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A rebel! How glorious the name sounds when applied to a woman. Oh, rebellious woman, to you the world looks in hope.
Lightning can be conjured inside a jar.
Does magic exist?
Yes. Always.
Was it possible for one city to contain so many mystics?
Twelve days, thirteen sleeps.
Those averse to magic need not apply.
her appetite for wonder insatiable.
to pick up books because of a love of learning (rather than a desire for praise), to do good deeds because of an enduring belief in kindness (rather than a fear of God’s wrath).
Fortune favours the prepared mind.
Beauty seeks attention. Intelligence commands it.
“Luck,” of course, according to her aunt, “is what happens when preparation and opportunity collide.” What then of magic, Beatrice wondered, of destiny, of kismet?
By knot of one, my spell’s begun. By knot of two, it will come true. By knot of three, so may it be. By knot of four, this power I store. By knot of five, my spell is alive. By knot of six, the spell I fix. By knot of seven, the future I’ll leaven. By knot of eight, my will be fate. By knot of nine, what’s done is mine!
She hoped the magic would prove true. She wanted to believe—in miracles, in fate and in witches too. Twelve days. (Thirteen sleeps.) Those averse to magic need not apply.
The time between first and second sleep is neither slumber nor waking. Too much dark and your mind will stay at rest, too much light and your dreams will surely flee. Use this time wisely—for writing spells, summoning spirits, and most importantly, remembering your dreams. Queens have been crowned, schemes hatched, fortunes gained, demons defeated, lovers found—all from visions born in the stillness of the night. In dreams, our souls are given the eyes of Fate. Dreams must be encouraged by all possible means.
Witches see to things best sorted by magic—sorrows of the heart, troubles of the mind, regrets of the flesh. This is what we do. That is who you are.”
had man’s misguided ambition made the city around them shine too bright?
How distracting the sparkle of their false lights was at night, their world barely fit for anything, most especially dreaming.
Was this roadblock a sign that she should turn back?
The Known World is filled with mystical messages. Signs, portents and foretellings come in many guises—smoke on the wind, sparks from a fire, ripples on the water, lines in the sand. If you wish to master magic, pay attention. If you wish to master love, do the same. —
Top off the pot means a stranger’s coming to call.
two spoons placed on the same saucer mean a wedding will soon follow; two women pouring from the same pot means one will soon carry a child; tea spilled from the spout of a carried pot means a secret will soon be revealed; tea stirred while in the pot will surely stir up a quarrel.
“The time will soon come when witches won’t be born, but made. The first will come to you. She’ll need to learn. You must teach her.”
May my mind be free from worry, my eyes clear of tears. May my heart be filled with calm instead of fear. In times of darkest turmoil, may the light of hope shine bright, Fuelled by the knowledge that all will soon be right.
“When do I get to do that, Maman?” she’d asked. “When do I get to say whatever I wish?” “When it pains you not to,” her mother had replied.
“What if I’m too scared?” “All the more reason to speak your mind.”
“As you are, I once was. As I am, so you shall be.”
Miracles never cease.
“What does it take to be a witch?” Washing the pot’s lid, Eleanor said, “Curiosity, attention, tenacity, courage and an unshakable belief in things unseen.
“You’ve barely gotten started and you’re already working magic.
Place a drop of honey on top of each bedpost. Tie a sprig of lavender above your head. Fill a muslin pouch with anise seeds and tuck it inside your pillow. Sprinkle marigold petals on the floor beneath your bed.
If you’ve anything that sparkles and glints—a ring, a hair comb, a ribbon with silver thread— wear it to bed.”
‘An uninterpreted dream is like an unopened letter.’ The more you pay attention to them, the more they repay your attention.
At the very least, write down every detail you can remember, whether it’s at midnight or first light.”
“May your dreams be all you need them to be.”
“By knot of one, my spell’s begun. By knot of two, it will come true. By knot of three, so may it be. By knot of four, this power I store. By knot of five, my spell is alive.”
“By knot of six, this spell I fix. By knot of seven, the future I’ll leaven. By knot of eight, my will be fate. By knot of nine, what’s done is mine!”
Courage always. Without it there is no hope.
By new moon and twinkling stars, Bless this night and make it ours. To those who dare to wish us harm, We cast on them a wicked charm. To those who aid us in our powers, We grace their lives with happy hours. And to ourselves one wish remains, That we might ne’er be lost again. Hecate dear, we ask of thee. So may it be, so may it be, so may it be.
