The first card pulled from the 78 card deck to kick things off was the Fool card - how apt is that? The ST Fool card represents the entirety of Shakespeare's work, from his first-ever fool on the left, Lance, to his last on the right, Autolycus. Lance is a kind-hearted bumpkin and rube, whereas Autolycus is a rogue, a liar, and a thief. Just as the Shakespearean fool is an aspect of the writer able to speak directly to the audience, so the Fool represents us all on our journey through this world. The way these 2 fools are presented - separate from one another yet united by their intrinsic similarities - suggests the political and idealistic polarization in the US. With that in mind, we will be pulling two cards at a time going forward - one representing the left-wing and one representing the right.
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The 2020 Election
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chiscotheque
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The 2020 Election
The Shakespeare Tarot is naturally inclined and highly adept at reflecting on political, philosophical, and ethical issues. With 40 odd days to the US election, the Shakespeare Tarot will be pulling 2 cards daily to comment on the state of democracy in America.
The first card pulled from the 78 card deck to kick things off was the Fool card - how apt is that? The ST Fool card represents the entirety of Shakespeare's work, from his first-ever fool on the left, Lance, to his last on the right, Autolycus. Lance is a kind-hearted bumpkin and rube, whereas Autolycus is a rogue, a liar, and a thief. Just as the Shakespearean fool is an aspect of the writer able to speak directly to the audience, so the Fool represents us all on our journey through this world. The way these 2 fools are presented - separate from one another yet united by their intrinsic similarities - suggests the political and idealistic polarization in the US. With that in mind, we will be pulling two cards at a time going forward - one representing the left-wing and one representing the right.
The first card pulled from the 78 card deck to kick things off was the Fool card - how apt is that? The ST Fool card represents the entirety of Shakespeare's work, from his first-ever fool on the left, Lance, to his last on the right, Autolycus. Lance is a kind-hearted bumpkin and rube, whereas Autolycus is a rogue, a liar, and a thief. Just as the Shakespearean fool is an aspect of the writer able to speak directly to the audience, so the Fool represents us all on our journey through this world. The way these 2 fools are presented - separate from one another yet united by their intrinsic similarities - suggests the political and idealistic polarization in the US. With that in mind, we will be pulling two cards at a time going forward - one representing the left-wing and one representing the right.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
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Re: The 2020 Election
September 21.
Left: 5 of Cups - Olivia
Right: Justice XI Shylock
Reading: Olivia is a lady in mourning; she dresses in black for her recently deceased father and brother. This suggests the growing death-toll in the US from COVID 19 generally, but more specifically the recent death of SCOTUS Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The focus here is on loss but the promise is of getting past it and eventual happiness, as Olivia finds love and the strength to move forward from a transgender relationship with a foreigner.
The Justice card obviously reflects the current storm over RBG's rushed replacement. Merchant of Venice is a play about hypocrisy, and few today represent this better than house majority leader Mitch McConnell. The issues at play in the MofV & Justice card are many, so I will only list some for readers to extrapolate on for themselves: hypocrisy, one law for the rich and one for the disenfranchised, the presumptive reach of privilege, systemic prejudice (i.e. race, gender, religion), the rebel outsider (i.e. the Jew Shylock) and the outsider who desperately wants acceptance (i.e. the homosexual Antonio), the abuse of power, a show trial, and the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law.
Left: 5 of Cups - Olivia
Right: Justice XI Shylock
Reading: Olivia is a lady in mourning; she dresses in black for her recently deceased father and brother. This suggests the growing death-toll in the US from COVID 19 generally, but more specifically the recent death of SCOTUS Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The focus here is on loss but the promise is of getting past it and eventual happiness, as Olivia finds love and the strength to move forward from a transgender relationship with a foreigner.
The Justice card obviously reflects the current storm over RBG's rushed replacement. Merchant of Venice is a play about hypocrisy, and few today represent this better than house majority leader Mitch McConnell. The issues at play in the MofV & Justice card are many, so I will only list some for readers to extrapolate on for themselves: hypocrisy, one law for the rich and one for the disenfranchised, the presumptive reach of privilege, systemic prejudice (i.e. race, gender, religion), the rebel outsider (i.e. the Jew Shylock) and the outsider who desperately wants acceptance (i.e. the homosexual Antonio), the abuse of power, a show trial, and the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law.
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chiscotheque
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Re: The 2020 Election
September 22.
Left: The High Priestess II Queen Elizabeth I
Right: King of Crowns Petruchio (from The Taming of the Shrew)
Reading: As The High Priestess, the 2nd card of the Major Arcana implies faith, guidance, patience, and reverence to truth, such as the spirit of the law over the letter of the law and the intangibles of life over materiality. As Queen Elizabeth, she represents a female of power and distinction who was idealized, which clearly suggests RBG's recent passing and the outpouring of respect for her accomplishments. In ER's day, it was illegal to discuss who would succeed the Virgin Queen - an obvious tie-in with the cynical and hypocritical rush on the Right to name and elect RBG's successor. The HP card is often ignored, forgotten, and abused, yet stands as a reminder that the meek shall inherit the earth.
The card representing the Right is Petruchio from Taming/Shrew. Petruchio is a wealthy cad, braggart, and opportunist who vows to wed the "shrew" in a deal contrived by her father (ie - senate majority leader McConnel). The men in the play lie and finagle in any way they can to get what they desire, manipulating the shrew and her sister for their own ends. The wedding which is the center-piece of the play could suggest the nomination and placement of the new SCOTUS by the male-dominated US senate. 2 female Rep. senators have vowed not to support such an election, which Trump has said will be a woman, so much rests on maverick Rep. male senators if the Dems have any hope of averting a replacement for RBG. The most obvious candidate is Mitt Romney, whom Petruchio here may signify. Petruchio is a complex character who leverages a seemingly impossible situation to his own advantage. This includes "taming" the shrew, which implies the new female SCOTUS would work in partnership with Romney (and the Republicans generally), but also hints that she may not behave in exactly the way expected.
Left: The High Priestess II Queen Elizabeth I
Right: King of Crowns Petruchio (from The Taming of the Shrew)
Reading: As The High Priestess, the 2nd card of the Major Arcana implies faith, guidance, patience, and reverence to truth, such as the spirit of the law over the letter of the law and the intangibles of life over materiality. As Queen Elizabeth, she represents a female of power and distinction who was idealized, which clearly suggests RBG's recent passing and the outpouring of respect for her accomplishments. In ER's day, it was illegal to discuss who would succeed the Virgin Queen - an obvious tie-in with the cynical and hypocritical rush on the Right to name and elect RBG's successor. The HP card is often ignored, forgotten, and abused, yet stands as a reminder that the meek shall inherit the earth.
The card representing the Right is Petruchio from Taming/Shrew. Petruchio is a wealthy cad, braggart, and opportunist who vows to wed the "shrew" in a deal contrived by her father (ie - senate majority leader McConnel). The men in the play lie and finagle in any way they can to get what they desire, manipulating the shrew and her sister for their own ends. The wedding which is the center-piece of the play could suggest the nomination and placement of the new SCOTUS by the male-dominated US senate. 2 female Rep. senators have vowed not to support such an election, which Trump has said will be a woman, so much rests on maverick Rep. male senators if the Dems have any hope of averting a replacement for RBG. The most obvious candidate is Mitt Romney, whom Petruchio here may signify. Petruchio is a complex character who leverages a seemingly impossible situation to his own advantage. This includes "taming" the shrew, which implies the new female SCOTUS would work in partnership with Romney (and the Republicans generally), but also hints that she may not behave in exactly the way expected.
