The Unenchanted

chapter 3

The rest of vacation passed slowly. With little TV and no friends it’s amazing the things you have to find to entertain yourself. I'm not sure if it was out of boredom or just curiosity but I decided to email my aunt Selene.

Hey Selene

its Lee Lee, Hey I was wondering if you could tell me more about our ancestors the Wylam witches? Was Gran one of them? Do witches have rules? Or is it like you have magic and you can do whatever you choose?

Anyhow thanks for humoring me I get bored sometimes LOL

xxoo

your niece Lia.

p.s how is Jazz?

I hesitated.. then pushed send. I was surprised that it only took a second for her to respond. She must have been on at that time I thought.... or maybe she knew I was going to... No thats silly …

Ailia my dear! Blessed be! I am so glad you emailed me. As for the Wylam Witches not too much is left to be said. They moved here after the witch burnings were almost done. The Magick was passed down through the generations to us. Your mom was taught by Gran. Strange I know to think of your mother as a witch. She stopped practicing when Gran passed. I guess it took all she had. The pendent is a sign of our family. Think of it as a family crest. Many used to identify our ancestors by it. I guess back in the day there were many more of us then there are now. My pendant is blue with purple flecks because of what the colors stand for. Example blue stands for love, sincerity, and patience. The purple stands for transformation, and enlightenment. Those qualities were needed to guard the high priestess to keep her safe, and help council her in her ways. I also have the other pendant from Aunt Clare. She didn't care much for the heritage even from the beginning. Hers is green and yellow. Green stands for stability, harmony, also generosity. The one who wore the green & yellow pendant generally gave the most to the priestess. Yellow in this case stands for intellect, Optimism, and cheer. All very important qualities for a priestess to have near her. Last but definitely not least is your moms pendant. Red stands for passion, vigor and strength. At times the pendant will have the color pink. Pink stands for Love, Beauty, friendship, caring and acceptance. Anyhow I guess the Wylam witches used their magick for good. They were known as the strongest white witches through all Ireland. That is all I know so far from memory I would have to dig back into our family tree to find out more. Jasmine is doing well a little bored and she said she misses you!Take care Aliah

Blessed be!

Selene

after I got done reading I looked down at the pendant around my neck and paced back and forth in my bedroom. I couldn't believe what I had read. Ive heard about colors having meanings or numbers. That didn't surprise me. What I didn't know was what I had learned about mom. She was a witch before Gran had died? I couldn't help but feel cheated that she not only knew Gran but had known our rich history without telling me. I felt so angry I could have sworn I felt my blood boil. I sat down staring at my night stand. There was a big Indigo candle on top.. I don't know why but I couldn't take my eyes off of it. Just then I saw a flick of something.. what was that? The candle burst into a roaring flame. Well a roaring flame for a candle. I sat stunned for what felt like forever, turned over and quickly blew it out. I must have lit it before and just forgot. I always have had a bad memory. Then I remembered Gran's journal. I picked it up and started to read.

Date june 7th 1938

I am starting this book of magick in hopes of preserving my families heritage and it is to be used as a teaching instrument.

Page 1. the Rule of Three

Bide by the witches law ye must.

In perfect love, Perfect trust

Eight words the witches rede fulfill

An' ye harm NONE do what ye will

what ye send forth comes back to thee

so ever mind the rule of three

follow this with mind and heart

and merry we meet and merry we part.

I read it over a couple of times to make sure I fully under stood it. Hmm so witches do have rules. Whatever you do with the magic comes back to you. And your basically allowed to do whatever you want as long as it harms none. I continued to read on:

Page2. The Witches Prayer

May I be.

May I be filled with loving kindness from our goddess.

May I be well in spirit and in body.

May I be peaceful and at ease.

May I be filled with the wisdom and knowledge of our goddess.

May I be happy.

Page3.

My dear let this be my first lesson to you. Do unto others as what you would have be done to you. What you send forth comes back to you. Be honest and truthful to your best ability. Keep your head high and heart strong. Listen to your spirit and the goddess. Your council is your guide. Heed their wisdom and you will survive. Magick is all around us. Magick is in us. I pray you find your way. Merry ye meet and merry ye part.

I set the book down a little confused. I sat there for a while staring up at the ceiling. I must have fallen asleep because it was night when my mother finally called me down stairs.

