Marie-Hélène told Indigo she thought she would faint. Miranda was speechless. Indigo tried to accept the Geechee Capitans, clad in leather jackets with crossed switchblades painted on their backs, pork-pie hats and black boots, guarding her friend Mrs. Yancey, who was having dinner with Uncle John the junk man in the street. Indigo stayed behind the bushes by the Johnsons’ house as long as she could, looking. When Uncle John pulled out a Victrola, played a Fletcher Henderson 78, and asked Mrs. Yancey to dance, Indigo knew it was time to go home. There was too much magic out in the night. Indigo felt the moon in her mouth, singing. The South in her.

SUITORS WITH THE MOON’S BLESSING

Fill a glass that sparkles in sunlight with pure spring water. Place one sprig of fresh mint in the water, and a mouthful of honey. Take your middle finger gently round the curve of your lips as you imagine your beloved might. Kiss the edges of the finger. Take a breath so deep your groin senses it. Hold your breath while envisioning your beloved’s face. Release the breath still picturing your beloved. Then with the kissed finger, make a circle round the rim of the glass 12 times, each time repeating your beloved’s name. Each time seeing your beloved filled with joy. Close your eyes. Let your beloved fill your heart. Bring the glass to your lips. Drink the gladness that shall be yours.

IF YOUR BELOVED HAS EYES FOR ANOTHER

Sleep on your left side with 6 white roses by your head. Fill your pillow with 2 handfuls of damiana leaves. Do this 3 days in a row. On the fourth day, use one handful of the damiana leaves to make tea. Drink 2 cups; one at dawn, the other at dusk. The other handful of damiana leaves should be mixed with cubeb berries, wrapped in a red or blue piece of cotton (use red if you have passions for your beloved. Use blue if you merely desire fidelity). With the damiana-cubeb berry-filled pouch anywhere on your person in the presence of your beloved, your way shall be had.

SEEKING NOTHING/GIVING THANKS FOR LUNAR GIFTS

(Full moon required)