In our Misteri dei Tarocchi class I gave the students a challenge to create a 3-card spread describing the Government shutdown using only the 40 Pip cards. We got some great answers and here I’m posting the example of how I answered the question.

In this Tarot spread, Five of Swords shows the bitter fighting that has caused the shut-down. Normally political battles would be Five of Wands - a fight for control or power - but in this case the situation seems to have devolved into something more vindictive. Five of Swords brings an element of spite into the mix.

Eight of Swords shows the current state of affairs. Completely stuck. Eight of Swords situations are often self-inflicted. Note the symbolism. There is a clear path away from the swords but the central figure is too blind and bound to see it. The path is through water - love and emotions.

Five of Pentacles symbolizes financial poverty and an inability to see spiritual answers to the problem. The central figures pay no attention to the church window. In the Government shutdown we see politicians who are unwilling or unable to take a higher road causing financial losses for furloughed employees and possibly even for the whole economy if the Government remains stuck in its Eight of Swords position.

There was no single correct answer to this challenge. One student posted Four of Cups symbolizing offers being rejected. Another student used Ace of Swords to symbolize the start of the conflict. These were also very descriptive of the situation.

If you want to learn Tarot, check out the Misteri dei Tarocchi classes.

Copyright 2019 Anastasia Katsikaris. All rights reserved. If you want to share this article, please include proper attribution to the Author and a link to this website.