Does Everything Happen for a Reason?
We mystics are very fond of saying that “everything happens for a reason”. This can be a comfort in the face of disappointment, or even tragedy. The idea that everything serves a purpose makes us feel better about the difficult things that happen in life.
Holocaust survivor and author Viktor Frankl believed that people withstand their suffering better if their suffering has meaning.
As time passes after an unfortunate event, often we do see the gifts and synchronicities that surround a tragedy. We can see these gifts as, perhaps, the reasons the tragedy needed to happen.
I am not so sure that every single happening has meaning, or a reason behind it. I believe many do, but not all.
In tarot reading, when processing a difficult occurrence, I will often ask the cards this question:
If everything happens for a reason, what is the reason for this?
Sometimes the answer is quite profound. Sometimes the answer is mundane and obvious. Sometimes the answer points to random chance.
As much as it can be comforting to know that the Universe has a purpose for our suffering, sometimes it is equally comforting to know that sometimes, stuff just happens.
When we feel we owe our misfortune to a random stroke of poor luck, we need to focus on what we can do now, and how we can recover.
Processing Difficult Events with Tarot
Often, the Major Arcana cards will appear to discuss our most difficult events. The cards might not only describe the event or our feelings about it, but may also give us a clue about how to move forward.
For example:
The Wheel of Fortune can remind that that there are random occurrences, both pleasant and unpleasant. If we hang in there, the wheel will turn in our favor again.
The Hanged Man can tell us that we have no control over our circumstances, only our attitude about those circumstances. By releasing our desire for control, we find enlightenment.
The Moon can instruct us to find peace with our Higher Power, and turn to our spirituality for comfort in difficult times.
There are some important questions to ask the cards when we are processing tragedy or disappointment.
For instance:
What purpose can this serve?
What good can come from this?
What meaning can I find in this?
How can I heal?
Whether we feel our sorrow is caused by destiny or random luck, tarot can help us find meaning, purpose and healing during difficult times.
From My Desk to Yours
This week, I wrote a piece on my Dark Forest Blog that might be a little controversial. Read “Can We Please Stop First-Worlding Spirituality?” and let me know what you think!
From Around the Web
I wanted to share some of my favorite Lenormand online resources with you. If you are interested in the Lenormand cards, try these sites to help you on your journey.
Learn Lenormand has a wealth of card interpretations, and two-card combinations for every possibility.
Café Lenormand has some great posts on reading techniques.
Helen’s Lenormand Dictionary is a really comprehensive site.
I’ve been having fun with the Lenormand cards, I hope you are too!
Song of the Week
Here’s some advice from Blues Traveler about what to do when things don’t go your way. Listen to “All in the Groove”.
Image from Pixie's Astounding Lenormand, by Edmund Zebrowski.
Learning Lenormand
Card 32: Moon
The Lenormand Moon is a little different than the Tarot Moon.
While both Moon cards can discuss emotions and intuition, the Lenormand Moon is focused on all things that typically happen at night. Remember, Lenormand is very literal, while tarot speaks more in metaphors.
So, what are other things that happen at night? Romance, fame and creativity are also key words for the Lenormand Moon.
The Lenormand Moon is considered a positive card, while the Tarot Moon is more neutral.
The playing card association for the Moon is the Eight of Hearts, which suggests satisfaction and serenity.
Next week, we will learn about Card 33, Key.
The Magic of Random
Whether we are talking about random events, lottery wins, or random token divination, the energy of random is an interesting thing to consider.
Order is easier to create than random. Random seems to be a power of the Universe, rather than a power of humans.
When we shuffle a tarot deck, we randomize the cards and open ourselves to all possibilities. Perhaps being random is a sacred state.
When difficult things happen that seemingly have no meaning and no purpose, you may be part of a larger exercise of “Universal Random” that indeed serves a greater purpose.
Image from Gilded Royale by Ciro Marchetti.
Your One-Card Weekly Reading
Three of Cups
Your one-card reading this week is the Three of Cups.
This card suggests social gatherings and spending time with friends.
It may be time to pay attention to your community, and work to strengthen the bonds that you have with the people around you.
The Three of Cups reminds us of the importance of fun. Sometimes, when there is stress and strain between people, the best thing to do is to have fun together!
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, January 27, 7 pm
Global Tarot Circle
A Free WebEx webinar available exclusively online
Join me, and tarot friends around the world, for readings, techniques, insights and tarot fun! It’s free to attend, and you can join from your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, or simply call in!
Visit the event listing on my website for your log-in link and password, or your call-in number.
About Christiana
Christiana Gaudet
Origins Spa and Wellness Center
1537 N Dale Mabry Highway #102
Lutz, FL 33548
Private telephone, Skype and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Call 813-948-4488, toll free 866-99TAROT,
or text or call 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
