Congressman Ron Paul finished a strong third in the Iowa primary, and second in New Hampshire. Whatever you think of him, he's earned the right to be taken seriously, and yet, he's not. The Ron Paul Media Blackout was confirmed in October in a study done by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism.

If there is a response to the "media blackout" charge, it is that Ron Paul doesn't get more media attention because members of the mainstream media know he can't win -- he's too extreme. But, when Ron Paul is doing well in the primaries and a CNN/ORC International poll shows Paul even with Obama, does that argument really hold water? Increasingly, for the Republican establishment and the mainstream media, it might be more accurate to say, we fear he can win -- he's too extreme.

I think my own personal position on Ron Paul is a common one. Some of what he says I find really appealing, and some of what he says I find really scary. On the one hand, I appreciate his refreshing candor, and admire his commitment -- listening to him debate is often thought provoking. On the other hand, much of what he says relegates him, rightly, in my opinion, to the "Crazy Uncle" corner that he seems to be stuck in. Both Democrats and Republicans seem to have this problem with Ron Paul, but Democrats tend to like the opposite 50 percent of what Ron Paul says from the 50 percent that Republicans like. Democrats tend to like the part about protecting civil liberties and reducing military spending, while the Republicans tend to like the 50 percent that's about slashing social programs, but hate the part about withdrawing all our troops from around the globe. As Rick Santorum said, "The problem with Congressman Paul is, all the things that Republicans like about him he can't accomplish and all the things they're worried about, he'll do day one."

My previous tarot card readings that have included Ron Paul show that he's regarded as a very serious threat by the Republican establishment. My most recent reading that included Ron Paul indicated that he may be coming into his own, particularly as we look beyond Florida to more caucus states where his devoted followers can be expected to reliably turn out.

So, let's take a look at Ron Paul's cards above. First, the card of The Hermit, with his shining lantern, indicates that Ron Paul is not running to become president; his motivation for running is to shine a light on the ideas to which he is devoted. While many politicians have tremendous ego investment in their campaigns, the Eight of Cups in the Foundation position would suggest that Paul's motivations are more pure -- he doesn't seek the limelight for himself, he seeks it for his ideas.

The Sun in the center of the spread suggests that Paul's popularity is rising; however, the Nine of Wands covering him says that the mainstream media and the Republican establishment are very wary of him. The King of Cups in the Obstacles position would seem to indicate that, as much as many of Paul's ideas resonate right now, the timing is wrong for his "rip out the social safety net" message -- voters are looking for someone who feels their pain.

Many young people are drawn to Paul as their knight in shining armor, as indicated by The Knight of Cups, and this strengthens Paul's fundraising ability. The Seven of Cups and the Two of Swords together, however, indicate that both the establishment media and establishment Republicans will continue to keep Ron Paul in the "Crazy Uncle" corner.

The most interesting cards in this spread are the last two -- The Moon in the Outcome position, and the final clarification card -- The High Priestess. These two cards together speak loudly and strongly of deception and all things hidden. Since Ron Paul supporters seem generally to lean toward the paranoid, I hate to buttress their conspiracy theories; however, I have to call the cards as I see them. These cards would suggest that it's not your imagination, Ron Paul supporters, there is indeed a "conspiracy" of sorts to keep Ron Paul from winning the Republican nomination. While I doubt that it is a formal conspiracy, the cards would indicate that there are people busy working behind the scenes, using their influence and powers of persuasion to ensure that Paul does not prevail in 2012.

If you are a Ron Paul supporter, and you believe in tarot cards, this is just one more confirmation of what you already know to be true. But, is it really a problem that Ron Paul won't win the nomination? Congressman Paul is not seeking the presidency anyway -- what he is seeking is a chance to shine a bright spotlight on the ideas to which he is devoted, and perhaps pave the way for his son, Sen. Rand Paul, to carry the torch forward.

Key to the Cards

Subject - The Sun

Environment - Nine of Wands

Obstacle - King of Cups

Ideal - The Hermit

Foundation - Eight of Cups

Past - Ten of Swords

Future - Knight of Cups

Attitude - Three of Cups

Influences - Seven of Cups

Hopes/Fears - Two of Swords

Outcome - The Moon

Clarification - The High Priestess