My simple 5-card spread describes an infinity of life story arcs, enough to fill many volumes. Card 1 is Preparation, the background. Card 2 is Attack, the person or event that comes into conflict with Card 1. Card 3 indicates the Struggle between 1 and 2. Card 4 is the Turn, leading to resolution, Card 5 is the Outcome. It can be remembered by the acronym PASTO, the Italian word for "meal." As you look over these narratives, how many can be recognized in your own past or present?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Beat Goes On
Too often we see this narrative played out in both politics and religion. The details change, but the substance remains the same. Government and the church have a tendency to be constricted by old ideas and orthodoxy long after they are valid or useful. New situations and challenges are met with fear, and an obsession with clinging to the past. A fresh solution presents itself and comes into conflict with the old ways. Inevitably there is a fight, with both sides clinging to their positions with single-minded obtuseness. There is always a compromise, but it lacks the vigor and freshness of new approaches.
I can see in the 8 of swords the Occupy movement, struggling to find a voice but oppressed by mainstream propaganda. We can see corporate America in the 4 of pentacles, consumed by greed and heedless of demands to work towards an improved and perhaps more idealistic society (ace of wands). Overbearing force, violent perhaps, but maybe more subtle, ultimately is brought to bear (knight of swords). Changes are made (ace of swords), but they cosmetic, and preserve the old way of doing business.
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About Me
- John M Crowther
- Artist, writer, filmmaker, actor. Wrote "The Evil That Men Do" starring Charles Bronson. "Missing in Action" starring Chuck Norris. Performed one-man play "Einstein" off-Broadway and in Europe. Tours US with "Meet Mr. Wright," his one-man play about Frank Lloyd Wright. Art exhibitions in Italy and U.S. His work as a cartoonist has been seen in MAD magazine. Illustrated the children's books "How the Waif Bunny Saved the Boy" and "The Man In the Red Bandana" about his nephew Welles Crowther, a hero of 9/11, written by his niece, Honor Crowther Fagin, Welles's sister. Author of novel "Firebase," published in UK by Constable and US by St. Martins Press. For many years an avid student and reader of Tarot. Performs weddings as a Los Angeles County Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriage.
Was sadden to see that a group that had been idealistic in the beginning become overtaken by extremists. Know that you do not agree with me but too many small businesses have been hurt by the occupied group plus property damage for my liking.
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