Chapter 24

"My child. Do you want a normal reading? I can do multiple reading but each has a price."

"It depends, ma'am. I can do all if I like your first one. Let's start with the normal one!"

"You must keep in mind that my readings are accurate, my child. I don't like using my ability for the worst cause so I retired, but today, maybe it was fate that led me to you. You, of most people I read fortune today, need my reading. I won't keep you waiting."

"It was coincidence but I like the way how you put it."

She nodded and told me to choose six cards. Her normal reading was about my soul and me, nothing more, nothing less. This was the 1 Euro reading.

When she flipped the cards, the high priestess was the first one I saw. I remember how Elodie described her: a Lady who walked between this world and the unseen world. It could be really my current situation. I smiled.

"You are very aware of the feminine power within you, intuitive and conscious at a spiritual level, looking for guidance and answers, a secret to be revealed. You desire a wise guide to help address your questions, and your intuition is just that," she narrowed her eyes preparing other words for the same card.

"It's hard for you to keep your doubts in check so you follow the secret voice that inspires you all this time. Don't let it go! Maybe, in the depth of your consciousness, the one you are seeking is another part of you."

This was ambiguous. Nevertheless, I understand it. It's true! I am aware of what I can do and what I can't. Truly, I don't have a goal I could call mine. I previously wanted to be the best moon saint because everyone aspired to be but deep within me, I knew I didn't seek it. My intuition?

Let's wait for later, until I grasp the meaning of what she said or maybe she is scamming me. But I am willing to be scammed.

The second card the hierophant, the counterpart of the high priestess. It's funny how I got both of them.

"Ammm… Right now you want to have someone around you that you can trust and confide in, knowing that they won't let you down. You are keeping a secret and it burdens you, being aware of all stares on you…"

"You feel restricted by your own rules. The answer you seek is buried deep within you, but only external guidance can reveal it to you. Seek out the one who was once like you, in your footsteps… Someone who already departed this world but left something behind… It may be a letter or a pendant."

The third card: Justice.

"There could be agreements or legal affairs that concern you and you certainly don't want to lose - you feel quite strongly that you are in the right. You are being dishonest with yourself and others – and your unwillingness to look beyond your own fears and ego blinds you to the broader lesson…"

"Assess your situation once more; show yourself a bit of kindness and compassion, knowing we all make mistakes."

"But I need to take responsibility," I replied, deadpan. "Someone needs to take the blame and I am putting myself at the front. My fears are justified. I can't walk without calculating my moves."

"You need to be lenient on yourself. The Justice card isn't black or white. It just shows if you are in the wrong and you don't want to admit it, your inner self is already criticizing you creating a whirlwind of suffering. However, if you seek Justice, you will find it. You can't take on someone else's blame. You are being unjust to yourself."

The fourth card: the lovers. Why this card? I can't love anyone now. I can't allow myself to waver in front of the short time I have. This isn't my body and I can't possess it forever.

"New love and commitment will enter your life, even if there's no one on the horizon - be prepared for a surprise. You will have your happy ending, child. You may be blind to it because of your responsibilities and fears but what is meant to be will always happen. We can't fight with fate."

"There is already someone around you who shares your destiny. You have a beautiful, soul-honoring connection with a loved one; you might not consider it but he is the only one for you, the sexual energy between you both goes way beyond instant gratification and lust to something that is very spiritual and almost Tantric."

Huh? Seriously? I cringe hearing what she said but it caught my attention. No, I mustn't waver. I must work on my goal and time mustn't be wasted. The Fifth card: The Hermit.

"You are at risk of doing something hasty out of impatience and rage. Don't rush! Your journey is just starting to something great. Do you know of the hidden secrets of the world?"

"The hidden secrets? Are you talking about supernatural events or people?"

"I see that you have knowledge about them. This card… The last one is something I can't truly describe. The Fool is a unique card. It isn't given a rank or a position. Standing on the zero line, always showing the possibility of a new beginning. You are starting all over again…"

"Your journey is only starting even if it took you days to reach this stance. Open your mind and soul to new possibilities.

This is a time to realize your full potential, follow your instincts and act on your hunches - a time for spontaneity, fun and surprises.

However, be mindful of being too impulsive. Your decisions should be based on experience and knowledge of self and of the world around you. The hidden world isn't one to tamper with. The Hermit always warns about decisions and Don't be hasty about it; take your time and seek external aid if needed."

I put a Euro on her table because I liked her reading. I wanted to listen to more but I think this is enough for me. I will return again and have other readings. Love? Huh? I considered the possibility for a while but it is only a waste of time. I can't waver because I will come back to the moon.

I thanked her and turned on my heels prepared to leave but a strange mist engulfed me. It moved on its own and the old woman had a wide smile on her face.

"As I thought, I was here for you," her voice was soft and soothing. "Be careful and Don't hasten! Your journey is only starting now. Don't rush!"

Her last words echoed in my head and I was left standing alone, the tent nowhere to be seen. What just happened? I turned my head to get away from my confusion and caught the sight at my left. In the midst of the dark alley, there were people standing, ganged around someone or something.

A pale length of an arm extended asking for help towards my direction and blood… So much blood spilled. Black and shining under the street lights… No one paid attention to it. I stared at the shaped, arranging the thoughts into something reasonable but sometimes reason didn't triumph. And something, a hairy thick arm landed on his face, shutting down his pleas into nothingness.