seven small, clean stones are required—six of the common grayish color, the seventh white.
Fig. 584.
All should be as nearly as possible the same in shape and size (Fig. 584). After being blindfolded and having the position of the stones changed on the platter, describe a circle in the air three times with your left hand, at the last bringing the forefinger down on one of the stones. Try the charm three times. Should you touch the white one twice your life will be full of light and happiness; if the gray twice falls to your share there will be shadows with the light.
New Friends
Old friends are treasures and cannot be too highly valued, but new ones also frequently prove to be added joys in our lives. To determine how many new friends you will find in the ensuing year, count the number of buttons on the dress or coat of the first person the fairies send to you after twelve o’clock at noon on October 31st. Should someone enter whose clothing shows no buttons, you will be obliged to rest contented with the friends you now possess, as no more will be added to the list until the expiration of a year.
Naming the Bedposts
Before going to sleep on the last night of October name each of the four bedposts, the first being “Art”; the second, “Science”; the third, “Literature”; and the fourth, “Business.” The post you see first upon awakening will denote the pursuit in which you will delight. Should your eyes first rest upon the post called “Art,” many beautiful things are in store for you. If the “Science” post is first seen, you will rejoice in deep learning, etc. Be sure not to get the posts confused; remember the order in which they have been named.
Witch Writing
Should you wish to know how any one of your friends may feel toward you, here is the test. Write your name out in full (Fig. 585—we will suppose the name to be yours). Under your name write that of a friend (Fig. 586), then carefully cancel all letters in the coupled names which are