Illustrators & Authors: Karen Mahony & Alexandr Ukolov

Interpretation: “An earthquake in your life. You are  going through a huge upheaval and change. It may feel cataclysmic, or even catastrophic, but it’s important to realise that it isn’t all negative. Sometimes dramatic disruptions have to happen and, difficult as they are, they can lead to a release, or eventually the opportunity to stat anew. Even if it’s an uncomfortable time, don’t despair. When the dust settles there may be something positive that results, and useful lessons to learn.”

I asked, “Which king should I illustrate first?” I figured there was a 4 in 5 chance of drawing a suit card. My plan was to follow suit and garner a bit more information. But the tower? Useless! I despair!

The tower illustrates new-found freedom that comes as a bolt of lightning which blows us to rock bottom. It is an immediate change and can have rather disorienting effects. Awakening to this new reality, we are released from bondage. With any destruction there comes creation. Once you hit rock bottom, the choice is yours. You may find inspiration anywhere. Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose, says the prophet.*

Robert M. Pirsig writes in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, “If your mind is truly, profoundly stuck, then it might be much better off than when it was loaded with ideas.” I thought I was stuck because my mind was devoid of ideas. Why am I stuck? The moral of the story is: start anywhere; just start. Obviously, I have to make up my own mind. Useless! I despair!

*Prophet Kris Kristofferson sung through Janis Joplin’s soul