Parliament of Fowls

After Michael Martin's departure - now scheduled for June 21, but I have a feeling it will be brought forward - the Torygraph reports that the role of the Speaker will be diminished to ceremonial and procedural and will be stripped of the functions of a chief Parliamentary executive.

How will this work? Let's ask the cards.

Situation around the Speaker's current personality - The Hanged Man

You are at a life crossroads at which sacrifices and patience are needed if the right choices are to be made. Submit gracefully, and all will be well. Life needs to be viewed from a fresh angle, and what may seem a total distraction to your plans may just take you in a fresh, creative direction. You may feel you are wasting time hanging around, but it will prove to be well worth your while.

The Speaker is hoisted by his own petard - he tried to fiddle things, knowing that people would support him because it benefitted them, but now they are caught out, he is made the initial scapegoat, though I do believe that more heads will roll as people try to save their own skins and fail to stand up to the hard light of day. For the moment, there is no going forward with this man who has abused the role, and as such it is necessary for a change, not only of the person, but of the job description.

Situation around the role of Speaker as distinct from Michael Martin himself - VIII Wands

The Eight indicates sudden progress that is possibly too fast for comfort, so try to slow things down a little and avoid over-hasty decisions that you might later regret. This is an exciting and well-starred time with travel, new business partnerships and long-term romance all likely - just bear in mind that life is not always this easy, and plan for those rainy days.

This is the impetus needed to reform the role of the Speaker in general, and Owlperson cautions that this may not really be necessary (the role would land with the government, never the most independent arbiter) or desirable, but it has been building for a long time and needs to find expression. As it stands it is not all a good idea, since the Speaker is meant to be an independent figure rather than a government placeman. However since the partisanship of politics is enmeshing the neutrality of some functions of the political systems hitherto immune from it, a longer-term neutral solution may well be found if this and previous Speakers are found to have been pleasing their previous political masters rather than ruling Parliament in the interests of all parties and none.

Consciousness - appearance of the role to the public - VII Swords

Hope appears after a long struggle, but keep your guard up. You face opposition to your plans and it would be wise to learn its source, but you can achieve your aims if you perseverer and be certain of your facts. Avoid direct confrontation, however, instead, let your ideas speak for themselves.

There is public support for this move, but it is not enough to wholly deflect the spotlight from those MPs who have been found wanting. The role of the Speaker is no different in this regard to the roles of the guilty MPs, and although some may regard this as a relief for Parliament, I doubt the public will be satisfied with just this particular scalp.

Subconsciousness - actual role in Parliament's eyes - Strength, reversed

Strength reversed reveals wasted effort, failure, and the possible alienation of others through the abuse of power. In the reversed card, the dragon has won the battle and the woman has become tainted by self-interest. By losing sight of any larger goal, she loses the sympathy and the support of others. Here, restraint, modesty, and patience are called for.

Parliament definitely found its scapegoat, but more vengeance will be unleashed if the situation is not settled in a genuine - and in no way partisan - manner. Parliament is rapidly losing credibility to deal with this alone; the political parties are both in ruins; and so there needs to be much more done to put the situation - and British democracy - right.

Roots - the necessity for this move - II Pentacles

Difficulty and embarrassment at the beginning of a new business venture is suggested by this card, but the prospects are very promising if you are prepared to put in the hard work and resist making reckless gambles. Times of change like this are full of opportunity but also risk, so be prepared for a rollercoaster of a journey.

This is again the anchor of the situation - things moved so deliberately and in enough co-ordination to force Martin's resignation, but this coherent, clockwork motion will not just grind to a halt. The Two often means the beginning of movement with a slow, decisive element of change, and this could mean that the situation only accelerates towards its climactic moments, whether or not any more senior figures are deposed in the process.

Seeds - what will come next, practically - VIII Cups

Restlessness causes you to question many aspects of your life and possibly with good cause, as maybe it is time for some major changes. But remember it is your own restlessness and need for a sense of purpose that is driving you. Others will not appreciate being blamed for what is basically your problem.

This relentless forward movement is not going to abate with this resignation, but may even grow stronger and more pronounced - with major players being toppled along with flunkies who have already walked the plank. Parliament must stop looking for scapegoats and start taking responsibility - starting with those who are also in positions of power in their own parties and could have made it clearer earlier that this behaviour was unacceptable. Now there is no turning back.

Seeds - what will come next, ceremonially and officially - Judgement

This card signifies the ending of one stage of life and beginning of another. It is a moment for reflection and self-judgement, measuring what you have achieved against the ideals that you were aiming for, because fresh opportunities to achieve them will arise. Armed with honest self-appraisal, you will be best poised to take advantage of them. Meanwhile, it pays to be generous in your judgement of others.

