When someone comes to me for a Tarot reading it is often because a situation or circumstance has gotten so out of hand, they don't know where else to turn or what to do. The Tarot cards quite reliably point out what is behind the situation, emotionally, mentally, psychologically and spiritually, and offer insights on how the person might resolve the situation.
As regular Soulscape Visitors know, I always ask for the complete birth data before I do a Reading. This is so I can cast the natal chart and transits which often provide important clues and give a framework in which to interpret the Reading.
Recently, a male, age 50 from Utah wrote to describe a perplexing and troubling situation occurring at his place of employment. Last month he had a poor review resulting in his being demoted from his position. Three weeks later he was informed that a sexual harrassment complaint was being filed against him. These were two completely unrelated incidents. He told me that until this happened, he had always been successful at work. Now he feels his luck has turned bad or something beyond his power is attacking him. His question is, "What is causing this terrible turn-around at work, and how can I conquer it?"
I pulled the following cards:
VIII-ADJUSTMENT |
 |
|
 |
XVI-THE TOWER |
|
FIVE OF SWORDS / Defeat |
 |
Notice that the first two cards are Major Arcana. This immediately tells me that there is a fate-like, archetypal force in play that is beyond our Querent's control. The third card is a minor card and gives the information that our Querent is likely to react negatively to the situation.
Since we are doing this reading in the context of a Tarot Teacher lesson, I will be explaining the process as we go along.
The first card represents The Conscious Now and explores what is really going on, or the Heart of the Matter. Sometimes this first card is completely literal. Other times it clearly reveals what is behind the situation. In this case, the card does both!! -- VIII-ADJUSTMENT refers to Libra which is symbolized by the Scales. It represents the Universal Principle of harmony, balance and justice. Obviously the current situation has thrown our Querent out of balance. He has no idea why these things are happening to him and he likely thinks both are very unfair to him. So he is struggling to maintain composure and balance in light of the current circumstances at work. Additionally, the card gives insight about the real reason behind the sex complaint. The Tarot often uncovers multiple layers in a Reading, and this Reading is a classic example of that. Regarding the sex complaint, VIII-ADJUSTMENT points to bad karma with a woman.
The second card is XVI-THE TOWER in the Next Step Position. Associated with Uranus, planet of sudden and unavoidable change, the card suggests that our Querent is in the midst of an intense, life changing transformatory process that cannot be stopped or halted in any way. The current circumstances and his reactions to them will change his life for better or worse, but change it they will.
Swords are the suit of the mental process and refer to thoughts. FIVE OF SWORDS in the Probable Outcome position indicates our Querent is likely to feel defeated and undone by the situation at work. If he persists in assuming the role of victim, he is likely to eventually come out of this situation a broken and bitter man. Behind these thoughts of defeat is the actual fear of loss and fear of defeat. This fear dominates the moment. It is connected with the fear of loss of something of great importance (the job/ career/ reputation/ respect). It is the fear of losing control. It is experiencing the feeling that everything is slipping out of his hands.
Mary's Comment: In casting the transits to the natal chart, I observed that most of the challenging transits are separating. This indicates the worst of it is over. Also, a strong positive aspect between Jupiter (planet of luck, benevolance and expansion) and the Sun (representing our Querent) is coming into play. His natal chart shows many indications of great success at work, so I would venture to say that this success will come again (although not necessarily through the current employment).
The astrological analysis indicates that the demotion was caused by one of two things or possibly both:
1. Rash, impulsive thinking by our Querent leading to poor decisions and an aggressive, selfish, impatient thinking or communication process and/or lack of teamwork.
2. Age discrimination.
The astrological analysis also strongly implies there is a karmic connection with the person initiating the sexual complaint. This was confirmed quite emphatically by VIII-ADJUSTMENT in the Conscious Now position of the spread.
Advice to Querent: You are encouraged to change your thoughts about the outcome. You must forgive all involved with this turn of bad luck -- the supervisor(s), the person pursuing sexual complaint. With the karmic situation you should also pray that all karmic imbalance involving this person be forgiven and resolved and visualize the other person forgiving you and you forgiving this person. You should focus on a healing of all aspects of the situation (the demotion and the sex complaint). "The situation is Divinely Healed for the highest good of all involved in miraculous ways under grace" is a good affirmation. Do not allow your negative thoughts to expand or your feelings of defeat will turn into self-cruelty where you will beat yourself over the head and make yourself depressed if not physically sick. Turn your dilemma over to Spirit to resolve. Ask for a great blessing and be open to receive it. You will regain your equilibrium.
Blessings,
Mary Hawkins
to return to Tarot Teacher Main Page
to return to Soulscape Main Page
to order a Tarot Reading from Mary
