I’ll skip how I ended up there that day on the grounds that it’ll sound quite convoluted (and creepy). Let’s just say it had to do with a dear friend who passed away last September, and a good-natured woman I met last January. Surprise, surprise. They knew each other. Even without that unusual invitation, though, the Mystival Fair has always piqued my curiosity since it started in 2018. Most of you should know why, and well, I could use some pointers. 

The February 2 go-round was subtitled “Love in Bloom” in what I’d assume is a reference to February being the month of love. That was indeed the energy I felt stepping into UP Diliman’s Bahay Kalinaw. 

I was almost prepared to check out the scene alone. Luckily, my co-reader (and erstwhile practicum adviser), Eric, happened to be free and, for that matter, be in an intrepid mood. Since it was a Sunday, the drive from Parañaque to Quezon City was a breeze. Upon paying the walk-in rate of PHP280, we were ready to explore.

 Here were some of the standouts from our few hours’ stay:

Geeky Ghost (@geekyghost.ph) was the first to catch our attention at the ground floor. Upon approaching, I was offered a sample draw from one of their Charot Cards, an obvious, self-aware parody, but still packed with sense.

One of its owners described their deck as a fun, pick-me-up after a session, since we do know that they can be an intense, if not messy, experience for some. If anything, it’s proof that readers need not take themselves too seriously for their messages to hit home. The colloquial tone of the oracle messages tells as much. It’s also curious that they also happen to sell the cards individually. This one resonated with Eric:

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As I entered the second floor, a participating reader immediately introduced himself and gave an overview of his services. Since I was still in booth-browsing mode, I politely told him I’d swing by again. 

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I’ve browsed through Shelfscape’s (@shelf.scape) Shopee account before and have always found her selections compelling. Finally seeing her items, physically, in one booth felt overwhelming – like Charlie Bucket entering Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. At least three decks tried to “call” me. But since I intuitively felt it wasn’t time yet, I asked for the seller’s contact details instead. In lieu of a purchase, I drew this meaningful oracle. 

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At the height of my crystal-collecting phase, I used to get my fix at Makati Central Square and the online store, Indigo Crystals. After stumbling upon Moonshine Crystals (@moonshinecrystals_ph), I grabbed hold of one of their mini selenite bowls. And much as I already have an Amazonite, a tumbled piece caught my attention. 

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I spent the most time chatting with Nikie of Lunar Soul PH (@lunarsoulph), which specializes in protective oils and herbs. During our fun-filled chat, she reminded me of the importance of clearing and self-healing after sessions. I ended up buying one of her fragrant Psychic Sprays.

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After a quick fix of vegan fare, I noticed that the bespectacled reader’s booth was once again vacant. Finally feeling in the zone, I approached. I couldn’t stop intuiting that he had something to say. As I introduced myself as a fellow reader, we both agreed about our occasional need to be on the receiving end of wisdom too. So, he asked me to choose one of his decks and draw five cards.  

I can’t really disclose the full message, only the fact that Wheel of Fortune was the only upright card in the spread. Yet, in spite of the slew of reversals, the reader assured he wasn’t worried. As we wrapped up, we finally introduced each other. Turns out, his day job includes being an artist and a voice actor. And his name is Lex.

As I told him about my departed friend who was indirectly the reason I attended the fair, he showed nothing but gratitude. “Such an honor you shared that with me”, he said, as I prepared to call it a day.

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Over our nightcap at a southern cafe, I continued theorizing with Eric what our departed friend’s connection was. As I browsed through the photos I took that afternoon, it then dawned on me. 

“Doesn’t that reader vaguely look like Juno? Or at least give off the same vibe?” 

To which Eric responded: “Come to think of it, slightly yes.”