The Ritual

How do you wake the witch?

You’ve heard the legends of my beauty and power. You’ve caught glimpses of me singing my siren song. You’ve felt my enchanting magic filing your mind with pleasure, but how do you approach without scaring me away? Should you wish to be mine, you must abide by my protocol and perform the proper ritual to summon me from the hidden depths of the forest.

Gather any of the following items and bring them to the farthest edge of the deepest woods in the mountains of Hudson Valley. Only there, will I appear to you to hear your petition:

• a bouquet of wild flowers
• a bottle of white wine
• a box of milk chocolate with caramel filling
• a unique crystal
• a monetary sacrifice

Have your tribute prepared in a greeting card concealed in a blank envelope. Clear your mind of any selfish intentions and steady your breathing. Recite the following incantation aloud:

“Goddess, hear my prayers. I wish to serve you and only you. I pledge my loyalty and devote my life to you. And so as above, so below.”

Wait for the wind to still.