The Fifth Sacred Thing (Maya Greenwood Book 1)

Five Criteria of True Wealth that Latasha Burton developed.” “Which are?” Beth asked. “Usefulness. Sustainability—meaning that it must generate or save as much energy as it consumes and doesn’t depend on nonrenewable resources. Beauty. Healing for the earth, or at least not being destructive. Nurturing for the spirit.

answer

‘My love, you are a river fed by many streams. I bless all who have shaped you, The lovers whose delights still dance patterns on your back, Those who carved your channels deeper, broader, wider, Whitewater and backwater lovers, Swamp lovers, sun-warmed estuary lovers, Lovers with surface tension, Lovers like boulders, Like ice forming and breaking

“May the air carry your spirit gently,” Madrone whispered to the corpse. “May the fire release your soul. May the water wash you clean of pain and suffering and sorrow. May the earth receive you. May the wheel turn again and bring you to rebirth.”

“Siente tu poder, El poder de la mujer. La madre primera, Es la madre tierra.”

You know, in Spanish, Katy, there are two ways to say ‘give birth.’ There’s estar de parto, which means to separate, to part, and dar a luz, which is to give to light. And that’s what you’ve got to do: let go. Give your child to the light and give the light to her. Even in English, birth is something you give.”