A Tarot Reading for the World: Insights from the Alchemical Tarot
This is a reading done during the Grove students meeting on the 21st of January 2025
In a time of uncertainty and change, many of us turn to the Tarot for clarity and guidance. Recently, I conducted a reading using the Alchemical Tarot by Robert M. Place to explore the current state of the world. The cards pulled offered profound insights into the collective energies shaping our global reality. Here is the interpretation of the five cards drawn:
Card 1: What is the great thing playing out in the world right now? – The Magician Reversed
The Magician reversed speaks to a world grappling with distorted leadership and misaligned communication. This card highlights trickster energy – the kind that thrives on manipulation and sleight of hand. Currently, we are witnessing a significant shift in global power dynamics. The voices of world leaders and corporate moguls often appear to promise progress, yet their actions may lack integrity or transparency. Misinformation abounds, making it challenging to discern truth from illusion. This card urges us to question authority and think critically about the narratives we are being fed.
Card 2: What challenges are we facing? – Two of Swords
The Two of Swords portrays a standoff, symbolising conflict and indecision. The crossed swords evoke tension, reflecting the strife and divisions plaguing our world. Yet the presence of the owl in the card serves as a reminder that wisdom is key to resolving these disputes. It encourages individuals and nations alike to step back, listen deeply, and consider perspectives beyond their own. This challenge requires us to move beyond emotional reactivity and embrace clarity of thought.
Card 3: What is the immediate solution? – Four of Swords
The Four of Swords brings a message of pause and respite. Amidst the chaos, there is a call for retreat and reflection. Globally, this card may signify temporary truces or moments of calm within ongoing conflicts. While these may not resolve deeper issues, they offer an opportunity to regroup and reassess. For individuals, it is a prompt to prioritise rest and healing. Sustainable solutions arise when we are centred and renewed, not when we are consumed by exhaustion or fear.
Card 4: What is the way forward for individuals? – The Hermit
The Hermit encourages introspection and inner wisdom. As individuals, we are being called to turn inward, seeking guidance from within rather than relying solely on external sources. This message feels particularly relevant as we enter 2025, a numerological “9 year” corresponding to The Hermit’s energy. In a world rife with noise and distraction, the way forward lies in thoughtful withdrawal, self-reflection, and reconnecting with our higher truths. It’s an invitation to consider how our personal growth and insight can ripple outwards to influence the collective.
Card 5: What is the long-term outcome? – The Sun
The Sun offers a vision of hope and unity. Its radiant energy promises that despite the challenges, a brighter future awaits. The card’s imagery of a harmonious couple suggests reconciliation, partnership, and joy. This outcome reminds us that after periods of darkness and difficulty, light inevitably returns. Globally, it speaks of the possibility for healing and harmony, while for individuals, it reassures us that our personal efforts toward growth will ultimately lead to fulfilment and happiness.
Reflections on the Reading
This spread provides a snapshot of the complex energies at play in the world today. The reversed Magician and Two of Swords illustrate the challenges of manipulation and conflict, yet the Four of Swords offers a glimmer of hope through rest and reflection. The Hermit and The Sun remind us of the importance of personal introspection and collective optimism.
As individuals, we are not powerless in the face of global turmoil. By stepping back, seeking wisdom, and embracing our inner light, we contribute to the greater healing of the world. This reading encourages us to hold faith in a brighter future while taking practical steps to foster harmony in our lives and communities.