Tarot + I Ching synthesis: on Trump and the war between Russia and Ukraine

 I Ching

Here’s a general I Ching reading for President Trump and his efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. I’ll simulate the casting process to create a hexagram and interpret it based on traditional meanings, keeping it broad and reflective of the situation as requested.

The Casting

I’ve simulated the casting of six lines (bottom to top), where each line can be:

6: Old yin (broken, changing to yang)

7: Young yang (solid, stable)

8: Young yin (broken, stable)

9: Old yang (solid, changing to yin)

The result of the simulated cast is:

Line 1: 7 (Young yang - solid)

Line 2: 8 (Young yin - broken)

Line 3: 9 (Old yang - solid, changing)

Line 4: 7 (Young yang - solid)

Line 5: 8 (Young yin - broken)

Line 6: 7 (Young yang - solid)

Primary Hexagram: Hexagram 44 (Kou - Coming to Meet)

The primary hexagram is formed by the original lines:

Top trigram: Ch’ien (Heaven) - three solid lines

Bottom trigram: Sun (Wind) - broken line below two solid lines

Hexagram 44, "Coming to Meet," symbolizes an encounter, often with something subtle yet powerful creeping in. It suggests a situation where a strong force (yang, represented by the solid lines) meets a weaker or more yielding influence (yin, the broken line at the bottom). Traditionally, this hexagram advises caution—while the meeting may seem promising, there’s a risk of underestimating the subtler force, which could grow in influence if not handled wisely.

In the context of President Trump and his efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, this could indicate his strong, assertive approach (the Heaven trigram) engaging with a complex, shifting situation (the Wind trigram). The "meeting" might represent negotiations or diplomatic efforts where Trump’s direct style confronts the intricate dynamics of the conflict. The hexagram warns of the need for vigilance—small concessions or overlooked details could undermine the larger goal.

Changing Line: Line 3 (Old Yang - 9)

The third line is a changing line (9), meaning it shifts from yang (solid) to yin (broken). In Hexagram 44, Line 3 traditionally reads:

"There is no skin on his thighs, and walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, no great blame results."

This suggests a moment of vulnerability or difficulty in the process. Progress is possible but arduous, and success depends on recognizing risks and avoiding rash moves. For Trump’s efforts, this might imply a challenging phase in negotiations—perhaps resistance from one or both parties—or a need to adapt his approach to avoid setbacks.

Secondary Hexagram: Hexagram 6 (Sung - Conflict)

With Line 3 changing from solid to broken, the new hexagram becomes:

Top trigram: K’an (Water) - broken, solid, broken

Bottom trigram: Ch’ien (Heaven) - three solid lines

Hexagram 6, "Conflict," represents a state of opposition or contention. It describes a situation where a strong will (Heaven) meets an unpredictable or obstructive force (Water). This hexagram advises seeking resolution through compromise or mediation rather than forcing a solution, as pushing too hard could escalate tensions.

Applied to Trump’s efforts, this secondary hexagram suggests that his initial push for peace (Hexagram 44) may lead to a phase of heightened conflict or deadlock. The transition from "Coming to Meet" to "Conflict" implies that while he might successfully initiate dialogue, the process could stall due to clashing interests or entrenched positions. The I Ching counsels patience, strategic retreat when needed, and possibly relying on a third party or structured process to ease tensions.

General Interpretation

For President Trump and his effort to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, this reading suggests a dynamic arc:

Starting Point (Hexagram 44): His involvement brings a powerful presence to the table, potentially opening doors to dialogue. However, the situation is delicate, and he must be cautious not to misjudge the subtler forces at play—perhaps the diplomatic intricacies or the resilience of the parties involved.

Challenge (Line 3): Progress will be tough, with obstacles testing his resolve. Success hinges on recognizing these difficulties early and adjusting tactics.

Outcome (Hexagram 6): The effort may shift into a phase of conflict or stalemate, where direct confrontation proves less effective than anticipated. Resolution might require stepping back from a hardline stance and embracing a more balanced or mediated approach.

