Under the Harvest Moon (Work In Progress/First Draft)

Chapter 5: Cold Night (rewrite pending)

"So we all have our chosen objects," Jasper started. "As I said before, you can use literally anything at all, but certain objects will call to you. Using something that speaks to you will accrue more power. I think the coolest part about magic is that every witch is different and there isn't necessarily a right or wrong way of doing things. It's all about how you connect to the world around you," he lectured and proceeded to light the candles on Jade's coffee table with the Zippo lighter he pulled from his bag.

"Our moms taught us how to meditate and feel energies in the world and vales around us. Is it like that?" Jade queried. 

"Yes... and no," Jasper answered hesitantly. "They taught you how to feel the energies in the world and maybe how to center yourself with that. I'm going to teach you how to harness and manifest that power into your chosen objects, essentially making them talismans." 

Jade and Onyx listened intently. 

"Before charging your talismans, we have to cleanse them. There are a few ways we can do this, but because tonight is not a new or full moon, we will be using sage," he paused to grab the bundle of sage that Onyx was eagerly handing him from across the table. 

He wedged the bundle upright between a hardcover book and the piping hot tea pot. After nudging it to make sure it was securely in place, Jasper pulled out his lighter to light the sage and just as quickly flipped it closed with a metallic clink before returning it to the bag at his feet. 

Thick purple-grey smoke snaked upwards towards the ceiling from the slow-burning plant matter. The embers glowed dimly, like a neglected cigarette. Jade watched Jasper, waiting for direction. Onyx gazed up at the smoke that was circling above them. 

Her cousin nudged her, bringing her attention back to Jasper who was teaching by example now. With his medallion framed between his thumb and index finger, Jasper slowly waved it through the smoke.

"As you do this, imagine the smoke drawing any negative or positive energies out of your talisman and carrying it away, back into the universe," Jasper said. 

One at a time, the girls followed suit and Jasper watched the orange glow from the candlelight dance across their cheeks and casting strong shadows behind them.

"Hopefully we don't set off any smoke alarms," he joked lightly, gaining a giggle from Jade and a playful smirk from Onyx.

"What next?" Onyx asked impatiently.

"Now that your objects are cleansed, focus on what you want their power to be used for. Good luck, financial success, clairvoyance, divination - whatever you can think of, and what you will do with that. Meditate on this. Focus and close your eyes." 

The girls obliged. The room remained silent for several minutes. Lilith could be heard in Jade's bedroom pouncing and playing in the dark, and an analog clock ticking quietly in the kitchen. 

Jasper drew in a deep breath, "When you're ready, pick up your object and press it between your palms. Allow the energy and intention that you've created to flow through your hands and into your talisman." 

He glanced from Onyx to Jade and back. Their eyes remained closed as they reached for the trinkets they had selected. 

"You will feel the power bring life to your talisman, and you'll know when it reaches peak energy. This can give you a burst of emotion - excitement or joy, usually. When that happens, seal the spell with an endearing gesture, such as bringing it to kiss your third eye or clapping your hands," Jasper continued his lesson. "You'll know what to. At this point it is all about what feels right to you and your individual craft."