Out of the Shadows and Into the Light: A Book of Shadows for the Modern Day World

A review by CATE CAVANAGH 

Out of the Shadows And Into the Light is Theresa Chaze's personal book of shadows. I have read many books of shadow over the years and find Theresa's book the most comprehensive and educational thus far. For the beginner, it is a beautiful step by step manual which not only explains the religion of Wicca in the simplest terms but also presents guidance in the making of such items as holy water. How an altar is put together along with a comprehensive yet simple explanation of the elements is beautifully rendered. For the experienced or adept it is a wonderful refresher guide to keep on hand for those times when simpler magic is desired. She also gives guidance as to when to call upon older powers and offers cautionary advice as to when not to call upon them and when to call upon them.

Although it is important to understand the proper way in which to call deities and entities into the circle equally important is how to thoroughly release them which Theresa also provides. Integral to magic is the consecration of the circle and again, Theresa provides clear and concise instruction on the effective manner in which to achieve this.

The beginner may not have knowledge of holy days and what they embody and represent. In the section on Sabbaths and holy days, each of these are simply explained so that observances can be properly held. As she does this she correlates them with how society celebrations reflect original Pagan roots.

Rarely seen in the books of shadow that I have read is a listing of the esbats or days of monthly full moons as well as a break down of how to use full moon energy successfully. She also explains how to observe the new moon in ritual and what it represents when working magic on a new moon.

Theresa makes it very clear that Wicca is against harming anyone or forcing one's will on another that is, of course with the exception of self-defense. When necessary to defend oneself, Theresa explains how to do it without invoking the Rule of Three which would bring upon the worker three times the harm placed on another. She divides self-defense into two categories. One is a response to an attack that has already begun and the secondly, preventative measures. In the one case the maldoer's energy is reflected back and in the latter cleansing shields and reinforcing one's own energy is acceptable. Included in this subject are justice rituals for situations that are overwhelming. So important is this section Theresa gives actual rituals for whatever situation you may actually encounter.

The section I particularly enjoyed was Theresa's section on Dragons and dragon magic! This is the first book of shadows I read that actually addressed this topic! Once again Theresa wonderfully explains the magic of dragons and how to work with them. She details the different types of dragons as well as making this easily read section comprehensive in scope.

The section on prosperity is rich with the philosophy of magical thinking on the topic. It clearly outlines what and how to think and also offers some prosperity rituals that can get those bills paid. As Theresa points out prosperity is a state of mind, not a fist full of dollars. And herein lies the philosophy.

Of importance is the lesson on love rituals and what and how to work them with no consequence. What is wonderful about Theresa's book of shadows is the practical and cautionary approach to magic throughout.

From understanding Wicca to doing altar work to spells that cover just about every need we might have Theresa's knowledge and sharing of this knowledge is a gift to be gratefully accepted. There is nothing that has not been covered in this gem of a book! Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is a book of shadows that outshines many of the popular ones on the market. I highly recommend it.  

Available on Amazon as a Kindle and in paperback. Click here to go to the page

PDF with extras available on the author's website Click here to go the website.

With the Goddess' blessing, Sarah created a sacred space near the intersection of three minor ley lines. Everyone was welcome to come for healing and comfort. She was beloved by most for her kind and generous heart. But it ended in the dark of night. Most people thought it was an accident. Many suspected it was murder, but placed the blame where it did not belong. One knew for certain that Sarah died for greed disguised as religion. The cottage closes itself off to the world, allowing only a very select few to enter but only for short periods of time. It patiently waits for its new mistress to arrive to release the truth and finally give Sarah justice.

But Kevin will not wait. The secret, which killed his father and tarnished his reputation even into death, is slowly eating him alive. His father's death was listed as a suicide. People speculated that guilt forced him to pull the trigger. But the source of the guilt was for what he failed to do rather than what he caused to happen. Sitting in the light of the full moon, Kevin must face the same decisions. Will he destroy himself by silently allowing a murderer to go unpunished? Or will he expose her no matter what it cost? Kevin prays to the Goddess. But his prayer isn't for justice; it is vengeance.

Rachael also prays to the Goddess and she is given the means to create a spiritual bookstore, which will be a gathering place for people to learn and heal, She asks the Goddess to send her to where she would do the most good only for the dart to land on the one place she doesn't want to go. Accepting on faith that there is a reason, she packs up her furkids and moves to Coyote Springs. She arrives only to become the newest target of religious extremists and the catalyst in exposing a murderer. As they surround her new home intent on killing the new witch and burning down the evidence of Sarah's murder, Rachael must prematurely awaken her dragon spirit. As the flames from within threaten to force her from this life, the flames from without threaten to kill her and those she loves

Cheyenne and Celeste came to Coyote Springs to use their psychic gifts to find a missing child. They find the girl and made a new friend, Jane. Tired of rootless life, Cheyenne prays for a safe, stable home. With Jane's help, she finds an abandoned farm and decides to stay. Reluctantly, Celeste also remains. The threesome creates a spiritual retreat that grows out of their shared wisdom, respect and sense of family. Cheyenne is happy for the first time since she awoke broken and bloody beneath the blinding desert sun. Celeste had saved her then, but soon after Dominic appears on their doorstep, Celeste once again turns to the dark arts. Instead of a savior, she becomes vicious enemy with knowledge of all her strengths and weaknesses. With the dragons' aid, she was barely able to ward off their initial attack. But with each dark soul Celeste and Dominic bind to them, their malevolence grows until they will not settle for less than destroying Cheyenne and all she loves. How do you protect yourself from someone knows exactly how to steal your soul?

Combining two concepts, Never Can Say Good-bye creates an innovative spin on the ghostly genre. With a tagline, “When love is forever, death is only the beginning,” it is comparable to Ghost and The Others.

Imprisoned in her family's home, the spirit of a murdered child waits for her parents to free her. But they have reincarnated as has her killer. Randi must bring them back together so that they can forgive themselves and make amends. If she succeeds, they will all heal and she will be freed to also reincarnate. If she fails, their need for revenge will damn them all.

Website

Author of GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT AND HER GODMOTHER

SUPERNATURAL/OCCULT/MAGICAL CONSULTANT FOR TELEVISION AND SCREEN

EQUESTRIAN CONSULTANT FOR FILM, MEDIA AND WRITERS

ALT. EMAIL: cate.cavanagh@yahoo.com

MAGICAL SERVICES:catecavanagh.wix.com/cate-cavanagh

about.me/Cate Cavanagh

catecavanagh.webs.com     (CAFE MYSTIQUE)

CATE CAVANAGH Author, HER GODMOTHER, GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
AUTHOR, FOR CHICKEN SOUP  FOR THE SOUL
EXPERT STATUS ON SELFGROWTH.COM
CREATIVE SUPERNATURAL AND OCCULT SPECIALIST/CONSULTANT
ABOUT ME: http://about.me/CateCavanagh
http://www.catecavanaghyourpoliticalsnark@blogspot.com

How to find suspense, mystery, love and magic?

