Wise Woman Homage

by Elaine Gugin Maddex

  The waitress came and took their drink orders. In a few minutes, she returned with a beer for Tommy and a glass of wine for Sage. She told them about the evening specials and left to tend to her other tables.

  Tommy was grinning like a Cheshire cat and fidgeting like he had ants in his pants. He held up his beer glass and made an attempt at a toast. Sage brought her wine glass up but no words were escaping him. Then, suddenly, he blurted, “Sage, you’re amazing!”

  “Well, thank you,” Sage laughed. “But what is the matter with you? Tommy, what’s going on?”

  Tommy shook his head and put his glass down. “Sorry. I know. I’m acting like a goof.”

  “Tommy, what is it?” Sage sympathetically reached for his hand.

  “Well, okay. Here goes...” Tommy reached into his pocket and pulled out a little ring box. Sage gasped.

  “Now, don’t get any wrong ideas,” Tommy began. “I know we haven’t known each other that long but I do know you are the most amazing, beautiful, intelligent girl I have ever met. I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be dating you. I hope you will find it in your heart to agree to wear this promise ring until you decide whether you love me and I can put a forever ring on your finger.”

  Tears of joy trickled down Sage’s cheeks. She took the box and opened it to find the sweetest and most charming little ring. She removed it and placed it on her left ring finger. A very relieved Tommy got up, leaned down, and went to kiss her. He missed and kissed her nose as tears were clouding his vision too. They laughed and swiped at their eyes. Tommy sat back down and exhaled loudly.

  “The decision of whether I love you was made a long time ago, Tommy. And this,” she looked at the delicate ring. “This is perfect for now. Just perfect!” She held her hand high to admire the ring. She then pulled it close to her and embraced it.

  7

  Prophetic Dreams

  Tessy and Marshall lingered at the hotel the next morning. Before they headed in for breakfast they picked up some brochures from the lobby to see what attractions were in the area. They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, looked through the pamphlets and visited with neighbouring tables.

  A group of young girls travelling from Australia were quite excited to make their acquaintance as they were eventually bound for Canada and had quite a few questions.

  “What part of Canada are you from?” they chimed almost in unison and giggled.

  Tessy chuckled at their youthful exuberance. “We are from the prairies, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.”

  The girls looked puzzled. One girl spoke up, “Saskatchewan and Manitoba?”

  Tessy and Marshall shared a glance and smiled. “Aye, for now anyway. We’ve just married and I live in Ladyslipper, Saskatchewan and Marshall is a doctor in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Until he completely retires that’s where he lives most of the time.”

  The girls conveyed their congratulations to the newlyweds and fired a few more questions at them before getting up to leave. Sandy, the chattiest of the girls, suggested they exchange phone numbers, just in case they made it to Saskatchewan. Tessy eagerly complied as the girls said their goodbyes. The restaurant was now noticeably quieter.

  By the time Tessy and Marshall finished eating, their day was planned. A trip to Kildare to see the St. Brigid’s Cathedral and roofless round tower was first on the list. It was one of the only churches in history where monks and nuns lived under the same roof. But, of more importance to Tessy, this was the home of St. Brigid’s sacred perpetual flame. The nuns had kept it burning in honour of the Goddess Brigid for centuries before she was dubbed a Saint. After that, they would take a self-tour of the Military Road to view the National Stud farm and Japanese Gardens. They were also hoping to fit in the gardens at Powerscourt, well known in Ireland for both design and setting. It was going to be a full day!

  A soft rain fell as they drove towards the Cathedral. Marshall asked Tessy about St. Brigid and the flame. “So, what is it about this Brigid that warranted a perpetual flame for centuries?”

  Tessy chuckled, “Ahh… Brigid,” and was silent for a moment. “There’s many a tale. In Ireland, Brigid is a very important Celtic goddess. Actually, she is said to be the female equivalent to Archangel Michael. She is extremely generous and loving, as well as very protective and powerful. The Pagans were completely devoted to her. When the Christians realized they couldn’t eradicate her they gave her a fictitious history and she was canonised in the 5th century.”