Official as well as practical decisions will be taken which will force other figures to step aside, stand down, or deselect themselves. Officials, MPs, ministers, Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet - they are all in the firing line for this and the machinery turning now will not spare anyone involved to any degree. It is an official crisis, not a mere practical or partisan problem, and this demands official developments which will shock the entire world.

Advice to the government - The Fool, reversed

This is an unlucky warning of imminent disaster unless the person it refers to pulls themselves together and starts acting responsibly. All the Fool’s worst qualities of fecklessness and lack of commitment are about to demand a heavy price. His confidence will prove hollow.

The government cannot fight this. I warned in April that events would dictate the outcome of the current events. Trying to use events for their own purposes - and this goes double for the Opposition - will only exacerbate rather than ameliorate the problems. Time to 'fess up and make a clean sweep - or be swept away.

Warning to the government - Ace of Wands, reversed

The reversed Ace warns of the danger of getting too attached to new beginnings that haven't been throught through properly, of being unrealistic and not fully committed to your undertakings. There is a slim chance of success here, but only if you work at it.

The removal of the Speaker is hasty and only contributes to the growing inferno. A quick resignation won't change anything. The government is taking note of this issue but it is too little, too late. It needs to, as I said above, do something to stop this and get things back on an even keel. But that would be too much for a party already showing very little will to try and wrest back control of the agenda to where they were safer. It is only a blessing to them that the Opposition is up to their eyeballs in this too, otherwise there would be no doubt about the result of the next election.

Direction for Parliament - The Hierophant, reversed

Reversed, the Hierophant becomes unconventional but also weak, gullible and unreliable. In a spread, this card often indicates a need for unconventional solutions, but may warn of treachery from colleagues and superiors. Postpone long-term commitments until the situation clears.

The overturning of this convention and the removal of the Speaker for the first time in 300 years means that the situation will involve the undoing of more parliamentary privileges and conventions and the reconstitution of the foundation of our democracy. The situation needs to be assessed and dealt with before anyone can make any moves on to something more solid such as actual social policy and debate. This must be sorted - now.

Solution - VI Swords

The Six reveals unexpected developments, possibly a journey or business opportunity that will open the way to realising your ambitions in a surprising way. Leap at the chance whatever the immediate obstacles; this is not the time for hesitation or counting the pennies. In the long term it will feel worthwhile.

The necessity for clearing the decks and sorting the system goes beyond cynical partisan calls for an election to put the opposition in the driving seat. The opposition is now in the public's hands, and this is true democracy in action to make sure the solution found is not a cold partisan cruelty or injustice but a genuinely exploratory and direct answer to the manipulation the public have put up with over the past thirty years. If it needs collapse, then collapse will be had.

Outcome - The High Priestess

Inspiration, learning, mystery, understanding of the inner workings of life, enlightenment and serenity are all represented by this card, with a hint that serenity can sometimes lead to emotional detachment from daily events. Often this card implies that hidden spiritual factors are currently affecting your life, so look carefully within, or consult a respected advisor.

There is the potential here that reform will be deep, thorough and genuine, rather than cursory, superficial and partisan. Parliament begins with the Speaker and must end with an examination of the conduct of all its members, and the removal of those who cannot stand up to scrutiny. It must not end with an election manipulated in favour of one party, nor in the silencing of opposition and opinion with the removal of one problem kingpin. The High Priestess will ensure this happens, and wipe the slate clean. If this destroys Brown and Cameron in the process, so be it.

Douglas Hogg is to stand down at the next election - Owlperson will miss him but it is and should be inevitable that the man with the moat should, in future, clean it at his own expense rather than ours.

Card for him: The Hermit, reversed - Reversed, the Hermit represents over-caution, enforced solitude, timidity and fear of facing the world and honestly interacting with others. His meditations are an indulgence and an excuse for avoiding life, and he misses chances to help others with his knowledge through hesitation, clumsiness, and lack of empathy. Hogg - Viscount Hailsham - was doomed from the moment the word "moat" entered this scandal, and will now have to retire to the island within rather than be allowed to remain representing his Lincolnshire constituency.

The only downside - The Lovers reversed - is that the candidate who will be imposed on the constituency will not get on well with the local association, and will cause a lot of friction with people in the future as well. Oh dear.

A silly story to lighten the mood somewhat from the Daily Mirror: Tory candidate issues apology after calling MP a c***.

