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Mary
THE STAR
On a snowy New York night, Finbar McGrath spies a distant light, a faraway star, which leads him to a carnival booth, where a fortune-teller turns over Tarot cards that come to life. The first drawn is the Star, pouring water--no, make that wassail, and she whirls over to Finbar and brings him a beer. He is transported to a cozy tavern full of good cheer, with singing, waltzing, and camaraderie. The Star represents a harmonious connection between things of the earth and of the spirit, and specifically, Finbar's quest to regain hope in this world. Finbar's happy, but only for a song, and then his merry pals, and the star he has wished upon, are gone.
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On Killy Yorn
THE FOOL
In a Flashback out West, Finbar's significator, the Fool, the eager but soon to be reluctant hero of this journey, hears the "Call to Adventure." The Fool, the first card of the Arcana, represents hopeful expectancy and personal unfolding. Finbar is on the cusp of departure into the green beyond, a cross-country road trip to the East Coast, where he dreams of settling down peacefully in the country. Revelers and dancers bid him farewell.
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Wanderstomp
THE CHARIOT
A flashy vehicle pulls up--Finbar's "wheels," a Chariot pulled by 2 sphinxes. The Chariot represents the energy and emotion that carry a rider to his destiny, the powerful opposing inner forces that every individual must come to terms with. Finbar's dog, Mr. Cooper, the magical guide, rides shotgun. Finbar hits the road, but the road gets bumpy with lawyers. Instead of settling a homestead, he's running frantic around a shotgun wedding. Now nothing seems like home.
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When the Devil Came to California
THE DEVIL
The Crossing of the First Threshold is leaving the known limits of his world and venturing into an unknown and dangerous realm where the rules and limits are not known. Finbar arrives at the Great Divide, trapped at a mountain pass. The Devil, glowing from behind, steps out, a handcuffed lawyer in tow. The Devil card is called for when tough measures are necessary for dealing with tough situations or ruthless characters. Finbar makes a deal and shakes on it. The Devil hands Finbar a sword, which calls for courage and strategic action. The mountains part ways and close behind him.
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The Perfect Crime
THE TOWER
The Tower card represents a catastrophic, traumatic change. Just as Finbar roars up to New York City in his Chariot, the Towers go down. Just as a maiden runs his way into the fray with a babe in arms, there is a climactic shock of violence and casualties. Finbar's sword is discovered, with telltale blood, and he is apprehended for questioning. Did he cause 9-11? Did this cataclysmic force come from within or without him?
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Lay Me Down
THE IV OF SWORDS
The Four of Swords is a call for the containment of conflict, a call to retreat and recuperate. It is a communal funeral processional, a hymn to all the victims of the tragedy and to the Iraqi casualties to come. Wailing women, cloaked in darkness, bring up the rear. When the authorities witness Finbar's grief, they lay down their swords and walk away.
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Brownsville General Store
THE MOON
The Hermit, wise elder and inner sage, leads Finbar underground into the Belly of the Whale, the undisclosed location. Here is a safe and solitary womb to hide from his demons. He simplifies his life in tune with the seasons and is healed by the cycles of nature. The Moon represents unconscious life and inner work. Now Finbar has seen heaven on earth. He emerges with the hope that it can be re-created within society, that he can find his self and be with people again.
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Stay
THREE OF SWORDS
But first he needs to find his grief. Confronting pain and anger is part of the healing process. The Three of Swords is the expression of sorrow, and Finbar's guide dog is the catalyst. His best friend succumbs to grave injuries at ground zero. Finbar is bereft and his full grief pours out. Why can't we be friends forever? Three swords are plunged into a disembodied heart, symbolizing heartbreak.
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Electricity
THE SUN
Here comes the Sun, with regeneration, happiness, and creation. The Sun's energy stimulates the growth of all who come within his circle. It has been winter, but now everything burns with summer heat. Finbar uses his wizardry to summon new life. He lifts a Sun boy from the garden and presents him to the mourning woman, who is enlivened. The frozen dead trees of winter mourning women sprout blossoms and dance off with the son. This is Finbar's moment of Redemption.
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Good Days Coming
THE ACE OF CUPS
The end of this hero's journey finds Finbar back home nursing a grande latte, feeling disconnected from the blithely dire sippers and shoppers. But he's drinking from the Ace of Cups, harbinger of hope and unconditional love. Finbar picks up his guitar and the townsfolk join him in song.
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