Welcome to Tuesday Tales, powered by a curated circle of authors, where word prompts inspire passages in the books we’re writing. The word of the day is confident. This week’s excerpt is from Incarnations, in which deities discover what it’s like to live as human. When you finish, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
A scarlet streak low on the horizon was all that remained of the setting sun. In other regions of the sky, stars were beginning to emerge from oblivion. Strategically placed lanterns cast a soft pervasive glow. Shadows danced around the edges of visibility before blending into night.
The green stone for the northern direction went to a mature woman with stark white hair and crystal points dangling from her earlobes. Ione was struck by her calm, confident demeanor.
The priestess drew more airborne Reiki symbols. Raising her arms, she walked once around the circle, outside the perimeter, clockwise this time. She began a chant. “Sacred earth beneath our feet, rise up, rise up, our fire to greet.” Voices lifted into the night air. Ione joined in.
The priestess stopped in the northern part of the circle, near the green stone woman. Silence filled the air. The guiding voice rang out “Call to the East.”
Lifting her arms to the heavens, one hand clutching the yellow stone she’d been given, Rowan began her litany. “Guardian of the East, keeper of the eastern portal between worlds, generous and golden winged, I call to you. Bless our circle with your protection and brilliance.” She went on to briefly invoke inspiration and new beginnings before lowering her arms. She spoke in such a way that Ione could see concrete images in her mind’s eye, in particular a majestic bird in flight. Perceiving a rise in energy, she was proud of her friend.
The priestess directed, “Call to the South.”
The woman with the red stone raised her arms. “Guardian of the South, spirit of flame, keeper of the southern portal, hear my call. Bless us that we might honor you tonight and in the coming days.” She mentioned words like passion and creativity. It seemed to Ione that tongues of fire leapt higher within the center stones. Sage and cedar perfumed the air. Finally, the woman’s arms fell to her sides.
The priestess fastened fathomless eyes on Ione. “Call to the West.”
Ione took in a deep breath. The blue stone in her palm gave comfort. She lifted her arms, feeling a bolt of energy race up her spine. She let go of thoughts and concerns.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the selection inspired by the word confident. If you haven’t done so already, check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2026 Flossie Benton Rogers
