Rogelia's House of Magic by Jamie Martinez Wood Page B

each of you individually,” Rogelia continued.
    “Sorry, I don’t speak much Spanish,” Marina said timidly. Maybe one of these days she should learn the language. “What are
plácitas
?”
    “
Plácitas
are heart-to-heart talks,” Rogelia clarified. “Please bring an item you intend to barter or trade for our time together whenever possible. The barter can be food, gifts bought or handmade, flowers, anything that shows your appreciation. Your gift exchange will keep the energy flowing. After I have spoken with each of you, we will have a
limpia,
or cleansing. During the
limpia
we will work on strengthening your spiritual gifts. You will each need to bring something that corresponds with each of the four directions.”
    “Like what?” Marina asked. She had no clue what to bring. But Rogelia’s confidence in her made her feel the distinct possibility that she could enter the realm of magic and perhaps someday wield its power.
    Rogelia pointed to a bunch of chamomile flowers in a vase on her altar. “Each of the four directions is represented on this altar and is essential in life. These flowers represent earth and the north, which is symbolized by our body. The bowl of water honors the west and the fact that our bodies are seventy-five-percent water. The incense smoke celebrates the eastern direction and air, our life-giving breath. With our breath we give thanks—the most important prayer there is.” At this point Rogelia picked up a cluster of yellow copal resin and dropped it onto a white-hot piece of charcoal in a small black cauldron. Incense smoke billowed from the cauldron. “The candle and its fire symbolize the heat or energy in our body and correspond to the south. The fifth direction is spirit, which is not shown but is always here, and will be symbolized by your presence.”
    Marina leaned forward to look into the cauldron. The copal chunks had begun to melt and gave off a strong overly sweet smell. Marina picked at the nail of her ring finger and tapped her left foot nervously. Something about the power symbolized by the incense gave her the heebie-jeebies. She felt like she was entering a new world where nothing would ever be the same again. She was scared but at the same time entranced.
    Rogelia pulled out a journal covered with black feathers. “These are crow feathers. Crow is a guide to the Spirit World, to mystery, and to the left direction, which represents feminine wisdom. You will share this book, taking turns recording your dreams and desires, or how you are progressing with me. Whatever you want to write or draw is fine with me as long as you are honest.” Rogelia looked over her new apprentices. “Do you agree to my terms?”
    Marina and Fern nodded solemnly. Xochitl hesitated, then agreed.
    Rogelia handed the journal to Xochitl. “You are the first because you have been with me the longest.” She smiled. “I want each of you to insert the stick I’ve given you into the flame of your candle at the same time. From the flame that represents your individual spirit, I want you to light the candle of San Miguel, who will protect and guide you on your journey with me.”
    Together Fern, Marina, and Xochitl gathered the flames from their individual candles, then lit the San Miguel candle. Almost immediately the individual candles flickered, then went out.
    “That is so cool,” Fern whispered.
    Rogelia smiled slyly as she set the San Miguel candle prominently in the center of her altar. She turned and clasped her hands in front of her. “I will watch over this candle as I watch over the three of you. We will not need to make appointments for the
plácitas.
The candle will stay lit for seven days. In that time, you will know when you are ready to talk.”
    Xochitl stood up as though she understood some unspoken signal that their lesson was over. “
Gracias,
Nana,” she said almost in a monotone.
    Marina and Fern leapt off the bed. Rogelia placed her hands on Marina’s shoulders.