For Aron: Don't Panic

Aron asked: [I read this article]. How bad is this? Should I worry? What can I do to increase public support of space?

It's not. You shouldn't. It's perfectly predictable. Encourage people to watch Avatar.

Why?

Lots of reasons, not the least of which is that it's changed 20-30 points (depending on the question, both up AND down) in the last year. Since space programs are part of a long-haul deal, no one should give a snapshot in time too much credence.

Well, you also shouldn't worry because, with the economy in the toilet, people are all for shutting down businesses that cut down jobs - as long as they're not their own. Ironically, about the worst thing to do at this junction is to cut more jobs, nor is reducing the pool of jobs for the scientifically and engineering inclined smart for the future of the country. But people don't see it that way. They're afraid of the deficit (and the deficit we're looking at is pretty scary); however, money spent on jobs does a great deal more to help against the recession than paying banks so they can distribute them to their top numbskulls by the million dollar handful.

However, part of it is also that NASA isn't exactly blowing anyone's skirt up with visible fabulousness at the moment. Even the community that should all be singing the same tune on space exploration is torn because of some serious concerns with the current path. And part of that is that the path and goals aren't agreed upon or even clear to all involved. Certainly not to the public.

Additionally, there are many who are thinking, what with the recent Falcon launches and some other commercial contenders, that private industry might take us back to greatness if NASA isn't up to it. I'm not sure if they will. The incentives are still pretty sketchy and I'm not entirely convinced all of the contenders are aware of what they're really up against. I'd love to be wrong, though.

People still want space; they're just not sure our path right now is the right one. Well, I can see that. I wish I could say I'm confident we're on the right path myself. I do think Bolden is good for the agency and I'm sure Obama understands that a strong NASA supports his own goals of increasing our science and technology base and our economy. But it's a hard road under the best of circumstances and, right now, it's not.

That might very well change. The economic climate could improve. NASA could do something spectacular. Truth is, no one wants to be sitting on their hands as China, Russian India, ESA and Japan trip the light fantastic. And possibly commercial interests. NASA, or another incarnation, will survive and we will be part of it. Truthfully, I tend to think of "all mankind" when it comes to space. I also think that the more baskets we spread our eggs in, the better chance we have of success. I want the US to be a big part of it, but I know someone will be doing it even if we get too caught up in our other priorities to do it right here, right now. And that's what matters in the long run.

Right now, reminding people why space is worth pursuing is the best way to keep up support. And Avatar is the best way I know (though some disagree). I read an article today that expressed, exactly, just why it affected me so completely, why I never had a bit of trouble with seeing it as pro-science. Check it out. For me, it's a reminder of why I got into science in the first place.

Hope that helps.

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For Flemlisa: What's Next in My Life

Flemlisa asked: I've been thinking about asking you a question so this seems like a good time. Retired a number of years ago and working part-time now and I am not sure how long this stage of my life is going to last. Would appreciate any insight you can offer.

So, let's try my new birthday cards (Dream Tarot) - what fun! Everyone should know the drill by now...

Past - Cups X - From this card, I'd read that your past appears to be dominated by family and home, perhaps with some emotional strain and challenges as a result, but you'd found your peace, your balance, your harmony. Or that's what I'd take away from this.

Present - XII The Hanging Man - From this, I'd presume that you feel you're in limbo, at a type of crossroads, between the life you once made and whatever else your life has in store. But you've been here a while and you're starting to feel stagnant, suspended, without direction.
Future - Wands III - So, what's next? That is, after all, your question. This is a card with interesting aspects. This card can indicate opportunities, enterprising initiatives, productivity. There is a possibility of travel or even a marriage (or other relationship) based on mutual interests. Perhaps an opportunity to teach something you love.

Wands III is a card that speaks of opportunities, not by way of limiting, but of opening them. From this, I would presume that opportunities do or will exist for you, if you keep your mind and eyes open. Pursuing them can bring another new chapter to your life.

Best of luck.

Also, note that there is a contest to win a deck of tarot cards going on on Rocket Scientist. For those interested...

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For Grace: Can I Go?

Grace said: i have a question for the Tarot cards - We have plans to hopefully, move next year, is it gonna happen. I so have to get outta this place. Thanks

So, let's find out what the cards have to say.

