Jasons throne had been usurped by his uncle Pelias, who would only give it back in exchange for the Golden Fleece. In order to succeed, Jason had to find out where this fleece thing was, put together a group of heroes to help him get there, and lead them past a number of challenges. Likewise, the King of Swords allows you to use intellect and leadership to succeed today.

Oedipus was confronted by the Sphynx with a do or die riddle: what goes on four legs at dawn, two at noon and three in evening? His answer: a man, who crawls as a baby, walks upright as an adult, and needs a cane in old age. In response, the monster threw herself off a cliff, because hed gotten it right. Likewise, obstacles in your path are self-destructing now.

Thats Hades up there, Lord of the Underworld and our Death card. But although hes busy dragging off one of the recently deceased, the Death card rarely indicates actual, physical death. Most of the time, it heralds the passing away of something old a destructive relationship, an unhealthy way of life, a job you hate so that something new can grow.

Persephone had it all. Kidnapped by the god Hades, she realized that the god of the underworld was also the god of wealth, and was stupidly besotted with her. So she worked out a deal: half the year she lived with him; the other half, she went back to the world above to visit her mother Demeter. Likewise, the Ten is saying that you can balance wealth and family, too.

The Hermit card reversed speaks of someone so suspicious or bitter against the world that he refuses any help it has to offer. Diogenes, the famous Cynic, wanted to remake society, yet his often outlandish behavior resulted in men laughing at him more than they listened. Sometimes, being too suspicious can be as bad as the reverse.

Paris eloped with Helen because Aphrodite had promised him the most beautiful woman in the world for his bride. The fact that Helen was already married, and to the crazy king of Sparta, wasnt his problem, now was it? Ummm . . . . You know, enthusiasm is a great and wonderful thing, but maybe a little more thought needs to go into a certain situation just now.

Karen Chance