I periodically perform Tarot readings for my self, as a meditative interaction, a time of spiritual play and reverance, delighting in the random coincidences. Often I choose a word or phrase as the focal point for these tarot interactions.
For a recent reading, I chose the word “Progress“. Progress as a verb, as in “going forward”. I want/need to Progress in many areas of my life. For this reading, I used the Intuitive Tarot, by Cilla Conway.
The card I pulled was: the 2 of Rods. Traditionally, the 2 of Rods (or Wands) is often associated with initiative, boldness, originality, commanding attention. Certainly appropriate themes to foster Progress!
And then I looked more closely at the specific imagery on this card. And then I smiled, and glowed, and realized what day it was (Jan. 19, 2009, MLK Jr. day), and the momentous event that was about to take place the next day (Jan. 20, 2009): the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States!
The card depicts a tall, lean, dark, regal figure standing atop a hill (Capitol Hill?), holding an orb in his outstretched hand, reflecting on the state of the world. In the background there appears to be a vast multitude of faces, of many colors. A larger orb glows at the top of the card, like a spotlight or Sun.
Intuitive Tarot: 2 of Rods
The scene is like a leader or actor on a great stage, pondering and expressing a vision of progress. The 2 parallel rods or bars crossing the orb could represent the 2 great leaders (Martin Luther King and Obama), and the ladder they have helped to build in the climb towards unity. The 2 bars crossing the “O” is somewhat reminiscent of the Obama campaign logo.
I normally do not relate personal readings to public events, but the symbolic impact of this card, and of this moment, gave me a tremendous lift and feeling of positive transformation as we all work towards Progress, for our selves, for each other, and for the world.