Past - III The Empress - This card argues stability, domesticity, motherhood, marriage. A home built and lived in, generally happily.

Present - King of Cups - This card is the only one in the spread that talks about travel, (specifically) travel across water, so moving may be part of your "present" but it could be just visiting. Additionally, this card speaks of a careful lover, but a passive stance as if you are just waiting for events to unfold instead of pursuing them yourself.

Future - I The Magician (reversed) - the Magician in the reversed position has nothing to do with travel, per se, but it does hint at being duped, chicanery, being misled. What I would say is that someone very persuasive might come into your life who has a story that sounds good. Be skeptical (which is often good advice anyways).

Not a definitive answer here, so I'll look for clarification.

Cups VII - This card speaks of needing to make the right chances, of being pulled by unrealistic fantasies and wishful thinking down the wrong path. However, it also speaks of a change in residence and a relationship that can help financially. Basically, this card would argue that a move is coming but that it might not be as wonderful as it might seem on the surface. Be wary.

VI The Lovers - But there's a real potential for lasting and true love involved as well, an ultimate fulfillment still available despite whatever hardships and challenges come your way.

Here's hoping.

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For atorturedsoul: Will My Rages Destroy My Marriage?

Atorturedsoul asked the Tarot Queen: I have some personal issues going on (home and family life) that has caused me to start having episodes of outright rage. (I'm bipolar, of course.) It causes a great deal of stress in my marriage. Is my husband (and me) going to stick it out over the long haul or eventually give up?

Questions about relationships are always difficult. There are so many factors involved and the cause of the underlying issues isn't always clear. People living with individuals with severe mental illnesses are often unsung heroes with a store of patience that's often taken for granted. It ain't easy (I know from experience) and sometimes the pain isn't worth the effort (again experience), but, when the individual struggling with the issues is so precious, when the struggles and anguish are leavened with love and healing, the most surprising individuals can stick with it. And, again, that's experience.

I don't know you or your husband, but I can understand worrying. However, if you are doubting if you're willing to stick it, seriously, you don't need cards. If, instead, he matters to you enough that this is a serious fear of yours (perhaps one that contributes to your uncertainty and therefore rages), perhaps we can find some insight that will give you guidance. But these are just cards, as I've cautioned before and, while I can hope they will give you guidance, your life will still be what you make it.

I'm going to start by asking about the health of your marriage. If the cards foresee challenges, I'll ask for more data, but we'll start with just the three cards.

Past. Ace of Wands (reversed). Not a propitious card for the past. In the reversed position, this card speaks of false starts and thwarted goals, emptiness and decadence, chaos and selfishness. Clearly, there were a number of issues in the past (can't tell yet if it is you, him, or your relationship here).

Present. Queen of Pentacles/Coins (reversed). This card, in the reversed position, is reminscent to me of many of the characteristics of some mental disorders: moody, suspicious, critical, vindictive, proud, capricious, unbalanced, difficult to deal with. Oh, and get this, someone reads your palm. Why do I think it's cool the card "predicted" your reading. OK, you are ill (but you know it) and it is challenging. But what does that mean for the future?

Future. Pentacles/Coins IV. This is a card that generally deals with wealth, but we can work it to think about your relationship's health. It's a good card for anyone's future: law and order, success, promotion/advancement, time to be generous to others. And, if money worries were part of our issue, this card is definitely propitious.

At first glance, given the nice card at the end, I'd be tempted to say it looks like you'll make it together, ending stronger than you started. However, there is a possible streak of selfishness associated with the Pentacles/Coins IV, so it might be worth my while to ask for confirmation that we're talking about your relationship and not your marriage.

I pulled the Pentacles/Coins X (reversed), which again argues material wealth but a period of stagnation. I don't see how that helps me.

So, I pulled also Wands IV. I gotta say it seems to reinforce my original assessment. Harmony, peace, still with the material wealth, rest after strife, romance, stability and fulfillment after strife.

Sounds like he's a keeper - and you are too. Hope that helps.

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The Path for Flit

flit asked: i’d be interested in knowing if the cards have any opinions relating to potential living situations for the next couple of years…. we are totally ambivilant…. and rarely both in the same place at the same time.

