Chapter Twenty-Eight
Lilith
Lilith leaned over the text of the ancient book, heart racing at the discovery of something so extraordinary. Maybe even something…magical.
Breathing in the musky scent of the marigolds scattered over the table, she turned to the first page. Amid the pulsing warmth
of her birthmark, she began to read.
There is danger in putting these words to parchment. Yet there is even more danger in not.
My dearest Sybil, I hope you read this book someday when you embrace the power of the world around us. We are but flesh and
bone in a cycle of life that will not cease for our whims. When interest in your gifts is aroused, I may no longer be of this
earth.
And so I gift this text to you, to share all I have learned, all that has been passed down to me through generations of women.
There are those who would seek to persecute us for our power. Out of fear. Out of envy. Out of ignorance.
Emotions that are not only vicious, but also dangerous.
We were not always so strong.
Our ancestors were bent into submission, abused for their supposed weakness. But there was one who the earth beckoned, offering
her the promise of protection and strength.
This ancestor learned the language of the sun’s path and all the phases of the moon. She witnessed the power in the changing
seasons, in the elements around us. She honed her mind to understand the earth’s gifts—how dragon’s glass can sweep away time
to expose what will come to be, how tin stone can bring great silence, how even a simple sprig of mugwort can enhance dreams.
The earth can aid in all areas of life. But what can heal can also kill.
You are forewarned if you do not stay on the chosen path, your gifts will fall silent. It is for that reason I implore you
to enlist caution when creating your charms and enchantments, daughter. Work with a pure heart lest your harm to others befall
you threefold.
If you read this to learn, do so under a waxing moon to sharpen your understanding.
If there is no time to spare for such measures, trust the earth to guide you.
First, open your heart and center your mind on the world. From the dirt beneath your feet, to the leaves in the trees, the
chattering rush of a stream, the song of the wind, the life-giving warmth of the sun, the power of the moon’s silver gleam.
There is power all around us. It will call. You need only answer.
Do not allow your frustration and impatience to sway you. You are a chalice to be filled with the potency of this world. Clearing
your mind will ease your struggles.
Here is a simple charm to enhance your gifts.
Place into a satchel to wear upon your person:
Crystal to amplify intentions
Amethyst to elicit power
Rosemary to heighten your senses
Heads of snakeroot to amplify your need
Laurel for success
Bring these together by the light of three candles with focus and intention.
This bears repeating: Only use the earth’s energy for good, no matter the harms you face in life.
May the earth and my love guide you.