This is before you (Near future): Trump XV—The Devil (Reversed)
This post continues the reading started in Part 1: The setup.
The reading is one using “traditional” meanings (gleaned from authors such as Arthur Edward Waite, Eden Gray, and Leanna Greenaway), in a “predictive” (or fortunetelling) reading. The purpose of this reading is not fortunetelling, but to demonstrate how a predictive reading can be used to stimulate the creative imagination and as an aid in problem solving. (See Part 1 of this series for the reasoning behind the exercise.)
Ah, the Devil himself! Traditionally, the Devil has the connotations of temptation, bondage, materialism, black magic, and the "shadow.” When reversed, the card could mean the same, but to a lesser intensity, or a release from the above.
What immediately leapt to mind when I saw the reversed Devil, was "release from bondage," which I take to mean that my natural optimism is resurfacing: whereas I had been feeling negative, pessimistic and stuck, I can now see the possibility of breaking these bonds to move forward.
Also, in its reversed position the card makes me think of mischief rather than evil, of pranks and poking fun at things that are too serious. The Devil can seem a force of oppression and depression, or a reminder of the ridiculous in life (and how good it can feel to fall for temptation!). I see another hint here of how to regain the balance that I have lost: some fun might be just what I need. Even better: if I could laugh at myself!
My worries and complaints about my writing ability must have been getting on my husband’s nerves. We had been trying to get our bookshelves in order, when he suddenly pounced on what he called the perfect book for me in my current state: Philip K Dick’s Confessions of a crap artist …! Sometimes all you need is a good laugh to break the spell.
A note: One of the most valuable aspects of a Tarot reading is that it can show you what is on your mind.
I don't always respond to the same cards in the same way. Sometimes the Hierophant irritates me with his hidebound outlook; at other times he is a kindly father figure. The Lovers can at times seem more cloying than loving; the Fool can seem a "wise child" or an idiot.
My response to a card--and I'm sure that of other Tarot readers as well--depends on mood and circumstances, and can show me when my mood or attitude has shifted even before I have become conscious if it myself. It could also reflect whatever is on my mind, and can make me aware of attitudes and emotions that have been just below the surface.
To recap: So far in this reading, the stand-out aspect is the lack of balance in my life: the balance between work and rest, and the balance between being committed to a project and not taking things too seriously. Although my current situation appeared very bleak to me, I have discovered pockets of optimism and energy that I can use to get my enthusiasm for the project back.
The motive for doing this spread was to explore my current situation, determine areas of concern, and to formulate a problem statement that can be used in a future spread.
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