The Magical Tarot Deck

by Marieke Lexmond

  UTAH

  Freshly showered and a couple of hours of sleep have reinvigorated Lucy. Together with Mara, she has been searching for spells or rituals that could release her from her binding. Her magical library is extensive, except it doesn’t appear to have the spell she needs.

  ‘How about this one?’ Mara sounds hopeful.

  Lucy scans the words. It’s a spell to negate Fairy magic. It’s worth a try.

  ‘Okay. Let’s move to the work room.’

  The work room looks immaculate again. Mara must have cleaned it while she took a nap. Without having to tell Mara what to do, they move comfortably around the room in unison, gathering all the necessary ingredients for the spell. If it wasn’t for that horrible thing around her neck, Lucy would have actually enjoyed this. To have someone to work spells with is rare. Her granddaughter has unquestionably grown into a powerful witch. She takes a moment to watch her work the room and is surprised to experience a moment of pride, a warm feeling which is alien to her. Is this how Tara feels about her children? Gosh, these renewed interactions with her sister must be making her soft.

  Mara lights a sage bunch; the smoke starts to fill the room. She motions for Lucy to go and stand in the center of their circle, while she walks the circle clockwise, moving the sage up and down. When she returns to the North, she walks inward and circles multiple times anti-clockwise around Lucy, covering her from head to toe in smoke, before extinguishing it. Next, she wraps Lucy’s right hand in white ribbon for purification and her left hand in black for banishing. Lucy spreads her arms and holds her hands’ palm upward. Mara walks over to the little altar in the circle and lights the pine incense. Finally, she crushes some dried Hellebore in a mortar and transfers it into her cupped left hand. Mara positions herself opposite Lucy.

  ‘Ready?’

  Lucy nods. Together, they chant in Latin, over and over again.

  ‘Prædictas Fatales derelinquas me: notum autem vobis facio. Ad quos eieci vos unde venisti.’ ‘Fairies leave me, let me go. I banish you back from where you came.’

  Mara takes a pinch of the Hellebore and rubs it on the collar. Then a pinch on Lucy’s lips. They keep repeating the line. At first, nothing happens. They intensify their chant, and Mara keeps rubbing Hellebore on the collar. She even walks around to make sure to circle the whole collar. Lucy starts to turn slightly red. The collar is tightening around her neck.

  ‘Grandma, are you okay?’

  ‘Keep going,’ rasps Lucy. ‘It’s resisting us. It was bound to be uncomfortable.’

  Mara goes on. Lucy coughs and can hardly breathe at all, it’s now obvious to Mara that the collar is choking her. Still, Lucy is motioning her to go on. Lucy staggers; it is hard for her to stay upright. She falls to her knees and can’t help but start to pull on the collar.

  ‘That’s enough.’ Mara is not going to jeopardize her Grandma in the belief that this will end well. Swiftly, she walks back the circle Lucy has passed out. Carefully, she turns her on her back. Now that they have stopped, the collar isn’t buried in her neck anymore. Without hesitation, she unwraps Lucy’s hands. Deep breaths now fill Lucy’s lungs, and she opens her eyes. ‘Okay. That might have been a bit too uncomfortable.’

  A nervous laugh escapes Mara. Happy her Gran made it through.

  NEW ORLEANS

  Bridget, Maeve, and Wes gather in the atelier, so they won’t be disturbed while they try to walk between the cards. Seamus had pointed out that all three needed to participate as they’re on the card together. None of them look exactly thrilled to go through with this. Wes had painted what was in his heart, but he starts to wonder if it was such a good idea. It seemed to have pissed off Bridget and made Maeve uncomfortable. He doesn’t understand, they’re twins, you would expect their lives to be intertwined whether they want that or not. Maybe that’s the problem, the gap that is between them now is not natural, and this is forcing them to finally confront it. Better get started. ‘How do we do this?’

  The girls glance at each other, and Bridget answers, ‘We have to try to make the card come alive again, like the first time. And then we have to feel our way to the other card.’

