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 green. 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.
Moving counterclockwise around the circle, at each cardinal point the priestess drew a reiki symbol into the air and intoned the syllables, Sei Hei Ki. Rowan had previously described this as cleansing the space for a safe, positive energy flow. After returning to her starting point, the priestess did the same with the symbol, Cho Ku Rei. Rowan had called it the fiercest of all the reiki symbols.
Once she had cleansed the circle, the priestess encouraged everyone to join in an opening song, “We All Come from the Goddess.” Joyous voices lifted, and Ione had no trouble remembering the words after a round or two. They sang for several rounds, and Ione’s spine tingled from the rising energy.
The fire burned quietly, hugging the ground. The flames mirrored the vibrant hues of the setting sun. Scents of sage and cedar filled the air. “She’ll choose people for the directions now,” Rowena whispered.
Speaking solemnly, the priestess said, “We’ll have the Call of the Directions to open the circle. Who would like to volunteer?” Several people raised their hands, including Rowan.
Ione was pleased when her friend was selected. From her medicine bag the priestess gave her an opaque yellow stone. Rowan moved to the eastern position.
The priestess selected someone for South, and that person accepted a red stone before taking her spot. Ione vowed to research semi-precious gemstones and learn which ones were used tonight.
She stiffened as the priestess unexpectedly stood before her.
Luminous dark eyes gave the impression of tranquility. “Would you like to invoke the West?”
Ione’s heart thudded. “I-I don’t know what to do.”
Smiling, the priestess said, “Relax and let the energy find you. There’s no right or wrong way. Whatever words you speak will be the right ones. I am drawn to ask. It’s fully your decision.”
Ione appreciated how the woman offered but didn’t push. From her eastern position, Rowan gave her a smile of encouragement. Over the lump in her throat, Ione gave her consent. “It’s all new to me. I’ve never done it before. But I’m game.” Ione moved to the western point across from Rowan. When the priestess handed her a vivid blue stone flecked with gold, she immediately thought of the deep ocean glinting in sunlight sparkles. The gemstone warmed to her palm.
“And now, the northern portal.” From her medicine bag the priestess removed a rich green stone, the color of a primal forest.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the selection inspired by the word green. 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