Our of the Shadows and Into the Light
A Modern Day Book of Shadows.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Into-Light-Modern-ebook/dp/B001C90IR8/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is a modern day Book of Shadows. The rituals are not based on one tradition, but are written to be inclusive. In addition, it gives a brief explanation of what Wiccans and to some extent Paganism believes.

There are chapters on the basics:

Building an altar
Holy water
Sabbaths

The general topics include rituals of:

Protection
Justice
Love
Prosperity
Dragon
Healing

Within these chapters, there are rituals to invoke the Harpies, break karmic ties, and healing issues with prosperity. There are also essays on praying for peace, raising your Kundalini, working with the elementals and being more aware of what you are manifesting.

Unlike many Book of Shadows, Out of the Shadow and Into the Light has information that will be valuable no matter how much experience the person has. It opens the door for you to walk through to find you best and highest self.




Dead Not Gone
http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Not-Gone-ebook/dp/B0016D50JG/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4

The Coyote Springs Police believe the fire put an end to his murderous rampage. Anna knows that they are wrong. The Goddesses have shown her his spirit rising from the ashes that once was his home. They give her banishing ritual and ask her to perform it in the center of his power. Unprotect and uncertain, she waits for his spirit to once again stalk the night. She climbs the hill, not knowing if she will have the strength or time to banish him.


 


Nict Fore Ure Selfe (Not for Ourselves)
http://www.amazon.com/Nict-For-Selfe-Ourselves-ebook/dp/B00166ZRVO
/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_6

After attending a local Pagan festival, Alyssa finds herself to be a target of Sheriff Deputy Nevel's violent obsession. Her complaints are ignored. Her friends and coworkers are harassed. No one in in her life is safe from persecution. Alyssa doesn't understand why he and his comrades singled her out. In desperation, she performs a karmic ritual so that she may understand his hatred of her. Instead of a message, her soul takes her spirit back to the time when the Goddesses and Gods of old had not yet given way to the Christos and clan traditions could mean life or death. Nict For Ure Selfe (Not For Ourselves) a suspenseful tale of betrayal as traditions and love are tested by the changing times and greedy men whose lust for power continued into their next incarnations

Celtic Goddess reach through time to balance a karmic wrong.

Sisters, Mothers, Daughters--Tales of the Relationships Between Women

http://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Mothers-Daughters-Tales-Relationships-ebook/dp/B001D45YLC/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_7

Sisters, Mothers, Daughters-Tales of the Relationships Between Women uses the fantasy genre to explore the complicated and ever changing relationships between women. Other worlds, differing religions, and political view points come together as women explore themselves and their life’s path. Sometimes controversial, sometimes frightening this collection of short stories reveals the multi-dimensional spirit of the every changing woman.



And Freedom for All

Politically relevant and controversial, And Freedom For All, projects into the future what life will be like once the religious right has gained power over the United States. Laws are in acted and interpreted according to their Christian doctrine, leading to the over turn of Roe vs. Wade and to a great division between the states. Pregnant by a man who sees her more as possession than a partner, Daphne asks childhood friend, Melanie to help her to escape to a free state.

It’s My Funeral, I’ll Disco if I Want
In It’s my Funeral, I’ll Disco If I Want, Resa has prearranged her own funeral according to her Wiccan beliefs. Caroline, her spirit guide to the Summerland and long time friend, arrives to escort her to the other side, only find that Resa refuses to leave until after her funeral. Instead she wants to watch as her frustrated birth family is forced to accept in death what they couldn’t accept about her in life.


Seize of Honor
Seize of honor is an other worldly tale of how Kelly O’Dell accidentally killed the children of the natives she is attempting to communicate with them to save her people
These are only examples of the tales told in Sisters Mothers Daughters as women strive to understand themselves and each other. Each of these women must look to their own hearts and ask themselves--am I strong enough?

Not Just Another Book Of Shadows: A Wiccan Priestess Shares What she has learned

Not Just Another Book Of Shadows: A Wiccan Priestess Shares What she has learned.



With all the published Book of Shadows out there, many of which are authored by famous Wiccans and Pagans, why should anyone buy my ebook of shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light? I'm not famous--at least not yet. I don't belong to a coven or church. The training I've had hasn't been structured or formal; I didn't go into a classroom to be taught by Lord or Lady High Priestess or Priest. None of this was around when I started down the path. Back in the late 70's and early 80's, there weren't occult bookstores, at least not where I grew up. If you were lucky you could find books on Astrology--what you sun sign meant, but not much more. Books on magic taught you tricks. Witches were evil. Pagans were backward and ignorant. If you were clever, you found books on Spiritualism. Nor did my family have a long history of casting spells and stirring cauldrons, so I can't lay claim to a long magical heritage. I was raise Catholic, which in a way prepared me for doing rituals

That is what I didn't have. What I did have was so much more than could be found in books or with title honored teachers. There are so many things that can't be taught with words or demonstrations in a classroom; it can only be found by practical experience and good old fashion hard work.

On both sides of my parentage, there were abilities. My grandmother was not only able to sense the dead, but frequently see them. She also had a way of knowing with out knowing how she knew, which helped know when to play the lottery. Although, she never won big, she won frequently. Unfortunately, her Christian heritage kept her from understanding and training her gift. When she saw the other side, it frequently frightened her. Her sister, Edith had a natural intuitiveness about people. She could read them like no other, but she also didn’t understand her talent. Instead, she used alcohol to suppress her impressions. There were family rumors about their mother, but back then, children were never included in the discussions about the weirdness in the family. My grandmother would say, “little pictures have big ears.” Sometimes at night, I would pretend to be asleep so that I could listen; unfortunately, it didn’t take too long for me to stop pretending and I missed out on a lot. My mother knew how to communicate with animals and instinctively knew they needed to be healed. We had two puppies that contracted parvo that the vet had given up on. She brought them home and proved him wrong. She had a knack of seeing into other’s lives. Once she described to a woman her entire house down to the color of the walls in her bedroom; the woman’s reaction prevented her from ever doing it again. They were Christian, yet they were also spiritually gifted in ways that they didn't understand therefore never gained control over their abilities.

When I was about five, I told my grandmother’s neighbor, Kate, that I saw fairies in her garden. She took me into her kitchen and poured water into an old bowl and put candlestick in the center. She lit the candle and had me watch the flame as she talked to me. Decades later I remembered in a dream how she shut down that part of my natural gifts. When I was ready, not only did the memory come back but the ability as well. Kate was a very spiritual woman, who went to church every morning at 6 am. Her faith was an active part in her life, yet she still knew how to reach the earth spirits. Although her age kept her from doing much work, her gardens were always lush and her grapevine remained fertile in spite of its age. Her home was old and run down. She was one of the last people in town to install indoor plumbing. The only source of heat for the large two story home was a wood stove in the kitchen, yet it was always warm. Her house was unique. It was two story, but the upper level could be reached both from the inside and out. The wooden stairs led to a porch and then the entrance. She had board it up, keeping whatever was in on the inside and keeping the rest of us out. When she died, so did her gardens and the house seem to collapse into itself.

