As the Winter Solstice approached the tug of magick pulled Lilly towards the Craft. She did not speak of her interest, but began to read one of the magick books Jolene had written, From Magick to Mysticism. The ancient teachings, rituals and sacred paths described in the book resonated with Lilly’s soul.
Sitting on the couch in her apartment, a cup of hot tea in one hand and Jolene’s book in the other. Lilly was deeply immersed in the planetary aspects that effected life on Earth when voices in the courtyard drew her attention. Glancing at her wrist watch she remembered the Winter Solstice ritual in the courtyard tonight. Jolene had not invited her to participate, however she had suggested she observe. Lilly stood on the gallery overlooking the courtyard and watched in awe as the white clad group below created a sparkling energy within their circle and lifted their voices welcoming the reborn sun.
Chapter 8
Trust Your Vibes
It was January in New Orleans yet the cool autumn air lingered. Lilly danced around her apartment in her long, flowery diaphanous dress. Her heart stirred as she celebrated the freedom of her new life. ‘It’s a new year and I have a new life,’ she thought. ‘I love my job, my apartment and my freedom.’
Standing in the courtyard enjoying the cool morning breeze for a moment, Lilly’s bright mood was dampened by worry. Sabine was scheduled to return any day and Lilly feared her services at Panthea’s would no longer be needed. She knocked on Jolene’s kitchen door, turned the doorknob and peaked her head into the kitchen. Jolene was taking cream from the refrigerator when she heard the door open. Turning with a smile, she greeted Lilly, “Come in, ma chere, let’s have a cup of coffee before we open the shop.”
Sitting at the round oak table sipping coffee and nibbling on a croissant, Lilly voiced her job concerns to Jolene.
“Non, non, ma chere, there is no need to worry. Mardi Gras is coming up and we will be over- run with tourists seeking love potions, money-drawing oil, good fortunes and hangover cures. You will be needed, don’t worry.”
A sigh escaped Lilly as her body relax. “Thank you, Jolene.”
“No need to thank me, Lyla. You are very enterprising and a great asset. We are happy to have you.”
“You think I’m an asset?” Lilly asked, with a light tremble in her voice. “Sometimes my life here at Panthea’s seems surreal. I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming. When I know I’m not dreaming, fear tries to overwhelm me. Maybe I don’t deserve this life. Something could change and my new life might disappear.”
Jolene put her coffee cup down, and looked into Lilly’s eyes, “All of us experience fear, uncertainty and overwhelm during our lives. You are making big changes in your life. It is understandable you would feel discomfort, uncertainty and fear.”
“You’ve been through hell and you’re finding your way back to yourself. It may seem like you’re doing a trapeze act without a net. Over time, taking each day, sometimes each minute, you learn balance. You learn to land on your feet and no longer worry about the net. From my point of view, you are doing fantastic!”
Lilly managed a weak smile. “I appreciate your faith in me. I’m glad to be free of Alex and making a life of my own. What’s most frightening to me is groping in the dark. From the time I was a child I could see the swirling colors around people, animals, trees and plants. The colors were how I navigated the world. I could tell who was trustworthy, who was happy, who liked me. The colors faded slowly. Last summer they disappeared completely. Now I have no way to see who I can trust!”
Jolene spoke in a soothing tone, “You’re talking about seeing auras. You were lucky to develop the ability when you were a child. No doubt, your father guided you in the process. Over time, your third eye closed as you had to handle the abuse from your family and Alex. Sabine and I will work with you to help you open it again. There are meditations, rituals and sacred sacraments to open the third eye. This is not a permanent blindness.”
Lilly sighed, partly in relief and partly in frustration. Jolene squeezed her hand, “Oh, Lilly, all is not lost. Everything is about energy. Learning to trust the way you feel around certain people and places will tell you if a connection with them is a good idea.”
With a pinched, tension filled expression, Lilly shrugged her shoulders and looked at her hands. “I never had to try to see the colors, they were always there. Now you’re saying I have to learn a new way to navigate the world?”
Jolene smiled and reassured her, “Energy awareness is not difficult and it is often more informative than seeing the colors. Today you hear people talking about good vibes and bad vibes. They are talking about energy. You can tap into the energy of people and situations and get the same information you would get from seeing the colors.”
A look of doubt passed over Lilly’s face as a frown deepened between her brows.
“Oh, ma chere, how many times have you passed someone on the street and felt a chill go down your spine or goose bumps on your arms? Have you ever met someone who was saying one thing but you could tell their words were different from their true feeling? Oh, and think about people you spend a short time with who leave you drained of energy. What about people you love to be around because you feel joyful for no particular reason? You have experienced the energy field of others. Don’t label yourself as blind! You don’t have to perpetuate your victimhood. Tap into the vibes.”
Lilly’s hand flew to
