Winters Moon

witches Origins

When Emmett and i finally went inside the house, everyone was back in the living room. Jacob and Embry had returned with news from Sam. They informed us that he would help petrol the area. He also told them that if and when the Volturi came his pack would once again stand with us.

It seemed like everyone was getting along. Silviana was sitting by Embry, it was clear she liked him. Since he imprinted on her he has had this love sick puppy look on his face. He listened to her every word and laughed stupidly when he thought she was trying to be funny. It was getting annoying.

Soon Carlisle asked Antonia about their history. She then began to tell us a story and as she used ASL Carlisle was the one to translate for us.

" For thousands of years my ancestors lived near a hot spring that was sacred to them. They built a shrine and dedicated it to the god and goddess of all things. The myths describe it as a place of Prophecy as well as healing. Where the pools were said to offer up visions. Many came to bathe in the healing waters and dream by the hot pools. They too believed that nature was sacred and that the spirits of the God and Goddess was alive in all things.

It was said that they came down from the heavens one night when the moon was at it's fullest. They called out to five women who happened to be sisters. The five sisters had came to the shrine to worship the God and Goddess and to help the sick who seek to bathe in the healing waters. For their faithfulness and selfless acts the God and Goddess bestowed upon the sisters the sacred knowledge of herbs, plants, and magic.

Each one was able to control one of the five elements Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. It was said that spirit was the most powerful, there for able to control all the elements and receive prophecies from the god and goddess. She was the the oldest of the sisters so they made her high priestess.

She was to lead her sisters and the followers who came to worship. To teach them to respect all things in nature and give thanks to the God and Goddess. For without them life could not exist.

As the years went by, the sisters eventually married and had children of there own. Each one had the same gifts as their mothers and so on this went. The magic passed down from parent to child over the ages.

The word witchcraft has been used to dismiss others cultural traditions not only in Europe but around the world. For generations these 5 families kept alive the traditions of their ancestors. Those who practice ritual were called heathens and persecuted as witches. Some still call them witch doctors and charlatans. They are the folk healers and for centuries they have been practicing the old religion.

Many of the drugs that stock our pharmacys were first used by these healers. Four hundred years ago wemon like this were burned at the stake for the crime of witchcraft. Soon the ones that survived became familiar and relied on the Christian faith when performing their cures, but they're healing art was rooted in the traditions of their ancestors.

Few seem to realize that the christianization of Europe resulted in the loss of millions of lives. The church of Rome set up the Inquisition to enforce its will. People who criticized the church or held different beliefs were charged with heresy and executed as criminals. In 1554 my ancestor Sophia was hanged for using her gift and saving a child's life.

Out of those religious prosecution came the witch hunts. 85% of those killed for witchcraft were women. Between 15th and 17th century thousands were burned all over Europe. In terms of how many were burned it's hard to say the high number people use is 9 million over 300 or more years. They left no written records shared no common graves. They took with them their stories, their beliefs, and traditions of our Pagan ancestors. The witch craze brought the destruction of a way of life that had in dear for thousands of years.

The five families worked side-by-side theirs were religion of Rural life and changing seasons, of rural traditions and beliefs passed down within the family. We still call the Earth our mother, a memory of the Goddess tradition of our Pagan pass. There was not many left of the five families after the burning times whoever was left went into hiding and over time we became less and less. I'm not sure if any of the other lines survived. I have met only a hand full of them as a child.

We are the last of the spirit line. Other powers that come with spirit include aura sensory, dream walking, telekinesis, healing, and mind-reading. It was also said Spirit users can also bring the dead back to life. That is why Aro had taken us. He wanted to know if the stories were true among other things of course.

There has only been a select few ever to have this gift. Not much is known about it. All i can tell you is the stories my mother told me. It takes a lot out of the user and some have known to die in the process." She then quickly turned to Edward nodding yes.

"Well Edward, you must have had a thought cross your mind. What was it?" Esme asked.

"If it could possibly work on vampires"

My heart sank. Why was the old hag telling them all this after they told me not to. Everyone knows my past and how i feel. If anyone can put two and two together it would be Edward. Even without his gift. All of a sudden I heard a voice in my head telling me she has her reasons and don't worry. I looked over at Silviana. She was smiling at me.

Antonia started to use ASL and Carlisle translated once again " Aro's thoughts exactly. It's never been done before, but In magic anything is possible. Just because you are a vampire doesn't mean you don't have a soul. As a vampire your body is the only thing that's truly dead. Your soul is trapped forever in that same shell. Never to move on unless it is destroyed. All the Spirit user would have to do is restore the body to it's human state, but that in itself is a challenge."

"Why would Aro be interested in becoming human again? He seems to enjoy being a Vampire." Bella asked.

"Imagine the price some would be willing to pay for a second chance." Carlisle answered with a sad look upon his face.

"Plus the fact that they can do a lot of other bad ass stuff with their powers. Hey, can a Vampire use their gifts on you?" Emmett asked.

"Yes, of course. It's much like our own magic. Those abilities are due to psychic gifts in the original human that are intensified when they are turned. How else do you think they managed to keep us locked up for so long. Not to mention you have us beat in strength and speed." Silviana said.

Holding a sleeping Renesmee in his arms Edward said "Well it's getting late, we better take Renesmee home. We will come back tomorrow when she wakes up"

"Oh, be careful will you. I don't like that you insist on staying at the cottage. It's much safer if we stick together." Esme told them as she got up to hug them goodbye.

"We'll be fine Esme, really." Bella assured her as they walked out the door.

"Guess we'll leave as well. Embry and i are on patrol tonight" as Jacob said this he patted Embry's shoulder.

"Awww, do you have to? I was enjoying your company." Silviana said to Embry.

"I'll come by tomorrow and see you i promise" he told her as he got up to leave with Jacob.

Not long after they had left, Antonia said she was tired so Silviana helped her back to bed. I got up to go outside and Emmett followed. When we were out on the back porch alone i turned around and kissed him. I was in a playful mood now and wanted his attention to myself. When i let go, i took off running yelling back to him "Catch me if you can!"

I heard him yell back "alright, your gonna get it now!"

I ran as fast as i could. Dipping behind trees when i thought he was near. It wasn't long before he managed to tackle me to the ground, but of course i let him do so. We was both laughing as he moved my hair out of my face. At that moment all i wanted to do was be with him and forget about everything. Show him how much i loved him and so i did.