Crystals, shiny buttons, or pieces of mirror (to hold the light and good energy)
Safety pins or nails (to repel bad energy)
Flower petals
Heart-shaped buttons
Locks of hair
Herbs
Sea salt
Spices such as cinnamon, allspice, and cayenne
Honey
Stones
Essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, or lavender
Paper with your good intentions written down in pencil
Anything you feel symbolizes your wish
Witch bottles are some of the oldest forms of magic that reached a heyday in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They were used to protect the home against troublesome spirits by warding off evil. Most witch bottles were buried near the hearth or the front door of the home because it was believed evil swept down the chimney or through the front door. Once the bottles were buried, they protected the property from the dark forces that seemed constant hundreds of years ago. Today, the witch bottle has morphed into a wish bottle and is used to create good luck or reaffirm positive intentions.
A witch or wish bottle is a jar or some kind of breakable container used to contain bits and baubles assembled to create good intentions or protect against negative energy. If you can, make your bottle at the full moon when energy is considered most potent. Fill the smaller bottle with all the ingredients you think are perfect for your bottle. Seal the bottle and place it in the larger bottle. Fill this bottle with water or wine and then seal. Also feel free to decorate the outside of your bottle with paints, mirrors, or anything that appeals to you. Remember these are very personal, and no two should be alike.
Once your bottle is sealed, hold it in your hands and say, “Healings, blessings, and good fortune.” Feel free to bury your bottle near the front door or hearth or simply leave it on display in a special part of your house. Be sure to put it in a safe place because if the bottle is broken so is the spell.
READERS GUIDE
AT THE CORNER OF KING STREET
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
The novel alternates between the eighteenth century and the present time. Does this enhance the storytelling? How do the historical passages shed new light on the contemporary story?
Toward the beginning of the novel, Addie says of Shire Architectural Salvage, “For every item, we were a second chance for some kind of life.” How does the salvage shop represent the Shire Family, past and present? Why do Grace and Addie gravitate toward this business?
Why didn’t Addie tell Scott about her past? Was she right to keep it from him? How might their relationship have changed if she’d been open about her family early on?
Grace tells Addie, “I’ll smash this life to bits. No Shire woman gets a free ride.” Do you think she’s justified in demanding that Addie step in? Are we bonded to our family even if they’ve caused us pain?
How is Grace different from Addie? Why does she believe she failed her family—and why does she think Addie can prevail?
The characters create their own modern-day witch bottles, filling them with their hopes and dreams. What would you put in your witch bottle?
Was Scott’s interfering in Carrie’s custody warranted? What would you have done in his situation? What about in Addie’s or Janet’s case?
Do you think the curse was real? And has it been broken now that Addie and Janet have mended their relationship?
Do you think one’s centuries-old family history can affect future generations? How so?
What do you make of the ending? How do you see the story continuing?
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