The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft silver light over the landscape around the cabin. It was the final night of the year, and the air was still, almost reverent, as if the forest itself understood the significance of the ritual Lua was about to begin. She stood barefoot in the cabin’s living room, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the scent of burning sage. The light flickered softly, illuminating the small, sacred space she had created—a space that held both comfort and power.
Tonight, Lua wasn’t just marking the end of the year; she was performing a deeply personal ritual to cleanse herself of the heaviness that had settled in her heart. The events of the past months—the strange occurrences, her complicated feelings for Peter, and the unresolved tensions—had clouded her mind. This ritual was for healing and clarity, to reconnect with her mission and the inner strength she felt slipping away.
Lies. So many lies. It was hard to live like this. She was still so hurt and angry about what had happened almost two decades ago. A heart full of resentment should not be what moved her forward. The need for justice should be the only driving force.
She began by lighting a bundle of mugwort and sage, the smoke curling into the air, carrying away the negative energy that had been weighing her down. Mugwort, known for enhancing intuition, was an essential part of the ritual—she needed clarity now more than ever. With each breath, she inhaled the grounding scent of the herbs, allowing her body to relax, letting the smoke cleanse her spirit.
In the center of the room, she had placed a small table adorned with objects from her garden. There was a bowl filled with rosemary, symbolizing protection and memory, and lavender, for peace and calm. Sprigs of skullcap lay beside them, representing the need for inner calm, especially during turbulent times. These plants had been her allies throughout the seasons, offering their quiet magic in times of need.
Lua knelt before the table, whispering a quiet prayer as she gathered the hyssop to purify the heart and mind. With a steady hand, she gently crushed the leaves, releasing their sweet aroma into the room. As she did, her mind began to clear, as if each crushed leaf took a piece of her fears with it.
Rising to her feet, she moved toward the cabin’s door, opening it to let in the cool night air. She could feel the energy shift as the outside world beckoned her. Grabbing a thick woolen shawl, she stepped out into the moonlit night. The forest greeted her like an old friend, its silence soothing her restless thoughts.
Outside, Lua walked barefoot on the cold earth, each step connecting her to the land that had become her sanctuary. In her hands, she held a small satchel containing yarrow and elderflower—two plants she had grown with care, known for their healing properties. Yarrow, often used for courage and protection, and elderflower, which symbolized renewal, would be part of the ritual she was about to perform by the lake.
The path to the lake was one she knew well, winding through the trees until the water’s edge came into view. The surface of the lake was like glass, reflecting the moonlight, making it feel as though the sky had opened up and touched the earth. Lua stood at the shore, her breath coming in soft, deliberate puffs. She took a moment to soak in the tranquility of the scene, allowing it to quiet her mind.
Kneeling by the water, Lua dipped her hands into the icy lake, letting the coldness bite at her skin. The water was a sharp contrast to the warmth of the cabin, but she welcomed it. She needed this shock to her system, a jolt that reminded her she was alive, capable of feeling both pain and joy.
She sprinkled the elderflower petals into the lake, watching as they floated across the surface, delicate yet resilient. They drifted slowly, carried by the faintest current, and in their movement, Lua found her own stillness. With each passing second, she felt more grounded, more connected to her purpose.
Standing, she took a deep breath and made the decision that had been forming in her mind since the ritual began. She was going into the water. It wasn’t frozen, though the chill of the lake in late December was unforgiving. But this wasn’t just about cleansing her spirit—it was about shedding the weight of the past, letting the water strip her down to her core.
Without hesitation, Lua slipped off her shawl and dress, standing at the edge of the lake in nothing but her own skin. The cold air nipped at her, but she embraced it, taking a deep breath before stepping into the water. It was freezing, and her body screamed in protest, but she kept going. Each step felt like an act of defiance against the heaviness she had carried for so long.
As she submerged herself fully in the water, it was as if time stopped. The world became silent, the water holding her in its icy grip. Lua closed her eyes, allowing the cold to seep into her bones, imagining it washing away everything. In this moment, she was free.
She broke the surface with a gasp, her breath coming in short bursts as the cold air hit her skin. But she felt lighter, renewed. Slowly, she made her way back to shore, her body trembling, but her spirit steady. She wrapped herself in the shawl, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, but there was a fire in her heart now, a spark that hadn’t been there before.
As Lua made her way back to the cabin, she felt the weight of the past year falling away with each step. Back inside, she warmed herself by the fire, sipping a cup of lemon balm tea she had prepared earlier. Its calming effects washed over her, soothing her body and mind.
She placed a few more rosemary sprigs into the fire, watching them crackle and burn, releasing their protective energy into the air. As the flames danced, Lua whispered her final words of the ritual, asking for protection and clarity in the year to come.
The night outside was still, the stars twinkling brightly, as if in agreement with her prayer. Lua closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire and the peace settling over her. She was ready to face whatever came next.
Thoughts on this chapter?