  “So, that’s how she became St. Brigid.”

  “Aye, as simple as that!” Tessy chuckled.

  They pulled up in front of the cathedral and ran inside to avoid getting wet. Both Marshall and Tessy were quiet as they toured St. Brigid’s Cathedral. They viewed the 16th century vault and silently marvelled at the early Christian and Norman carvings. The rain stopped just as they went outside to view the round tower.

  “Amazing,” said Marshall as he gazed up at the 33m high tower.

  “Aye,” Tessy agreed.

  The sun was now shining brightly which made the rest of their day even more of a delight. Tessy kept her senses sharp for any signs of the elemental realm. She could feel them watching as they visited each ancient dwelling with lush surroundings. Marshall just smiled at her as she peered into bushes and crannies and quietly greeted them.

  At the Irish National Stud Farm and Gardens, Marshall marvelled at the horses and the items in the horse museum. Tessy was filled with ideas for her own garden after walking through the Japanese and St. Fiachra’s gardens.

  “Oh Marshall, do ye think I could do some rock fountains like this in Ladyslipper?”

  Marshall gazed out at the steps of flowing water. “I have no doubt you could do whatever you set your mind too.”

  Tessy gave him a playful swat as the pair headed out of the gardens.

  “Now,” said Marshall. “I think we have just enough time to see the waterfall at Powerscourt.”

  “Aye,” said Tessy, “Wouldn’t it be grand if I could put a waterfall this large in the back yard!”

  They managed to fit in everything they wanted to see. After seeing the waterfall, Tessy agreed there wasn’t enough room, but the stepped stream was still a possibility. They returned to the hotel that evening, exhausted and very satisfied.

  They freshened up and popped down to the hotel lounge for supper.

  “Boy, there is so much history over here,” Marshall reflected. “Canada is just a baby. You don’t realize it until you find yourself in a country as old as Ireland.”

  “Aye, I’m always amused when people in Canada say this building is one hundred years old or that church is more than a hundred and twenty years old. ‘Tis true, over here that’s almost new.” Both Tessy and Marshall had a good laugh.

  They finished their dinner and sauntered up to their room. Tessy wrote of the day’s highlights and they retired early.

  Tessy tossed and turned during the night. The recurring nightmare haunted her. The same narrow, curving road; however, this time there was a vision of a foot continuously pounding on the brakes while the car sped faster and faster. Then, the poignant moment of silence as the vehicle flew off the cliff and was airborne. Then came the familiar plunging into the raging, fanged surf below followed by an almighty crash. Tessy leapt up with a faint cry. She immediately looked over at Marshall. She hadn’t awakened him this time. He was so tired from their busy day he just kept snoring. She quietly snuck out of bed and pulled her dream journal out of her bag. She sat in the large chair just under the window and wrote by the light of the bright moonbeam that streamed down upon her.

  This was the first time the vision of a foot continuously stomping on the brakes came to her. It was the horrid moments of silence that haunted her as she wrote. Tessy wept as she wrote. She knew she was watching the final fated moments of her parents’ lives.

  Why? she thought. Why now? She had had bits and pieces of this dream over the years. It had made no sense to her then. It was evident the dream was more vi
vid for a reason, but what reason? This visit to Ireland was much more surreal than any other. She wiped her eyes and finished writing down the dream. When she returned to bed she nudged Marshall in hopes to quiet his snoring. It didn’t work, so she did some deep breathing to help her get back to sleep.

  Marshall was up and showered before Tessy awoke. He was starting to pack when she opened her eyes.

  “Good morning, darling. You had another rough night, didn’t you?” Marshall gently smiled down at his wife.

  “Aye, I suppose I did.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “There’s nothing ye could have done, love. But thank ye.”

  “I could have held you and told you how much I love you.”

  Tessy chuckled, “What a darlin’, ye are. But I see that ye’re up and going so I’d best be lightin’ a fire under me, sleep or no!”

