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Sunday, January 15, 2017

Ghosting: The Domain of the High Priestess



One of the amazing things about the tarot is its evolution for our times as a divinatory tool. I made an interesting connection during a client reading this weekend and wanted to share it with all of you. 

Likely you know what ghosting is. Even though you may not be able to define it, it's likely happened to you at some point. 

First, let's make sure we're all on the same page. An interesting article from the Huffington Post defines ghosting this way:

“Ghosting” is when someone you’re dating ends the relationship by cutting off all communication, without any explanation. And we’re not talking about not getting a text back after one awkward OKCupid date, but receiving the ultimate silent treatment after several dates, or when you’re in a committed relationship. And while this post focuses on romantic relationships, it’s worth noting that ghosting can also happen — no less painfully — in platonic friendships as well.

It's a really unsettling experience that often leaves a person wondering just what the hell went wrong. And it's really hard to know what to DO about it; sometimes people even years later will sit there and wonder what happened to the other person, hoping for closure that they may never receive. 

The High Priestess appeared in a pile regarding friends and acquaintances, and it turns out this client did have a friend who recently just up and disappeared from her life without any additional contact, and without a word about what went wrong. 

One of the important themes the High Priestess can show is the idea of mystery. You don't know what happened. At the same time, it reinforces another High Priestess theme, inaction. Since there's nothing you can really do to make a person contact you, even if you try to contact that person you may never find out. You're forced to wait and see, and accept that you have no control over the other person's actions. 

Anyway, I hope you'll add ghosting to your palette of meanings or themes surrounding the High Priestess. 

I'm also inspired and humbled that the tarot can continue to surprise and delight me after 27 years. No matter how long you've been studying, I hope it does the same for you, too!

2 comments:

  1. Ugh, so I had this happen in a relationship of 5 years about 6 years ago. It was the hardest thing especially on my kids. My boyfriend of 5 years said it was hot in the house and was going outside to get some fresh air, then walked away... Seriously, without any of his stuff...didn't hear from him for months.... Then recently that kinda happened with my friend Adelene and although it was definitely for the best I can't help but wonder what that says about me...

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    1. It says nothing about you, Carrie, but it says plenty about them. I think of ghosting almost like "committing suicide in a relationship" in the sense there it passes the pain along to the other person without addressing the underlying causes. And I'm certainly guilty of doing it over my lifetime. But I wont do it anymore; it's selfish, disrespectful, and causes too much pain.

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