I asked a general question, what happened to America on November 22 1963?

We all know what happened in one sense, but at a deeper level, what transpired on that day and in the ensuing days and weeks?

This is a tarot zodiac spread, simulating an astrological chart with its twelve houses.

Card 1 on the mid left is the first house, represented here by the Lovers. Ironically, the so-called ‘Swinging Sixties’ could be said to begin on this very date, with one of the most traumatic days in American history. The personality of the USA was transformed, creating disharmony and the need to heal. The great outpourring of love for the slain president also left a great emotional scar that is barely healed even today. Yet, this card implies that it will be overcome and the healing process will succeed. There has been help given.

Conflagration Avoided?

The opposite card number 7 on the right is Temperence, representing the country’s relationships. This indicates the great need for balance, peace, diplomacy and toleration, something quite evidently in short supply during the 1960s, but which was somehow achieved in the immediate aftermath of the assassination, despite the trauma and chaos. The whole situation could have easily escalated into something even more serious, like a general world conflagration.

Card 2, representing the second house of security and finance, is the 2 of Coins. This is opposed in house 8 of death and investment by the Wheel of Fortune. Here is shown an emerging duality in political and security issues and the fact that the sudden death of the chief executive did indeed turn everything on its head, despite the impression that the country simply carried on regardless. Within a year, the Vietnam War began in earnest, dividing the country.

A Sense of Injustice

Cards 3 and 9, houses of the mind, media, communication, foreign affairs and justice are represented by the 5 of Cups and Justice. I view the 5 of Cups as the second decanate of Scorpio ruled by the Moon. Quite understandably, the whole country was mentally traumatised and conflicted, but the sense of injustice did not go away. Very soon after the assassination, many began to seriously question the emerging narrative about what happened on that awful day. The repercussions of this are still going on today.

Cards 4 and 10 are the houses of homeland and government. I see the 3 of Coins as the third decanate of Capricorn ruled by Mercury. Very soon the logistical implications of administering a war on the other side of the world would cause a great rift the governing class, indicated by the 2 of Wands at house 10.

Four Lads from Liverpool

Cards 5 and 11 are the areas of entertainment, investment and group interests. The 7 of Swords in house 5 implies the need to distract the public mentally through entertainment. Let’s not forget that in less than three months four young men from Liverpool would arrive in America and plug a huge, gaping whole in America’s psyche. America and the world was changed, practically overnight. The 4 of Coins in house 11 might just be the most famous band of all time, bringing music and melody (Taurus=4 of Coins) to the public (11th house).

Finally, there are cards 6 and 12, areas of work, service, health and psychology. The 9 of Coins is the last decanate of Virgo ruled by Venus at house 6, indicating the practical attainments that were to be had with a diversifying economy and the workforce. One of the great achievements of the new administration has come to be called ‘The Great Society’.

Nevertheless, the Strength card in position 12 is a testimony not only of the courage needed, both emotionally and spiritually during these times, but also the defiant nature of the American public which is still evident today.

Copyright Francis 2021