Like for Shakespeare’s fortune, I’m going to ask the cards what situation is best to pursue and then ask why:

Nine of Swords (reversed): This seems like a good indication of you, hon. This card, in its reversed position, is all about worrying and obsessing, anxiety. There’s also a hint of the feeling of imprisonment which, with your current situation makes sense. With your home in one city and your school in another, yet no license, it’s no wonder you’re fretting.

Eight of Pentacles (reversed): It looks like a key factor in all this will be thrift, finding the most cost effective situation, what’s cheapest. In the end, it looks like, calculating financial concerns will take precedence and be a key deciding factor.

Knight of Wands: This card speaks of hasty decisions and impetuousness. It could indicate a change of address, but the key element appears to be making the decision in the heat of the moment, as opposed to planning what is really best for you and for the long run.

Rather than providing an answer, I would say these cards are providing a warning of things to watch out for, to guard against. You’re feeling anxious and trapped, but rather than leading you to a decision, it just circles around as you and Ross vacillate, without making a firm decision (and potentially letting your optimum choices go by). Money, even slight differences, seems to be a key driver (but I get the sense that it’s not necessarily the best choice) and there’s also the potential for an opportunity to come out when you’re in a vulnerable state that induces you to grab it without necessarily thinking it through. Again, this hasty decision (and I presume it’s your school address, though…hmm, I wondered if you got an offer on your current hous - just a fleeting thought) may not turn out to be optimal.

I’d say that I would focus on reaching an informed and considered opinion before your choices begin to drop away, make sure the big picture is part of the thinking, rather than just money, and consider big or unexpected opportunities carefully before rushing into it.

I’m guessing this response was more of an inability to tell me what you were going to do, rather than what solution is optimum for you. I’ll ask again.

Ace of Wands (reversed): Vacillation, thwarted goals, frustrated plans. Well, it may also be that your first plan (that considered one I mentioned) may fall through. I expect this card is not helping with that general anxiety. Not really helping so, I’ll try again.

Five of Wands: Apparently, that first plan that falls through is very frustrating and causes strife, no real surprise. Life’s not fair, but your career, in this card, looks like it comes through despite the frustration. One more time.

Four of Wands: Again, career is successful, but success after hardship, rest after turmoil, harmony and, definitely, financial success. So, perseverence will pay off. But no hint of what you do to get there.

Unfortunately, still no hint for this reader on the eventual path you choose. I tried one last time and got Page of Cups (reversed) which means, among other things, inscrutable. I’m taking the hint. Clearly, the cards are not going to tell me what you should do. Perhaps, knowing where you’ll end up may work against the path you’ll take to get there. It looks to be a rocky path, but all indications are that, if you’re diligent, it will take you where you want to go.

1. # shakespeareon 19 Mar 2009 at 6:36 pm edit this

   WOW! I’d like to hear from flit what she thinks of this answer. I’ve heard back from two of my full-time job apps, just to let me know my application was complete and it might be a few weeks before they go through applications. It’s funny, but I’m really gravitating toward a full-time gig. I will definitely check back to see what flit says!

   Can I tell you I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this blog?

2. # stephanieebarron 19 Mar 2009 at 6:42 pm edit this

   Of course you can.

   “I can take any amount of criticism, so long as it is unqualified praise.”
   –Noel Coward

3. # fliton 19 Mar 2009 at 7:55 pm edit this

   well poop ….. while I’m sure it’s a great reading, was kind of hoping for a nice, clear response easily boiled down to rent or buy

   we did decide to hold off on applying for residence impetuously …while it seems like it might be a good option and we were tempted to just go for it rather than risk losing it, we’ve decided to give it a bit more time and at least explore other options

   the feeling trapped thing is interesting…. biggest reason I’m home tonight is that I just could not handle the thought of one more night in the motel…. seemed altogether too much to ask ….. hours and hours with shitty Internet all for a 1 hour meeting that I just don’t find helpful enough to justify it

   When I talked to motel people today, they were offering to do whatever … including chauffeuring me back & forth to my classes if need be… if I want to continue staying there.

   Obviously I don’t…but on the other hand, it gives me an option so that I don’t have to go off half-cocked.

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