In a word...oops. A card for this poor guy - Nine of Pentacles reversed - the undoing of a fair establishment of a local powerbase and a personal blunder which might hurt his chances later on. An innocent typo which could be the undoing of someone who was working hard to solidify his position and make himself attractive to the electorate. 

The rot has now reached the Speaker himself, with Michael “Owlbastard” Martin announcing his resignation “soon” from the post. How soon it turns out to be is another matter but this vindicates the card reading earlier on – the Six of Pentacles shows its constructive self as a sop to the angry public, but will it actually solve anything or just make the public and press more bloodthirsty and cause more heads to roll?

Reading, as usual.

MICHAEL MARTIN’S RESIGNATION

Situation – The World, reversed

The World in the reverse position warns of disappointment, a lack of imagination, and failure to carry projects right through to the end. Much more perseverance, determination and imagination are now needed if you hope to realise any of your dreams. Stagnation is bound to set in if you don’t keep supplying fresh energy to your undertakings.

This is evidently the seismic moment in this situation, and is the situation in which there is no return – there needs to be serious detoxification of Parliament and all who sail in her. It is a deep tragedy for the system and the reputation of the House of Commons; and this represents the speeding up rather than the slowing down of what is going on here.

Appearance to public – Ace of Swords

The Ace of Swords signifies triumph through strength and determination, particularly in the intellectual or inventive spheres. It marks the beginning of a fresh era, a promotion perhaps, or some other kind of advancement. A danger of the intellectualism symbolised by Swords is that it can be applied equally to right and wrong causes, so you need to examine your true motives with care.

The public at least has the blood it needs to keep things moving in the direction in which it has much more say in the political process and a lot more “purchasing power” than in the last few years. This marks the breakthrough of a real civic state in which opinion is not carefully corralled into neat boxes – Labour, Conservative, Cameroon, Blairite – but is allowed to flow in genuine and direct ways to see justice done.

Appearance to press – The Fool

A new beginning with fresh adventures ahead, although there is a very real danger of it all going horribly wrong. The bag on the Fool’s shoulder represents natural talents that he could employ usefully if he took the trouble to open the bag, but he generally doesn’t. For wild optimists this card is a warning to try to temper enthusiasm with a little common sense. For pessimists, it suggests lightening up a little bit.

Although the press built, fuelled and lit this fire, it should realise that tempering its enthusiasm and allowing the public to have the final say is important. Martin has gone, but it will need to continue pressing its point across the board – and not let people with £10,000 paddocks cast the first stone. But the press must also be fair and not cheat the public by channelling this, manipulating this and directing it at their preferred targets. Otherwise it could find itself in the firing line.

Appearance to Parliament – VIII Pentacles, reversed

There is a danger of wasting the opportunities in front of you through vanity and indiscipline. Thinking purely in the short term means that you are likely to miss a very real chance to make a worthwhile impact on the world. Avoid borrowing money just now.

Parliament perhaps thinks this resignation is sufficient to restore their reputation and manipulate MPs’ partisan interests. With even charges that the Chief Whip was involved in this thievery – and his opposite numbers in the Conservative Party don’t escape charges either – Parliament needs to steer clear of denial and remember that this is just the first of many casualties. Sadly, I think some people feel this is enough. It is very much not and will not just stop here.

Underlying appearance to the parties – King of Wands

The King of Wands is a charming leader who is energetic, honest, diplomatic and generous. His fatherliness can tend toward being too trusting. Being naturally loyal and conscientious, he is a great friend in times of trouble, being unafraid to take up arms in a good cause. In a spread he can either represent the attitude needed to address the situation, or the person you should turn to for help.

There is a sense that Lord Foulkes, who defended Martin to the hilt as late as the night before last, was right – he is being made a scapegoat for the sins of others. The parties hope that this stroke of decisiveness may deflect the difficulties from them and/or help slow the momentum of the wrecking ball coming towards Parliament, but this is never within their control and once unleashed, fire as represented by the Wands can get destructively out of control.

Underlying appearance to the Prime Minister – Knight of Cups

The Knight of Cups is romantic, loyal, generous, friendly, thoughtful and idealistic. He inspires new ventures in both the romantic and practical fields without expecting much in return. The Knight is happiest when he is embarked upon some great spiritual quest like that of the Holy Grail. He signals the possibility of an idealistic new venture coming your way, possibly from an old friend.

Brown is able, not to deflect difficulties (no-one can) but to develop things further – he has the power now to direct things against the real perpetrators and it is obvious that, although Cameron’s proposal to call an election did not find widespread support, Martin’s resignation signals a collapse in support from all sides. Therefore there is some channelling involved here by Brown to make sure the real people win out, but the Knight here rather than a King or even Queen shows Brown is just as much at the mercy of public opinion as anyone else and is dealing with this day-by-day (as is, by the way, Cameron) without any real control.