Growing up, I felt safer and more at home in woods than anywhere else. My grandmother's boyfriend had an 80 acre farm. I would spend hours wandering by myself, knowing that nothing could harm me while I was among the trees. It was the place I where I was the most connected. Just before the swamp, there was a natural circular field with a single tree in the center. It was a was the place I went to hide and think.

Just out of high school, my friend, Kim and her father, Bobby taught me channeling. Kim, another friend, Lynne and myself spent the summer walking between worlds. To say we were obsessive would be an understatement. We became very good at allowing the Goddesses and Gods to speak through us and they helped us open the spiritual doors within us. We were young and felt immortal, which made us fearless of the unknown and the consequences of our actions. It was a spiritual summer that changed all of us, especially me. That fall the three of us parted ways. I wandered through life for almost a year. What I had experienced made me question everything that I had been taught. I was very confused, so I did a lot of drinking and partying to stop the thinking.

In 1977, I started community college before going on to Michigan State University. By moving away, I was able to start releasing the old negative beliefs about not only myself but also the world beyond. I started doing more research and join the Metaphysical Society that met on the MSU campus. Through this group I met a beautiful soul could have very well been an incarnated angel; Mary was an older woman, who was not only wise but also very loving. Her nurturing heart helped me have faith in my abilities. She helped me open the doors that Kate had closed. We studied Eastern philosophies, kabala, and energy healing. It was also the time I picked up my first Tarot deck and started to use them to focus my intuition. The summer of 1981 when I officially initiated, my dragon spirit awakened and reentered by soul. It was a time of great awareness and challenge. What I had received what had I asked for, but it was more than what I was emotionally prepared to deal with. It took me several years to regain balance.

That all happened before the mid eighties. It was years ahead of the spiritual awakening that was to come for others. The late 80's and the 90's when the spiritual awakenings began in mass, I had already gone through the karmic test of air, fire and had started the emotional test of water. I had learned how focus my energy into healing through Reiki and became disciplined enough to control my other gifts. When I gained control over myself, I was able to reawaken memories from the lives before, which brought forward past lessons and gave me access to old talents.

All that I have experience has given me a unique perspective not only on life, but also gave me the ability to see how we are all interconnected. None of us are really alone. Like pieces of a puzzle, we all have our own unique shape and image, but we are also part of one big picture. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is more than a book of spells and rituals; it contains what I have learned along the way. When we lack something in our life, whether it be love, prosperity or security, the sources is always an emotional or spiritual wound. By healing the injury, the path to healing opens and you will be able to find what you seek. Oprah once said there are two emotions, love and fear. I have gone one step further by adding--if you come from fear, you can never have love; however, if you come from love, you will never lack for it. By healing ourselves, we open our hearts and souls to that which we desire the most. It is this perspective that make Out of the Shadows and Into the Light different than other Book of Shadows. It is a 114 page full color ebook with information on healing, love, prosperity and protection. There are also sections on Dragon Magic and Justice Rituals. In addition, there are articles on Kundalini, the elements and manifesting. It is available as a Kindle and on my site at www.theresachaze.com.

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light; A Modern Day Book of Shadows

Out of The Shadows and Into the Light
Written by a Wiccan Priestess and Ordained Minister, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is a modern day Book of Shadows. The rituals are not based on one tradition, but are written to be inclusive.

It gives a brief explanation of what Wiccans and to some extent Paganism believes.

There are chapters on the basics:

Building an altar
Holy water
Sabbaths

The general topics include rituals of:

Protection
Justice
Love
Prosperity
Dragon
Hea

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008WDL73Q

www.theresachaze.com

Magical Gifts for Yule and All Year Around

I would like to tell everyone about an amazing spiritually focused online store called Curious Goods. Whether you are looking for incense, books or anything else that is enlightening, healing or magical Mary Ellen either has it or she knows where to get it. She is also a trained healer and herbalist.


http://stores.curiousgoodsok.com/StoreFront.bok

curiousgoods@curiousgoodsok.com

Customerservice@curiousgoodsok.com


Featured Products
Moon Goddess
This Moon Goddess is a wonderful figurine for your altar or just as a display piece in your home. She is a natural ecru color with brushed gold highlights, holding a crescent moon wearing pentacle headband.

Witches 2012 Calendar
Llewellyn's 2012 Witches' Calendar has it all: magical spells, correspondences, invocations, historical information, and folklore.

Dragon 2012 Wall Calendar

Sumptuously vivid artwork of the internationally acclaimed illustrator Ann Stokes greats you with every month, inviting you to dare to enter the realm of dragons as you keep track of your days.

Wood & Fimo Pentacle Box
A perfect box to store your treasures. The fimo accents with stones add to the charm of this box.

Bamboo Moon Goddess windchime

Bamboo is a natural choice for musical instruments because of the soothing sound that it makes and by adding the Goddess, spirals and crescent moons you have a winning combination.
We are adding new products all the time. So if you are looking for a particular item, and can't seem to find it on the web site please try the advanced search bar. If you still can't find it please feel free to contact us. We also do special orders. Just e-mail us with the description of the item and we will contact you with a response to your request.



We carry a large selection of Herbs, Incense, and Oils. We also have a great selection of Candles, Figurines, Ritual Clothes, Tarot Cards, Spell Kits, Altar Supplies, Stones, Crystals, Jewelry, Fairies, Dragons, Tapestries, Sarongs, Statues, Pagan art, Wiccan Art, Celtic Art, Magickal Supplies, Metaphysical supplies and Books; your internet Metaphysical Shop. We also carry natural and organic Bath and Beauty supplies.

Imbolic or Candlemas

Imbolic or Candlemas-- February 1

It is the first spring rite. As winter wanes, the cycle again turns to fertility and the harvest. Traditionally it is the time for planning the next season’s crops and for the birthing of livestock. Imbolic means belly of the mother, which is a description of the females who are heavy and full with the unborn generation. Traditionally this time of year, the domestic animals have either given birth or are preparing to do so. However, in modern life with most people no longer tied as closely to the land, it has become a time of researching the year’s projects and planning for the future.
For some Wiccans and Pagans it is a time for rededications, making pledges and restating vows not only to the Divine, but also to themselves. Just as the livestock have given birth to new life,
so do many see this as a time for changing their life path and redirecting their energy. Vows and promises made at this time carry more weight and stronger penalties if broken.
This festival also honors the fire Goddess, Bridget. Also called the three Mothers, Bridget represents the maiden, mother, crone equally. She is said to walk the earth on Imbolic and bless clothing left out in her name. As a fire Goddess, she is honored with the lighting of candles, special hearth fires, and outdoor bonfires.
When Christians adopted Bridget as one of their saints, they continued to honor her on February 1. Known for her charity and justice, Saint Bridget was the most popular among the Sainted Pagan deities.

From Out of the Shadows and Into the Light by Theresa Chaze
www.theresachaze.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUGUR4VWO-M

Please share the information with others.

What is Love?

