Recording: If you sense the presence of Agnes Waterhouse, respectfully ask any questions you have, and listen for responses. Record any messages or impressions you receive on the paper.
Thanking the Spirit: Once you have completed your communication, thank Agnes for her presence and assistance.
Closing statement: "Agnes Waterhouse, I thank you for your presence and your wisdom.I release you now to return to your realm. Go in peace and with my gratitude."
Closing the Ritual: Extinguish the candles and incense. Sprinkle salt into the bowl of water to cleanse it. Release the circle of protection, visualizing the sphere of light dissipating.
Aftercare:
Grounding: Spend a few moments grounding yourself, perhaps by eating something or touching the earth.
Reflecting: Reflect on the experience and record any additional thoughts or insights in a journal.
Respect: Maintain a respectful attitude towards the spirit world and the entities you have contacted.
Spirit conjuring work is a skill developed over time. The more you practice spirit communication and conjuring, the better you will get at it. Don't be too discouraged if you don't feel like anything is happening the first time. This is why a simple divination tool is recommended. But as you practice try exersizing your clair-abilities more and more and record your impressions. Also make sure to take note of messages received through dreams after doing conjuring work.