Underlying appearance to the Speaker himself – The Chariot

Triumph through the careful balancing of opposites and courage in the face of danger are shown by this card. Turmoil, upheaval, and excitement on a journey that can be metaphorical or real, but either way leave you feeling that you have arrived in a different place. Hard work at this stage is recognised and rewarded for a change, but be careful not to relax too soon.

The Speaker here just went too far too fast. He has made this step out into the firing line, but he evidently expects others to follow, willingly or unwillingly. In doing this he is increasing the momentum in the situation, and as the Chariot is often drawn showing two horses – or here dragons – pulling the cart apart with their wild, untempered enthusiasm, this is energy which the Speaker is only increasing rather than slowing down.

Roots of the situation – Two of Cups, reversed

Disappointment, quarrels and misunderstandings threaten to end in the breakdown of partnerships in either love or work. Beware of rash decisions you will later regret. It’s worth trying to work through the difficulties first.

The consensus and convention which keeps the Speaker somewhat immune from this kind of political danger has broken down and this card simply acts as an anchor in the current disruption and devastation that this scandal has brought to Westminster’s doors.

Seeds of the situation – IX Wands

 You enjoy well-earned success gained through honesty, hard work and intelligence. However, troubles are brewing on the horizon, and you are soon likely to be tested to the very limits of your patience and ability. Take the time now to cultivate key allies, and check too that your finances are robust enough to cope with unexpected demands.

There is more difficulty and danger ahead and Parliament digs in behind its stockade to prepare for an assault on its values and systems. The defensiveness obviously comes from the complicity in this by many Members, and this in turn will probably exacerbate the public’s disgust and contempt rather than alleviate it, particularly with the European elections coming up in less than three weeks’ time.

Consequences for Parliament – The Star, reversed

When reversed, the card signals failure, wrong choices, disappointment and confusion. Although it stops short of promising imminent disaster, the Star reversed warns of the danger of trusting to false promises and unrealistic schemes that will lead nowhere. Optimism is usually a blessing, but when it is ungrounded in reality it can become a curse.

Parliament can, purely and simply, face more turmoil as a result of this, not less. If they believed it was simply necessary to pull down the Speaker and have done with it – refocusing on more “pressing” concerns such as European policy and other measures they desire, it will be revealed that this is no longer an option.

Consequences for Labour – Knight of Swords

The Knight of Swords is bold and enthusiastic, but also imaginative and clever like his Queen. He is a great champion of good causes and inspires others by his idealism and dedication to any cause he adopts. He is decisive and, while others dither over a course of action, he will just plunge headlong into it and generally win the day. He is a symbol of creative upheaval, usually leading to success.

Labour can make a lot out of this and can bring these qualities into their discourse in a positive way. However the Knight here always represents going too fast, too far and too soon, and they have to manage and control these impulses rather than just go out in a blaze of glory to make sure they bring this issue under control.

Consequences for the Tories – IX Swords

Beware tempting but false invitations. Deception and even possible violence are warned by this card, but bear in mind that adversity is the best test of character, just as a sword requires fire and hammering to get a sharp edge. In the long run, know that all adversity can be turned to the good.

Two polls have now put the Tories on less than 40% and this represents more of a shift than Labour muddling about the 20s-per-cent. It represents Cameron’s failure to turn this situation to a genuine advantage (he is responsible for unethical claims, and if someone’s £4.47 tin of dog-food is under scrutiny, the value of his gardening bills barely grazing £700 is not really the issue so much as they exist at all) and although he is superficially dealing with this well, it cannot hold him up above the minimum necessary to win. This will get worse for him before it gets better.

Consequences for the public – III Swords

Argument and strife threaten your plans. Be patient. Separation, frustration and disillusionment all threaten, but if you hold onto your long-term goals they can still be realised – you just have to work out who your real friends are. Break-ups are always painful, but totally necessary in the long run.

The public is set against the representatives it elects, and the disillusionment and frustration here is not satisfied by Martin’s resignation – it is intensified. This issue represents a real divorce from their government and opposition, and will continue to fester and consume its victims unabated because all the two main parties can offer in their defence is silly, partisan posturing. It is no longer enough – everyone is tainted as a result.

Consequences for the press – VIII Swords

Criticism, blame or possible illness frustrate your plans and require patience to overcome. Judgement is tried and tested at times like this, but it is important to remember there is no better way to test the value of your beliefs, especially if you have the humility to adapt them to reality.