With Valentines Day coming up, many people are once again thinking about love, relationships and marriage. Questions about all three are one of the most common questions that psychics are asked to answer. Social networking and dating sites are expanding on the net. Love rituals and spells can be found in nearly every Book of Shadows that has every been written.

With all the different avenues and venues available, why is it that so many can’t find love. Is it like the song says, “Looking for love in all the wrong places?”

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.
Mahatma Gandhi

A man reserves his true and deepest love not for the species of woman in whose company he finds himself electrified and enkindled, but for that one in whose company he may feel tenderly drowsy.
George Jean Nathan

A woman knows the face of the man she loves like a sailor knows the open sea.
Honoré de Balzac

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld

All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.
Leo Tolstoy

And think not you can Direct the course of love, For love, If it finds you worthy, Directs your course.
Kahlil Gibran
The Prophet.

Before I met my husband, I'd never fallen in love, though I'd stepped in it a few times.
Rita Rudner

Brief is life but love is long.
Alfred Lord Tennyson
But love is blind, and lovers cannot see
The pretty follies that themselves commit.
William Shakespeare

So what is love?


If answer the question in the comment section will be entered in a drawing to receive a free copy of my Book of Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. And yes, it does have love rituals.

Four Star Reviews For Magical Fantasy Novels

Reviews by Robert Medak
http://stormywriter.com/default.aspx

To read excerpts or other works go to www.theresachaze.com


Awakening the Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
By Theresa Chase

Who is Rachael, and why has she come to Coyote Springs? In a town of bigotry and religious zealots, Rachael is opening the Dragon’s Den bookstore. Why at this particular time has Rachael and her cats come to Coyote Springs? What of the people at “The Farm”, as the town’s people refer to it, is there something that Rachael must do? She has more questions than answers as she begins life in Coyote Springs.

Out of town, lies a cottage that the towns’ folk want burned down, why do they want it destroyed? The owner and rather powerful person in town, Kevin, will not allow its destruction. He doesn’t want it destroyed and doesn’t want to rent it out, why? People are afraid to enter the cottage. When they enter, strange things begin to happen to them physically. No one can stay in the cottage for any length of time. Kevin even has trouble lasting in the cottage for more than a few minutes before he becomes ill.

Along comes Rachael, she talks to the previous owner who is dead and is welcomed into the cottage. Is this some supernatural ability, or is there really something within Rachael growing stronger, why Rachael, and not someone from Coyote Springs? Is there a mission for her to complete that Rachael is unaware of as to why her mentor sent her to this particular town?

Cheyenne from the farm is someone that the House of Christ is against along with Rachael Franklin. Is there a real reason or is just that the members of the House of Christ don’t like someone who is different and will not conform to what the reverend and followers believe people should think and believe.

This is only a small glimmer into the story in Awakening the Dragon. You will have to read the book to find out the intricacies of the story.

This reviewer awards a four star rating to Awakening the Dragon.

Dragon Domain: Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
By Theresa Chaze

In this book, Cheyenne and Celeste have a parting of the ways all because of the one known as Dominic. Celeste and Dominic steal from Cheyenne. More happens to darken the mood at the farm. Cheyenne must come up with money to pay the farm’s mortgage payments. She could lose the farm. Also in Dragon Domain are some old friends from Awakening the Dragon like Rachael Franklin, Kevin, Carmen, and others. There are also some new characters in Dragon Domain.

The new characters come to the aid of Cheyenne and those from the dark side. The House of Christ and its supporters are back again with their bigotry and narrow-mindedness. There are some truths that will come out, that are not been spoken of, and a few twists that no one might expect. While Dragon Domain is the continuing saga in the trilogy, it also has some new information and characters that add to the depth of the Dragon Clan Trilogy. Waiting for the third book isn’t easy. A recommendation is to find all three and read them in sequence.

What happens in the forest when the new characters end up not showing up when expected? Will things turn out as Cheyenne hopes, or will the dark one prevail? This is a story of light and dark, good and evil from a nonreligious point of view. It is from a belief system within the participants involved in the struggle and their determination and inner strengths.

The House of Christ is of little use, and is more of a hinderance, by not allowing things to run their course. There are more things that we are unaware of than things that we do understand in the world around us. Dragon Domain explores some of them. It is up to the reader to believe or not. The book is fiction, but is it really?

This reviewer awards a four star rating to Dragon Domain.

I do get to review the third book, don't I?

Mabon: A Prosperity Ritual

Mabon: Prosperity Ritual

Mabon or Autumn Equinox is one of the eight solar holidays and is celebrated on approximately September 21. Also called Harvest Home, Feast of gathering, and Harvest Gift, it is not an official ancient festival in name or date. Mabon is one of
the newer holidays and is considered the second harvest festival, which celebrates the bringing of the fruits, nuts and berries that would grow wild. Although the spirit of the holiday is agricultural related, spiritually it is also the harvesting of the sweeter rewards and receiving of unearned blessings. As the Divine has provide the wild harvest, so does she/he/it bestow miracles on those whose words and deeds have been blessings in others lives. It is a time when unexpected gifts are given to the loved ones in your life and the receiving of unpetitioned blessings from the Divine

With the day and night having equal power, so are the feminine and masculine energies evenly balanced. Both female and male deities are honored equally. Although the Sabbath is named for Mabon, the Welsh God who symbolized the male fertilizing principle, Persephone is also honored as she makes her return visit to the underworld, signally the upcoming close to the yearly harvest. On this day, rituals of thanksgiving for blessings already received and prayers for protection during the up coming winter months are performed. As the cycle of the year continues so hours of daylight shrink as will the influence of the masculine energy until Yule or Winter Solstice when the Sun God is again reborn.

This is also a day when life is brought back into balance on all levels. With the current financial challenges most people are facing, many forget that prosperity involves both give and take. Many are asking for blessings, yet they forget to be the blessing for others. In order for prosperity to flourish for all, each has to be willing to give as well as receive. Lately it seems the same people are doing the giving, while the same people expect only to receive, which is why so many people’s finances have become stagnant or are now written in red. It is not noble to be so self-sacrificing that you deprive yourself of the help you need; in fact by denying others the opportunity to help, you do harm to both. By always expecting to receive without reciprocating, you not only dam the flow of energy, but you also create bad karma for yourself. In many cases, we don’t always receive directly from those we have helped. In fact, more often than not, it will be another who will come to our aid. But as long as we remain open to both giving and receiving, abundance will flow for all.

Mabon Prosperity Ritual

You will need:
Six long pieces of paper
Glue or tape
A pen
A White candle
A fire safe container

Divide the six pieces of paper into two piles. On three write the blessing you are asking for. On the remaining three, just write gift. Using the glue or tape to make the loops create a chain by alternating the blessing and gifts. Light the white candle and say:

Goddesses both dark and light
Bless this ritual with your might.
Three times three
Let this chain of prosperity come to be.
As I have asked to receive
So will I be the blessing for those you bring to me.

Light the chain and let it burn out in the fire safe container. You can extinguish the candle or let it burn out; it doesn’t matter one way or the other.

