Plants and Flowers

Many plants and flowers have symbolic meanings, and the author builds on those in this novel. In the opening scene, the house is filled with white mums which are symbols of grief. These are also apparently a symbol of Bri's power, emerging because of her grief over Thandie's death. Since Thandie liked peonies, these flowers become symbols of Thandie and of her absence.

The Colchis Family Crest

The Colchis family crest is an image of the three faces of Hecate. The crest symbolizes the Colchis family's connection to the goddess Hecate. The crest appears in several places around the house at Rhinebeck, on the astrological clock, and at the old house on Aeaea.

The Warning Feeling

Bri experiences warning feelings whenever she is in the presence of a god, symbolizing her connection to the gods through her family lineage. These feelings are never fully...