  ‘Whatever that means,’ adds Maeve sarcastically.

  ‘Hey, we need to try something. It’s the only thing we’ve got.’ Bridget shoots back.

  Maeve throws up her hands as if in surrender.

  ‘Let’s get it over with.’

  ‘How do we bring the card to life?’ asks Wes, studying the image again.

  ‘I don’t know.’ Bridget can’t hide her irritation. Why does she have to have all the answers?

  ‘Anyone remember what we did last time?’

  ‘We didn’t really do anything. I think,’ says Maeve.

  ‘You both were arguing about the card.’ offers Wes.

  ‘Then it should work now.’ mumbles Maeve reluctantly, no longer the peacemaker.

  ‘Really, Maeve?!’ The irritation coming from Bridget is enough to choke all the people in the room.

  ‘Girls. Girls!’ Wes steps in between them, and right then, the card bulges and stretches, they grow thin and then materialize again, intertwined in the same spot. For several immensely uncomfortable seconds, they feel as one. Maeve and Bridget slam their shields into place at the same time. But not before they both got a glimpse into the other’s hearts. Maeve saw guilt inside Bridget’s soul; she’s glad her sister carries the burden of their strained relationship. She doesn’t understand the deep resentment she feels for Bridget; they used to be inseparable. But the need to punish her for what happened is very unlike Maeve. It’s like a comfortable shield, protecting her from things she never wants to think about again. That’s what Bridget saw in Maeve’s soul, a deep dark secret, hidden under a solid wall of denial. This sparks the detective in Bridget, curious to get to the bottom of the problem. For several seconds more, they stare at each other while they process what just happened. Then Maeve tries to untwine herself, and they’re sucked back into the card, back to their old selves.

  ‘Why are we back?’ wonders Wes. ‘It didn’t work, did it?’

  Bridget and Maeve don’t look at each other.

  ‘No.’ manages Bridget.

  ‘Should we try again?’

  ‘Hell, no.’ and Maeve storms out of the room. Wes wants to follow her, but Bridget holds him back.

  ‘Give her a minute. This was…unpleasant for both of us.’

  Wes looks hurt. ‘Did I do this?’ He motions to the card.

  Bridget wants to say, yes. You did this. What were you thinking? Drawing us like that is disturbing. But instead, she comforts him. ‘None of this is your fault. Our family is complicated. You’re only trying to help.’ She leans into him and kisses him, the perfect way to distract them both from the problems at hand. Their kiss deepens, and it awakens that pleasant sensation in her under belly. He pushes his leg between her legs and forces them open. A moan escapes her. He lifts her up and, with one sweeping move, clears the table. Paint supplies clatter on the floor. All the time, his tongue is exploring the inside of her mouth. Oh, this is just what she needs.

  In the meantime, Diane tries to persuade Alice to help her.

  ‘They can’t expect you to do this?’ Alice is beside herself.

  ‘Please, I can’t do this without you.’

  ‘I hate them. I resent them for manipulating you, and to use a child!’

  ‘It’s not their fault.’

  Smoke literally rises from Alice. She has always stayed quiet and didn’t interfere with the Madigan family affairs. To marry into such a powerful witch family has been a challenge. But so far, it seemed like they had only the best intentions for Diane’s sanity and safety. To ask her to scry is dangerous. For years, they had tried to curb the wild ways of the future. For a while, it had threatened to drown Diane. With lots of love and willpower, they managed to find a balance, but it is fragile, and Alice is aware this might not last forever. She will try anything to keep Diane with her. Seamus had paint
ed Alice on the Hermit card. She’s been Diane’s light for many years now, and their love is deep and strong. Diane’s gentle voice draws her out of her train of thought. ‘We’ve always known I need to try to work with the powers again. By letting it be, it only grows more out of control. My dreams have been worse. The visions are more draining. Maybe it’s a good thing.’

  ‘How can you say that?’

  ‘Oh Alice, don’t be afraid.’ Diane draws her closer.

