Tarot Strategies for Life Change

Why would you seek out an astrologer?

I've often wondered what is it that connects the disparate subjects of astrology, Tarot, palmistry, the world of spirit, etc. Being a medium, for example, is a very different activity and requires a very different skill set than, say, being an astrologer. Yet, in the eyes of much of the public, they are interchangeable.

People seek out metaphysical practitioners to deal with their anxiety about the future. They also seek out economists to deal with their anxiety about upcoming economic conditions and watch the Weather Channel to deal with their anxiety about the upcoming weather (do I need to bring my umbrella today?)

But there is more. While many people come to metaphysical practitioners to ask mundane, but important questions about their careers, financial situations, relationships, etc., the core concern is how to make their life flow in a fulfilling way. Or, in other words, to be comfortable in their skins.

After all, people don't seek out metaphysical practitioners when their lives are going smoothly.

Mother Nature Rules!

Why do we feel we always have to show constant progress? That we are supposed to be on 24/7? 

When we try to function under an expectation of a constantly forward linear movement, we are working against the rhythm of Mother Nature.

And, like it or not, Mother Nature has the last say.

Mother Nature's rhythm is ebb and flow. Ocean tides ebb and flow. The cycle of the seasons is one of the ebb and flow of the hours of daylight producing changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions. The Earth revolves around its axis and we experience the cycle of day and night. The members of the animal kingdom, yes, even us humans, have  a daily sleep/wake cycle. Plants have periods of growth and periods of dormancy.

The very processes that mark the existence of life such as the beating of a heart and breathing in and out are examples of ebb and flow.

When we try to fight ebb and flow by substituting unremitting, linear rhythms, our efforts eventually lose steam. Note that despite the mightiest efforts to the contrary, the economy and the stock market are marked by cyclic movement.

Rather than trying to fight Mother Nature, I suggest working with her rhythms. In other words, build in downtime in your overall planning.

Tarot and the Burglaries

I marvel at the way the symbolism of Tarot cards reflect and deepen understanding of one's situation. The magic and the mystery of Tarot, imo, is the way that randomly selected cards really speak to the questioner's circumstance. 

A case in point is a reading done at a recent party.

The woman shared with me that her business had recently been burglarized-twice. The police had yet to catch the culprit. See if you can see the woman's story revealed in the cards she drew. Hint: Look at the cards from right to left.

 

The three cards were the 7 of Cups, the 7 of Wands and The Emperor.

Let's begin with the 7 of Cups. Who is the mysterious figure in shadow? There is little detail to identify him or learn much about him. We see him from behind so his face is not visible. This must be our burglar whose identity is equally as mysterious to the business owner and the authorities. 

He is clearly fascinated by what is before him: 7 cups holding all manner of temptation. The one visible hand reaches out. To grab?

Then we move on to the 7 of Wands. This figure is busy fending off an attack. His weapon is a wand which he wields to fend off the other wands seem to want to overwhelm him. But he is alert, engaged, and in a dominant position relative to those who challenge him. 

He is none other than our struggling business owner.

The Emperor sits erect on his throne. The Emperor is both protected and restricted by his metal coat of armor. The authorities, ie., law enforcement, must proceed in a very careful way, because it, too, is subject to the law. 

In his elevated position, The Emperor must act and appear impartial. Yet his eyes focus away from the action. Is he missing the action? Does he care? 

What do you think?