“Lapis Lazuli and is for wisdom and helps to reveal inner truths and strengthen deeper self-knowledge. Information that may have been previously hidden.”
“That was something they were to ask for during meditation, was it not?”
Samantha frowned. “Yes, but there is only one. It is deciding who would benefit from it more.”
“Chedworth,” Cassian answered without thinking. “He is a male with no magical abilities, despite how he was raised. Further, men are less likely to meditate for deeper understanding whereas a witch and a female have done so and likely more than once.”
“You do not paint a flattering picture of the male species,” Samantha laughed.
“I speak honestly, and I know Chedworth.” He chuckled.
“Then, it will be left for Chedworth,” Samantha said as she placed it next to the smoky quartz.
“The love stone,” she said with a smile as she brought out two pale pink crystals. “Rose quartz.”
“They have already discovered love,” Cassian reminded her. “It is the reason they are getting married.”
“True, but it also helps with unconditional love. For some, it is used to fix a relationship. In this case, it will aid in developing deeper love and compassion for not only a spouse but for self.”
She placed one on the altar and the other beside her before lifting two more blue stones from the basket. Except these were lighter than the Lapis Lazuli. They were the color of the sky, but slightly brighter and a deeper blue with wisps of grey and white resembling clouds.
“Moonstone,” Samantha explained.
Cassian would never have guessed that something that reminded him of an afternoon sky would have moon in the name.
“For new beginnings and a reminder that just like the moon, we all go through phases. New, waxing, waning and full. We should embrace each through life and with our spouse.”
As she had done before, one was placed on the altar and the other beside her.
Samantha lifted a deep, darker red crystal up to the sun, which he recognized as being a garnet. Was she checking for flaws?
“I am not certain,” she murmured quietly.
“Why?”
“There is only one and its purpose is to inspire love and devotion and as you said, they already have that.”
“Would the extra magical energy be harmful?” he asked.
“No,” she decided after a moment. “Besides, if it goes to Antonia, then she and Chedworth will have the same number of crystals because balance is just as important.”
Balance was something that he had often heard from the witches, though he had never really understood, and likely never would since he would never personally experience the energy from magic.
“I am not certain why this one was included, unless Maia or I mistook it for another crystal.” She held up a black crystal.
“What is it?”
“Black Tourmaline for protection from negative energies, harmful intentions.” She shrugged. “It is said to protect against all types of danger and was regularly carried by all witches through history, especially during times when they were being hunted.”
“I do not believe that either Chedworth or Antonia are in danger of the other.” He chuckled.
“Neither do I.” She slipped the stone into her pocket then withdrew another and frowned. “I am not certain why this is in the basket either.”
“It is an amethyst, correct?” Cassian asked.
“Yes, it is for emotional protection. Such should not be necessary in a marriage based on love.” As before, she dropped it into a pocket and drew another crystal from the basket. “Ah this is one of my favorites. Isn’t the color lovely?”
It was blue, dark fading to light with gold. It wasn’t as pretty as the Moonstone, but everyone had their own opinion. “What is it?”
