OC post incoming beware of dog

 Getting into tarot cards. They’re generally used to ~tell the future~ or give advice which I don’t believe in. But also each of the cards represents certain concepts or ideas or actions, and you can also “reverse them” to get the opposite or concept that opposes the idea represented by the upright.

The thing that I really like abt these is when I can apply them in some way to characters or stories. Looking at a character arc and saying aHA this is represented by X tarot card! Even better, taking a character and using a tarot card or cards to describe their journey or strengths. It’s really helpful for fleshing stuff out..

FOR EXAMPLE. Galen is partially represented by the Moon. The below graphic has a bunch of info abt it if you want to know in depth abt it but you don’t have to read it if you don’t want—

So the Moon represents intuition, illusion, and muddied waters. It’s introspective and withdrawn. Galen IS uncertain quite a lot and he also causes uncertainty in others because of his unconventional and sporadic behavior. He’s VERY intuitive - he relies on his intuition and gut feelings more than anything else, primarily BECAUSE the world is so complex and confusing. 

While other characters try to deal with the world by framing it reductively (right and wrong, or us and them), or by overplanning and sharpening their intellect to better comprehend and effectively act in the world, Galen just embraces the uncertainty. YES, he doesn’t understand everything that’s going on, but he knows what feels right and he’s going to trust that.

Additionally, there’s a component of “secrets” and “illusion” there that also describes him. Even when Galen is relatively healthy he’s not really forthcoming abt his inner thoughts and feelings. As a Sith apprentice, he REALLY lied a lot, both to others and himself. He’s always been good about putting on a face or appearance. And he keeps a lot of personal stuff close to his chest unless he really trusts someone.

Other phrases that really DO describe him quite well: “hidden feelings” “misunderstandings” “complex emotional landscape” (boy oh boy) “unclear goals” “self doubt” “subconscious/dreams” 

Plus the associated actions: embrace uncertainty, trust intuition, self-reflection, seek guidance, seek clarity, have honest conversations and embrace vulnerability - these are all things that Galen does, needs to do more, or encourages those around him to do!

So. This one was easy, because I know Galen so well. I’m hoping that for characters I know less well, figuring out a Tarot card that describes them could be useful for learning more about them. What are their hidden strengths, or maybe hidden weaknesses? How would these apply when it comes to work, or relationships? What is easy for them, and what is less easy? Food for thought (and I am ALWAYS hungry when it comes to thinking abt cool stuff)