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chiscotheque
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Re: The 2020 Election
September 23.
Left: 2 of Swords Volumnia (Coriolanus)
Right: 5 of Swords Edmund (King Lear)
Reading: The 2/swords is a card of sacrifice and acquiescence. Volumnia is the mother of Coriolanus, a militant authoritarian who has taken Rome by force. Along with Coriolanus' wife, child, and nurse, Volumnia prostrates herself before Coriolanus in a desperate plea that he cease his violent coup. This very public display may allude to RBG lying in state in the US's very roman capital. It may suggest the Dem's are defeated and need to give up fighting the senate's insistence in pushing through a new SCOTUS. Or, the fact that Coriolanus is stopped by the women in his life may suggest the Dem's only hope is with 3 or 4 of the 9 female Rep. senators. Coriolanus refused to become a senator because he felt it an indignity to serve the people; instead, he joined with enemies of Rome and, in the end, it was violence that destroyed Coriolanus, the man of violence.
The card representing the Right is the lying scoundrel Edmund who usurps power in King Lear to become the tyrannical king of England. The 2 women on the left of the card are Goneril & Regan whom Edmund manipulates, playing one off the other. The 5/Swords is a card of unscrupulous advantage, flagrant deceit, and Machiavellianism. The short-term advantage is capitalized on by the corrupt which in the long term will cause much bloodshed, exploitation, cruelty, and sorrow. While the rulers of the nation make allegiances and stab each other in the back, civil war beckons as does invasion from a foreign power. In the end, it is the young who will inherit the mess of the present-day elders blinded by their struggle for power.
Left: 2 of Swords Volumnia (Coriolanus)
Right: 5 of Swords Edmund (King Lear)
Reading: The 2/swords is a card of sacrifice and acquiescence. Volumnia is the mother of Coriolanus, a militant authoritarian who has taken Rome by force. Along with Coriolanus' wife, child, and nurse, Volumnia prostrates herself before Coriolanus in a desperate plea that he cease his violent coup. This very public display may allude to RBG lying in state in the US's very roman capital. It may suggest the Dem's are defeated and need to give up fighting the senate's insistence in pushing through a new SCOTUS. Or, the fact that Coriolanus is stopped by the women in his life may suggest the Dem's only hope is with 3 or 4 of the 9 female Rep. senators. Coriolanus refused to become a senator because he felt it an indignity to serve the people; instead, he joined with enemies of Rome and, in the end, it was violence that destroyed Coriolanus, the man of violence.
The card representing the Right is the lying scoundrel Edmund who usurps power in King Lear to become the tyrannical king of England. The 2 women on the left of the card are Goneril & Regan whom Edmund manipulates, playing one off the other. The 5/Swords is a card of unscrupulous advantage, flagrant deceit, and Machiavellianism. The short-term advantage is capitalized on by the corrupt which in the long term will cause much bloodshed, exploitation, cruelty, and sorrow. While the rulers of the nation make allegiances and stab each other in the back, civil war beckons as does invasion from a foreign power. In the end, it is the young who will inherit the mess of the present-day elders blinded by their struggle for power.
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chiscotheque
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Re: The 2020 Election
September 24.
Left: 3 of Cups Troilus, Cressida, Panderus (Troilus & Cressida)
Right: Judgment XX Pericles
Reading: The card on the left is traditionally a card of rejoicing, but the Shakespeare 3/Cups warns of counting your chickens before they're hatched and suggests now is not the time for self-indulgence or complacency. T&C is a highly philosophical play, crammed with legal jargon belying Shakespeare's affiliation with the Inns of Court. The setting is the Trojan War, and it shows the Trojans deluding themselves that, because their fight is righteous, they will be victorious. In fact, because they think so, they are defeated. Cassandra warns of their peril but no one listens. Everyone is shown to be self-serving and venal. To think otherwise is to fall victim to it with the added fault of folly.
The card representing the Right is the Judgment card of the Majors - an appropriate card for a re-election bid and the current concerns over a SCOTUS appointment. Here, Pericles the King of Tyre (tyrant?) is reunited with the wife he threw overboard and the daughter he presumed dead. This points to the importance of women voters for & against the Reps in the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the general populace. It may also allude to the importance of justice for Breonna Taylor and BLM generally. It may also point to a contested election resolved by a Supreme Court with a new female Trump appointee. Without a doubt, the Judgment card indicates a major reckoning.
Left: 3 of Cups Troilus, Cressida, Panderus (Troilus & Cressida)
Right: Judgment XX Pericles
Reading: The card on the left is traditionally a card of rejoicing, but the Shakespeare 3/Cups warns of counting your chickens before they're hatched and suggests now is not the time for self-indulgence or complacency. T&C is a highly philosophical play, crammed with legal jargon belying Shakespeare's affiliation with the Inns of Court. The setting is the Trojan War, and it shows the Trojans deluding themselves that, because their fight is righteous, they will be victorious. In fact, because they think so, they are defeated. Cassandra warns of their peril but no one listens. Everyone is shown to be self-serving and venal. To think otherwise is to fall victim to it with the added fault of folly.
The card representing the Right is the Judgment card of the Majors - an appropriate card for a re-election bid and the current concerns over a SCOTUS appointment. Here, Pericles the King of Tyre (tyrant?) is reunited with the wife he threw overboard and the daughter he presumed dead. This points to the importance of women voters for & against the Reps in the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the general populace. It may also allude to the importance of justice for Breonna Taylor and BLM generally. It may also point to a contested election resolved by a Supreme Court with a new female Trump appointee. Without a doubt, the Judgment card indicates a major reckoning.
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chiscotheque
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Re: The 2020 Election
September 25.
Left: 2 of Crowns Feste (12th Night)
Right: 4 of Crowns Malvolio (12th Night)
Reading: The card on the left is Feste, Olivia's fool from 12th Night (Olivia featured in the Sept. 21 reading, and her portrait can be seen on this card). Feste is an older jester who is not very funny, hence a possible allusion to Biden. Feste facilitates a number of the key events in 12th Night, almost by accident. Interestingly, both cards today are from the same play, and it is Feste who gets the better of the ridiculous Malvolio. Dressed as a Grand Inquisitor, Feste puts Malvolio through a mock trial simply as schadenfreude for the latter's idiocy. This could suggest the Dems may prosecute Trump if they gain power, or simply refer back to their attempt to impeach Trump, since the card is a still-life made up of mementos with Feste an oil painting reflected in a mirror.
The card representing the Right is the 4 of Crowns, indicating avarice and selfishness. Malvolio is a twit and a parvenu; he has absolutely no sense of humour, which is why he becomes the butt of 12th Night's jokes. All Malvolio cares about is furthering his own station. While Feste is ostensibly the play's fool, Malvolio is a true buffoon and Shakespeare shows Feste getting the upper hand, if briefly. During the festival of 12th Night, a person of authority becomes a servant while the servant is elevated to master. In real life, let alone in politics, such things rarely if ever happen. Nevertheless, one can still hope Trump gets what is coming to him.