Afterwards, you will need to be more aware of the people who come into your life. You never know when you will be asked to give aid. By helping others freely, you will draw your own blessing to you more quickly.


To learn more about Wicca and Paganism, please buy my Ebook of Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is available at www.theresachaze.com for 7.00 through paypal.

Best Selling Fantasy Novels for Adults

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining..., October 11, 2008
By BookReviewsByDebra "Book Reviews By Debra" (Hawesville, KY USA) - See all my reviews

Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing, 2008
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 10/08
4 Star
Very entertaining...
Rachel felt as though the cottage was calling to her. It was lonely. The church people wanted to burn it down, because a witch once lived in it. They now target Rachel for her beliefs and practices. When she attempts to open a new book story she becomes the mark of bigotry.
This is not the type of book I normally read. Once I began, I could not put it down. There is a strength and yet innocence in Rachel. From the beginning, I sensed she had a secret. I wanted to see romance between Kevin and Rachel. Kevin is a wounded character. While this book is a fantasy and very entertaining, it also has an agenda, to teach the dangers of bigotry, close mindedness, and lack of love for people that are different. Unfortunately, this book needs proofreading. There are a lot of grammatical mistakes. Awakening The Dragon would make an excellent movie. Fans of fantasy will enjoy Awakening The Dragon.



4.0 out of 5 stars Follow your heart, awaken the dragon., November 3, 2008
By Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (10/08)

Rachel lives her life by what leads her. She landed in Coyote Springs by asking the Goddess where she wanted her to go, then threw the dart. It is there in Coyote Springs where she will open her "New Spirituality" store, Dragon's Den. Being drawn to a small cottage on the outskirts of town she crosses paths with Kevin Mitchellson. Kevin is the owner of the home in which his grandmother was killed.

Being like many small towns, Coyote Springs is a place where everyone knows of, or about, everyone there. In this town there is great turmoil between the House of Christ church and those who choose to follow otherwise. "Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy" focuses on this turmoil and resolution prior to the opening of Dragon's Den....I eagerly await "Book Two" to continue the story.

"Awakening the Dragon" is quite intriguing and will have you also waiting to see what happens next. With few editing errors that do not distract, this story is raw energy. "Theresa Chaze and her writing are based on her philosophy that all people live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs." This is such a profound philosophy that would greatly benefit many. I often ask myself, "How does one know if what they personally believe is correct?" Life would be much less negative if everyone just accepted what the other believe to be correct for them and our own belief is correct for us, there is no wrong. In "Awakening the Dragon: Book One" you find yourself compelled to root for the characters and look at your own actions toward others.



5.0 out of 5 stars Magic, suspense and Karmic Justice Combine in a tale of Horror, October 10, 2007
By Theresa Chaze "Please visit my site at www.th... (Michigan) - See all my reviews

By Wixa (Acworth, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews

When I started reading this book I didn't realized how quickly I would be caught up in the lives of the characters. I found myself feeling how the characters felt. Their anger and their joys. I laughed at how perfectly Theresa Chaze described the cats personalities. It is so obvious that she has furry children. I finished the book in two days and was disappointed when I realized I had reached the end of the book! I want more. Thank you for writing this book.


By Catherine J. St Amour "Kate St.Amour" (United States) - See all my reviews


Magic, Mystery, and Murder. The three M's! Ms. Chaze shows colorful, visual language that will even keep the romance novel buff obsessed in finishing this novel in one read! The pacing is excellent the main character strong and likeable, and the hint of romance to come in the final installments of the trilogy. I must say I'm already addicted to Ms. Chaze's writing style! A guaranteed page turner! Bring on the rest of the trilogy!

Truth in Fiction!, July 31, 2006
By Cate Cavanagh (USA) - See all my reviews

Ms. Chaze sustains what is now a proven trademark of excellency in plot and story development. This taut final book will continue to hold readers within the grasp of danger as the finely realized characters fight to sustain themselves against the evil that would destroy them. A must read book by breakout author Theresa Chaze who continues to weave suspenseful storylines while developing authentic characters. No fluff here! As an author in the genre I attest to the truth in Ms. Chaze's writing as she writes of Witches, evil and spells! If you want truth in fiction, Ms. Chaze is a must read! Fans of the genre will not be disappointed and will experience hours of being drawn into the reality of Witchcraft as never before depicted.

Kudos, Ms. Chaze! Fine work!


Buy this book! I found myself smiling when I finished the last page of Awakening The Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy (formally Dragon's New Home), by Theresa Chaze. I've read a pretty good number of books in my life, but none have given me quite the mix of emotions that this books has. Let me explain.
The Dragon Page reviews science fiction and fantasy from large publishing houses, small houses, and self-published authors. With few exceptions, a wide gulf separates the large houses' books from the others in terms of the quality of prose. Even when large publishers send me books I don't like, from a purely technical standpoint those books tend to be far better written than the small press stuff. Even the small press books that I like.
Now, Dragon's New Home isn't a well-crafted book. But the book has something that most small press books don't even have a sliver of. Potential. Dragon's New Home feels like a diamond in the rough. I think that given a few hundred thousand more words, Ms. Chaze will become one damn fine author. She's just not quite there yet with this book.
The Gist: Kevin Mitchellson's mother murdered his grandmother. His guilt for letting her get away with the crime is eating him alive, but he will not break his word to his father to protect her secret. So, one night, under the influence of potable spirits, he beckons spirits of another sort to take the problem out of his hands, and expose his mother in a way that cannot be denied. And damn if they didn't hear him.
Rachael Franklin, a Wiccan Priestess, has just won the lottery, and has an inclination to set up a New Age bookstore called Dragon's Den (great name.) She calls on the Goddess to send her to a new home where she can make a difference. She throws a dart at a map and eventually finds herself on the front step of Kevin's grandmother's abandoned house with the local agent from Century 21.
So, in one corner, wearing the red trunks, we have Rachael and her three cats: Merlin, Tara, and Ralph. In the other corner, wearing the blue, is Lady Katheryn, the murder, and the House of Christ, the local Christian cult that thinks that whole "live and let live" thing is for sissies.
And the bell rings.
The Good: Is it right to point out the good points of a novel by pointing out the mistakes the author could have made, but didn't? Forgive me if it's not kosher, but as I write this I can't stop making comparisons in my head between this book and other small press books I have reviewed.
For instance, most first time, small press authors try to tell big stories, and tell them too small (all life on earth my be destroyed by a world wide phenomenon. Let's tell the story of one family driving across country.) Ms. Chaze's story, on the other hand, has a simple, relatable plot, and doesn't skimp on the ensemble needed to tell the story.
Most genre books in general are plot based. This story is character driven, which I have firmly come to believe is the better route to take. Every plot-advancing decision Rachael Franklin makes comes from who she is as a person, not from what decision needs to be made to advance the plot in a certain direction. This gives the book a believability that many sci-fi and fantasy stories lack.
And, finally, it doesn't hurt that the reader might be learning something new. Not being knowledgeable about Wicca myself, I enjoyed reading a book told from the perspective of a philosophy I'm not accustomed to.
The Bad: The book suffers mostly from what most first time authors suffer from - amateur writing syndrome. The dialogue has no real spark. It's too on the nose. The story has no irony. In what could have been a very scary and engrossing story, there was only occasional suspense, and not very strong suspense at that.
Not only that, but the author tends to write too much about things that are obviously important to her, but are not important to the story. At all. Not even a little. It is not hard to see that Ms. Chaze loves animals, but why do why have to plod through pages and pages of Rachael feeding the cats, sleeping with the cats, potty training the dog, etc? Dragon's New Home is the first book of a trilogy. I have the sneaky suspicion that once the series is done, it will be apparent that instead of three short novels, the book could have been one moderately-long novel, if the writing were more focused on the story and less sidetracked by animals, visions, astral projection trips that don't really go anywhere, and the like.


