In bygone eras, it was fashionable to use tarot cards to “tell fortunes” and “predict the future”. Today, oracle and tarot card readings are used to “guide” and “coach”. This evolution in philosophy has largely occurred due to the influence of modern interpretations of quantum physics. Whether these interpretations are valid or not, one thing is clear – our concept of destiny isn’t what it used to be.
As an example, let’s take a closer look at world’s most popular recounting of the hero’s journey: Star Wars. In an online article on INVERSE, Ryan Britt points out that legendary characters utter the word “destiny” 14 times in Star Wars movies. At one time, Luke’s mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi tells him: “You cannot escape your destiny”, which he believes is to kill Darth Vader. Vader believes that Luke’s destiny is to kill the emperor. The emperor tells Luke, “Your destiny lies with me”, believing that he can turn Luke to the dark side.
“A belief in destiny is a bad move in Star Wars and real life.”
– Ryan Britt
Stop. They’re all wrong. Luke’s destiny is self-made. He decides what his future will be. Some decisions are good; others are not. In the finale, he refuses to join the emperor, whom Vader kills, and then he saves his father’s soul.
In other words, says Britt, in Star Wars – as in life – characters have conflicting opinions about what destiny supposed to be. When they speak of it, they are really projecting their biases and baggage onto Luke in an effort to control him. Luke seems to read their intentions and uses them to guide and coach him along his journey.
“Your focus determines your reality.”
– Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi knight, Phantom Menace
Yoda is an exception. Rather than fatalistically predicting the future, he connects destiny to choice: “Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.”
Choice rather than fate controls what lies ahead, he confirms, and that’s why he says, “Difficult to see, always in motion, the future is.”
What’s really “in the cards”?
Nothing is “written in stone”. The fact is, during readings, as soon as the cards hit the table, you are aware of what’s happening in your life – challenges, influences or biases, relationships, inner strengths, and more. Most importantly, you have free will. You can choose to change whatever you want to change to ensure your dreams and goals align with your destiny.
Like Luke Skywalker, YOU are the only one to create your destiny.
No matter what the future holds, live your adventure with enthusiasm. Take responsibility. You have the gifts of choice and free will, to use as needed. The cards can help you to open your eyes wider and offer advice on what’s going on today, but do not allow them to control your destiny. Place that power firmly in your own hands.
Book an appointment
To book an oracle card reading for you or a group of friends, contact Heather Pengelley on Facebook Messenger or email me at heather@thespiritworld.ca.