It is interesting to note that the presidents of Russia (Vladimir Putin) and Ukraine (Volodomyr Zelensky) share the same first name, both of which are Slavic and carry similar meanings of “lord of the world” or “ruler of peace and people in the world”. The name has roots in ancient Slavic languages and has been used as a first name in several Slavic countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. It has also been used as a coronation name by several Russian rulers. While Vladimir is the most common form of the name in Russia, Volodomyr is the most common form in Ukraine. In Denmark, the name is known as Valdemar, as in King Valdemar the Great (1131-1182).
As the new year begins, many may be wondering about the developments in the ongoing war in Ukraine in 2023. This topic we will ask the cards.
The cards are read, as a “U” is written. It is striking how many cards of hearts appear – and yet not. The colour of hearts often appears when it comes to feelings for the fatherland – the national feeling. But the hearts also symbolize the blood, and a lot of blood has flowed in this war. The 8 of hearts, which opens the spread, shows the paradoxical and polarizing nature of the situation in Ukraine. The two Slavic peoples are in many ways brothers and sisters. There is a family relationship. Many Russians also have family ties in Ukraine. But the eights are powerful cards and, in this case, the 8 of hearts represents Russia and its desire to control Ukraine. The number eight dominates in this presentation. Notice that on one diagonal axis the sum 4+4 also gives 8. It is a conflict over territories and control. The Ukrainian people wisely defend and protect their territory (4 of diamonds) and are strengthened by their president (king of diamonds).
The 3 of hearts brings hope for a changed situation and less bloodshed. We must expect the war to end or enter another phase this year. The sum of the four cards on the table gives the 6 of diamonds. Incipient peace negotiations are hinted at. The first 8 of hearts ends with the last 4 of hearts. The war ends slowly, and Russia must withdraw from Ukraine. The turning point likely occurring in the second quarter of the year (4 of diamonds).
This raises a new question and requires an additional cardspread: How will the war in Ukraine come to an end?
The dramatic 9 of spades enters the spread. It forecasts a lightning strike in the war, which suddenly changes the situation significantly. Notice that the 4 of diamonds is in the same place as in the first spread. It testifies to a Ukraine that cannot be wiped out as a nation. The 9 of spades lies on the 8 of hearts (Russia). Russia will fight tooth and nail to keep the regions they have planned to conquer. The 4 of diamonds (Ukraine) is sandwiched between the 9 of spades and the ace of spades. We can therefore expect a few months of very violent and powerful battles and missile attacks (ace of spades).
Will Russia use tactical nukes? With the 9 of spades and the ace of spades, this concern will probably increase in the coming months, but my immediate assessment is a no. The number values of the spades decrease. However, the situation could develop in a very dangerous direction.
There is a desire in the Kremlin to assume a dominant global role in a new and changed world order (9 of spades + ace of spades = 10). But that will not happen (5 of clubs). On the other hand, the cards (9 of spades and ace of spades) are more indicative of a possible change in the power structure in the Kremlin. In any case, a weakening of the Russian president.
Where one of the diagonal axes in the first spread emphasized the number 8, the same diagonal axis in this spread emphasizes the number 9 (4+5). We can therefore expect a surprising development and change in the war. Important information about the war can no longer be suppressed in Russia (5 of clubs and Queen of clubs). A difficult time for Russia is looming on the horizon.
Overall, from a spread with a 9-number dominance (change and aggression) to an 8-number dominance, the situation in Ukraine is moving towards a stop to hostilities and a ceasefire. This process starts in the second quarter but taking a long time to fully implement (eights and fours).
Cards: Hermès, Paris 1948