Tabletop fountains

Like orgonite, I have a great affinity for water.  Perhaps the fact that my sun sign is in Cancer, which represents the element of water, has something to do with it...

More than 10 years ago I put together my first tabletop fountain.  That's an image of that fountain to the left - blue glass gems in a frosted green bowl with blue feet - which was the favourite source of drinking water of Queenie, my daughter's matriarch cat who died in June 2010 at over 20 years of age.

Throughout history people have delighted in the sounds of water, perhaps initially diverting natural springs to create an oasis of serenity.  Today an indoor fountain provides a link to the outdoors, creating an ambience that works its magick and allows the sound of flowing water to soothe your soul.  So connect with nature... let the calming sound of trickling water bring tranquillity into your home or office.

Specific benefits of an indoor fountain

In the words of Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tze:  "Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as the water from a fountain.  Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass the fountain."

More boons and blessings:

• An aid to meditation - the gentle sound of flowing water is conducive to going within
• Cleaner air through the neutralisation of pollutants and dust in your surroundings
• The cooling effect of circulating water is refreshing
• Promotes lush growth in nearby plants
• Positive energy flow created by the water movement
• Achieve a relaxed state - a fountain is a great de-stresser
• An effective dry air humidifier for a more comfortable environment, and one that does not attract mould or mildew
• Better concentration and improved mood results from the release of negative ions
• An attractive decor element that lifts your spirits and is inviting for your guests
• Peace and quiet - equipment, traffic and people noises are masked
• A source of energised, running water for your pets
• Personalising your fountain is a fun way to express your creativity

Picture gallery

These fillers (stones, pebbles, marbles, glass gems, tumbled glass and slate are some examples) actually do double duty - they not only conceal but also act as design accents.  Shells as fillers partner well with water and are available in various shapes, sizes and colours.  Alongside is a translucent blue bowl in a silver holder filled with an assortment of shells.  Note how the shells reflect the blue of the bowl!

Below are a couple of examples of small-scale fountains that take up little room.  However, because the water reservoir is of a modest size, you'll need to top up these fountains with water more frequently.

I make to order - with your choice of bowl and stones.  Suitable containers are glass, ceramic, terra cotta, metal, stone, a large shell, or even plastic.

The fountain on the left was made for a weekend event as part of an installation representing the element of water.

I used green unakite and shells as a filler in a 37cm diameter dimpled blue glass bowl, and positioned a piece of mopani wood (leached of tannin by keeping it immersed in water for over 2 weeks) to conceal the electrical cord.

Maintenance tips

1  Keep the water level of your fountain as full as possible to ensure optimum pump operation.  If your tap water is hard, use distilled water instead.

2  Replace plants if necessary.  Air plants are an excellent substitute for plants rooting in water, but ensure that air plant is positioned above the water level.  Mist air plant 2 or 3 times a week with water.

3  About every 3 to 4 weeks take apart the fountain for a complete cleaning, to preserve the life of the pump.  Be sure to disconnect first from the electricity supply and keep the plug out of the way to ensure it is kept dry!  I generally loop the electrical cord over my shoulder.

4  Carry the fountain to a sink.  Remove top accents such as shells, stones, crystals, plant cuttings and rinse well.  Remove the pump guard (if supplied) and pump.

5  And now the cleaning process.  First remove the coverings that guard the propeller, a slotted outer cover and an inner cover.  Scrub these clean with warm water.  Carefully brush clean any residue from other visible parts of the pump, including the propeller, suction cup feet and plastic hose.  If necessary, soak all parts in vinegar or lemon juice to dissolve any mineral build-up.

6  To re-assemble your fountain, press down the suction cup feet of the pump for a secure grip.  Cover the pump with the pump guard (if supplied), aligning the plastic hose.

7  Add water to within a few centimetres of the top of the bowl.  Plug in the pump and switch on the power to test the flow of the water; the flow rate may be adjusted on the pump propeller cover, if necessary.  Switch off the power after testing.

8  Place large stones over the pump and around it, then replace the other items.  Plants are an ideal way to disguise the cord.

9  Arrange rocks so water hits them and not the pool of water directly, which often creates a lot of splash.

10  Switch on... and enjoy!

How to order

If you'd like to order a fountain, please get in touch with me via my contact page on this website. State your preference as to container shape, size and colour and choose a filler to complement it.  Stone fillers that I often use are red jasper, african turquoise, unakite, rose quartz, river agate, black slate, sodalite, and river pebbles.  Or you may prefer shells or glass gems.

Depending on the materials used, the prices of Water Magick fountains range between R300 and R350.