MGoTarot is a fun prediction tool that I started doing last season. The tarot card readings turned out to be amazingly accurate in revealing the outcomes and energies of each game. This season I thought I would share with you. 

The approach is a standard 3 card spread showing elements of the past, the present, and the future outcome. I do the reading within 24 hours of the game for accuracy. I shuffle the cards while singing the Victors. I then lay out all the cards face down in a line and select 3 with my eyes closed. I like to use the Salvador Dali Deck because it puts a modernist/art history twist on the traditional 78 card Rider-Waite Deck. Plus the cards have an oil-paint smell that is totally groovy.

 

The 7 of Wands is intentionally a busy canvas. Traditionally, this card represents the struggle of a warrior engaged in intense battle. It is fitting to show up in the first position after the triumphant win over Ohio State. It is a moment to reflect upon themes of the season as this team turns dreams into reality. Looking closely we see pre-industrial farmers showing that hardwork pays off. Also we see the hands as a double entendre. Michigan has done well at handling every opponent on the schedule. Further, they have done a masterful job playing the hand fate has dealt in injuries and shenanigans. Finally, it should be noted that the wands themselves are arrayed parallel in the formation of a Jacob's Ladder. The regular season and beating Ohio was only the beginning. The climb to greatness continues.

 

Going into the Big Ten Championship game, we see the Page of Swords return.  We last saw him going into the Indiana game where JJ McCarthy threw for 304 yards. When Blake Corum was held to only 124 yards, we saw 6 receivers emerged with 28 completions including Cornelius Johnson with 2 great touchdown catches. The Page of Swords does not sweat the hype or the demon over his shoulder and represents a Michigan team that is cool, and calm, and ready to continue doing their thing.

 

Like an Uno deck shuffled by children, we AGAIN see Charles I and the 5 of Swords. This is not an ideal outcome because of the anxiety provoking choice. The future beheaded king holds 3 swords of victory in hand, while 2 lie on the ground in defeat. Given the history of the season, we should brace for another tight first half like we saw against Indiana, Penn St, Michigan St, Rutgers, and Ohio St. The nice thing about the 5s is that since they represent choice and fulfilling your own destiny, Michigan will have the whole second half to put it together. Let's check a deciding card...

 

The angsty 4 of Cups! Remember being a no-good teenager when everything was lame and stupid and you did not give any shits or fucks while simultaneously giving too many? That's this asshole lamenting under a tree beside an inverted siren. The cups are a symbol of emotion and have been mostly absent in our readings this season. Something is going to set off the Michigan Collective. But like the no-good teenager, there is still choices and opportunities to make plenty of good things happen. Like the 7 of Wands above, we see another hand dealt. Will Michigan be able to handle this limp-wristed interjection? Can they secure the winning cup atop the tree? Let's consult one last decider card...

 

And it appears we will be left without a proper answer this week. The 7 of Coins represents a moment to reflect on fruits and fortune to come. But when? The image of the weeping Mary Magdalene is taken from Caravaggio's Death of the Virgin. This continues the themes of the other 2 outcome cards above. Buckle up! We are in for a bumpy ride of anxiety and self-reflection that will require patience and fortitude. It does not mean defeat, but most certainly there will be grumbling among the Michigan collective. Like we saw with the Illinois game, sometimes a struggle can create new heroes or inspire a champion to find that extra gear of inner strength. Go Blue!