By "gemstonedeva" (the Netherlands) - See all my reviews

Theresa Chaze has written the first part of a magickal tale. I could hardly put the book down once I had picked it up and am looking forward to the sequel to this intriguing tale of magick


"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Words the members of the House of Christ live by, and killed by.

Rachel Franklin knew from the first moment she laid eyes on it that the cottage was hers. She felt its pull, could sense the magic within its walls. She was home.
However, the members of the House of Christ church had different ideas. The cottage was evil, the home of a witch, and all good Christians know that witches are evil beings, consorts of the Devil; their houses are evil and should be destroyed.
But, the cottage's owner, Kevin Mitchellson would not allow that. He forbids any member of the church to set foot on the property left to him by his grandmother, Sarah, and the conflict rages, as Wicca and Christians team up, prepared to do battle with the bigotry and ignorance of the House of Christ fanatics.
Therese Chaze draws her readers in from the first page and refuses to release them until the last word of this fantastic tale of witches, magic, love and betrayal.
Set in the village of Coyote Springs, Dragon Domain is a book of lessons; lessons on love, forgiveness, and above all truth to oneself.
In the grand traditions of Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, Therese Chaze captures the imagination as well as the heart of her readers.
Dragon Domain is an open door to a world of wonder, and from the first page to the last, you will be hard pressed to put it down.

Linda Rucker


4.0 out of 5 stars Dragon "drama" for Coyote Springs, November 19, 2008
By Reader Views "www.readerviews.com"
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08)

"Awakening the Dragon: Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy" was a very intriguing book and had me eagerly anticipating "Dragon Domain: Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy." As I became familiar once again with the interesting characters in the series I was once again drawn into their lives and was gripped with anticipation in their trials.

Coyote Springs is a town torn. Reverend Marshall and the House of Christ church have helped to turn this quite little town upside down. The forces collide, leaving the town in turmoil and hatred for each other. As the story of Coyote Springs continues we learn more about life on the farm that Celeste, Cheyenne and Jane call home. Dominic (the same Dominic that gave you a not-so-good "vibe" in "Awakening the Dragon") becomes more and more controlling of Celeste and brings out the worst in her. He awakens the evil dragon within her and many dark events follow. They find that their hatred destroys, but not in the manner they thought.

Much darker than the first installment of the "Dragon Clan Trilogy," you will again find yourself engulfed in the writing of Theresa Chaze with "Dragon Domain: Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy." Being described as a woman that plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind, she takes this book beyond the realm and runs with it. I truly enjoyed this book just as much as the first book; please overlook the very few editing hiccups, and just enjoy a good gripping read. When you read the final paragraph, you will probably wonder as I, what will happen next? Will book Three follow Cheyenne, Rachel and the gang into lighter times or will Coyote Springs continue down the path of darkness? Like the author's bio reads in the closing of this book: "Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs." Here's hoping Coyote Springs can resolve their issues of hate and live in peace.....or would that be a fairy-tale.

4.0 out of 5 stars Fans of the Dragon Clan Trilogy..., October 16, 2008
By BookReviewsByDebra "Book Reviews By Debra" (Hawesville, KY USA) - See all my reviews

Book Two of the Dragon Clan Trilogy
Theresa Chaze
Valkyrie Publishing, 2008
ISBN: 9780979840616
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 10/08
4 Stars
Fans of the Dragon Clan Trilogy...
The lead character in Dragon Domain is Cheyenne. Her past comes back to haunt her. Dominic speaks of love; he turns her against those that care for her.
This is the second book in the Dragon Clan Trilogy. In the first book, Awakening the Dragon, the focus was on struggle between Reverend Marshall, his church, and Rachel. Rachel is a minor player this time. The struggle is between forces of evil and the Dragon. I enjoyed the first book, but found Dragon Domain lacking the same attraction. This book is much darker. Fans of horror will enjoy this book. The interrelationships between the characters make this book. The characters are strong and well developed.

Wiccans and Pagans: Book of Shadows

A Book of Shadows for the modern day world, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light reveals the truth and gives accurate information about Pagans and Wiccans. In addition, there are original ritual and spells that are beneficial to the beginner to the experienced practitioner, including: prosperity, love, protection, healing and many others. It is available as an Amazon Kindle; however, the full color and graphic version is only available through by emailing the author at Tirgana@yahoo.com The cost is 7.00 through paypal.

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light: Modern Day Book of Shadows

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light--Magical Wisdom for the Modern World

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is a 105-page ebook containing Wiccan wisdom and rituals for the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. It contains rituals for the individual as well as for groups.

Although Wicca is a modern term, it is based on traditions that reach back to when humans toiled the soil and hunted the forests for food. It is a wisdom, which helps Wiccan and Pagans work in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family or tribe. Most of us today do not grow our own food or hunt in the forest; instead, we work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn't change the essential nature of our goals, which is to provide for our families and ourselves. By working in harmony with the nature's energy, which surrounds us, we can bring balance, peace and prosperity into our lives. This doesn't mean our lives will be without challenges, but it does mean with faith in ourselves and the Divine we can weather our challenges to reach our best and highest good.

Wiccans also respect other religions. We do not alter their rituals or prayers as an anti-religion. I have heard of covens, which as part of their initiation require the initiate to say the Lord's Prayer backward. Wicca is based on spiritual traditions, which began long before Christ walked upon the Earth. We are a positive, loving force in the universe. Only by respecting all paths can we honor ourselves, each other and the Divine life force, no matter what is called, which is in all of us.

In my Book of Shadows called, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, I share some of what I have learned. It is a positive healing magic, meant to help you on your path. If you are looking for rituals to control or harm another, you are looking in the wrong book. Anytime you try to control another's destiny, it is black magic. Which brings me to the Wiccan Creed "do what ye will, but harm none." and the "rule of three". The only exception to these rules is in self-defense. Once you are no longer being attacked, you must stop; otherwise, you become the attacker and the rules apply to you. Both the creed and the rule of three have been hotly debated. Whether you call it the rule of three, karma, or what goes around comes around, your actions do have consequences for good or evil. Harm or manipulate another, no matter what your intentions, and you open yourself to the same at another's hand. However, random acts of kindness bring help and healing back to you when you need it. It is your choice.

