Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress. This week’s prompt is a picture suggesting a fire circle. My snippet is from a paranormal fantasy in which a goddess occasionally inhabits the body of an archaeological assistant. Enjoy the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
It would be a fire circle to celebrate the lengthening days. After the fire was prepared, but not yet lit, everyone gathered off to one side. They kept their whispers low in respect of the priestess, who was beginning the cleansing ritual. Prue leaned close to Rowena. “She’s already in a trance isn’t she?”
Rowena seemed pleased at her perception. “Yes, the goddess is with her.”
Walking widdershins around the circle, the priestess used her hand to draw a symbol in the air. She repeated the same motion in each of the four directions.
“What’s she drawing?”
“A Reiki symbol. Sei Hei Ki. It purges negativity. Afterward she’ll ward the circle with Cho Ku Rei, the fiercest symbol of all.”
The priestess motioned for everyone to join. The fire was lit, and soon its vibrant flames matched those of the setting sun. An aromatic scent filled the air, and smoky tendrils danced in the breeze. “She’ll choose people for the directions now,” Rowena whispered.
East was selected and then South. Prue stiffened as the priestess stood before her. Dark questioning eyes shot sparks of power. “Please you will stand at West.”
Her heart thudded. “I-I don’t know what to do.”
“Be still and let the energy find you.” After a smile of encouragement from Rowena, Prue followed the priestess to the allotted spot.
Rowena was chosen for North, and the priestess sealed everything with more Reiki symbols. Raising her arms and walking clockwise within the circle, she began a chant. “Sacred earth beneath our feet, rise up, rise up, our fire to greet.” Voices lifted into the night air.
A trembling sensation came from deep underground. Prue’s skin prickled. What had been slumbering stirred to life. The mother awakened–ancient and wild, lapping the song with tongues of flame.
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on a picture prompt I call fire circle. Thanks for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
Well done. Learned a new word today: widdershins. Going to have to use that somewhere. Great excerpt.
I really like the sound of widdershins, Susanne.
It’s been great seeing little snippets of this story and you always tie them in so well with the images!
I appreciate your comments, Mae.
I love the descriptions you use. It brings the characters to life.
I’m glad you like the description, Cathy.
Your prose is so amazing! That last line was beautiful — as always with your writing. You drew me right into the scene. I could feel it all, including the warmth of the fire on my face.
What a kind, thoughtful thing to say, Jean. I so much appreciate having TT to lift us up.
I love the detail of the scene – I was so caught up in it I thought I was there! So wonderful!
I’m glad the details put you in the scene, Tricia.