Left: 2 of Crowns Feste (12th Night)
Right: 4 of Crowns Malvolio (12th Night)
Reading: The card on the left is Feste, Olivia's fool from 12th Night (Olivia featured in the Sept. 21 reading, and her portrait can be seen on this card). Feste is an older jester who is not very funny, hence a possible allusion to Biden. Feste facilitates a number of the key events in 12th Night, almost by accident. Interestingly, both cards today are from the same play, and it is Feste who gets the better of the ridiculous Malvolio. Dressed as a Grand Inquisitor, Feste puts Malvolio through a mock trial simply as schadenfreude for the latter's idiocy. This could suggest the Dems may prosecute Trump if they gain power, or simply refer back to their attempt to impeach Trump, since the card is a still-life made up of mementos with Feste an oil painting reflected in a mirror.
The card representing the Right is the 4 of Crowns, indicating avarice and selfishness. Malvolio is a twit and a parvenu; he has absolutely no sense of humour, which is why he becomes the butt of 12th Night's jokes. All Malvolio cares about is furthering his own station. While Feste is ostensibly the play's fool, Malvolio is a true buffoon and Shakespeare shows Feste getting the upper hand, if briefly. During the festival of 12th Night, a person of authority becomes a servant while the servant is elevated to master. In real life, let alone in politics, such things rarely if ever happen. Nevertheless, one can still hope Trump gets what is coming to him.
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chiscotheque
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Re: The 2020 Election
September 26.
Left: 7 of Crowns Banquo (Macbeth)
Right: 3 of Crowns Armado (Love's Labours Lost)
Reading: The card on the left represents Banquo who was stabbed in the back by Macbeth, the usurping king. The images seen on this card are from Hecate's cave where Macbeth goes to divine what will happen in the future. The vision describes a future where Banquo is vindicated and Macbeth vanquished, but Macbeth misreads the augury through his own misguided hubris. This stands as a cautionary tale for everyone including the Dems, but arguably fits none better than the current president who threatens to retain power by hook or by crook.
The card representing the Right is the 3 of Crowns, represented by Armado who is a fatuous blow-hard. He is seen here putting on a play about the "9 worthies" which is amateur, histrionic, and absurd. This clearly suggests the Senate's preparations to stage SCOTUS (9) nomination hearings. At the base of the card is a moth with an image of a skull on its back; moths are known to fly compulsively toward the light even though it causes their demise. The play LLL is about a group of men who attempt to segregate themselves from the adverse influence of women. The men in the play repeatedly prove themselves shallow, callow, and completely severed from true feeling and wisdom. The risible play is brought to a dramatic end by a sudden death; the shift is abrupt and unsettling. As ludicrous as the actions (and bad acting) of Rep ideologues may be, at play are actually grave matters of life and death.
Left: 7 of Crowns Banquo (Macbeth)
Right: 3 of Crowns Armado (Love's Labours Lost)
Reading: The card on the left represents Banquo who was stabbed in the back by Macbeth, the usurping king. The images seen on this card are from Hecate's cave where Macbeth goes to divine what will happen in the future. The vision describes a future where Banquo is vindicated and Macbeth vanquished, but Macbeth misreads the augury through his own misguided hubris. This stands as a cautionary tale for everyone including the Dems, but arguably fits none better than the current president who threatens to retain power by hook or by crook.
The card representing the Right is the 3 of Crowns, represented by Armado who is a fatuous blow-hard. He is seen here putting on a play about the "9 worthies" which is amateur, histrionic, and absurd. This clearly suggests the Senate's preparations to stage SCOTUS (9) nomination hearings. At the base of the card is a moth with an image of a skull on its back; moths are known to fly compulsively toward the light even though it causes their demise. The play LLL is about a group of men who attempt to segregate themselves from the adverse influence of women. The men in the play repeatedly prove themselves shallow, callow, and completely severed from true feeling and wisdom. The risible play is brought to a dramatic end by a sudden death; the shift is abrupt and unsettling. As ludicrous as the actions (and bad acting) of Rep ideologues may be, at play are actually grave matters of life and death.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
September 27.
As I was shuffling the cards for my daily reading, the Queen of Cups Cleopatra jumped out. She is shown at the moment of her death, bitten by a poisonous snake, and depicted with a pyramid - an elaborate Egyptian sarcophagus. On the one hand, this aspect of Cleopatra suggests RBG who currently lies in state in the capital. On the other hand, Cleopatra in Shakespeare's play and by reputation is infamous for her sexuality, and here she is shown naked, within a suggestive enclosure, and standing on a vaginal heart. This clearly indicates the issue of reproductive rights for women threatened by ACB's SCOTUS nomination. The world of A&C is a man's world; Cleopatra doesn't really have a chance. The chance she does have, with Anthony, is sabotaged by Anthony's lack of trust in Cleopatra and his cowardice. A similar mindset is at play in America, as is the imminent sabotage of Roe vs. Wade.
As I was shuffling the cards for my daily reading, the Queen of Cups Cleopatra jumped out. She is shown at the moment of her death, bitten by a poisonous snake, and depicted with a pyramid - an elaborate Egyptian sarcophagus. On the one hand, this aspect of Cleopatra suggests RBG who currently lies in state in the capital. On the other hand, Cleopatra in Shakespeare's play and by reputation is infamous for her sexuality, and here she is shown naked, within a suggestive enclosure, and standing on a vaginal heart. This clearly indicates the issue of reproductive rights for women threatened by ACB's SCOTUS nomination. The world of A&C is a man's world; Cleopatra doesn't really have a chance. The chance she does have, with Anthony, is sabotaged by Anthony's lack of trust in Cleopatra and his cowardice. A similar mindset is at play in America, as is the imminent sabotage of Roe vs. Wade.
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chiscotheque
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- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
September 28.
Left: Page of Cups Jacques (As You Like It)
Right: 4 of Staffs Orsino (12th Night)
Reading: The card on the left represents the melancholic nobleman Jacques. He is a cynic and sad-sack who contemplates endlessly but does nothing. This may say something about some of the hopelessness the Dems feel (especially progresssives) along with disillusioned voters generally. Jacques becomes enamored with a fool, which may be a sad comment on Biden. Jacques also chooses to stay in the forest and eschews court life - again, a possible comment on progressive Dems concerned about the environment who feel ignored by the party.
The card representing the Right is the self-absorbed Duke Orsino. The card displays his lavish boudoir which is in disarray. This could refer to Trump's numerous mistresses which he has paid-off to keep quiet. Orsino is full of hot air and in the end appears to find happiness with a foreigner (Melania?). Orsino lives a lavish lifestyle and is used to getting his way - perhaps it's all a front and he's actually deeply in debt with an audit underway by the IRS?
