The Protectors: New Generation Book 1

20 - Unlocking Rituals - Tallulah POV

I stand gawking at all of the boxes Grandma and the others lug into the living room. The Unlocking Rituals are going to be held tomorrow after sunset.

Mick comes to stand beside me after we help rearrange the furniture.

I look at everything coming out of the boxes and over to my right at Mick.

"Do you think all of that stuff is necessary?" I ask.

She just shrugs. Typical.

Some candles, a large book and other items are set in some sort of pattern on one of the tables. Containers and jars of herbs and other materials are set along the long side of the table

As the items accumulate, I'd like to know what they are and what they're used for, but I don't think Grandma has time to answer questions at the moment.

"Didn't Grandma Miriam say there were going to be four Unlocking Rituals? Maybe that's why there are so many things," Mick says waving her hands at the growing mound of materials.

"Apparently, there is a ritual for taking down the block they put on our memories, one for unlocking our witch powers, one for unlocking the elemental magic, and one for bringing out the abilities in the Guardians. They are supposed to be blessed with some sort of superhuman powers by the Ancient Ones."

Her brow creases. "Ancient Ones?"

"From what I gather so far, they are people who had magical abilities while living. Once they cross over into this other realm that we are supposed to go to, the Divine Couple, or whatever they call that being or beings who created everything, chooses ones worthy of being gatekeepers for the energy pool." I see something flash in her eyes. "Before you ask about the energy pool, it is a long explanation I'm sure Grandma will get to during our training."

She shrugs. "If you say so."

I love how seemingly okay she is with everything going on around us. My only concern is that maybe she's not as alright as she presents herself to be. A particular sadness flashes across her face or a fire burns in her eyes at times when certain topics are discussed.

Another day getting to know one another is preceded by the start of the Unlocking Rituals.

The Elders move together towards the table. They are wearing long blue robes with yellow trim. A hush falls over the group gathered. Grandma steps forward and starts speaking in a calm and measured voice.

"Each ritual will have candles and herbs burning, and I hope we have it set up so that the smoke from the burning herbs doesn't become too burdensome. 

"The first ritual we will perform is the one to unlock the access to the powers and abilities you already have inside of you and unlock any memories that have been blocked. The candles you will see were made on the Avic Islands with plants gathered from the area to pay homage to our ancestors. 

"One candle will have grass from near the burial place of the ashes of our ancestors. Grass helps with psychic powers, growth, new beginnings and protection. The next has dandelion leaves in it. They are good for summoning spirits, purification and to defeat negativity. The last has four leaf clovers in it. This helps with protection, psychic powers, spirit work, luck and success.

"I will first go around the room with white sage to cleanse any negative energies from this space, these objects and yourselves. Then I will light the candles and recite the spell that will break the enchantment that has kept your powers and abilities hidden. But the ceremony is not over after that, so don't go anywhere. Everyone should stay for all four ceremonies."

She lights the bundle of herbs in her hand and, once it is burning, she blows the flame out and lets it smoke. She then goes around the entire space, people and objects with a bowl to catch the ashes.