“By the Elements, I purify this home and all doorways. May love and light, prosperity and joy enter. May these passages allow friends and love ones to enter, and prevent those who wish ill or harm.”

— Ellen Dugan, Cottage Witchery: Natural Magick for Hearth and Home

The Hearth of Memories

She sat by the hearth, watching the flames dance and crackle. The fire was warm and comforting, like an old friend. She smiled as she remembered the many times she had sat here, in this very spot, throughout her life.

She remembered when she was a small child, and her mother taught her how to light the fire with a spark of magic. She remembered the excitement and wonder she felt as she saw the first flicker of flame, and the pride and joy in her mother’s eyes. She remembered how they would sit together by the fire, telling stories and singing songs, while her father played his flute.

She remembered when she was a young girl, and her father took her to the forest to gather herbs and mushrooms. She remembered how he showed her how to identify the plants and animals, and how to use them for healing and spells. She remembered how they would bring their harvest back to the hearth, and cook a delicious stew or pie, while her mother praised their skills.

She remembered when she was a teenager, and her first love came to visit her. She remembered how they would sneak out of their rooms at night, and meet by the fire. She remembered how they would kiss and cuddle, whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears. She remembered how they would make plans for their future, dreaming of traveling the world together.

She remembered when she was a young woman, and her love left her for another. She remembered how she cried and raged by the fire, cursing his name and wishing him ill. She remembered how her parents comforted her, telling her that he was not worthy of her, and that she would find someone better. She remembered how they helped her heal her broken heart, with hugs and tea and spells.

She remembered when she was a mature woman, and she met her true love. She remembered how he came to her door one day, with a bouquet of wildflowers and a smile. She remembered how he charmed her with his wit and kindness, and how he asked her to marry him by the fire. She remembered how they celebrated their wedding with their family and friends, dancing and laughing around the hearth.

She remembered when she was an older woman, and she gave birth to her daughter. She remembered how she held her in her arms for the first time, feeling her warmth and heartbeat. She remembered how she brought her to the hearth, and introduced her to the fire spirit. She remembered how she blessed her with love and light, and named her after the goddess of the hearth.

She remembered when she was an elderly woman, and she lost her husband. She remembered how he died peacefully in his sleep, holding her hand. She remembered how she buried him in the garden, under his favorite tree. She remembered how she mourned him by the fire, remembering their happy times together. She remembered how her daughter comforted her, telling her that he was still with her in spirit.

She looked around the room, seeing the pictures and objects that told the story of her life. She saw the flute that belonged to her father, the necklace that belonged to her mother, the ring that belonged to her husband, the doll that belonged to her daughter. She saw the books and tools that belonged to her craft, the herbs and candles that belonged to her magic.

She felt a pang of sadness, knowing that soon she would leave this place behind. She knew that death was inevitable, and that she had lived a full and rich life. But she also felt a surge of gratitude, knowing that she had been blessed with so much love and joy.

She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the fire on her face. She whispered a prayer of thanks to the fire spirit, who had been with her since birth. She asked for its guidance and protection in her final journey.

She opened her eyes again, seeing a familiar figure standing before her. He was tall and handsome, with dark hair and bright eyes. He wore a simple tunic and trousers, with a cloak over his shoulders. He smiled at her with love and tenderness.

He reached out his hand to her, inviting her to join him.

“Hello, my love,” he said softly.

“Hello,” she said back.

She took his hand, feeling his warmth and strength.

She stood up from the hearth, leaving behind all that she had known.

She walked with him into the light.

“The outside world is a dream. Inside, the fireplace is brightly lit, and the Yule log crackles with orange and crimson sparks. There’s a steaming mug in your hands, warming your fingers. There’s a friend seated across from you in the cozy chair, warming your heart. There is mystery unfolding.”

– Vera Nazarian