Left: Page of Cups Jacques (As You Like It)
Right: 4 of Staffs Orsino (12th Night)
Reading: The card on the left represents the melancholic nobleman Jacques. He is a cynic and sad-sack who contemplates endlessly but does nothing. This may say something about some of the hopelessness the Dems feel (especially progresssives) along with disillusioned voters generally. Jacques becomes enamored with a fool, which may be a sad comment on Biden. Jacques also chooses to stay in the forest and eschews court life - again, a possible comment on progressive Dems concerned about the environment who feel ignored by the party.
The card representing the Right is the self-absorbed Duke Orsino. The card displays his lavish boudoir which is in disarray. This could refer to Trump's numerous mistresses which he has paid-off to keep quiet. Orsino is full of hot air and in the end appears to find happiness with a foreigner (Melania?). Orsino lives a lavish lifestyle and is used to getting his way - perhaps it's all a front and he's actually deeply in debt with an audit underway by the IRS?
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chiscotheque
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- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
September 29
Left: 9 of Staffs Anthony (Anthony & Cleopatra)
Right: King of Swords Angelo (Measure for Measure)
Reading: The card on the left represents the defeated general Marc Anthony. The 9/Staffs signifies expecting trouble, courage, and exhaustion. Sadly, Anthony wasn't up to the fight and lost in the end because he didn't have faith in Cleopatra. This card appears to represent Biden who endured an hour and a half of hectoring and interruptions from Trump during the first debate. This card suggests Kamala Harris (Cleopatra) will fair much better against Pence. On a dark note, it also suggests Biden/Harris could lose the election, and likely by underhanded machinations from their enemies.
The card representing the Right is the lying hypocrite Angelo. He is given power and becomes a tyrant. He uses his power to extort sex with a novice nun while pretending he is without fault. He lies about freeing the woman's brother and orders his execution for a minor infraction. He is one of the most unscrupulous, heinous, and recreant characters in all of Shakespeare and as such aptly represents Trump.
Left: 9 of Staffs Anthony (Anthony & Cleopatra)
Right: King of Swords Angelo (Measure for Measure)
Reading: The card on the left represents the defeated general Marc Anthony. The 9/Staffs signifies expecting trouble, courage, and exhaustion. Sadly, Anthony wasn't up to the fight and lost in the end because he didn't have faith in Cleopatra. This card appears to represent Biden who endured an hour and a half of hectoring and interruptions from Trump during the first debate. This card suggests Kamala Harris (Cleopatra) will fair much better against Pence. On a dark note, it also suggests Biden/Harris could lose the election, and likely by underhanded machinations from their enemies.
The card representing the Right is the lying hypocrite Angelo. He is given power and becomes a tyrant. He uses his power to extort sex with a novice nun while pretending he is without fault. He lies about freeing the woman's brother and orders his execution for a minor infraction. He is one of the most unscrupulous, heinous, and recreant characters in all of Shakespeare and as such aptly represents Trump.
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chiscotheque
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- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
September 30
Left: Page of Crowns Touchstone (As You Like It)
Right: Page of Swords Thersites (Troilus & Cressida)
Reading: The card on the left represents the court fool Touchstone. He accompanies the heroines of As You Like It into exile in the forest but soon comes to regret it - he hates the country and longs for civilized society. If this is Biden, it suggests he has been made a fool of by Trump's behavior in the debates. The fool of course is one of the wisest characters in a Shakespeare play and quite different than a clown. Perhaps this fool suggests America has been made the fool by Trump, and like Touchstone is just biding their time until they and their court are reinstated as rightful rulers.
The card representing the Right is the vulgar, dull-witted, and vituperative Thersites, a slave of the Greek army. He is scabrous and mocking and clearing represents Trump in last night's debate. No one is safe from Thersites' attacks, not even the Fox News moderator. Thersites is sometimes known to speak the truth, although it is so violent and obscene that no one can stomach his voice; surely Trump believes his own vitriol is justified and his delusions are true. Called a windbag by Marx and vilified by everyone, one truth Thersites did expose was how ugly, tedious, and stupid had become the politics of supposedly great men.
Left: Page of Crowns Touchstone (As You Like It)
Right: Page of Swords Thersites (Troilus & Cressida)
Reading: The card on the left represents the court fool Touchstone. He accompanies the heroines of As You Like It into exile in the forest but soon comes to regret it - he hates the country and longs for civilized society. If this is Biden, it suggests he has been made a fool of by Trump's behavior in the debates. The fool of course is one of the wisest characters in a Shakespeare play and quite different than a clown. Perhaps this fool suggests America has been made the fool by Trump, and like Touchstone is just biding their time until they and their court are reinstated as rightful rulers.
The card representing the Right is the vulgar, dull-witted, and vituperative Thersites, a slave of the Greek army. He is scabrous and mocking and clearing represents Trump in last night's debate. No one is safe from Thersites' attacks, not even the Fox News moderator. Thersites is sometimes known to speak the truth, although it is so violent and obscene that no one can stomach his voice; surely Trump believes his own vitriol is justified and his delusions are true. Called a windbag by Marx and vilified by everyone, one truth Thersites did expose was how ugly, tedious, and stupid had become the politics of supposedly great men.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 1
Left: The Sun XIX Lear & Gloucester (King Lear)
Right: Strength VIII Innogen (Cymbeline)
Reading: The card on the left represents King Lear and his blinded aide-de-camp Gloucester. The un-self-aware Lear has lost his power and gone insane with the realization he is mortal. Similarly Gloucester has been destroyed by treachery and his own hubris. The elderly Lear may indicate both Biden and Trump are too old for office and, vis-a-vis the Sun card, too male. The machinations of Lear's daughters' and Gloucester's son could suggest the Democratic party has made a mistake sticking with what appears on the surface the reasonable candidate and will pay for turning its back on the younger progressive vote.
The card representing the Right is Strength, personified by King Cymbeline's daughter Innogen. Cymbeline is a buffoon who instigates a war with Rome over, amongst other things, taxes. Innogen escapes the mayhem around her by remaining true and in the end saves the day. The Strength card advocates self-control and a taming of the animal within suggesting Trump will not succeed if he does not reign in his hostility. At the moment he is like the character Cloten, seen on the left with his head cut off ruling over chaos. The character on the right is Iachimo, who is spying indicating Trump is engaged in skullduggery. That Strength is a female may indicate that if Trump hopes to win the election fairly he will need to temper his polemics and appeal to the fairer sex.
Left: The Sun XIX Lear & Gloucester (King Lear)
Right: Strength VIII Innogen (Cymbeline)
Reading: The card on the left represents King Lear and his blinded aide-de-camp Gloucester. The un-self-aware Lear has lost his power and gone insane with the realization he is mortal. Similarly Gloucester has been destroyed by treachery and his own hubris. The elderly Lear may indicate both Biden and Trump are too old for office and, vis-a-vis the Sun card, too male. The machinations of Lear's daughters' and Gloucester's son could suggest the Democratic party has made a mistake sticking with what appears on the surface the reasonable candidate and will pay for turning its back on the younger progressive vote.
