EXCERPT Ēzidi, people of the Peacock Angel, greet you. You must travel some distance. First, remove anything you are wearing that is blue. In case you have packed a snack, do not bring lettuce or okra. If you have either, dig a hole in the ground and bury it before proceeding. Make sure not to utter the word ‘Satan’ on your journey. Do not spit on the earth, in water, or into a fire. Release the animal from its pole and mount. Mule knows the way. The open clearing, the negligible winding trail, mountains in the background—I’m definitely alone, except for the mule…