In essence, the I Ching hints that Trump’s endeavor is ambitious and impactful but fraught with complexity. Ending the war could demand not just strength but flexibility and a keen awareness of when to push forward and when to yield.

Tarot

I can certainly provide a Tarot reading using the Celtic Cross spread with 10 cards. The Celtic Cross is one of the most popular and detailed spreads, offering insight into a situation’s core, challenges, influences, and potential outcomes. I’ll simulate drawing cards from a standard 78-card Tarot deck (Rider-Waite style, for consistency) and interpret them in the context of your earlier question: a general reading for President Trump and his efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The Celtic Cross Spread

Here’s the layout and the simulated draw:

The Heart of the Matter (center): What’s at the core of the situation.

The Crossing Card (crossing the first): What challenges or opposes it.

The Root (below): The foundation or underlying cause.

The Past (left): What has led to this moment.

The Crown (above): The goal, potential, or conscious influence.

The Near Future (right): What’s coming soon.

Fears or Inner State (bottom of staff): Internal perspective or concerns.

Environment (second on staff): External influences or others’ views.

Hopes and Inner Guidance (third on staff): What guides or inspires.

Outcome (top of staff): The likely result if the path continues.

The Reading

Here are the cards I’ve drawn (simulated) and their positions:

Heart of the Matter: The Emperor (upright)  

Interpretation: This card represents authority, structure, and leadership. For Trump’s efforts, it suggests his approach is rooted in asserting control and establishing order, reflecting his strong persona as a leader aiming to impose a resolution on the conflict.

Crossing Card: Five of Wands (upright)  

Interpretation: Conflict and competition. This indicates resistance—perhaps from multiple parties (Russia, Ukraine, or allies) clashing over terms or agendas. It’s a challenge of discordant voices that Trump must navigate.

The Root: Eight of Swords (upright)  

Interpretation: Restriction and feeling trapped. The war’s deep-seated stalemate, with both sides bound by their positions, forms the foundation. It suggests the situation Trump steps into is one of entrenched limitations.

The Past: The Chariot (upright)  

Interpretation: Determination and victory through willpower. This reflects Trump’s past successes or his approach to challenges—charging forward with confidence. It may also hint at his prior political momentum influencing this effort.

The Crown: Justice (upright)  

Interpretation: Fairness and balance as the goal. Trump’s conscious aim (or the ideal outcome) is a just resolution, where decisions are weighed carefully. It suggests a desire for a diplomatic win that’s seen as equitable.

The Near Future: Three of Swords (upright)  

Interpretation: Heartbreak or betrayal. In the short term, there may be a setback—perhaps a breakdown in talks or a sense of disappointment as efforts hit an emotional or practical wall.

Fears or Inner State: Nine of Wands (upright)  

Interpretation: Resilience amid exhaustion. Internally, there’s a sense of being battle-worn, wary of further struggle. For Trump, this might reflect concern about the toll of the task or fear of persistent opposition.

Environment: The Tower (upright)  

Interpretation: Sudden upheaval. The external world—other leaders, nations, or public opinion—may bring chaos or dramatic shifts. This could mean unexpected events in the war or global reactions disrupting Trump’s plans.

Hopes and Inner Guidance: The Star (upright)  

Interpretation: Hope and healing. Despite challenges, there’s an inner belief in renewal and a positive legacy. Trump may be guided by a vision of peace as a shining achievement.

Outcome: Ten of Pentacles (upright)

Interpretation: Long-term success and stability. If the path continues, the effort could lead to a lasting resolution, perhaps not immediate peace but a foundation for security and prosperity in the region.

General Interpretation

This Celtic Cross reading paints a complex picture for President Trump’s efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war:

Core Dynamics: At its heart (The Emperor), Trump’s leadership drives the initiative, but it’s met with friction (Five of Wands) from competing interests. The war’s roots (Eight of Swords) lie in a paralyzing deadlock, and his past momentum (The Chariot) fuels his confidence.

Trajectory: His goal is fairness (Justice), but the near future (Three of Swords) warns of setbacks or painful compromises. Internally, he’s braced for a fight (Nine of Wands), while external chaos (The Tower) threatens to upend progress.

