Lilly’s eyes grew large, “Jolene, you’re psychic, can you scry and locate my Aunt Pearl? She has the same Fae blood as my dad. It would be wonderful to have a real family again.”
Jolene nodded in agreement, “I will be happy to scry for her. Do you have a picture or anything of hers?
Lilly’s shoulders sagged, “No, I have nothing of hers. When I left Alex, I took a few of my necessities in a garbage bag. I am positive Alex will never allow me get the rest of my belongings.
Jolene put an arm around Lilly’s shoulders, “Let us complete your initiation, Lilly. We can work on contacting your Aunt afterwards.”
Regaining her composure, Lilly said, “You’re right, Jolene it is a discussion for another time.”
“I’m so honored to be offered initiation. What do I have to do for the ritual? Is there something special I need to study?”
Jolene took a sip of her tea, “Ah, ma chere, the road to mastery of spiritual magick, which is the heart of the craft, is a never ending journey. You will never stop learning. At Panthea’s we believe the best way to approach the priestess process is in increments.”
“For this first initiation, be yourself, trust your heart and all will be well. We will perform a consecration, ask you a series of questions, anoint you and welcome you into our coven.”
“Let’s do it tomorrow night, okay?”
Lilly’s smiled and nodded her head vigorously.
Jolene continued, “On February 2 our coven will be meeting in the courtyard to celebrate Candlemas with a ritual honoring the Goddess Brigid. We would love for you to join us. It will be a perfect time for you to experience group ritual.”
Sabine explained, “All of our members live at Panthea’s and will be at the ritual. Oh, except one young man who is out of town.”
Lilly sipped her tea and said, “I would love to be a part of the ritual if you think I am ready.”
“You are ready,” Sabine said. “It is time for your initiation and the beginning of your magickal life.
Jolene agreed. “On Candlemas we sweep away ideas, attachments and judgements which no longer serve us. We focus our energy toward the increase of the new light growing within and without as spring approaches. We invoke the spark of creativity and the strength of Brigid, the Goddess of inspiration. Through the ritual we acknowledge our ability to shape our potential and consciously craft a new beginning with a will and purpose unique to each participant in the ritual.”
Lilly could not stay in her seat. She stood up, leaned down and gave Jolene a hug and walked around the table to put her arms around Sabine’s shoulders. Her heart was bursting with gratitude. She had found a loving, trusting relationship with these two women, similar to the one she had as a child with her Aunt Pearl. She trusted Jolene and Sabine and knew they held the keys to the wisdom she wanted and needed to live a life free of fear and insecurity. Lilly settled back in her seat at the round oak table and listened to the story of the Goddess Brigid and the part she would play in the Candlemas ceremony.
The sun was setting when a tall attractive, older gentleman entered the kitchen from the courtyard. He bent and kissed Jolene on the cheek, nodded to Sabine and introduced himself to Lilly, “Hi, I’m James, Jolene’s husband. You must be Lyla.”
Stammering a bit, Lilly replied with a quiet “Hello.” After a moment, she found her tongue and spoke up, “I didn’t know you were married to Jolene. She kept mentioning James. I thought you were another member of the group.” Lilly stood, put out her hand to James. He smiled charmingly, took her hand, lifted it to his lips and lightly kissed her knuckles.
Expecting a firm handshake, Lilly was surprised. James’ blue eyes sparkled as he held Lilly’s hand between both of his, “Ah, she didn’t mention I was her crotchety, old husband, heh Lyla? I know I haven’t been around much lately. I’ve got a shop on Royal Street and recently received a shipment of antiquities from Ireland. I’ve been busy overseeing the unpacking and the inventory.”
Jolene took James’ hand and gently pulled him into the chair next to her. Looking at Lilly she explained, “James will be joining us tomorrow for your initiation and for the ritual at Candlemas. The new shipment is taken care of. Now, you will see him more often and get to know his crotchety ways and his charm.”
James smiled broadly, “Well said, Jolene!”
~
The next evening Lilly soaked in her candle lit ritual bath of scented oils. Sacred music flowed from her tape player and the sweet aroma of frankincense drifted in the air. Cleansed on multiple levels, she began to dress for her initiation ceremony. Her hands were shaking as she lifted her white robe from the bed. “I’m more nervous than I thought,” she said to herself.
Putting her robe back on the bed, Lilly sat in front of her meditation altar. She lit the white pillar candle and opened her mind to the meditative space she was getting to know. It took a few minutes for her mind to clear and her nerves to calm. She sat, eyes closed, waiting for a sensation she had only recently become aware of.
The feeling was not completely physical, it began as a quiver permeating her aura. The tingling began in her hands and diffused through the essence of her being like the scent of a fine perfume or
