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Candles float about the air, lighting a dark path within the manor to the interior sitting room where Mama waits for her guest.  The sound of creaking wood alerts her that her visitor has arrived, and she quickly adds finishing touches to the room.

 

The door opens long before a hand touches her glossy panels and a small black Cerberus meets the visitor in the grand foyer. Three heads bark with glee, their fluffy ears tipping over as they turn and trot down the right hallway where their mistress waits. It is as the Archivist enters the room that a ghostly hand reaches out to retrieve their traveling garments and offers a warm blanket for comfort. Wicked winds torment the night, almost as if they know of the discussions to be had.

 

“My most dear Archivist! Welcome! I do hope that Khan minded his manners and didn’t give you trouble!” Fire burns in the hearth and anchored into the brick sits a wrought-iron mantle that boasts photographs of the guests of honor for this gathering. Treats and savories are placed on a rolling cart with warm cider offered for the chill in the bones. Monster Mama does hope that her guest is comfortable.

 

“Your creatures have been most polite, I assure you. My treacherous journey to your door ended the moment I caught a glimpse of those gleaming, glowing eyes through the dense treeline. Their curiosity reminds me of my own creature companions, whom I’ve left in the capable care of my beloved Library.” The Archivist brandishes a goblet of cider aloft. “To our creatures’ health.” She thoughtfully sips at the delicious brew. “Your spread of refreshments is a comfort to this weary traveler, Monster Mama. I thank you for hosting this installment of our whimsical and witchy festivities.” 

“It is absolutely my pleasure!” Motioning to the velvet wingbacked chairs situated before the fireplace, Monster Mama waits for her companion to settle in before she takes her place. “Shall we begin then? I have been looking forward to this all week. Oh!” She looks down at the list of names for the evening and smiles, “I do believe we both picked Kiki for the Fool. Would you like to begin with why you chose her?”

 

The Fool: Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service)

 

“When we first meet Kiki, she is poised to begin her witch’s apprenticeship, which requires our young heroine to leave her parents’ home in search of her fortune in the form of a magical trade. Her wide-eyed naivete, impulsivity, and stubborn optimism drive her forward throughout the story. Students of the Tarot will recognize the Fool’s traits—those listed above, for our Tarot novices—in Kiki. As her arc progresses, Kiki exhibits traits often ascribed to the Fool in reverse: those of indecision, apathy, recklessness, and hesitation. Her waning confidence upon her abrupt loss of magic and pessimistic despondency reflect that of the Fool’s inverted meaning rather poignantly. For these reasons, she is my selection for the character who best represents the Fool. What say you, Monster Mama?” 

“I wholeheartedly agree with this assessment. A young girl starting off into the world with a dream to become a witch her mother could be proud of, she definitely grew up quick. Her innocence was endearing as was the passion she faced life with. Naturally, there were moments of recklessness and even poor decision-making, but her heart was true.”

Monster Mama smiled at her friend, gently petting Khan’s sleepy head that rested on her lap. “I must admit, I was not familiar with our next two choices. I look to you, my dear, for your expertise on these two magnificent witches from a film I have missed.”

 

The Magician: Marnie Piper (Halloweentown) 

 

“Half-mortal, half-witch Marnie proves herself time and time again throughout the franchise to be a resourceful, original thinker whose willpower and confidence in her own abilities drive forward the plot of each of the four films. Her actions in the first film alone earn her the honor of exemplifying our idea of the Magician. With the support of her younger siblings, Marnie devises a plan to revive her mother and grandmother from their frozen state. In the second film, she and her family, through sheer belief and undeniable power, will reopen the boundary between the Mortal and Monster worlds. Marnie’s inspired actions and affinity for manifesting the outcomes she desires, as witnessed at the end of the first film, prevail yet again. Once more, in the third film, Marnie’s tenacious will allows her to guide students from Halloweentown as they transition into attending a mortal public school. She is the epitome of the Magician. 