The card representing the Right is Strength, personified by King Cymbeline's daughter Innogen. Cymbeline is a buffoon who instigates a war with Rome over, amongst other things, taxes. Innogen escapes the mayhem around her by remaining true and in the end saves the day. The Strength card advocates self-control and a taming of the animal within suggesting Trump will not succeed if he does not reign in his hostility. At the moment he is like the character Cloten, seen on the left with his head cut off ruling over chaos. The character on the right is Iachimo, who is spying indicating Trump is engaged in skullduggery. That Strength is a female may indicate that if Trump hopes to win the election fairly he will need to temper his polemics and appeal to the fairer sex.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 2
Left: 9 of Swords Ophelia (Hamlet)
Right: The Magician I Prospero (The Tempest)
Reading: The card on the left represents the drowned Ophelia from Hamlet. She has been driven crazy by the death of her father and Hamlet's bizarre behavior. This could be how Biden and the left feel regarding Trump's recent behavior. It was speculated that Ophelia was pregnant (just as Shakespeare's wife was) and some of the herbs she mentions were common abortifacients. This could refer to the looming SCOTUS appointment and Roe v. Wade which hangs in the balance.
The card representing the Right is Prospero, the exiled duke in The Tempest. His exile could refer to Trump's isolation due to his COVID diagnosis. Prospero uses magic to get his way and by the end of the play he renounces magic but has not grown as a person - he is still an authoritarian and blames others for his mistakes. This may suggest that if Trump survives his infection he will remain as stubborn and insensitive as before. Prospero is much concerned with his daughter, so Ivanka may have been infected by her father. Prospero had no wife so Melania may be a goner or just her usual vapid self.
Left: 9 of Swords Ophelia (Hamlet)
Right: The Magician I Prospero (The Tempest)
Reading: The card on the left represents the drowned Ophelia from Hamlet. She has been driven crazy by the death of her father and Hamlet's bizarre behavior. This could be how Biden and the left feel regarding Trump's recent behavior. It was speculated that Ophelia was pregnant (just as Shakespeare's wife was) and some of the herbs she mentions were common abortifacients. This could refer to the looming SCOTUS appointment and Roe v. Wade which hangs in the balance.
The card representing the Right is Prospero, the exiled duke in The Tempest. His exile could refer to Trump's isolation due to his COVID diagnosis. Prospero uses magic to get his way and by the end of the play he renounces magic but has not grown as a person - he is still an authoritarian and blames others for his mistakes. This may suggest that if Trump survives his infection he will remain as stubborn and insensitive as before. Prospero is much concerned with his daughter, so Ivanka may have been infected by her father. Prospero had no wife so Melania may be a goner or just her usual vapid self.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 3
Left: Knight of Crowns Jessica (Merchant of Venice)
Right: 2 of Staffs Richard II
Reading: The card on the left represents Shylock's daughter Jessica escaping her father's authoritarianism in The Merchant of Venice. Her Jewishness may project something positive regarding RBG's legacy, whereas her status as a foreigner in Venice may auger some form of liberation for Dreamers and immigrants in the US. The fact she is female and women have repeatedly factored in these readings may suggest the Left's success resides in the female electorate. It may also highlight the importance of Kamala Harris as VP.
The card representing the Right is Richard II who was deposed. He was often likened to Christ because he saw himself as infallible. Richard is seen here crossing a marsh on his return from abroad where it appears that he is walking on water - an interesting contrast to Jessica who is wading through water. RII has delusions of grandeur and, after his arrest and incarceration, he loses what sanity he had. Here, RII surely signifies Trump, suggesting he will lose the election while insisting he is the rightful ruler and that he may well end up in jail. The debacle surrounding RII essentially began the years of turmoil known as the War of the Roses, suggesting this could be only the beginning of years of civil unrest in the US, or at least within the Rep. party.
Left: Knight of Crowns Jessica (Merchant of Venice)
Right: 2 of Staffs Richard II
Reading: The card on the left represents Shylock's daughter Jessica escaping her father's authoritarianism in The Merchant of Venice. Her Jewishness may project something positive regarding RBG's legacy, whereas her status as a foreigner in Venice may auger some form of liberation for Dreamers and immigrants in the US. The fact she is female and women have repeatedly factored in these readings may suggest the Left's success resides in the female electorate. It may also highlight the importance of Kamala Harris as VP.
The card representing the Right is Richard II who was deposed. He was often likened to Christ because he saw himself as infallible. Richard is seen here crossing a marsh on his return from abroad where it appears that he is walking on water - an interesting contrast to Jessica who is wading through water. RII has delusions of grandeur and, after his arrest and incarceration, he loses what sanity he had. Here, RII surely signifies Trump, suggesting he will lose the election while insisting he is the rightful ruler and that he may well end up in jail. The debacle surrounding RII essentially began the years of turmoil known as the War of the Roses, suggesting this could be only the beginning of years of civil unrest in the US, or at least within the Rep. party.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 4
Left: 4 of Cups Antonio (Merchant of Venice)
Right: Death XIII Titus Andronicus
Reading: The card on the left represents the merchant Antonio from Merchant of Venice. He is waiting for his ships to return from abroad with riches and is also waiting for his investment in his dear friend to pay off. If these things do not pan out, he will owe a pound of flesh to Shylock. As representing Biden and the Democrats, this card suggests a gamble and a promise made which must be kept. Antonio is heart-sick and his heart hangs in the balance - hopefully this doesn't suggest Biden's heart will give out or he will otherwise become ill. But it could indicate a complicated court case.
The card representing the Right is the final scene in Titus Andronicus wherein almost everyone is killed. This seems to indicate the people around Trump who have all come down with COVID, including 8 Republicans who caught it in the super-spreading event at the White House. Although this is the Death card, death itself is not necessarily indicated for Trump - it's unlikely Trump will die since that would indicate that there is a God. Instead, Death signifies a major change, probably indicating Trump will lose the presidency, since he is unlikely to have a change of heart.
Left: 4 of Cups Antonio (Merchant of Venice)
Right: Death XIII Titus Andronicus
Reading: The card on the left represents the merchant Antonio from Merchant of Venice. He is waiting for his ships to return from abroad with riches and is also waiting for his investment in his dear friend to pay off. If these things do not pan out, he will owe a pound of flesh to Shylock. As representing Biden and the Democrats, this card suggests a gamble and a promise made which must be kept. Antonio is heart-sick and his heart hangs in the balance - hopefully this doesn't suggest Biden's heart will give out or he will otherwise become ill. But it could indicate a complicated court case.
The card representing the Right is the final scene in Titus Andronicus wherein almost everyone is killed. This seems to indicate the people around Trump who have all come down with COVID, including 8 Republicans who caught it in the super-spreading event at the White House. Although this is the Death card, death itself is not necessarily indicated for Trump - it's unlikely Trump will die since that would indicate that there is a God. Instead, Death signifies a major change, probably indicating Trump will lose the presidency, since he is unlikely to have a change of heart.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 5
Left: 3 of Swords Brutus (Julius Caesar)
Right: Temperance XIV Isabella (Measure for Measure)
Reading: The card on the left represents the killing of Julius Caesar in the senate by Brutus and numerous other politicians. This may indicate that the senate could be turning on Trump. If Brutus represents Biden, it could suggest that while the former Vice-President will have a hand in the Emperor's downfall, power will eventually fall to a third party, likely in this case to be Harris should illness or death befall Biden. The card could simply signify the ruin of democracy and the back-stabbing state of politics in America in general, and a call to Americans to wake up and smell the coffee.