“Aliah! Dinner's ready!” mother was at the end of the stairs wiping her hands on her apron. “have a good nap?” I wiped my sleepy eyes and shrugged “yeah it was OK.” dinner went by fast. Me and my mother stood and started to clean up.

After dinner I decided to call Jaz, I really needed to get some christmas shopping done and she was the perfect friend to do it with. We both decided to call Ryan and see if she wanted to go. She was almost just as excited as me to get out of the house, “good sounds like a date I will see you at Jasmine's house tomorrow at noon.” I laughed “OK sounds good I really need to get Christmas shopping done.

“OK that sounds great I will see you and Jasmine then!”

I lay in bed wide awake too excited to sleep for tomorrow. It had been a while since me Ryan and Jasmine got to go out. I eventually decided to get up and read more of Gran's journal since I couldn't sleep.

Page.4

List of all the colors and stones with their meanings.

Red: warmth, vigor, Passion, strength.

Pink: love, beauty, kindness, acceptance, self love

Orange: courage, vibrance

Yellow: optimism, joy, cheer

Green: Stability, generosity

Blue: devotion, sincerity, patience.

Indigo: Wisdom, insight, and spirituality.

Purple: Transformation, enlightenment

Grey: neutral, security, dignity.

Brown: grounding, earth, material life

Black: dramatic, Mysterious, fearful

White: purity, divinity, simplicity

Metals:

Gold: Spirit and eternity

Silver: Symbol of the moon

by this time I started to doze I'm not sure if it was just because the colors and metals were boring or if my body decided to finally give into sleep. That night I dreamed.

I awoke in the same meadow. Beautiful Roses all around. I reached down to pick one by the time I came up the sun had gone. There were no moon or stars in the sky. The breeze had a chill to it more than usual. I looked around, when I turned back that same figure was standing in front of me. I watched as its hand extended with that same ring. It was silver, on each side of the band lay a single crescent moon. On top of the ring lay a shield of gold, on the shield there was a skull with ruby eyes. I took the figures hand and in doing so was given horrible grief and pain.

I awoke with a start. Gran's journal lay on my chest. I picked it up and looked at the page I left off on. I lay there for a while in the dark deliberating what I should do. I decided to read since I was too freaked to sleep.

Metals

Gold: Spirituality, Eternity

Silver: Symbol of the moon

Stones

Aquamarine : “water of the sea” its uses are for protection,and luck. It is recommended that you use this stone to increase psychic abilities.

Azurite: this stone is used to enhance spiritual awareness. It can also be used in divination. When practicing divination hold the stone in your hand. That will release its magick energies.

Bloodstone: can bring great wealth. It also brings luck. Bloodstone can actually be very dangerous as well. If used by the wrong witch. Bloodstone can turn the sun red.

Pink Calcite: when used with a spell can calm, and center you. Orange can protect and energize you.

The list continued but I didn't read on. One specific stone caught my eye. Bloodstone. My Gran actually believed that a stone could change the color of the sun? Wow she was father out there then I imagined. I shut the book and ran down stairs. I quickly grabbed a bowl of my favorite cereals lucky charms and fruity pebbles. You have to mix them both to get the full effect. I wonder if anyone else has ever noticed that fruity pebbles seem empty after pouring only one bowl. “hello sweetie how was your night?” I turned around to see mom in the kitchen pouring herself a cup of coffee. “it was OK lately Ive been having weird dreams but nothing too scary.” she turned and smiled “are you excited about today? Shopping with Jasmine and Ryan!” her face was all excited and fake. She hated my dreams especially when I was younger.

