Chapter 6
The next morning, I scurry up to the widow’s walk and grab the copper bowl full of charged ingredients.
I was unable to get fully back to sleep once I returned to my bed from my sleepwalking adventure in the garden.
Instead, I tossed and turned, my mind racing as thoughts of performing my first spell became front and center in my mind.
Now, I have my ingredients and tools and am ready to begin.
I sit on the ground in the center of my backyard garden and place a large white pillar candle on the ground before me, then I scatter the charged blossoms and petals around the base.
They look and feel no different than they did the day before.
Yet somehow deep within myself, I know they now hold the power of the moon, infused, supercharged, and ready for magic.
With my legs criss-crossed beneath me, my arms lightly resting on my thighs, I take a moment to center myself, to become attuned to the world around me.
Breathing, relaxing, feeling - concentrating on the beauty that surrounds me.
I reach for the lighter I’ve brought out with me, but just before I pick it up, a thought occurs to me, and I take a chance and use my magic on purpose for the first time.
I stare at the wick of the candle, and with one finger, point at it. Nothing happens. I concentrate a bit harder and try again. Still nothing happens. I decide to try one more time before giving up. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and concentrate as I point and say ‘flame.’
Then I carefully open one eye, peeking beneath my lashes to see if I’ve been successful. When I see a strong, steady flame burning before me, a wide grin splits my face.
I did it. I controlled my magic instead of my magic controlling me.
Excitement rolls through me, and I have to take another moment to re-center myself before I can carry on with the spell. Once I have my breathing and heart rate back under control, I begin.
“I call to the elements: earth, spirit, water, fire, and air. It is thankful I am for the blessings you share. New life abounds. Your beauty surrounds.”
I concentrate on the image I have in mind for my garden, manifesting what I want it to be, the feel I want it to have.
“Bless this garden, make haste. Bring forth trees, bushes, and blooms, surround me with your grace. A garden bursting with new life is what I want to see. As I will, so mote it be.”
After I finish the spell, I sit there for a moment, afraid to move, afraid to breathe. When I finally open my eyes, I see nothing has changed, and I try not to let my disappointment show. I’m just about to blow out the candle when I feel the ground beneath me begin to vibrate, humming with power.
I notice the grass first, new sprigs sprouting from the earth, making the natural carpet beneath me thicker and greener.
My mouth pops open in wonder, and I snap to attention, glancing around in awe as the vision I had begins to take shape and my garden transforms from the sleepy shell it was into a gorgeous, vibrant array of textures and colors.
“Holy shit. Holy shit! It worked!”
I jump up and run from flower to bush to tree, circling the garden in a mad rush to see everything. I clasp my hands together; my excitement cannot be contained. Once I’ve admired it all, I stroll back over and sit down, grabbing the candle and blowing out the flame. As I do, I offer my thanks.
“Blessed be.”
Then I stretch my arms out and smile before lying back in the soft grass and letting the morning sun warm my face and body.
I close my eyes and let the fragrance of fresh blooms permeate my nose.
I relax one part of my body at a time until I feel as if I’m a puddle of goo.
Before long, my restless night catches up with me, and I drift off to sleep.
I wake sometime later, happy, refreshed, and full of energy.
I can’t keep the grin from my face as I look around once more to confirm my first successful spell wasn’t just a dream.
I have to admit, I’m a bit amazed at how easily and completely I’ve accepted my newfound magic and abilities.
It all feels so natural. I take a deep breath and head inside to get started on my remodel project for the day.
I work hard the rest of the morning, sanding the finishing compound on the walls of one of the guest bedrooms. By noon, the sanding is done, and I’m ready to start painting. I’ve had music blaring to help with the monotony, but it hasn’t kept my mind from drifting to the idea of a seance.
Having my garden spell work so well has given me encouragement to give it a try. I spend a bit of time with the book while I’m scarfing down some lunch, and by the time I’ve exhausted myself with the remodel for the day, I’m convinced I can actually do it.
Tonight is the height of the full moon cycle, and it seems that it is the best time to give it a go. And while I feel certain I can make it happen, there is still a hint of apprehension lurking as I gather all I’ll need and cart it up to the widow’s walk.
Tonight, I will try to speak to my ancestors.
Midnight. The inbetween. The perfect moment.