 

The High Priestess: Agatha Cromwell (Halloweentown) 

 

“Speaking of Agatha Cromwell…well, who better to serve as the High Priestess than the formidable witch who taught our Magician every bit of magic she knows, would you not agree, Monster Mama? Aggie Cromwell—formerly Splendora Cromwell, as avid fans will recall—embodies wisdom, intuition, and sacred knowledge in her magical dealings. She serves as a mentor to Marnie throughout the films. Her keen instincts and endless font of magical lore guide and inform the plot of these films. The community of Halloweentown itself respects Aggie as an authority and pillar of the magical community because of her hard-won experiences and storied reputation.” 

“Thank you for introducing me to these glorious women! Family seems to be very important to both of them, which reminds me significantly of our chosen Empress.”

 

The Empress: Sally Owens (Practical Magic) WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

 

“While Sally was a woman of family in her younger years, it was the second film that re-emphasized her devotion. A creature of beauty, development, and evolution from abandoned sister to fierce protector, Sally continued this into her later years. She sacrificed her magic for her daughters after the loss of her second love, and did all that she could to give them a happy life. I suppose that this produced a creative blockage of sorts, considering she had to find another to help her open her magic again. The anxiety her magic caused her often outweighed the rational choices, but in the end her abundance of love and loyalty to her family always won out. She is truly the perfect Empress in my opinion.”

 

The Emperor: Winifred Sanderson (Hocus Pocus) 

 

“Perhaps one of the most iconic witches from many a childhood, Winifred Sanderson isn’t your stereotypical mischievous, feminine seductress archetype—of the sibling trio, her sister Sarah wears that conical hat. No, Winifred is an authoritative, confident, dominant leader, all of which, coincidentally, are traits ascribed to the tarot’s Emperor. Amongst her sisters, Winifred is the undisputed decision-maker. Her scheme to suck the lives from the children of Salem is quickly agreed to and dutifully followed by her sisters-turned-henchmen. Mary and Sarah follow Winifred’s lead. For these reasons, Winifred Sanderson is my Emperor.” 

 

The Hierophant: Jet Owens (Practical Magic) 

 

“Our beautiful Jetty. A soul who refused to conform to the rules of mortals, yet she thrived on tradition and the institution of sisterhood and family. In the first film, Jet was a mother, sister, friend, companion, and mentor to the women who looked up to her and loved her. As her story developed in the second film, we witnessed her wisdom and bravery pave the way for Sally, Gillian, Frances, and her grand nieces to undo the curse that was given to them. Age didn’t soften our Jet, and she continued to live her life freely without restraint. There is no other I would follow or give my faith in as a Hierophant than Jet Owens.”

 

The fire burns low in the hearth as Monster Mama and her esteemed guest reminisce about some of their most beloved witches. Hours have flown past their recognition, though now the host’s bones caw at her for a bit of movement.

 

 “Hmmm. This is a most excellent list thus far, I do believe! What say you, shall I venture to the kitchen for more refreshments and perhaps a few more logs for the fire?” 

Khan’s ears quirked up at the word ‘log’, well aware that it was his job to retrieve them for the fire. When his mistress stood, he too hopped onto all four legs and rushed to the door to complete his task, 

“Would you like to come?”

 

“But of course, dear friend! I would be delighted to join you in seeking more of these scrumptious morsels you’ve so thoughtfully prepared for our evening’s musings. And, as they say, many hands make merry work—or is it light work? Hmm…I believe I prefer my version. But I digress! Do lead us to retrieve the refreshments. I am eager to further discuss the witchy women worthy of joining our Tarot thought experiment.” 

With a flick of her wrist, the heavy door sprang open to admit the two women access to the dark hallway. Khan bolted first through the door to aid his mistress with a happy howl accompanying his departure, before Monster Mama led the way to the kitchen. There was still much to discuss for the evening, and both of our tale tellers were excited to continue.