AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve now been sick with the flu for over two weeks since our family Christmas party in mid-December and decided to do a reading about what my remaining recovery period looks like. I used the beautiful Boadicea’s Tarot of Earthly Delights for this not-so-delightful situation, with its suits of “Combustion” (Fire); “Tentacles” (Water); “Aether” (Air); and “Fungi” (Earth).

Card #1 shows influences that are decreasing in importance. Regarding the Ace of Fungi, when we don’t compare them too literally we might say that a “fungus” and a “virus” have something in common, at least for my purpose here. Its reversal suggests that it is stubbornly hanging on despite my best efforts to outlast it. The image reminds me of the closing verse from The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: “And in your joyous Errand reach the Spot/Where I made One – turn down an empty Glass.”

Card #2 reflects the “overt” present status. The 2 of Aether in this context can only mean upper-respiratory distress.

Card #3 indicates influences that are increasing in significance. Judgment would normally mean a “big step in a new direction,” but with the reversal it is dragging its feet.

Card #4 reveals chaotic external contributors that defy accommodation. Death here suggests that it has peeked in on me but the reversal looks like it will stay its hand and won’t punch my ticket just yet. At worst, there could be long-term complications to deal with due to Scorpio pouring its infected water on me..

Card #5 displays the “covert” present status, and Strength reversed implies the systemic weakness I’ve felt for most of the episode.

Card #6 conveys the disciplined response that I can bring to bear on the unruly external factors. The Queen of Fungi is the the best thing going here as a card of robust vitality, physical presence and consummate patience, so the advice is to stay the course with my plan and don’t back off prematurely.

But with all of the Major Arcana reversed, the end is still not in sight.