Mallie's Story - Part Two

If you missed part one of Mallie’s story, you could read it here if you like: Mallie's Story Part One

I visited Mallie, and her aunt Mallie Northington Warner and uncle Archie Warner at Glenwood this week. Their space is defined by a concrete perimeter bearing the name Warner in the same tiles used to mark the Houston street names in the early 20^th century. There are no other marker or headstones, and it would be easy to pass them by in favor of exploring all the magnificent, ornate statues and monuments throughout the 60+ acre grounds, but after unsuccessfully trying to locate them earlier, I went straight to them this time.

I’m not a Houston native. I have no family buried here, but now I have Mallie. I don’t make the rules. I just pay attention. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been drawn into the history of the Northington women (Mallie’s maternal line) and can see the patterns of determination and independence (during a time when that was extremely difficult for women), and also the support and love they had for each other. Time and again, I found them surrounding and nurturing each other. It’s hard to convey the depth of my immersion into their lives and their family. I could probably bore you to tears, sharing what they’ve shared with me. Again, I don’t make the rules.

When I got home around midday, there was an unexpected package at the door. More than that, we don’t typically get deliveries until late afternoon so the timing, as well as the contents were more than coincidental. It was the deck I was asked to review for TABI (see more about that at the bottom of this post) and while I was aware it might be sent, I hadn’t received confirmation or tracking.

The deck is The Ofrenda Oracle – Celebrating the Day of the Dead, by Nancy Hendrickson and Carrie Paris. Mallie was ready to talk.

Later that evening, I opened the package, read through the guidebook, and shuffled the cards. After selecting the Conversations with the Beloved Deck spread and following the layout and question instructions it became clear what Mallie wanted me to know (and that she had no intention of following the guidebook rules).

I drew: The Salt, The Marigold, The Scythe, The Whip, and The Birds. Please note that traditional Lenormand readers may have a different interpretation, but as I am working with the Beloved Dead, I’m listening to what Mallie wanted to say by using the oracle meanings provided in the guidebook.

The Salt is purification (as is used in myriad magickal practices) and The Marigold reflects the flowers for the dead this time of year. I left yellow/gold flowers at Mallie’s grave. These two begin the combination that tells me she wants to clear up some misinformation surrounding her death, which was ruled as a suicide. Aside from this message, my research into her life and death leads me to believe this wasn’t the case.

The Scythe and the Whip say that she was in a lot of danger towards the end of her life, combined with a passionate, possibly volatile relationship. She tried, unsuccessfully, to break free.

Unsuccessfully in life, anyway. The final card is The Birds. There was a lot of talk, gossip, after her death but that’s faded over time, as the people who knew her and the situation passed on.

Before writing today, I drew three more cards and asked Mallie what else she wants me (us) to know. I drew: The Fish, The Key, and The Moon.

She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but she did know she hadn’t found it. She was close, very close, to finding her way, but in the end was tricked into changing course. Her story didn't end well; however it went down.

I’m very conscious of the tendency related to this work to impart my own opinions and speculations into the stories told to me by the Beloved Dead.  Now that Mallie is free to tell her side of the story to whoever will listen, for whatever reason, I’m her storyteller and I don't think she's done talking to me just yet. I’ll continue to visit her and feel sure that if I’m wrong about anything I convey, she’ll correct me. I’ll keep you posted.

Now, for the housekeeping segment of our time together:

My review of The Ofrenda Oracle (the deck I’m using to speak with Mallie) will be posted on the TABI blog on Wednesday, October 28^th.  Other recent reviews are for the Oracle of Echoes and The Psychopomps Oracle. I typically read tarot and it’s been fun to explore outside of my wheelhouse lately. You can find them, and other reviews here: TABI Blog

I host live tarot readings and ramble sessions on Sundays as part of the Trusted Tarot group on Facebook. You can join in (or just watch) here: Trusted Tarot

I am the Tableau Module Trainer for TABI’s Intermediate Tarot course that will be starting again in October. I also host the North American Time monthly zoom meetup.  If you’re interested in either the course, or joining TABI, please reach out and I’ll point you in the right direction.

I talked with Victoria Duman, host of TABI’s Tarot World podcast, about blended spiritual paths as the October guest. Look for this excellent series (there are much more knowledgeable and interesting guests, I promise) wherever you prefer to listen. I'll post a link as soon as it's available.

I’m presenting Marseille Tableau – By the Numbers at the TABI Midwinter Conference on January 30^th and 31^st.  This event is free for all TABI members. You can join here: TABI Tarot Association

The Dao of Witchcraft at WitchCon, February 26-28 2027. Your ticket gives you access to over 100 presentations, recorded indefinitely. You can buy here: WitchCon Online 2027

More events and offerings to follow but you can always reach me via email at themysticsparlour@gmail.com, follow me on Instagram as @the.mystics.parlour, or send me a friend request on Facebook.

I appreciate your continued support and encouragement.  If you would like to know more about my ancestral connection work, my Daoist path, or my other offerings such as tarot readings and classes, spiritual guidance, and mindset mentoring, you can find more detailed information by using the drop-down menu on my website:  The Mystic's Parlour