I cringed “yeah actually I could use a break. Getting out of the house, away from the cousins, will be nice.” we didn't talk much after that. I ate as quick as I could ran up-stairs got ready, grabbed my favorite coat, and headed out the door. I ran out to my old Honda. It wasn't one of those cool Honda's it was old. I mean really old it had a little rust on the doors, and whoever had it before me didn't take very good care of it. chunks of the seat in the back were missing and the steering wheel was flaking. I quickly started the car wishing it was newer so that the heat would work. I drove to Aunt Selene and Jasmines, Ryan was meeting me there. The drive was quick mostly because I couldn't wait to see them. I got out and ran to the doorbell. Before I could knock aunt Selene was there hugging me. “Lia please my dear come on in!” her smile was warm and welcoming. “Thanks, is Jasmine ready?” a sound coming from the stairs caught my attention. It was Ryan and Jasmine “yeah I'm ready lets go. Bye mom!” We all three headed out. “Wow what’s the rush? god we have all day!” I said jokingly. Jazz paused “me and mom got into a fight this morning. She said I need to embrace my heritage.” she sighed “I say I need to go out and get a drink!” we giggled “well that will have to wait till lunch right now we have Christmas shopping for the cousins to do.” Jasmine sighed “oh yes the terrible twosome! oh what will Santa bring them hmm prolly a lump of coal would do them good!” I giggled “Jaz!” she rolled her eyes “OK fine a gift but a really small one.” we all got into her jeep and headed out. It was a nicer car then mine but it was still old.The mall was crowded which was usual for Christmas.“god! Why does everyone and his brother have to be at the mall today?” Jasmine was complaining, but I was busy looking at this cute little dress up dress for Kaylee. Her and Ryan wandered away over by the children's books. I don't know why but I started to remember my dream from last night and how cold I was.. a shiver went down my spine. “yea I know its freezing in here !” I looked up to see Jasmine shivering too “well this dress is perfect for her! Now lets go get something to eat I'm starving” Jasmine grabbed my hand and we raced through the checkout and down to the food court. “hey Jazz I've been thinking.. we are both in our twenties and I'm sick of living at home.” before I could say another word she cut me off “oh my god yes! I would so move in with you!” I laughed well first we have to find a place.” “of course! This will be so much fun! I will tell my mom first thing when I get home. I turned to Ryan “how about you? Want to move in with me and Jasmine?” I gave her puppy dog eyes those always worked with Ry. “Of course! I would love to move in with you guys!” she smiled sincerely happy. The rest of the day was a blast. We talked about the different themes our house should have. When I finally got home I felt refreshed.

That night I decided to do some reading and watch Van Helsing. I sat and fantasized of what it would be like to meet a real vampire.. oh so romantic! I laughed out loud “OK enough of that gibberish time to get back to reality.” I looked down at my grandmother’s journal. I decided to continue my investigation.

How to cast a protection spell.

Perform this spell preferably on a Saturday since this is Saturn's day.

Element: earth

color: black

Key word: defensive, protection

Incense: combine an equal amount of Comfrey, Mullen, patchouly and Solomons seal. Pour in one cup of patchouly oil.

Candles: Use one white, one blue, one black. soak three candles in the oil mixture while lighting them say I surround myself with light and love. Let no one cause me harm or penetrate this sphere of light. Light the second candle and repeat. Do the same with the third. Picture yourself surrounded by a sphere of light.

I sat quiet for a moment. I wonder if aunt Selene knows how to do magick? I picked up the phone and called her. “hello” the voice was calm and collected. “Hey aunt Selene Its Leelee! I was wondering if I might come over so you could show me something out of Gran's journal? It has to do with magic.” I paused and held my breath “Yes my dear of course you can come over! You know you’re welcome here any time. What exactly do you need my help with?” I hesitated not sure if I was on my way to getting myself into trouble. “Well I could really use your help doing a spell. I wanted to try one out of Gran's book.” she paused what felt like forever. “Yes come on over. Which spell did you want to perform?” the excitement was so strong now I couldn't help myself it just poured out of me. “I want to do her protection spell, I guess we need.” just then she cut me off “ We need one white candle, one blue, one black, Solomon's herb, Comfrey and more. Yes I am familiar with this one. It was the first your Gran taught Me. Make sure you wear a swim suit.” she sighed “Aunt will you teach me?” it was quiet for quite a while on the other end of the phone “yes I will teach you.”

