August 2021: Tarot Cards for Writing Inspiration

 

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Dog Days (July 3 to August 1) were once thought to wreck havoc on “dogs and men alike”. (Source of quoted material: https://www.almanac.com/content/what-are-dog-days-summer) But it seems like people, in general, are wreaking plenty of havoc without the aiding and abetting presence of that rascally star Sirius. And while I may not believe that Sirius influences the weather here on earth, I know I have been feeling swamped with a bad case of the doldrums. So, let’s slog through this month’s tarot card reading for writing inspiration, and see if we can’t break free, eh?

 

Setting: Ace of Pentacles. An environment that is the epitome of luxury, wealth, and complete fulfillment. Hunger, fear, discomfort, pain—these things do not exist in the world the main character moves through. Everything is practically perfect for this pampered character—until the day comes when it’s not.

 

Character(s): Queen of Rods (Reversed). A person who has undergone a series of traumatic events, and has emerged scarred. Among the trauma she experienced was the loss of her beloved canine companion. Where she was once gracious and poised as her former elegant lifestyle dictated, she is now bitter and distrustful. She cuts all ties with her elite social circles and withdraws to a remote country cabin. Her cabin is surrounded by lush nature, and, during one of her long walks, she uncovers a source of wilding, dark energy. She uses this source to transform herself and become a vengeful and powerful entity.

 

Theme/Development: The Tower. She embarks on a vengeful quest to not only punish those who harmed her and her beloved dog, but humanity in general. She leaves behind a swath of death, destruction, and ruin behind her, but spares the animals, both wild and domesticated.

 

Conflict/Climax: Six of Swords. The main character, and the animals she liberated, are left wandering a world in ruins. She is at a loss at what to do next. She has never lived in a world that demanded physical labour from her. But as she stares out over the razed buildings, a bright star appears in the sky. It’s so bright, it illuminates the destruction she has left in her wake. And she knows what she has to do. She rolls up her sleeves and gets to work, cleaning up the mess she, and humanity in general, has left behind.