The card representing the Right is the novice nun Isabella from Measure for Measure (cf. Sept. 29). It describes deceit, subterfuge, and the abuse of power. In the end, justice is done, but not without much manipulation and counter-espionage. Temperance is the card directly following yesterday's Death card, suggesting much of the monkey business going on here has to do with Trump's case of COVID and how it is being represented to the public. The idea of Temperance advocates moderation, implying Trump may be somewhat changed after his illness. If not, or if too little too late, he may find his enemies, his confidantes, and the zeitgeist moving in ways to moderate him right out of power.
Left: 3 of Swords Brutus (Julius Caesar)
Right: Temperance XIV Isabella (Measure for Measure)
Reading: The card on the left represents the killing of Julius Caesar in the senate by Brutus and numerous other politicians. This may indicate that the senate could be turning on Trump. If Brutus represents Biden, it could suggest that while the former Vice-President will have a hand in the Emperor's downfall, power will eventually fall to a third party, likely in this case to be Harris should illness or death befall Biden. The card could simply signify the ruin of democracy and the back-stabbing state of politics in America in general, and a call to Americans to wake up and smell the coffee.
The card representing the Right is the novice nun Isabella from Measure for Measure (cf. Sept. 29). It describes deceit, subterfuge, and the abuse of power. In the end, justice is done, but not without much manipulation and counter-espionage. Temperance is the card directly following yesterday's Death card, suggesting much of the monkey business going on here has to do with Trump's case of COVID and how it is being represented to the public. The idea of Temperance advocates moderation, implying Trump may be somewhat changed after his illness. If not, or if too little too late, he may find his enemies, his confidantes, and the zeitgeist moving in ways to moderate him right out of power.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 6
Left: 8 of Cups Alcibiades (Timon)
Right: 10 of Staffs Richard III
Reading: The card on the left represents the Greek general Alcibiades. For defending a soldier he is ostracized from Athens, and he leaves vowing to get his revenge on those who mistreated him. This quite clearly represents Joe Biden who was once Vice-President and is set to return to Washington as President. A lesser man than Alcibiades would be cruel in his revenge but he - and hence Biden - is fair to those who were just doing their job and decisive in doling out justice to those who have proved themselves miscreant.
The card representing the Right is the conniving power-hungry Richard III. He was never meant to be king but he maneuvered his way into the position and ruled with malevolence and deceit. This clearly represents Trump. RIII is seen here on Bosworth field, calling for a horse. He was betrayed by some of his own noblemen, echoing the long line of people in Trump's orbit who have resigned, called the President dangerous and incompetent, and otherwise jumped like rats from the sinking ship.
Left: 8 of Cups Alcibiades (Timon)
Right: 10 of Staffs Richard III
Reading: The card on the left represents the Greek general Alcibiades. For defending a soldier he is ostracized from Athens, and he leaves vowing to get his revenge on those who mistreated him. This quite clearly represents Joe Biden who was once Vice-President and is set to return to Washington as President. A lesser man than Alcibiades would be cruel in his revenge but he - and hence Biden - is fair to those who were just doing their job and decisive in doling out justice to those who have proved themselves miscreant.
The card representing the Right is the conniving power-hungry Richard III. He was never meant to be king but he maneuvered his way into the position and ruled with malevolence and deceit. This clearly represents Trump. RIII is seen here on Bosworth field, calling for a horse. He was betrayed by some of his own noblemen, echoing the long line of people in Trump's orbit who have resigned, called the President dangerous and incompetent, and otherwise jumped like rats from the sinking ship.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 7
Left: 10 of Crowns the Sonnets
Right: 6 of Swords Hermione (Winter's Tale)
Reading: The card on the left represents the complete sonnet cycle, and - as the 10/Crowns - it indicates fruition and abundance. If this card can be said to represent anyone in particular, it must be Kamala Harris as the Dark Lady. Tonight she is going up against Pence in a VP debate and this card indicates she will be eloquent. It could suggest she will be full of detail and substance. Since almost no one reads the sonnets, it could also indicate that no one will care. This card also suggests she has been thus far over-looked yet holds a key to the future election - perhaps as a woman of colour and the value that has for many people, or perhaps for something more fundamental but as yet unknown.
The card representing the Right is the innocent Hermione whose husband has unjustly banished her from the kingdom. This may represent Pence trying to banish Harris at the debate tonight, but certainly Hermione's jealous, rabid, tyrannical husband Leontes represents Trump, currently gone somewhat off the deep end due to steroids coursing through his veins. The faithful servant Paulina, seen here on the right, may signify the devout Pence attempting to safely commandeer the ship of state while safeguarding what's left of the Republican party's credibility - a blood-from-stone task which may take 16 years to accomplish.
Left: 10 of Crowns the Sonnets
Right: 6 of Swords Hermione (Winter's Tale)
Reading: The card on the left represents the complete sonnet cycle, and - as the 10/Crowns - it indicates fruition and abundance. If this card can be said to represent anyone in particular, it must be Kamala Harris as the Dark Lady. Tonight she is going up against Pence in a VP debate and this card indicates she will be eloquent. It could suggest she will be full of detail and substance. Since almost no one reads the sonnets, it could also indicate that no one will care. This card also suggests she has been thus far over-looked yet holds a key to the future election - perhaps as a woman of colour and the value that has for many people, or perhaps for something more fundamental but as yet unknown.
The card representing the Right is the innocent Hermione whose husband has unjustly banished her from the kingdom. This may represent Pence trying to banish Harris at the debate tonight, but certainly Hermione's jealous, rabid, tyrannical husband Leontes represents Trump, currently gone somewhat off the deep end due to steroids coursing through his veins. The faithful servant Paulina, seen here on the right, may signify the devout Pence attempting to safely commandeer the ship of state while safeguarding what's left of the Republican party's credibility - a blood-from-stone task which may take 16 years to accomplish.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 8
Left: 9 of Crowns Portia (Merchant of Venice)
Right: Ace of Staffs
Reading: The card on the left represents the heroine of Merchant of Venice, Portia. Here she weighs her beautiful palace Belmont and herself disguised as the legal expert Balthazar. In this capacity, she seems to represent the attorney Kamal Harris in last night's VP debate. In the corner is a Jewish star, perhaps suggesting Harris' "otherness" as a woman of colour. The bias of the court in MofV may allude to the ineptness of the moderator to control Pence's interruptions in the debate. The 9 of Crowns indicates grace, and Harris proved more gracious than Pence, Trump, or Biden, as well as a better debater.
The card representing the Right is the Ace of Staffs, the suit of fire. Aptly enough for VP Mike Pence, this is the most boring card in the deck. In it we are looking upward, as if the structure were a hollow shell, like the hollow shell of a man Pence. The suit of fire tends to burn itself out in the long run, which is why burnt out match-sticks are depicted. The term "match stick man" refers to a guy with absolutely no substance, which is a generous way of describing Pence.
