Deathwatch beetle

The deathwatch beetle symbolizes impending death and the magical world of the Owens family. It is a way to communicate a transitional period in which the person who hears the beetle can prepare and finalize their time left.

The Pond and Leech Lake

The pond symbolizes surrender. Both the pond in England and Leech Lake serve to remind readers about the power of witches and how the power is revealed. At the end, Sally is able to dive under water because Sally has relinquished her magical abilities, while Gillian can only float. Both sisters surrender to their abilities in that moment. Franny surrenders her life and the family grimoire to the pond so that her family can be free of the curse.

Red

The color red is used throughout the novel to represent power and love interchangeably. Sally is unable to see red until she...