This is the continuation - and final part - of the series of spreads looking at the parties' prospects for an election called between now and June 2009. Part 3 is here; this spread looks at the prospects for both parties if both parties change their leaderships.
a. CONSERVATIVE PROSPECTS.
1. Polls apparent now. IX CUPS - "The Nine of Cups is traditionally connected with love, romance, sensuality and the joy that comes from feeling in harmony with another person. There are peak times in life when everything seems perfect, even if only for a little while. Moments like this are reflected by the Nine of Cups."
The Tories are here able to feel more confident that they will be able to capitalise on Labour's turmoil while having breached "Cameroon" reluctance to express themselves clearer and louder. Confidence is the key to winning an election and changing leader here means the current timidity can be replaced with riskier but more satisfying developmenmt of the policy agenda and a return to upward mobility in the polls.
2. Underlying stability of campaign. THE STAR - "The Star signifies optimism and the promising dawn of a new and better day. After darkness there is a light; after despair there is the gift of hope which the Star promises."
The confidence expressed in the above card suggests that the Tories are changing upwards a gear while Labour may be changing down. The momentum is growing and the resistance weakening, so the party receives a fillip of genuine good feeling which could defeat Labour outright.
3. Results of any election between now and June 2009. II WANDS - "The Two of Wands describes a situation in which there is more than just a vision - some solid work has been achieved and the project is viable. Although it suggests only the early stages of a venture, there is certainly more than just an idea."
A beginning to a positive government with all to play for - a working majority, good prospects to turn promise into policy, and a way of growing new personalities and successive prime ministers who can build on the achievements predicted here.
b. LABOUR PROSPECTS
1. Polls apparent now. - THE EMPRESS - "The Empress suggests a period of fertility and abundance. This can operate on a number of different levels, relating to family relationships and children but also to all kinds of creative projects."
An equally fertile possibility, but the abundance and fertility are in the present, rather than the future; the outcome may depend on how this feeling on the surface is evident further below in the party heartlands and currently-held marginal seats.
2. Underlying stability of campaign. IX WANDS - "The Nine of Wands describes a struggle possibly relating to creative or artistic matters that have reached a critical moment. It requires utter dedication to succeed. Even though you may feel exhausted, there is strength in reserve."
The onus is on Labour to defend its seats against a properly rejuvenated Conservative Party, thereby transferring any initiative on the part of the party into shoring up votes rather than seeking new ones. The overwhelming positivity of the Tory card in this position (a2) translates this into a loss of confidence, and the emphasis on defence might mean Labour do not stand up to the challenge because of more confidence on the part of the Tories.
3. Results of any election between now and June 2009. VI SWORDS - "This card suggests a shift from strained or agitated times to something more relaxed and easy-going. This might manifest in a physical move involving a change of residence of job. Alternatively it may describe a move on an inner level when attitudes alter from anxious and apprehensive to calm and confident."
Labour move from government to opposition but not as totally beaten as they were in the "Conservative leadership change only" scenario. It is probable that they once more have to explore opposition; the leadership does not change after election defeat and they can begin to rebuild, despite the potential for Tory successes continuing beyond the first parliament. A less comprehensive defeat than in the above scenario, because the change in leadership meant that old issues were ditched and the new leader was able to salvage vital seats.