Left: 9 of Crowns Portia (Merchant of Venice)
Right: Ace of Staffs
Reading: The card on the left represents the heroine of Merchant of Venice, Portia. Here she weighs her beautiful palace Belmont and herself disguised as the legal expert Balthazar. In this capacity, she seems to represent the attorney Kamal Harris in last night's VP debate. In the corner is a Jewish star, perhaps suggesting Harris' "otherness" as a woman of colour. The bias of the court in MofV may allude to the ineptness of the moderator to control Pence's interruptions in the debate. The 9 of Crowns indicates grace, and Harris proved more gracious than Pence, Trump, or Biden, as well as a better debater.
The card representing the Right is the Ace of Staffs, the suit of fire. Aptly enough for VP Mike Pence, this is the most boring card in the deck. In it we are looking upward, as if the structure were a hollow shell, like the hollow shell of a man Pence. The suit of fire tends to burn itself out in the long run, which is why burnt out match-sticks are depicted. The term "match stick man" refers to a guy with absolutely no substance, which is a generous way of describing Pence.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 9
Left: The Empress III A Midsummer Night's Dream
Right: King of Cups Hal (HIVs & H5)
Reading: The card on the left represents the various women in Midsummer Night's Dream, from the goddess Titania to the Amazon Hippolyta to the lowly Thisbe. In Shakespeare's time, all "women" on stage were played by male actors. The implication here is what Lacan called La femme n'existe pas - women only exist in culture insofar as men allow them to exist, and when they do they are not seen for themselves but through the lens - and gaze - of the male. This may again be underscoring how important the female vote is for the Democrats, as well as the "other" electorate of minorities. In MND, everything centers around the forced marriage of the captured Amazonian Queen Hippolyta to the arrogant Theseus, symbolized in comic form in the allegory of Thisbe's death. This may allude to the foiled scheme by Trump-supporting White Supremacists to abduct and possibly kill Michigan's female Governor Whitmer.
The card representing the Right is Hal from Henry IVs and Henry V. Hal is entirely Machiavellian, vainglorious, disloyal, and uses his understanding of human nature to trick others into getting his way. For instance, he cunningly maneuvers the clergy of England to endorse a war with France then uses this war with France to quell unrest at home due to his own shortcomings and the questions surrounding his legitimacy as king. Surely this alludes to the Right's ties with Christian groups and questions about Trump's ability to lead, his failure to win the popular vote, and his impeachment. Hal was seen by some as a hero but was actually a conniving creep - the chorus in H5 repeats the propaganda about the man (ie Fox News) but the play shows the duplicitous reality. Hopefully Trump will not lead us once more into the breach.
Left: The Empress III A Midsummer Night's Dream
Right: King of Cups Hal (HIVs & H5)
Reading: The card on the left represents the various women in Midsummer Night's Dream, from the goddess Titania to the Amazon Hippolyta to the lowly Thisbe. In Shakespeare's time, all "women" on stage were played by male actors. The implication here is what Lacan called La femme n'existe pas - women only exist in culture insofar as men allow them to exist, and when they do they are not seen for themselves but through the lens - and gaze - of the male. This may again be underscoring how important the female vote is for the Democrats, as well as the "other" electorate of minorities. In MND, everything centers around the forced marriage of the captured Amazonian Queen Hippolyta to the arrogant Theseus, symbolized in comic form in the allegory of Thisbe's death. This may allude to the foiled scheme by Trump-supporting White Supremacists to abduct and possibly kill Michigan's female Governor Whitmer.
The card representing the Right is Hal from Henry IVs and Henry V. Hal is entirely Machiavellian, vainglorious, disloyal, and uses his understanding of human nature to trick others into getting his way. For instance, he cunningly maneuvers the clergy of England to endorse a war with France then uses this war with France to quell unrest at home due to his own shortcomings and the questions surrounding his legitimacy as king. Surely this alludes to the Right's ties with Christian groups and questions about Trump's ability to lead, his failure to win the popular vote, and his impeachment. Hal was seen by some as a hero but was actually a conniving creep - the chorus in H5 repeats the propaganda about the man (ie Fox News) but the play shows the duplicitous reality. Hopefully Trump will not lead us once more into the breach.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 10
Left: The Chariot VII Lord Burghley as Polonius as Julius Caesar
Right: The Wheel of Fortune X The Printing Press
Reading: The card on the left represents Queen Elizabeth's right-hand man, Lord Burghley. Burghley was also Shakespeare's father-in-law and the two didn't always see eye to eye. He is caricatured as Polonius in Hamlet. The essence of the card is politics itself, intrigue, subterfuge, back-door dealings, and the machinations of power. It may be warning the Dems not to be too clever and to steer clear of Machiavellian-isms. Burghley lived to be 78 while Polonius was "accidentally" stabbed by Hamlet and Caesar was stabbed by his senators - perhaps the 77-year-old Biden faces a similar fate?
The card representing the Right is Gutenberg's printing press, the invention of which spread new views to the world and increased the fortunes of many. While Shakespeare didn't see any money from the printing of his plays, it did secure his fame for posterity. Under Queen Elizabeth, the idea of the British Empire was born and promulgated with the help of the printing press. In the current context, it suggests the huge importance propagandistic news outlets such as Breitbart and Fox have played in the election for Trump, as well as disinformation from social media platforms, conspiracy theories, and the recruitment of neo-nazis through the internet. It also describes straight-up advertising, which - with his lies, self-aggrandizing, and 400 million dollar debt - is really all Trump is.
Left: The Chariot VII Lord Burghley as Polonius as Julius Caesar
Right: The Wheel of Fortune X The Printing Press
Reading: The card on the left represents Queen Elizabeth's right-hand man, Lord Burghley. Burghley was also Shakespeare's father-in-law and the two didn't always see eye to eye. He is caricatured as Polonius in Hamlet. The essence of the card is politics itself, intrigue, subterfuge, back-door dealings, and the machinations of power. It may be warning the Dems not to be too clever and to steer clear of Machiavellian-isms. Burghley lived to be 78 while Polonius was "accidentally" stabbed by Hamlet and Caesar was stabbed by his senators - perhaps the 77-year-old Biden faces a similar fate?
The card representing the Right is Gutenberg's printing press, the invention of which spread new views to the world and increased the fortunes of many. While Shakespeare didn't see any money from the printing of his plays, it did secure his fame for posterity. Under Queen Elizabeth, the idea of the British Empire was born and promulgated with the help of the printing press. In the current context, it suggests the huge importance propagandistic news outlets such as Breitbart and Fox have played in the election for Trump, as well as disinformation from social media platforms, conspiracy theories, and the recruitment of neo-nazis through the internet. It also describes straight-up advertising, which - with his lies, self-aggrandizing, and 400 million dollar debt - is really all Trump is.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 11
As I was shuffling the cards for my daily reading, The Tower XVI Macbeth card jumped out. I take this to indicate the usurping king [Trump] and his ambitious wife [Melania] will be ousted from the White House. It suggests Melania is not "all there" and that Trump believes he is invincible. This card also indicates that Trump's removal from his ivory tower will not be peaceful - some kind of group made up of differing factions will have to be mobilized to see to his eviction. Certainly, the Tower card indicates a fundamental schism in America's psyche. It suggests something cursed and even diabolical is at play here - perhaps in the future Trump's name will not be uttered for fear of conjuring bad luck. Macbeth ends with the imperious king's head severed from its body and held aloft to the masses to prove he has been defeated. Hopefully, life imitates art.