  ‘I can’t lose you.’

  Diane brushes Alice’s unruly curls out of her face. ‘I will always be here.’ And she lets her hand drop to Alice’s heart while she kisses her.

  ‘Please. You’re my anchor.’

  For the longest time, they stand there, gazing at each other. The advantage of being a witch is that strong feelings are easily shared, and no words are needed.

  ‘How do you want to do this?’

  ‘Thank you,’ smiles Diane. ‘I’ve actually been thinking for a while that it is time to try something new. The powers are bubbling inside me. But I didn’t want to upset you.’

  ‘You should have told me.’ Diane doesn’t reply to that.

  ‘Right, I proved you right, didn’t I—acting like this.’

  Diane gives her a sad smile.

  ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Don’t be sorry for caring.’

  Alice follows Diane into their practice room. They own a lovely house in the Marigny, right outside the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. Witches love houses that are lived in. Their cheerful two-bedroom house has been their refuge. It’s homey and comfortable and full of gentle witch power. A charm here, a piece of artwork there, it all adds up to a personal and inviting place. One of the bedrooms had been converted into a work room. Alice might not be a powerful witch, but she makes spells for a local shop in the French Quarter. She never wanted to be too involved in the Madigan’s business and keeps her independence.

  The work room is covered in little trinkets. From boas to shells found on the beach. Anything and everything that can go into a spell. The items are more potent when you collect them yourself. The little fun things you find in curio stores, something that has belonged to someone else and is charged with life force. It gives potency to the spell and a personality.

  The center of the room is cleared and has a pentagram drawn on the ground. Diane moves some stuff around to reach a big crystal ball on a stand. Most witches need something to focus their mind when they scry. Diane doesn’t need that, but she wants to try something new. This time she doesn’t want to be the only witness and then have to sort out what it means. Alice will be her witness and a grounding connection. She will forge a bond between them, just like the witches who perform a coven ritual. That way Alice should be able to see the images in the crystal ball. Diane is strong enough to manifest it. It’s all pretty theoretical of course, but if you never try anything new…

  ‘What is that crystal ball for?’

  ‘It’s for you. I hope it will help with me showing you what I see.’

  ‘And how is this going to work exactly?’

  The mischievous grin on Diane’s face reminds her immediately of Seamus.

  ‘Oh no, we’re not going to wing it?’

  ‘Where is your sense of adventure?’

  ‘Where is your common sense?’

  ‘This way, you can keep me safe and you can see what’s going on. It’s the safest plan I’ve ever had.’ Diane guides a reluctant Alice to the middle of the circle.

  ‘Now! Stand behind the crystal ball.’ Diane removes the large shawl that keeps the ball from being exposed. It’s always wise to keep it covered, not only for its energy but also because it could be a portal for other things. Alice takes a minute to loosen her body and relax a bit while she takes her position behind the ball. Diane stands behind her looking over her shoulder at the ball, while she wraps her arms around Alice’s waist. She grabs onto Diane’s arms.

  ‘Good. Now whatever happens, don’t let me go. You’re the grounding force in this spell.’

  ‘I don’t like it.’

  ‘Buckle up, here we go.’

  Diane mumbles a connection spell and Alice joins in. The rhythm and power of the words fill the room. It’s like colorful ribbons flow through the room before they knit together and form a cocoon around Diane and Alice.

  ‘Ready,’ whispers Diane into Alice’s ear.

  Diane focuses on her father’s painting. The world shatters into a million pieces. It’s like little mirrors are floating in space, and each little piece reflects some future. Alice gasps and Diane pulls her even closer. Her real body is still grounded to Alice, but her astral body pops out and wanders among the infinite futures. Diane tries to focus her mind on the answers she’s seeking. Who has the Tarot Deck? What will happen to it? Directing the energy is very different from getting a vision forced on you. This way you can try to find the way. The danger lies in the fact that you can lose track of time and get caught up in hopping from one future to the next until your body in the real world has withered away.