The next day I hurried down stairs quickly ate my breakfast of fruity cereal with marshmallows and grabbed my coat. “I'm heading to see Jazz mom!” her voice called from upstairs “OK dear I will see you later tonight!” The drive over to her house felt way to long. I was too excited to actual try all the things I had been reading. I looked down at my old brown satchel. Inside was my grandmother’s journal. As I walked up to my aunt’s porch the door was already open and my aunt was standing there with her arms open. “Lia come on in!” she hugged me. “We will be on the back porch that’s the best area for spells.” her back porch was screened in all the way around. It was beautiful with plants and ivy growing inside all around. I couldn’t believe I had never been back there before. She had one of those little hot tubs in the corner that had beautiful rocks all around it. There was a sky light that was almost the size of the whole ceiling. Candles were lit littered around the room. In the middle was a statue of a goddess who's arms were out almost welcoming you to come hug her. “This is the goddess Isis, Ailia. She is very powerful yet very wise and gentle. We will pray to her for our protection. But first you must cleanse did you wear your swim suit?” my aunt walked over to the hot tub and poured what looked like purple salt into the tub. “Yes I did.” I watched her “This is lavender, not only does it smell good it also cleanses the body and soul from negative energies.” She reached over to grab a beautiful candelabra. It held five candles. The middle was white. she lit it. “We light this candle to represent purity, simplicity, and the divine.” she picked up the gray candle “we light you for balance, that Lia's emotions can find their proper place.” next she grabbed the brown candle “This candle represents earth. Earth we ask that you clean Aliah with your waters, and make her whole.” She took a cup and poured the lavender water over me. She reached over and lit the purple candle. “We light you for enlightenment so that Lia may see.” she walked over to the middle of the room, and I realized there was a beautiful painted circle where she was standing. In the middle she and a statue stood. Behind her it said earth, to the right air, to the left water, then fire. It was a beautiful display of elements. I hopped out of the tub and wrapped the towel around me. Inside the middle of the room was a pentagram. “Aren't pentagrams Satan's sign?” I felt hesitant “oh Lia no!” she laughed a kind laugh. “This is a sacred circle it protects us keeps us safe when we do our protection spell.” she smiled a warm smile at me. I stepped into the circle and we began. “Don’t be afraid it’s in your blood I will lead you.” she began by lighting the white candle that the goddess statue held. “We beseech you goddess Isis hear our prayer tonight. Do not let it fall onto deaf ears.” I took in a breath and repeated what she said “OK now Liah pick up the blue candle and light it with the white. When you do it say “I light this blue candle for protection that when I sleep my dreams and spirit may be safe from tamper.” I raised my eyes to the statue and focused. I thought about how I had bad dreams lately. I imagined my self-sleeping and sleeping sound “ I light this blue candle for protection that my dreams and spirit may be safe from tamper.” she smiled good now let’s do the next “I light this candle for protection of my body and soul may nothing nor person be able to cause me harm.” I picked up the black candle and lit it with the candle the goddess held. “I light this Candle for protection of my body and soul may nothing nor person is able to cause me harm.” I set it down. Suddenly the candles seemed to grow brighter. The candelabra had beautiful crystals under each candle. They each began to glow the color of their unique candle. “It’s beautiful” I felt like I couldn't speak it literally took my breath away. “yes but we aren't done we need to do our herbs.” under the statue of the goddess sat a cauldron. Not one of those big creepy ones you see in Disney movies. But a beautiful silvery white one with different colored stones all around it. “OK now repeat after me” I nodded “I add Patchouli oil that I might be safe in spirit and soul. This is my base just as my soul and spirit are mine.” I repeated the words and added the oil. I imagined light surrounding my soul and spirit. “I add Comfrey and Mullen to protect my mind and body from any harm” as I said this I imagined light surrounding my body and my mind, inside and out. “Lastly I add this Patchouli, Solomon's seal and lavender. May this cleanse me, protect me and seal our spell.” As I finished we put the pot on a built in stove under the statue. It started to smell sweet. The smoke completely filled the room and I felt like I was in heaven. It felt like it would never be dark again. I swear I could almost see a sphere of light surrounding me. It has to be my imagination I thought “No its not, you are a very gifted witch. You inherited your gifts from grandmother and she was the high priestess.” Selene smiled at me . “I will teach you all I know.” And that was it. After that time I went over day after day. The spells came more easily. I became familiar with herbs, oils, spices, colors, and how each had a different meaning and purpose. I had never felt more whole.