  “Take your time. We don’t have to check out until 11 a.m. No rush. I’m all dressed and ready to go. I’ll head down to the restaurant and have a coffee, read the paper and wait for you.”

  As Tessy dressed she replayed the dream over and over. The visions were coming to her much clearer now even in her wakened consciousness. She was definitely on a journey that needed to be reckoned with.

  She repeated aloud, “But, why now?” She was looking forward to sharing her apparitions with Keenan and getting his input. She wondered if he was having visions too.

  Tessy put aside her thoughts and finished packing. She joined Marshall for breakfast and spent most of the time in quiet contemplation. Soon they were fed, packed, checked out and on their way to Ireland’s loveliest inland city, Kilkenny.

  It showered again on the first leg of their journey. Marshall was driving, and it was a good thing, as the continuous, mesmerizing motion of the wipers was lulling her into a light sleep.

  “Darling, why don’t you put your seat back and catch a few winks? We can’t see a whole lot in this rain. You’re not going to miss anything. I’ll let you know when we’re close.”

  “Aye, love. I think I just might. I’m a wee wearier than I thought.” And with that she popped her seat back and closed her eyes.

  It seemed like only a few moments had past when Marshall gently touched Tessy on the shoulder. “We’re here, dear.”

  “Oh, my. That didn’t take long.” Tessy sat up and glanced around to get her bearings.

  They had booked a room at a beautiful guesthouse, which was part of the Kilkenny Castle estate.

  “Oh, how lovely!” Tessy softly breathed as she fluffed her hair.

  Before long they were settled in, dressed for the weather, (including umbrellas), and back outside exploring their surroundings.

  They crossed over to High Street and Marshall noticed Tessy eyeing up the street as if searching for something.

  “Are you looking for some place in particular, dear?” Marshall enquired.

  Slightly startled, Tessy chuckled and touched his forearm. “Aye, love. I’m wantin’ to pick up some crystals and herbs to make myself a wee pouch to place under my pillow. With these dreams coming in fast and furious, as they are, I’m thinking a little extra support wouldn’t hurt.”

  As they wandered, taking in all the sights of this charming and historic city, they came across a little metaphysical shop. In the front window was a large black cat lethargically waiting for the sun to pop out. When they entered to the sound of tinkling chimes above the door they were greeted by an odd wee, elderly, gentleman and an annoyed glare from the cat. Tessy immediately sensed a powerful, glowing force of energy. The little man resembled an animated combination of a wizard and a leprechaun. He had white hair and the beard, as one would expect. His garb consisted of a hooded robe of shimmering fabric, woven in such a way that it glistened dark rich green in one light then deep rich purple in another. The decorative gold trim edging displayed ancient Pagan symbols not often seen nor recognized by most. Tessy was delightfully intrigued! His furrowed face was radiant with pure love and he smiled up at them with the kindest twinkling eyes Tessy had ever witnessed.

  “Good day, te ye,” he cheerfully greeted.

  “Aye, good day,” Tessy smiled back.

  “What is it that has lead ye to me door on this fine drizzly day?”

  Tessy chuckled, “I guess ‘twould be dreams. Well, truth be told, more so, nightmares.”

  The wizard was silent for a moment then knowingly smiled, “Ahhh…so those in the Summerlands are trying to tell ye something, are they?”

  Marshall cocked his head. “Summerlands?”

  Tessy supplied the answer, “The resting place for spirits after death.”

  “A fine explanation, in a nutshell. I see ye are a kindred soul,” the wee man congratulated and added, “Well…Come then. Let’s get ye fixed up.”

  Tessy and the little man went off to scout out some magical ingredients and left Marshall to wander on his own. As he sauntered up and down aisles of peculiar objects, he chuckled as he thought about what his prestigious colleagues would have to say if they could see him now. He heard Tessy and the wizard speaking of things almost as if in another language. He had never witnessed this side of Tessy. She was in the presence of another that held the same Gift and knowledge as she. He found it a bit unsettling as this was a part of her he did not know nor would he likely ever. He felt a slight pang of being an outsider.

