Cards for the Day with the Lord of the Rings Oracle

While isolating at home I've been relistening to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings BBC audio recordings. I've also heard of several other friends who independently decided to reread Tolkien's books or listen to the stories, and I've seen a meme going around with this quote:

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

The stories of difficult journeys and struggles in hard times seem so resonant that I decided to do a reading from The Lord of the Rings Oracle today. The first card I drew was Orcs. Orcs are creatures created just to kill and destroy. They often attack without warning and their raiding parties cross lands and borders. Without doubt this card represents the virus, which strikes at us because that is its nature.

However, its divinatory meaning can also mean the struggles we are facing with regards to orders we are being given that curtail our normal rights to do as we please, and even a disregard for human rights. Perhaps those things are necessary at the moment, but many are questioning if they have been taken too far. Another meaning in the card is: "Regarding others as a source of danger. Unable to protect your barriers." This card reflects that those two things are in conflict in respect of ways to avoid catching the virus. Sometimes it seems we just can't win.

The second card I drew was The Grey Havens. It shows as ship being stocked for a long journey while storm clouds gather. The book that comes with the set says it represents "the end of an important cycle". It is a time to move on psychologically, but at the same time to rest, recuperate, and take stock of what has happened. It is: "A time to withdraw and reflect. Recharging your batteries."

Maybe our ship represents our homes, where we need to stock up on essential supplies and rest while the storm rages outside. The journey is also one of time and the sea is emotional as well as the waves of this pandemic, which we must ride out even if it buffets us.

The final card I drew is one for the future. It is The Shire, and it is a good card showing an open, green landscape where we are free. The book that comes with this deck says: "The relative isolation of the Shire protected it from many of the harmful influences at work in Middle-Earth... There is a sense of community here. Everyone belongs." The meaning ascribed to it relates to harmony, living in a society where people respect each other with a sense of balance and interaction. It offers: "Positive conditions for the attainment of any given objective."

I think that shows that the future can be bright. Humanity can survive the current threats and come out better at the end of it. Communities can become stronger, and freedom valued more greatly. Stay safe people, and do what you feel is right to work towards that future.

You can view The Lord of the Rings Oracle on Amazon.