Page 31 of Demon and the Raven

“Is that what you meant earlier when you were trying to explain about universal magic? I will admit to being confused.”

“That’s because I wasn’t clear,” I began, my gaze locked with his, “but there are things that all witches use, universally, and that’s passive magic.”

“I would like an example, please.”

“Okay, for universal, all around us, always present, passive magic, tools are a great illustration, as they are unchangeable.”

“Like?”

“Like salt. Salt is used for protection, and it’s so well known that you can watch TV shows and see people make circles around themselves with it. Earlier today I told Cass to draw one if she wants to keep using her Ouija board.”

It took him a second. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Don’t worry, she’s not going to be messing with it anymore,” I assured him with a dismissive wave. “But the point is that salt is an ingredient everyone uses.”

“Like sage.”

“Exactly. When we go antiquing, I have to sage everything when we get home.”

“That’s so we don’t bring someone else’s bad juju into our space.”

“Yes.” I smiled at him, as always pleased that he not only listened, but retained what I told him. It meant the world to me.

“You know, I don’t recall you cleansing my laptop or the new TV I bought.”

“Because those were only ever owned by you, so they’re imbued with your essence, and that is very good.”

“Aw, shucks,” he teased me.

“It’s true.”

“I understand what you’re getting at,” he affirmed, taking my hand and leading me farther into the house. “Everyone uses sage for cleansing and salt for protection and things like that.”

“Yes. Tools are also spices and herbs. Paprika aids in breaking hexes, black pepper will suppress gossip, rosemary repels unwanted people, and lavender promotes peace. These are things you can find anywhere, and they will work the same for everyone.”

“Thus universal, passive magic.”

“Correct.”

“What else?”

“Well, like different color candles for specific tasks. Black for banishing, green for abundance, white for purification, and then all the many different crystals.”

“The tourmaline you have in every corner of my office.”

“Yes.”

“The big chunky pieces of pyrite and citrine you put in Declan’s bistro to bring in prosperity and money.”

I nodded.

“And the stones Amanda carries that she believes keep her from murdering other people.”

I smiled at him. “Yes. And they do. Because amethyst is soothing, rose quartz does make one more compassionate, and smoky quartz is grounding. She needs all those things, so she carries them on her person at all times.”

“So bracelets, pendants with the stones you need, and the herbs and healing, those are all tools anyone who identifies as a witch can research and use.”

“Yes, as did Kathy, which is why she has staves and bindrunes.” Scanning the room, I realized how sad it was to see the charred, gutted remains of her home. It looked like a skeleton with only the bones to the right and an open cavity to the left. “She sold besoms and mojo bags, made floor washes and bath soaks, and simmer pots and candles.”