MGoTarot is a fun predictive tool that I started after the Covid season to see if the cards were more interesting than the football. Thus began one of the great runs of Michigan football. The tarot card readings turned out to be amazingly accurate and insightful in revealing the outcomes and energies of each game. 

 

The approach is a standard 3 card spread showing elements of the past, the present, and the future outcome. Each card tells a story and together they form a larger story based on their positions. I do the reading within 24 hours of the game for accuracy. The method is to 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 using my off hand. This process helps to double randomize the deck so I am not selecting the same cards repeatedly like a poorly shuffled deck of Uno. I like to use the Salvador Dali Deck because it puts a chaotic-modernist/art-history twist on the traditional 78 card Rider-Waite Deck. Plus the cards have an oil-paint smell that is totally groovy.

 

 

Time has marched on during the bowl break and only Chronos and the Emperor can keep better track of it. Michigan has had time to heal up and examine their own greatness. What worked well? What did not? And what can we do better? Like Dad, the Emperor knows what you should be doing. I like seeing the critical eye of the Emperor coming off the Iowa/Big Ten celebration. This team is not content with its third straight victory over Ohio State and third straight Big Ten title. They have bigger ambitions to keep improving and heeding the call of greatness. The Emperor creates structure and order out of the wasteland in the background. He is the next card and counterpart to the Empress that fruitfully gifted us 45 points against TCU. He represents the more disciplined side of leadership that learns lessons and uses creativity and a pioneering spirit to seize victory. Also, being the fourth card of the deck, it is a good indication that we should trust the coach that wore the number 4 to have an appropriately ambitious game plan in place. When it comes to Michigan’s time, if not now, when?

 

 

Going into Michigan’s first Rose Bowl since 2006-2007, we are greeted by the Page of Swords. We last saw this warrior diplomat as the outcome at Minnesota. The court cards of Tarot are great for identifying a particular mindset and energy, and work well as the middle card. The Page of Swords shows a team that is disciplined, prepared, and ready for anything. They are going to be playful and excited with a few new tricks up their sleeve. The monster in the margin is a reminder to avoid arrogance and gullibility. This is not a team that will lose its head over a bad call or take plays off. Overall, we should expect Michigan to be prepared to give their all in a youthful fun way. 

 

 

The outcome is our first encounter with the Page of Cups. He represents new emotional opportunities. He is a delightful romantic poet with a heart on his sleeve and a fish from the emotional depths raised high for all to see. The intent is to playfully master your emotions before your emotions play you. The typical monster of the margin could even be considered cute and playful itself. And what better way to explore new emotional delights than punching our ticket to the National Championship Game? But is this an outcome or just the wishful thinking of every mom, wife, and daughter that joins the Michigan Collective for this time of year? The readings for Georgia ‘21 and TCU ‘22 were optimistic as well. Dali’s use of The Indifferent Man by Jean-Antoine Watteau could just as easily refer to all the casual fans that come meandering along to watch football, any football. The card itself is a reminder to be cautious and to carefully evaluate your emotional state so as not to invite heartache…which is totally not an answer…DECIDER CARD...

 

 

JUSTICE! I like this one. She holds the scales to weigh and the sword to execute. Justice represents the intuition and faith of the Hierophant, the Pope and Fives of the deck, fully manifesting. It does not come fully packaged but is a constant struggle of self improvement. Does our faith in Harbaugh come through? I think so! First of all, Nekkid Lady cards represent our deepest desires. Secondly, Justice leans towards Michigan considering the way ESPN and an Alabama team with one loss nagged the committee into discard an undefeated Power 5 champion. It is only fair that we avenge Florida State. Third, it would be proper for Team 144 to celebrate a victory given the treatment of Harbaugh and the mountains of nonsensical adversity they have had to overcome. Fourth, could Justice really favor Alabama and Nick Saban winning yet another National Championship? I think not. Given the struggles and work of this team over the years, and noting the background on the card, even Justice can’t help but GO BLUE!