  Tessy, pleased with their selections, paid for her purchases and bade farewell to her kindred spirit. He took her hands, smiled deep into her eyes and whispered, “Blessed Be, Sister. I’ll be with ye.” Tessy thought it an odd comment, but decided to leave it as was. On their way out the door the cat got up, stretched, gave them one more displeased glance before jumping down from his perch to go sniff and investigate.

  They finished their tour of Kilkenny and found a dandy spot to enjoy a pint and a bite before heading back to the guesthouse. It was a day well spent. Tomorrow they would leave for Waterford.

  Later that night at the guesthouse, Marshall lay in bed reading his book. Tessy wrote of their day, taking extra time to write about the mysterious wizard and his shop. Marshall couldn’t concentrate. He put his book down, pursed his lips and looked at Tessy. He was thinking about the uneasy feeling he experienced while in the little shop.

  He exhaled a heavy sigh and blurted, “Does it bother you that I know nothing of the Craft?”

  Stunned, Tessy stopped writing and gave her husband a perplexed look. “Not at all! Why would ye even ask such a thing?”

  “I don’t know. I just felt a little odd today when you and that strange man were talking of things I knew nothing about.”

  Tessy stepped around to his side of the bed and sat close to him. “Oh love! We each have our strengths and gifts, which I see as a good thing. If I sat in on one of your meetings I wouldn’t know most of what ye were saying. We have so many things in common, but we need our differences, as well. And, to love one another because of them, not in spite of them.”

  “You’re right, sweetheart.” Marshall felt somewhat better. “And I do love you for all those things and more.” Marshall picked up her hands and kissed them, then leaned over and kissed her lips.

  Tessy pulled away from her husband and gently looked into his sparkling blue eyes. “I love you to the moon and back. And now, no more talk of such things.” She gave him another quick peck and headed for the washroom.

  As Tessy readied for bed she prayed for a peaceful night’s sleep. Once in bed, she placed the little pouch of crystals and herbs under her pillow. Lavender, chamomile and hops for calming and rest; rosemary for clarity and protection with a little red clover added to remove any negative spirits. The gemstones she included were a turquoise for protection during spiritual journeys and a clear quartz crystal for all purpose.

  “Aye. That should do the trick,” she concluded out loud.

  It was around midnight when the visions came to her. This time, however, it was a much merrier apparition. A celebration…with dancing a
nd laughter. A wedding! She didn’t recognize many, but there were a few she knew. Her parents were among the attendees. She was there, walking amid the merrymaking unseen. She approached her parents, but they looked right past her. Tessy noticed her mother was wearing the amulet around her neck. Then they vanished. She swung around to find that everyone had faded away, except one. Tessy did not know this striking woman, but the very sight of her made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. The woman glared at Tessy, an evil smile engulfed her face. She let out a shrill, cackling laugh.

  Tessy’s eyes flew open. She reached for the bedside lamp, then for her notebook. She wrote as fast and furious as she could so as not to miss a thing. Marshall rolled over.

  “Honey, what is it? What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing, my love. Sorry. Go back to sleep. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Aye, love. Just fine. I promise. Go back to sleep,” she repeated.

  When she was done writing, she turned the light off and reminded herself to add a little more red clover to her pouch in the morning and to stop by the little shop tomorrow on their way out of town to pick up an obsidian stone to repel unwanted energy.

  8

  Crystal, Chronicles and Questions

  Tessy and Marshall were up and gone in good time. They were both looking forward to their trip to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. While the lovely landscape rolled by the car windows, Tessy was deep in thought. She felt she was beginning to understand this unknown journey on which she had embarked. With the dreams appearing on a regular basis, she now was looking forward to them. Curiosity overcame her fear. There was a mystery to be solved! She didn’t have enough information to put it all together, yet, but there was a message coming through loud, but not quite clear. She decided she would pick up an ornate chain to go with the amulet and wear it. She believed if she kept it close it would have something to reveal to her.