“Jolene broke the silence with a question, “I hope knowing we are witches won’t change your mind about renting the apartment. Do you know anything about witchcraft?”
Lilly shrugged her shoulders and haltingly listed her ideas about witchcraft, “Not much. Witches cast spells, throw curses, fly on brooms, make love potions. All the things I heard growing up watching movies about magic and witches. I never thought there were real witches.”
Jolene sighed, “Yes, sadly that is the archetype presented by Hollywood and hack writers. If that is all you know I imagine the idea of moving in with witches may be scary.”
Lilly pressed her lips together and closed her eyes as Jolene continued, “I assure you there is no reason to be upset or frightened. Most people don’t know a lot about the craft. They are misinformed and have no concept about the practice other than what they have seen in movies. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Of course, those people who covet power and control over others form covens focused on destruction and manipulation. That focus is called the left-hand path. Misusing the power of the left- hand path leads to a downward spiral into conflict, illness, depression and even violence.
One of the principal tenants of Witchcraft is, ‘What you put into the world returns to you threefold.’ You can see it is foolish to manipulate and wish pain, grief or loss on others. That mess would come back and wreak havoc in our lives.”
Lilly nodded as she sipped her tea and watched the sun sparkling on the fountain. Jolene’s voice floated into her consciousness. “At Panthea’s, we practice Witchcraft as a mystical path. We begin our studies with the four elements and their correspondents, knowledge of the feminine archetypes of the goddess, and eventually to the practice of ceremonial magic. As we travel the pathways of the tree of life we arrive at a deeper understanding called mysticism.”
“Those who follow the right-hand path, the mystical path of the white witch, focus on knowing themselves and connecting to their inner power. We recognize and honor the elements of the earth and embrace them as a part of ourselves. When we begin to know ourselves as a vital part of all that is, we touch power and focus intention to create our lives. This awareness and power is within the reach of every human being.”
Lilly perked up as Jolene spoke of the power inherent in everyone. A seed took root in her mind, a seed that could grow and lead her to a new reality, a place where her sad, fearful life did not exist. Shaking her head slightly; fear leached away the seed. ‘I’m grasping at straws,’ a voice in her head spoke firmly, denying the existence of her own power. With shoulders slumped and head hanging, she listened as Jolene went on.
“The first law of witchcraft is Do No Harm,” Jolene continued. “You will find many who practice the Craft are in the healing professions.
Lilly sat up a bit at the mention of witches as healers.
Jolene stood, stopped and turned around, “One quick question. Do you feel better knowing we are not evil?”
Lilly nodded, “Yes, something you just said made me think of my Aunt Pearl. I spent a lot of time with her as a child in Abita Springs. When I walked in the door of your shop and smelled the herbs, Aunt Pearl came to my mind immediately. I never thought about her being a witch, but she was magical. She had a huge herb garden, and people would come to her when they were sick or distressed. Her healing touch was well known throughout the North shore community.”
Jolene smiled, “How wonderful to have a wise Aunt to guide you.” Lilly nodded and blinked back tears.
“Ma cher, do you have any more questions?”
Lilly nodded, “What exactly is Panthea’s Pantry?”
“Excellent question! We offer many things at Panthea’s. We sell supplies; Eye of newt, and toe of frog, wool of bat, and tongue of dog, lizard’s leg, and howlet’s wing.”
A look of surprise and disgust passed over Lilly’s face, followed by a smile as she realized Jolene was jesting.
Jolene was glad to see the young woman’s face brighten. “Non, seriously, we do sell ritual supplies, incense, candles, a variety of herbs, stones, crystals, magic books, and jewelry. We offer psychic readings, teach classes in various aspects of the craft: tarot, palmistry, astrology and some classes on an individual basis.
Jolene paused a moment and took a close look at Lilly. The young woman was exhausted. She noticed there were not only dark circles under Lilly’s eyes, but red splotches on her neck and one of her ears was bright purple. The poor child sat, shoulders slumped, wiggling her fingers on the table.
Lilly noticed Jolene staring at her hands and immediately jerked them into her lap. “I’m sorry, my fingers tingle, and I move them unconsciously. I didn’t mean to annoy you.”
Jolene smiled as she reached her hands, palm up across the table. “May I see them?” Slowly, Lilly brought her hands to the table top. Jolene took them gently in her hands and stared at the back of the hands for a moment before asking quietly, “May I look at your palms?” Lilly nodded assent as Jolene turned her hands over and studied the lines across the palms.
An involuntary sharp intake of breath escaped from Jolene. The young woman’s palms spoke of powerful potential. There was great love in her future, magical workings and a bright energy Jolene didn’t recognize immediately.
“Well, am I going to die soon?”
Jolene smiled reassuringly, “Non, I am positive you are not going to die soon, ma chere. I can confidently say your life is beginning anew.”
Lilly released a sigh and tried to smile.
“So, my dear, I’ve revealed myself to you, would you like to tell me what circumstances have brought you