The press is further able to control and direct public fury but not contain and channel it to their master plan. They are increasingly trapped by the wholesale bankruptcy and lack of clean leaders to pin their hopes on, and they fall into the same trap they have laid for others by losing public confidence in their choice of vessels. It will consume them as it consumes politicians, because they champion the worst offenders as the best ones to patrol the accounts.

Direction – The Empress

A mother or mother-figure, either a symbol of one’s own mother or a reminder of the ideal. However, this card can simply signal a time of fertility and abundance. As a ruler the Empress is generous, and scrupulously fair, giving a lead by subtle hint and example rather than direct order. This card suggests action and worldly success for any imminent enterprise, whether it be marriage, work or art.

There is a sense that arbitration and judgement is the next step, with an angry public refusing to back the champions of containment and the need for more imposing and shaping order to be created in the situation. The Empress wears green – the colour of Parliament and of the fringe party the Greens, who to me hold the solution by setting an example of pure, direct, positive and progressive politics. The answer lies not in their policies – I am still sceptical of the scale of the threat of climate change – but in their methods and outwardly fresh way of doing political business. The Empress will help to change politics for the better – but she will be stern and unforgiving in who she bestows these gifts upon.

Solution – X Swords

Traditionally this is the unluckiest card in the Tarot pack, being the ruling number of the unluckiest suit. As such it signals calamity on almost every front – health, finances, or romance – but it can also mean the ending of pointless commitments and the beginning of a fresh and wonderful stage of your life.

There is no turning back – Parliament is heading for a destructive climax and nothing – and no-one – can control or rebalance it in time to relieve the potential suffering here. But the suffering happens to those who have already enjoyed their time, and who have abused their privileges, trust funds, second jobs, second/third/fourth homes (moats not included) – so they will get the punishment they deserve while those innocent of this crime will be the ones who inherit the system and its hope of promise.

Outcome – Page of Pentacles

Intuitive, sensitive, creative and hard-working, the Page is a successful student with psychic tendencies of which he is not always conscious. The card can signify good news such as success in a test or examination, or the attitude needed to make it happen. He can be a bit of a dreamer though, so engrossed in whatever project he is focussed upon that everyday life may fall apart around him.

This holds a balanced and progressive outcome containing seeds of the new order presaged by the Ten of Swords above. Destruction leads to new beginnings, and the dedication to the project required, but this is only possible after the current Gotterdammerung has run its course and this has to be faced first by everyone – media included – before this new world can take shape.

Michael Martin, the world's least loved Bubo Scandiacus (Snowy Owl totem), is to stand down as Speaker - soon.

Hopefully, "soon" means "tomorrow" rather than "in nine months' time" like it did with the last high-profile casualty of parliamentary politics (anyone remember Tony Blair) but this old owl will not be missed from the Parliament he has presided over and misguided through this whole affair

However, MPs should not feel that this satiates the public - I will read for it now and post later but it's not going to appease too many people who see those who have taken the money round on the person who let them do so. We as voters have a real historic chance to send a message to the people who have stolen from us, and those MPs who are blameless should now press for further scalps to make sure Parliament's reputation is genuinely restored and those who are guilty do not feel this is the only thing the public will accept.

Mark Mardell writes on Cameron's campaign launch.

Helena Kennedy writes on the consequences of the sleaze hysteria of recent weeks.

Meanwhile, this morning the Chief Whip is in trouble over £18,000.

It would be really great to have Michael Howard back, he would know what to do with this shambles of a government, he would know what to say to stop the haemmorhage of Conservative votes (that is, put up some actual policy - still nothing from Vulpes Vulpes) and go right for the jugular with righteous anger knowing he's in the clear. Sadly I'm not sure Foxy has any clue any more - just empty, vapid words which he hopes will script him right into the dog-in-the-manger position he currently enjoys in the Conservative party picking at the bones of his predecessors' hard work. Oh well, that Judgement card is only going to get closer.

Today's card of the day shows things calming down (somewhat) and solidifying in direction (somewhat).

Six of Pentacles

Financial success comes your way and justice demands that you pass the favour along. Just as others have taken a gamble on your talents, now it's time for you to do the same, either by sponsoring some struggling aspirant or simply by sharing some of your talents with the less fortunate in the world.

A day in which things appear to be constructively done rather than destructively demolished. Some actual consequence comes of recent events, and things are said and done that will have serious lasting results rather than just being made up of volatile hysteria or desperate, bailing-out-the-people-ACA-has-bailed-out-in-the-past spin.