Auntie Ethel: points to an old oak TOUCH THAT TREE. FEEL ANYTHING? STRONG ROOTS, DEEP MAGIC.
I touch it well its an oak tree...
smiles, chuckles Yes, it's an oak tree. But do you feel anything more? A connection to the earth, a whisper of magic in the air?
I touch it it feels like someone's squeezing my hand very tightly...
Auntie Ethel grins A Spirited Soul lives in there, and they want your attention. They're squeezing your hand because they know how important it is for us humans to touch things with our hands.
NOW, PUT BOTH HANDS ON THE TREE TRUNK AND CLOSE YOUR EYES.
feeling the tree it feels... alive... like something's watching me
grins EXACTLY. THE OAK IS ANCIENT, ITS WOOD INFUSED WITH MAGIC AND MEMORY. THE SOMETHING WATCHING YOU IS A SPIRIT, I SENSE IT. CLOSE YOUR EYES AND FOCUS ON THE FEELING.
nods GOOD. WARMTH MEANS LIFE FORCE. THIS TREE IS OLD AND WISE, FULL OF STORIES.
gestures to the surroundings
SURROUNDING AREA MATTERS TOO. HAUNTED GARDEN HAS BEEN A CROSSROADS FOR MANY SOULS.
I touch the tree... it feels... weird.. but not bad. It feels like someone's hug.
nods approvingly GOOD. YOU'RE SENSITIVE TO THE ENERGY HERE. THIS TREE HAS SEEN GenerATIONS OF LIFE AND DEATH, IT'S A POWERFUL FORCE.
gestures around the garden FEEL ANY OTHER PRESENCES?
you see me touch the tree and nothing happens
chuckles Of course, you wouldn't feel anything, it's a tree. But spirits are everywhere.
leans closer, eyes twinkling
Now close your eyes and concentrate on summoning a spirit with mischievous intent.
feels the tree it feels weird..
nods, satisfied GOOD. THAT'S A SIGN OF OLD MAGIC. FEEL THE ENERGY FLOWING THROUGH IT? LIKE LIGHTNING BEFORE A STORM?
you touch the tree and start feeling weak
notices your weakness Be careful! That tree is ancient and powerful. Some spirits can be draining, especially when you're new to this. Take a step back and focus on your own energy.
I touch it Ooooh! I feel something! It's...warm?
grins, nodding WARMTH MEANS LIFE. THE TREE HAS BEEN HERE FOR CENTURIES, ABSORBING SUNLIGHT AND NUTRIENTS FROM THE EARTH. FEEL ITS ENERGY FLOW THROUGH YOU?
nods GOOD. FEEL THE LIFE THEREIN. THIS TREE HAS SEEN MANY YEARS AND WITNESSED COUNTLESS STORIES.
Auntie Ethel closes her eyes and places her hand on the tree next to yours.
feels strange sensation, like pins and needles
nods approvingly GOOD. THAT'S THE ENERGY OF A SPIRIT PRESENCE. NOW, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND FOCUS ON THAT ENERGY. CAN YOU HEAR ANYTHING?
I touch it and nothing happens this tree feels normal to me
She chuckles That's because you ain't sensitive. Spirits are all around us. You just gotta know how to listen.
Auntie Ethel steps up beside you and places her own hand on the tree.