There are two categories of protection. The first is a response to an attack that has already begun. Rituals, which reflect back or bind the other's negative energy, fall into this section. The second set of rituals are preventative measures, which include cleansing, shields, and reinforcing your own energy. Protection rituals or spells, which reflect back or bind, are specifically for self-defense on a spiritual level. Once you are in a safe spot, you can then turn your attention to preventing further aggression. These protection rituals are solely for self-defense. To follow the attacker and to continue, reverse the roles and you become the attacker. These rituals are specifically designed for self-defense, nothing more.

More than protection, justice rituals are for situations, which are bigger than the individual is, when you want to clear your karma, or break karmic ties with another. They are the best way to release the situation to the wisdom of a higher power. However by doing so you also forfeit your control over the end results. By letting go, you allow the best and highest good to determine the outcome. There are many situations both on the personal level and on the grand scale that would benefit from setting aside the ego and allowing Goddess/God to deal with the challenge.

What would a book of Shadows be without prosperity rituals--a book of other wisdom. But if you are looking for rituals to help you win the lottery or to steal others' belongings, you need to look elsewhere. There aren't many rich witches out there who didn't become so without hard work. That doesn't mean it can't or won't happen, only that is unlikely that you will win millions. Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account, but of who you are and what you have accomplished. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.

Most love rituals are in fact black magic. If you try to influence another against their will to love you, even for good reason, it is black magic and eventually you will pay. In the movie, The Craft, the one witch discovered how dangerous it can be. She forced a classmate to love her, but instead of a lover, she created a dangerous stalker. Besides wouldn't you prefer to have a love match where you were loved you for yourself instead of forcing someone to love you. How could you ever trust the love between you? Created in trickery and deceit, it could never be a strong bond. Also in doing so, you would create very bad karma and destroy any chance you and any of your true soul mates would have of connecting.

As with the protection rituals, the following are not meant to be the only path to take. If you are physically ill or injured for goodness sake, seek medical help. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Healing rituals are designed to heal from the spiritual down to the physical. Many illnesses, both on the physical and emotional level have their sources in the spiritual. By healing etheric body or the soul, the physical body is restored. There isn't a simple explanation of why illness happens--nor are there any cure all. Frequently illnesses are learning experiences, karmic balancing or the result of emotional trauma. The only way to deal with them is to find the root cause. In doing so, the lesson is learn or the trauma is understood so trapped emotions can be released. This is no guarantee that the physical ailment will just disappear, but it will aid with the healing process.

Wiccan and Paganism are multi-dimensional paths whose main purpose is to be able both live well and in harmony with the universe. You won't find them on street corners trying to convert others, nor do they actively attack others; it would be against their belief system. Instead, they chose a life's path in the pursuit of wisdom, honor and harmony. They work their jobs, care for their families, and pay their bills, while trying to make this world a little better for everyone.

"When I use the term "awesome" in reference to Theresa Chaze's new book, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, it is such an understatement that I really feel ashamed I cannot come up with a better term. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an excellent reference guide for anyone who really wants to know what Wicca is really all about. Theresa, an Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church and Wiccan Priestess, guides us through rituals, alter-building and dragon magic with such a gentle and easy tone that even those of us who don't practice Wicca can understand that it's not about evil, but about finding good in the world. It has totally changed my way of thinking. I believe that if more people would realize that Wicca is not about burning animals at the alter or casting evil spells, but concentrate on Theresa's principles that "...Wicca is a wisdom...based on living in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family...," you will see the full impact that those who practice Wicca are trying to portray. I highly recommend Out of the Shadows and Into the Light...a must read for anyone who wants to know the REAL world of Wicca." --

Dorothy Thompson, editor, The Writer's Life (www.thewriterslife.net) and editor/contributing author of Romancing the Soul (Zumaya Publications 2004)

Excerpt from Awakening The Dragon

CHAPTER THREE

Exhausted, Rachael pulled up in front of the shop. Between the arguing with secretary at the real estate office to find out what they did with her car and rushing to get it out of the impound before it closed, all she wanted to do is go home, drink tea and play with the kids. But that would have to wait until after she convinced Norman and his crew to work on the cottage next. She had a fairly good idea of what she wanted and they would be stripping the old wallpaper while she decided on the specific paint colors. They could also check for the electrical and plumbing problems everyone had been telling her about. But not if she didn't get it into gear and get out of the car. Today was the last day they'd be working on the store. Tomorrow Rachael and her new staff started stocking the shelves and setting up displays. What a ride, she thought. It's been quite a month.


Looking out the open car window, through the newly stenciled window of Dragon's Den, she felt proud and nervous. So much happened so fast. Inside she watched the carpenters and painters clean up. Several of them were on the path; two were curious. One quit the first day, calling her a heathen bitch. She thought it was a strange way for a Christian to act, but let it go.

Opening the car door, she stepped onto the curb and closed it. For the first time she noticed the long scratch along the side of the car. They couldn't stop themselves from doing damage, having it ticketed and towed wasn't enough. She'd deal with it and them tomorrow. At this moment, she simply didn't trust her temper.

She spun around on her toes and walked to the door. Before opening it, she took a deep breath to center herself. She was angry, but the people inside didn't deserve to hear about it. She brushed back her hair and opened the door, the smile already in place. "Hi, guys. Looks fabulous."

"Thanks." Was the common response as they rush to clean up and remove their tools.

"Where's Norman?"

Meredith, a petite painter, pointed toward the back room. No doubt she was rushing to pick up her kids from day-care before the rate changed to the evening billing. A divorced mother of three girls, with an ex who didn't know when it was over, was how Meredith described herself. He didn't pay child support and refused to acknowledge the divorce or restraining order against him. Meredith still occasionally had her tires slashed and on at least two occasions in the past month she came to work with visible bruises.

Walking past her, Rachael wondered what she would do in that kind of situation. Quickly she banished the question; she didn't need those particular challenges added to her life. Part of her wanted to be able to help, especially the children. She knew what it was like to grow up in a household where love equaled pain and respect was non-existent. Meredith had options, but the children didn’t. Rachael recognized the look of fear and sadness in their young eyes. She saw in the mirror ever day until she moved away to go to college. It was only then did the healing start and she found the beauty of her own soul.

She walked down the hallway, looking in the office and the classrooms. Norman was no where to be seen. He must be in the storeroom or the mediation center, she thought, continuing through the store. The storeroom was empty. She moved to the end of the hall. Knocking on the door, she waited for a response. After a moment, she heard, "come in."

Norman was sitting lotus position on the futon. His hands, supported by his knees, were in the position representing peace. His eyes were closed. He looked like Buddha only with a crew cut.

Rachael never would have thought it of him. But he looked completely comfortable in the position; this wasn’t something new to him. Waiting for him to open his eyes, she walked quietly around the room as not to disturb him. Carol had finished the murals. Each of the four walls had a different motif.

East represented spring with new growth and rainbows with storm clouds in the distance. Rachael couldn't tell if they were coming or going. The flowers were those of spring. In the center, a lilac bush was in full bloom. She wondered if Carol had known about the cottage before she had found it. Birds were building nests. In the stream, a fish jumped after an insect. It all had a sense of movement.