I sat at my aunts table eating breakfast like I did for the past week. Aunt Selene called up. “Jasmine, come down stairs I need to talk to you and Liah about something!” the thudding on the stairs told us she was on her way down. I took a big gulp of hot coffee. It scalded my throat on the way down and I gasped. Jasmine came in grabbed a plate of food, a cup of coffee, and sat down next to me. “When your grandmother was alive she had two sisters each were witches in her coven. They lived to serve and protect their priestess from harm or need. And in doing so she protected them. They actually did a lot of good for their people. They helped the sick, counseled the confused, and aided the poor. Each of her sisters had a pendant like hers. It had been that way for generations before her, and I hope it will carry on.” She stopped and looked kind of sad. “It carried in our family as long as your Gran was alive, but sadly when she died your mom, Aliah had nothing to do with it anymore.” she looked as if she might cry. She turned to Jasmine. “Jasmine this is yours now.” she turned and took off the beautiful pendant she was wearing. “I have trained you in the ways since you were young. You know all I can teach you. It is your turn to carry the family oath of protection and guidance for the priestess.” I looked at Jasmine she didn't seem shocked at all, at least not like I was. Her mom put her necklace around her neck and fastened it. It was a beautiful stone pendant with swirling blues and purples. “Lia, you are to be the priestess. You must wear your pendant at all times it binds you with the other two.” I paused, completely shocked “Aunt I don't know enough to be a priestess.” she smiled one of her warm smiles “We will teach you.” We all sat in silence for a moment. I took a sip of my coffee. “Yes but who will wear the other necklace? Aunt Clair's children are way to small and she is a Methodist.” I twiddled my fingers. “We will find the third. It might take a while but we will know when we see her. In the mean time I will continue to teach you Lia everything I know.” I looked down at my pendant. “You and Jasmine will do your first spell together today. A spell for enlightenment and wisdom.”

The spell with Jasmine was amazing. I've never felt so connected with someone before. Both of the pendants during the spell were “glowing”. Not a stupid sci-fi glow but a warm soft spiritual glow. I lay on my bed staring up at my ceiling. Just then I realized that all the spells we did worked. The protection spell had gotten rid of those horrible dreams. I finally felt like I could rest and wake up refreshed. I lay there glad I had such a unique family that loved me.

Today was moving day. I had rushed over to Aunt Selene’s and Jazz’s so we could car pool together. Selene had inherited the house from Gran when she died. I guess it sat unused for many years. Aunt decided to sell it to us for a really good price. “I love this house. I grew up here you know. I'm glad its staying in the family, but I just honestly don't want it anymore. The taxes on this land and mine are to much to pay.” her smile was soft and gentle. It looked almost like she was grieving to have to give it up. “We will take good care of it I promise.” I gave her a warm smile. I looked at Jasmine. She smiled a big excited smile. “Oh we’re here!” we drove up a long drive way. The house was about fifteen minutes out side of our little town. It had lots of trees around it and was tucked way in the back. “You girls will have plenty of privacy.” Selene smiled at the girls “Lets go inside and get you all unpacked. The inside of the house was old. The kitchen desperately needed to be updated, and the pipes leaked under the sink. I walked through the sitting room and into the master bed room. “Hmm Jazz what do you think about turning this room into the office. It’s huge and since Gran used to sleep in here I don't feel comfortable.” Jasmine walked in “Yeah that will work it is really big, and has its own balcony. She walked toward the two glass doors and rubbed the window trying to see out. I opened a door to what I thought was a closet. “Hey and there is a big bathroom too.” We both headed upstairs to check out the bedrooms. “Mom which room was yours?” Jazz yelled down. “The one on the left was mine! Ailia your mom’s was on the right down the hall.” we both giggled and said at the same time “thanks!” I raced down the hall to inspect my mother’s old room. It had a really big bathroom. However it was old with no counter space. It was a really hideous ugly puke green. “OK we are definitely going to have to do something about the puke bathroom.” I said to myself. “Well I guess we better get started we have a lot to move.” I sighed at myself in the mirror. “Lee Lee, Jasmine! The moving guys are here with the trucks.” we both headed down stairs and started telling the men where to put things. “I think the only thing we don't need is a dining room table.” I looked at Jasmine “Yeah I think your right. Do you want to go shopping tomorrow and get a couch, fridge and stove?” she smiled “Of course! shopping!” she squealed. Aunt Selene walked up from behind us carrying a bag. “I have a friend who restores old homes you girls want me to get in touch with him? He could probably help us update it.” “That would be great!” I said. I was really happy aunt Selene was so different from my mom. We finished unpacking and ordered pizza.