  One little shard of glass flickers as if the sun is hitting it. Diane’s astral hand reaches for it and pushes it on the crystal ball. The shock of being suddenly pulled back into her body gives her an involuntary shudder. Alice wants to say something. ‘Shhhhh’ Diane focuses her back on the crystal ball.

  An image of a young Cal forms in the crystal ball. He stands in the middle of the hall of an enormous mansion. The years have taken their toll, wallpaper, faded, and stained, is peeling off the walls. The smell of damp and mold overwhelms the senses. The house is cold and empty. There’s no furniture or anything that would indicate someone still lives here. The windows are shattered, and tattered drapes billow on the gentle breeze. ‘Hello.’ Cal’s words echo through the hall. Frightened he looks around. ‘Grandma?!’ No answer. ‘Grandma!’ He twirls around, the silence is suffocating. He starts to run from room to room. ‘GRANDMA!’ Anxiety and fear come off him in waves.

  Diane and Alice have a hard time just witnessing this. Alice’s eyes tear up. It’s her first time to be hit with the emotions and sensations of a vision. Diane knows what to expect, but it never gets easier. Even though the feelings aren’t yours, it sure feels like it in the moment.

  Young Cal races up the stairs. Running through the hallway, throwing open the doors of bedroom after bedroom. All empty and desolate. His loneliness pierces their hearts. Tears stream down his face, and no longer able to process it all, he finds himself back on the balustrade at the top of the stairs leading down to the great hallway. ‘Grandma…’ barely a whisper now. Clumsily, he climbs over the balustrade and holds himself tight while he looks down.

  ‘Don’t do it!’ shouts Alice.

  ‘Shhhhh, there’s nothing we can do.’ replies Diane.

  Cal looks straight at them and lets go.

  ‘Noooooo!’ shouts Alice.

  But he doesn’t reach the ground; his body morphs into a murder of ravens. Their black bodies fly in all directions loudly crowing before they form a flock and fly out of the house.

  The image changes in an instant, and now they’re looking out through a car window at the sun setting over the mountains. Cal is driving on a highway, while rugged peaks stare down on him. This time his feelings resonate peace, mixed with a dose of dread. Something is looming behind this sunset.

  Diane tries to concentrate on the Tarot Deck.

  The image changes and now Cal is standing arguing with someone or something next to a very modern-looking house. It’s dark, and the only light comes from torches placed around the house. It looks like he’s talking to himself or to someone we can’t see.

  This then morphs into another image of Cal several years into the future. Gray at the temples, and he looks calm. A female hand comes in and cups his face.

  The crystal ball goes black, and Alice slumps against Diane. Not the kind of rock she imagined she would be. This is so disturbing. The feeling, the smells, it’s as if you’
re there, both inside someone and outside looking on at the same time. Poor Diane, this is horrible. You shouldn’t have to carry someone else’s memories. Alice squeezes her eyes shut, but the image seems to be seared into her brain.

  Diane looks awfully calm. Having someone to experience the visions with made it so much easier for her, definitely less intense. When she registers Alice’s reaction, she is reminded why she didn’t try this before. It’s bad enough that she has to deal with it. You don’t want that for the one you love.

  ON THE ROAD

  Cal drives on the 70 through the Rocky Mountains on his way to Lucy’s home. Only a couple more hours and he will be there. The beautiful peaks and the setting sun make him calm. He knows it won’t last for long. The dread inside him has been growing. Pretty sure Lucy won’t be sleeping when he arrives; he’s not that lucky. For the hundredth time, he feels the Tarot Deck in his pocket. If only he could keep it…

  NEW ORLEANS

  Alice is curled up on the couch with a steaming cup of chamomile tea. Diane is happy and feels guilty she’s so relaxed. When she asked Alice to be her anchor to the world, she hadn’t meant for her to take the brunt of the wave of the vision. Evidently, the one in front is hit the hardest. ‘I’m so sorry, honey.’ She sits next to Alice and pulls her close.