On the Southern wall, it was summer. The colors were more vivid, almost three-dimensional. The sky was a blue Rachael had only seen before in the sky on a hot, summer day. She was impressed. A doe with her twin fawns walked out of the lush forest onto the field. The wheat reached for the sky. Blueberries hung heavy on the bush and a bird, Rachael didn't recognize, sat on a limb posed ready to pluck a berry.

Fall was represented on the Western wall. The colors were darker; the leaves had taken on the yellows and reds. The sky had a gray cast. A flock of geese flew in formation. The harvest had been collected. Nature was preparing to sleep. Yet it felt active and alive. To look at the wholeness of it gave the impression of prosperity and good fortune.

The Northern wall was different. It represented winter, yes, but it also departed from the nature theme. The centerpiece was a castle, a steel, cold gray, but every window held a light burning, waiting to welcome the visitor from the approaching storm. A path wound up from the door she entered and crossed the floor to the drawbridge painted on the wall. It was darker than the others, yet it was the one that seemed more comforting. The motif was that of a safe home where all were welcome. The lights were on and soon the traveler would be protected within it’s walls. It was the philosophy behind the room and the store. Everyone was welcome; everyone was safe.

"Impressive isn't it."

Rachael turned to face him. "You've been holding out."

"Not even my wife knows."

"Why?"

"She'd thump me with her Bible."

"Sorry." She leaned forward against the back of a chair. "How'd you like another job? Starting tomorrow."

"Another store already?"

"A house. I found one."

Norman scratched his thick mustache and waited.

"I need the electrical, plumbing and heating checked. And some God awful wallpaper removed."

He laughed. "For you, we'll juggle. When, where, and how long do we have?"

"Start tomorrow. Four days." She hesitated.

On of his bushy eyebrows arched. "And?"

"It might be difficult. It used to belong to Kevin Mitchelson's Grandmother."

"Sarah." The word was soft, almost like a prayer.

"You don't sound surprised."

"Knowing her and you. I'm not." He uncrossed his legs and stretched. "I helped her design it. A special picked crew built."

"So the energy level won't be a problem?"

Again his eyebrow arched. "Don't worry 'bout me and mine. I know how to take care. Several of the original crew are still available. I’ll call them tonight." He chuckled. “She loved that wallpaper. It nearly blinded me every time we had tea together.

Rachael breathed a sigh of relief. “I didn’t want to spend every day at the cottage watching you work.”

His eye brow arched. “What colors do you want?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"Make it difficult to paint."

She shrugged. "It'll take you at least one day to remove the wallpaper. I'll decide by then."

"You want it done in four days." He planted his hands firmly on his hips. "Paint by three o'clock tomorrow. Got the keys?"

"Yes."

"Let's have'em." He held out his hand. "It’s been a while since I been there. I want to see what I'm getting into. We might have to start tonight."

"It's in good shape."

"That's what you said about this place. It took us a week longer than expected."

She dropped the keys into his palm. "Point."

His fingers curled around the keys, which seemed child size in proportion to his hand. "Besides there's something I need to check out."

"What?"

"The railing. They say it gave way and that's why she fell."

Rachael's curiosity was sparked. "That's not true. The railing was solid."

"I know. I put it there myself."

"Tell me about her."

He smiled. "She was a true lady. She always had a dignity, even when she was being silly. To describe her in one word--tireless. She loved the fact she had the resources to make a difference. But unlike some,” a tint of anger crept into his voice, “she could help without intruding. Sarah wanted to help others find their best and highest path without forcing her beliefs on them." He paused to enjoy a private memory, but the smile changed to a frown. "When she died,” the tone of his voice again changed, adding subtle unspoken meanings to the word died, “many of us became angry. It wasn’t time for her to cross over and we knew it.”

"We?"

"Everyone who knew and loved her." He sat in the chair next to his shoes and reached for one. "Almost everyone did."

"Except the members of the House of Christ."

Norman bolted upright. "Don't mention those bigots. I'm a Christian. They're an obscenity! They simply don‘t understand what Jesus tried to teach. The Christian faith is built on wisdom, tolerance, hope and love. People like those in the House of Christ simple don‘t get it. When they promote fear and bigotry, they corrupt the word of the Lord. The best example is the story of creation. God created Adam and Eve. It is a genetic impossibility for a single couple to populate a planet. And if you really think about it, the concept promotes incest. The tale is a parable. The true meaning is that we are all family and all Divinely created. There are no special groups, countries or beliefs In God‘s eyes we are all equally loved and cherished. When we harm each other, for whatever reason, we are actually doing harm to the God who created us all!"

Rachael was taken back by the rage in his voice. He did not leave the chair, but his tone pushed her backward.

"Sorry. Even after all these years it‘s still a sore spot for me" He continued putting on his shoes. ‘It’s just that until justice is served many of us will continue to be ethically challenged. I--and others nearly did things that….” His voice trailed off. “But then I remembered what Sarah tried to teach us.” He fumbled tying his left shoe and snapped the lace to pull out the loose bow. “I prayed for hours on hours over these past years to find an answer. All I found were wonderful memories and the smell of vanilla. It was her favorite.”

She stared at the top of his head, wondering about the man of many contradictions. He looked like an army sergeant. He meditated like a holy man. His voice had been always calm and loving, even when they debated abortion. Where did the nearly uncontrollable rage come from?

He stood and took a deep breathe. The fire still burned in his eyes, but he was able to control his anger.. "I'll go out when I leave here. Will you be here or at home?"

"Home." She didn't want to press the issue. The intensity of his fury was still close surface. She wasn’t afraid of him, yet she knew that she wasn’t to be involved. Norman had issues to work out within himself. No one could help him. After the past few moments, she didn’t think anyone would even be brave enough to try.

"I'll call you there." He turned quickly and exited.

Rachael breathed a sigh of relief. What in the Goddess's name was she doing here? She sat on the edge of the futon. Covering her eyes with the palms of her hands, she rested her elbows on her knees, trying to re-energize her own systems. This was crazy. Even in the occult world, when things weren’t always as they seem, this was beyond strange. She had asked the Goddess for simple and uncomplicated, but instead she got in a multi-dimensional, multi-personality game where everyone else knew the rules and wouldn’t share.

"Rachael?"

Betty Williams stood in the doorway. The person she needed to see. She was best described as clairvoyant, healer, and all around warm, fuzzy grandmotherly type. The latter is what she needed at the moment. "Come in."

"Are you all right?"

"Just leaping tall buildings at a single bound again. And running into the fifty-second floor."

"Again?" She walked into the room and embraced Rachael. "You promised you'd stop doing that."

"I know." With the older woman so close, Rachael realized her hair actually was red, not just a magic potion. She found that strange; red was usually a recessive trait, but not in this town. She slowly pulled away from her warmth. "Ever feel like you are playing a game where you don’t have a clue, but everyone else does?“

“You are far from clueless.”