Barack's turn next.
1. Situation to begin with - QUEEN OF CUPS - "She is highly imaginative and artistically gifted, affectionate and romantic in outlook, and she creates an otherworldly atmosphere around herself. She is highly intuitive and her instincts can be trusted. She has an ethereal beauty which does not depend on external aids. She is easily influenced by events and the people she comes into contact with, and can become all things to all men. She evokes a happiness that is not dependent on earthly success."
As with John McCain, the emphasis in this campaign is an approach which takes into account the voters' perception of the candidates' images, rather than specific policy issues. Barack Obama's primary vote was predominantly young, and attracted a high turnout because of his message, hopes and aspirations, while Hillary tried to run on experience gained during her years as First Lady to Bill. Obama has matured during the course of his campaign from a rather awkward video that I saw last November to the dizzy heights of parading on the world stage even before polling day and inauguration. He enjoys the added bonus of suiting this image while it sits ill-at-ease on McCain and Palin's shoulders.
2. Obstacles - DEATH - "The enforced removal of something which should have been dispensed with voluntarily, but which is now taken. The element of chance - the apparently wilful aspect of destiny which takes without reason."
This card has come up for me before in Obama's spreads and refuses to go away. In many modern packs it speaks only of transition or transformation rather than physical termination. Using printed descriptions goes some way to ameliorating the possibility of subjective interpretation of the tarot, but this can never be fully objective, since tarot works on the basis of individual interpretation. While it would be foolish to say that Obama is unprotected and easy prey for anyone to pick off (as indeed recent events have shown, security is tight), nevertheless this element of chance removal can be interpreted in less life-threatening manners. It is difficult to predict what this means - does it mean a shock loss? does it mean that Obama had to overcome more than we thought to be nominated? - so let it stand on its own merits and we will see what this card brings with it.
3. Goals - THE HERMIT - "Indicates a need to retire from activities in order to think and plan. A warning against attempting headlong progress without careful planning to support it. Help and advice from a wise counsellor - this may be another person, or the voice of one's inner self. A need to take things slowly, seeking out the right path before proceeding further. Discretion and silence."
Obama probably wants to mature in office with the help of Joe Biden and this may describe their relationship; it also may predict that if he takes office he aspires to maturity and consideration rather than the ephemeral and emotion-driven rhetoric that has propelled him into the limelight. Concerns about his maturity compared to others in Washington shows that he must have some idea about how to be his own man, rather than just a figurehead as Owlperson believes George "Dubya" Bush Jnr. to have been in his administration.
4. Approach A - THE LOVERS - "A time of choice, the outcome of which is of crucial importance. Reliance on intuition rather than intellect is advised, on inspiration rather than reason. This card can indicate a flash of insight that resolves an apparently insoluble problem. Also a moral choice which depends on maturity and integrity for its outcome."
Obama has an image which depends on being a beacon of hope in a dark world and to bring a few of the above qualities into the office of President. Using intuition rather than reason is dangerous when it is combined with high office but it seems to have presented an alternative to current Republican directions which are blamed for the failure of the American economy and the invasion and occupation of Iraq. It attracts the rest of the world but it is a potentially naive approach which risks a lot once Obama takes office and has to govern along the lines he promised.
5. Outcome of Approach A - X PENTACLES - "Inheritance, family, wealth, blood ties. Prosperity built up through successive generations. Material security founded on the labours of one's ancestors. Can indicate good fortune regarding a will or dowry. The establishment of a family tradition."
Obama shows definite promise and the approach based on intuition and glamour could pay dividends in real terms. This is the approach which would be the best because it plays to Obama's strengths as a charismatic leader and willingness to include within his circle big hitters like Colin Powell. Obama has the chance for change but this is change of a grounded sort rather than change for change's sake like people might fear from him.
6. Approach B - TEMPERANCE - "Success is possible through the careful control of volatile factors. Indictes a situation in which circumstances and people must be skilfully combined for progress to continue. A harmonious partnership is sometimes revealed."
The alternative to approach A - within reasonable expectations for Obama's political stripe, creed and character - is to calm the message of direct change or perpetual motion and to proceed with caution and dampen down expectations. Obama enjoys the support of a broad coalition and could play it safe and more conservative as the election and probable inauguration approach.
7. Outcome of Approach B - VII WANDS - "Indicates a time of great possibility which requires the exercise of courage and determination if it is to be realised. Points to powerful competition, but victory through sustained effort. Triumph over the vicissitudes of fate through personal valour. Opposition, obstacles, adversities, but the promise that success is within reach."
The more cautious and conservative approach would still be assured of a reasonable outcome but here Obama would struggle with expectations and the possibility of living up to his manifesto promises of change. He would find it difficult to maintain a "big tent" philosophy and therefore advice to him would be to deepen his current position rather than try and build too wide a coalition or relax and let others do much of the work and merely front an administration which, like that of Dubya, was the dominant force behind the throne. Obama needs to be the one to dominate his subordinates rather than coming to rely on them for inspirtion and expertise.
8. Direction of trend - ACE OF CUPS - "The feminine, passive of gestation. The primal quiescence of the Element of Water. Nourishment, protection, the processes of creation, the faculty of feeling. Great fruitfulness is indicated, also fertility and the workings of love in the world. Can predict marriage, future motherhood, joy and plenty."
Obama will probably be the recipient of the US' collective feelings - and votes - and benefit from an out-pouring of emotion and enthusiasm. The blessings here suggest a response to a successful exploitation of the US mood and the message of hope and change, coupled with the unique opportunities Obama's candidacy presents. Support remains constant and the polls point to a comfortable victory and maybe even a landslide.
9. Outcome - KNIGHT OF CUPS - "He is enthusiastic, amiable, open to new ideas. He is a bringer of ideas, offers and opportunities. He is artistic and refined, but easily bored and in need of constant stimulation. He has high principles, but is easily led."
Concerns remain about Obama's ability to be a mature president rather than just a boy wonder. The possibilities of winning are high but so also are expectations, such that Obama makes a good candidate but needs to join some of The Hermit's gravitas and maturity to be a good President. Basing his campaign on his instincts was good but being easily led is not a good thing for the most powerful man in the world - it opens up to special interests, scheming colleagues and hollow promises left unfulfilled. Obama must mature quickly to reap the rewards of the X of Pentacles and balance and ground himself in the realities of the Presidency.
BREAKING NEWS - Jonathan Ross has been suspended for 12 weeks without pay. Half-and-half with Hubdub...!!!
