Life in the big city can be many things. But mostly it is hard, expensive, and exhausting. Occasionally, it can smell like poop. Above all, it is confounding. So, when the city seems to be throwing all kinds of confusing omens and symbols your way, why not turn to a little divination to see what the city is really trying to tell you?
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THE SUBWAY LOVERS
Two young lovers make out, unashamed, while others watch in horror, disgust, and morbid curiosity.
UPRIGHT: Lust, passion, desire.
REVERSED: Seriously, get a room. This is a C train at rush hour.
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THE APARTMENT HERMIT
The apartment hermit emerges timidly from his domicile. In his right hand is a food delivery bag. On his face is an expression that reads, “How did this all cost thirty-eight dollars plus tip?”
UPRIGHT: Refuge, comfort, solitude.
REVERSED: Congrats, you are now the Weird Roommate.
– – –
THE PIZZA WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Above the city against a bright blue sky, a giant glistening wheel of pizza shines. Each piece of the pie represents a different slice of pizza, symbolizing the ever-changing fortunes of life in this city.
UPRIGHT: Variety, zestfulness, optimism that you will find a dollar slice soon.
REVERSED: You chose to wait in line for a mediocre pizza alongside everyone else who saw it on TikTok.
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THE RAT KING
A large rat, wearing a coat made of smaller rats, looks over his shoulder as he scurries toward his subway lair. Above his head is a crown, at his feet is… possibly a bottle of pee? Yeah, that’s definitely pee.
UPRIGHT: Manifesting into reality, asserting one’s truth
REVERSED: Literally nobody believes in you.
– – –
THE OUT-OF-TOWNER
A young woman is dazzled by the sights and sounds (specifically between Thirty-Fourth and Fifty-Ninth Streets) as she joyfully steps off the curb while livestreaming for her twelve followers.
UPRIGHT: Unbridled Midwestern joie de vivre, a pitstop at the M&M store.
REVERSED: This city will destroy you.
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THE TRAIN
An underfunded public transit train is either entering or leaving a station, depending on your perspective. It is moving at a glacial pace either way, but it technically is moving.
UPRIGHT: Tenacity, overcoming conflicts, forward movement toward a goal.
REVERSED: Your next train will be arriving in thirty-two minutes.
– – –
TRUMP TOWER
Ugh.
UPRIGHT: Nope!
REVERSED: Yep, still bad!
– – –
THE LADY OF LIBERTY
The Lady of Liberty sits on her pedestal, with a resigned expression on her face. She still holds her torch up high in the face of adversity, however. Things have just been tough lately, okay? She just needs a minute to sit down. Be cool.
UPRIGHT: Equity, righteousness, and justice for all!!!
REVERSED: Why so many Australians everywhere?
– – –
THE QUEEN OF CUPS
The Queen of Cups sits with a buzzing, palpable energy, surrounded by empty coffee cups. Her expression could be one of excitement, perhaps due to the manic level of caffeine coursing through her bloodstream.
UPRIGHT: Electricity, action, synapses firing on all cylinders.
REVERSED: Your morning latte cost nine dollars.
– – –
NINE OF PIGEONS
A young man reads in the park while arguably too many pigeons gather above him. Does this qualify as a flock of pigeons? A flight of pigeons? A litter of pigeons?
UPRIGHT: No, seriously, what do we call this many pigeons?
REVERSED: A murder of pigeons.