As I was shuffling the cards for my daily reading, The Tower XVI Macbeth card jumped out. I take this to indicate the usurping king [Trump] and his ambitious wife [Melania] will be ousted from the White House. It suggests Melania is not "all there" and that Trump believes he is invincible. This card also indicates that Trump's removal from his ivory tower will not be peaceful - some kind of group made up of differing factions will have to be mobilized to see to his eviction. Certainly, the Tower card indicates a fundamental schism in America's psyche. It suggests something cursed and even diabolical is at play here - perhaps in the future Trump's name will not be uttered for fear of conjuring bad luck. Macbeth ends with the imperious king's head severed from its body and held aloft to the masses to prove he has been defeated. Hopefully, life imitates art.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 12
Left: Ace of Crowns
Right: The Lovers VI Romeo & Juliet
The card on the left represents the essential aspects of the suit of Crowns. This includes new financial opportunities, new jobs, money, prosperity, security, and abundance. This could reflect the record amount of money that has been donated to the Democrats this election season, but its foremost suggestion is that a Democratic win will see improved prosperity and security and wealth distribution for the average American - especially compared to Trump's tax cuts for the super-rich, cutting of research and social spending, and increased money thrown at the military. More jobs are also forecast, as was the case when Obama and Biden inherited the financial crisis of 2007-8.
The card on the right is The Lovers card, personified by Romeo & Juliet, the children of feuding families. This card is all about choices; the right-wing house is right now pretending to choose a Supreme Court judge. The befuddled Catholic monk who distributed the poison surely signifies the poisonous Christian Right and ACB. Perhaps Juliet's fake death implies that Trump's recent COVID diagnosis was fake. R&J thought they could outsmart the reality they found themselves in with their ardor, instead they became just two more victims of it. Like Romeo, Trump's choices will lead to a demise of his own design.
Left: Ace of Crowns
Right: The Lovers VI Romeo & Juliet
The card on the left represents the essential aspects of the suit of Crowns. This includes new financial opportunities, new jobs, money, prosperity, security, and abundance. This could reflect the record amount of money that has been donated to the Democrats this election season, but its foremost suggestion is that a Democratic win will see improved prosperity and security and wealth distribution for the average American - especially compared to Trump's tax cuts for the super-rich, cutting of research and social spending, and increased money thrown at the military. More jobs are also forecast, as was the case when Obama and Biden inherited the financial crisis of 2007-8.
The card on the right is The Lovers card, personified by Romeo & Juliet, the children of feuding families. This card is all about choices; the right-wing house is right now pretending to choose a Supreme Court judge. The befuddled Catholic monk who distributed the poison surely signifies the poisonous Christian Right and ACB. Perhaps Juliet's fake death implies that Trump's recent COVID diagnosis was fake. R&J thought they could outsmart the reality they found themselves in with their ardor, instead they became just two more victims of it. Like Romeo, Trump's choices will lead to a demise of his own design.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 13
Left: Ace of Swords
Right: the 7 of Swords Claudius & Laertes (Hamlet)
The card on the left represents the essential aspects of the suit of Swords This includes intelligence, wisdom, clarity, discernment, and communication. The early cards of the suit indicate the pen is mightier than the sword and emphasize language and diplomacy over brute force. The suggestion here is the Dems need to be wily against Trump while taking the high road and being clear and vocal with the electorate.
The card on the right represents the deceitful plot between King Claudius and Laertes to kill Hamlet. Having failed at having Hamlet killed abroad, Claudius uses Laertes to trick Hamlet into what appears to be a fair fight but is actually a plot to murder him in cold blood. Such a scheme echoes Trump's attempt to discredit the election process and secretly enlist the violent support of Right-Wing terrorist militias. The addition of poison may indicate Trump knew he had COVID before the debate and hoped Biden would catch it. In the end, power falls to a foreign power - suggesting foreign intervention - and everyone in the play is killed - a sad augury for American democracy.
Left: Ace of Swords
Right: the 7 of Swords Claudius & Laertes (Hamlet)
The card on the left represents the essential aspects of the suit of Swords This includes intelligence, wisdom, clarity, discernment, and communication. The early cards of the suit indicate the pen is mightier than the sword and emphasize language and diplomacy over brute force. The suggestion here is the Dems need to be wily against Trump while taking the high road and being clear and vocal with the electorate.
The card on the right represents the deceitful plot between King Claudius and Laertes to kill Hamlet. Having failed at having Hamlet killed abroad, Claudius uses Laertes to trick Hamlet into what appears to be a fair fight but is actually a plot to murder him in cold blood. Such a scheme echoes Trump's attempt to discredit the election process and secretly enlist the violent support of Right-Wing terrorist militias. The addition of poison may indicate Trump knew he had COVID before the debate and hoped Biden would catch it. In the end, power falls to a foreign power - suggesting foreign intervention - and everyone in the play is killed - a sad augury for American democracy.
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chiscotheque
- Sage
- Posts: 488
- Joined: 18 May 2018, 13:49
Re: The 2020 Election
October 14
Left: Page of Staffs Costard (Love's Labours Lost)
Right: Queen of Swords Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)
The card on the left represents Costard, the clown figure from LLL. His hopeless efforts and the play's title may reference the fruitless attempt by the Dems to interrogate ACB for her appointment to the SC. Shakespeare uses Costard in different ways; one way is to introduce new words such as "remuneration" - the Dems just received a record amount of political donations. Costard bumbles his way through the play, perhaps reflecting the fact Biden is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he does resonate as a real person with the average American.
The card on the right represents the sharp-tongued Beatrice from MAAN; as such she probably here alludes to ACB, whose SCOTUS hearing ended today. The word "hearing" here is somewhat ironic since ACB was evasive, equivocal, and tight-lipped. For her part, Beatrice says: "God that I were a man - I would eat his heart in the marketplace." Beatrice's suitor, Benedick (the Rep.'s) is a "pernicious suitor" who won her heart with "false dice". Behind Beatrice is a maze suggesting the labyrinthian halls of power and being led down the garden path. In the end, Beatrice gets her man and he gets her - a union which may not be without its problems.
Left: Page of Staffs Costard (Love's Labours Lost)
Right: Queen of Swords Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)
The card on the left represents Costard, the clown figure from LLL. His hopeless efforts and the play's title may reference the fruitless attempt by the Dems to interrogate ACB for her appointment to the SC. Shakespeare uses Costard in different ways; one way is to introduce new words such as "remuneration" - the Dems just received a record amount of political donations. Costard bumbles his way through the play, perhaps reflecting the fact Biden is not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he does resonate as a real person with the average American.
The card on the right represents the sharp-tongued Beatrice from MAAN; as such she probably here alludes to ACB, whose SCOTUS hearing ended today. The word "hearing" here is somewhat ironic since ACB was evasive, equivocal, and tight-lipped. For her part, Beatrice says: "God that I were a man - I would eat his heart in the marketplace." Beatrice's suitor, Benedick (the Rep.'s) is a "pernicious suitor" who won her heart with "false dice". Behind Beatrice is a maze suggesting the labyrinthian halls of power and being led down the garden path. In the end, Beatrice gets her man and he gets her - a union which may not be without its problems.