First Readings : Wofford's Spirit

Over the past few days I’ve done quite a few readings.  For friends (particularly seniors), many questions have revolved around career and relationships, but for the Wofford project, the questions have been about the first three ideas in the Tree of Life.  

In the Tree of Life layout, the first card reveals the subject’s “highest intelligence,” the second corresponds to the “father side” or creative force, and the third has to do with the “mother side” – revealing truths about the subject’s bond to life and wisdom.  The three locations were (roughly) the entrance fountain, the construction site at the senior housing, and a stairwell in the Milliken Science Center.

At the beginning, I had difficulty interpreting the cards – the questions were abstract and the locations didn’t seem to want to “talk back” to me.  However, after the first two readings an unlikely story began to emerge.

The face of the "Father Side"

Basically these cards reveal Wofford’s spirit, and Wofford’s spirit is greatly tied with the community.  It’s greatest strength comes from its support and the reliable, valorous character its built up over the years.  This is very much in line with the concept of “Shining in untarnished glory” (or whatever the school slogan is).

But there is conflict.  Wofford’s done well at completing simple tasks better than its competition, and these successful baby steps have led to more praise, recognition, and confidence than ever before.  However, with this new confidence comes a question: conventionality or individuality?  Particularly on the “mother side,” a sudden disruption (recession?) has led to serious reevaluation and interest in Wofford’s dreams of standing apart.  Interestingly, on the “father side” the problem is less severe – here, Wofford wants to indulge in its creative potential, it wants to break the mold; the same card (the nine of pentacles) that embodies the “mother side’s” greatest fear is the “father side’s” present obstacle.

Despite this conflict of interests, the result is quite clear.  The unseen, guiding forces of Wofford will use practical solutions – rather than idealistic – to solve monetary problems and ground its more ambitious dreams.  This will mean more quick, weak solutions (such as quickly expanding the student population, increasing tuition, laying off faculty and staff, and quick-fix construction). 

The Tower - Disrupter

Obviously, this isn’t the path of a leader but Wofford isn’t destined to be the ambitious leader some want it to be.  Rather, Wofford is rapped up in the more conservative “mother side,” favoring a country king of sorts, one who maintains excellence and stability against the change of the seasons. 

For Wofford’s spirit, the future is cloudy and indecision will continue.  The ambitions that are present now may not be there in the future.  There’s a feeling of immaturity in the air, a lack of wisdom despite the age of the college.  Very interesting readings.