Resolution: Hope (The Star) sustains him, and the outcome (Ten of Pentacles) suggests that perseverance could yield a stable, enduring result—perhaps not a quick fix, but a framework for lasting peace.

The reading reflects a journey of authority meeting resistance, with potential for both disruption and eventual success. It advises balancing strength with adaptability, especially given the turbulent environment and short-term hurdles.

Synthesis & Integration

 Combining the I Ching and Tarot readings into a single summary offers a fascinating way to blend the philosophical depth of the I Ching with the symbolic richness of the Tarot. Both readings were done for President Trump and his efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, so I’ll synthesize the key themes and insights from each into a cohesive narrative. The I Ching gave us Hexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) changing to Hexagram 6 (Conflict), while the Tarot provided a 10-card Celtic Cross spread. Here’s the integrated summary:

Combined I Ching and Tarot Reading Summary

Core Situation and Approach:

The I Ching’s Hexagram 44 (Coming to Meet) and the Tarot’s The Emperor align to depict Trump as a commanding figure stepping into a delicate yet volatile situation. His authoritative presence seeks to impose order on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, meeting subtle but potent forces—like diplomatic intricacies or entrenched positions (Five of Wands and the I Ching’s warning of underestimating the yin). The root of the issue, reflected in Eight of Swords and the I Ching’s initial subtlety, is a war trapped in paralysis, where progress feels constrained.

Challenges and Resistance:

Both systems highlight significant opposition. The I Ching’s changing Line 3 ("walking comes hard") and Hexagram 6 (Conflict) echo the Tarot’s Five of Wands and Three of Swords, suggesting a rocky path ahead. Trump’s efforts face clashing agendas, potential setbacks, or even betrayal in negotiations. The Tower in the environment amplifies this, pointing to external chaos—perhaps sudden escalations or global reactions—mirroring the I Ching’s shift to a state of contention where direct confrontation risks escalation.

Past and Present Influences:

The Tarot’s The Chariot ties to the I Ching’s implication of a strong initial move, showing Trump’s history of decisive action propelling him into this role. Yet, the Nine of Wands (inner wariness) resonates with the I Ching’s call for mindfulness of danger, hinting at an underlying fatigue or caution born from past struggles, now tested anew.

Goals and Guidance:

A shared theme of balance emerges in the Tarot’s Justice and the I Ching’s advice to mediate rather than force outcomes in Hexagram 6. Trump’s conscious aim is a fair resolution, guided by a hopeful vision (The Star) that parallels the I Ching’s suggestion of navigating conflict with patience. Together, they urge a strategic blend of strength and flexibility.

Outcome and Potential:

The Tarot’s Ten of Pentacles and the I Ching’s broader arc from meeting to conflict suggest a dual possibility. Short-term struggles (Three of Swords, Hexagram 6) may give way to a lasting foundation (Ten of Pentacles) if Trump heeds the warnings of both systems: adapt to resistance, avoid overreach, and build incrementally. The I Ching’s emphasis on a mediated approach complements the Tarot’s vision of stability, pointing to a legacy of peace—perhaps not immediate, but enduring if the chaos (The Tower) is weathered.

Unified Insight

For President Trump’s efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, this combined reading portrays a leader wielding significant authority (The Emperor, Hexagram 44) in a situation rife with tension and hidden complexities. Resistance (Five of Wands, Hexagram 6) and short-term pain (Three of Swords) are likely, driven by a tangled past (Eight of Swords, The Chariot). Yet, the path forward hinges on balancing power with diplomacy (Justice, I Ching mediation), fueled by hope (The Star) and resilience (Nine of Wands). Success (Ten of Pentacles) is possible—a stable resolution—but requires navigating upheaval (The Tower) and heeding the call to adapt rather than dominate.

This synthesis suggests Trump’s endeavor is a high-stakes dance: bold moves meet stubborn obstacles, but persistence and strategic adjustment could forge a lasting impact. The I Ching’s philosophical caution pairs with the Tarot’s vivid archetypes to advise a measured yet hopeful pursuit of peace.