Tarot: Gilmore Girls Edition, Part 4
Do we even have time to cover Lorelai’s love life?
We’ll do our best.
If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 (Lorelai and Rory Gilmore) and Part 2 (Richard and Emily Gilmore) and Part 3 (Dean, Jess, Logan).
Christopher Hayden: The one that got away?
Knight of Wands: Christopher is painted out as a wild child, and while we don’t entirely see it, we have to trust the backstory. Aside from riding a motorcycle and being a semi-absent father, when he shows up, he seems fairly present and sober.
This Knight is full of action and adventure - seemingly who they’re telling us Christopher is - a world traveler who only carries a duffle bag, ready to bounce at any moment (sounds like Jess. . .). He’s painted out to be fearless and impulsive, singularly focused. When he’s about to leave Sherry for Lorelai during Sookie’s wedding he finds out Sherry is actually pregnant, and he up and leaves before Sookie and Jackson can even get down the aisle. He is persistent and singularly focused throughout the series - he can’t give up trying to give Rory money until she finally accepts, is persistent in asking Lorelai to be with him (until he’s not), and when he’s left to father little GiGi alone, he struggles to care for another and has to call in Lorelai. . . the irony.
Christopher’s actions shows how quickly an idea turns into action with the Knight of Wands, and how the Knight can be a little reckless with the environment they exist in when the idea comes to their mind, harming anyone that stands in their way.
Max Medina: What responsible mom isn’t dating their daughter’s hot English teacher?
Two of Cups: This is a hot take, I know. I think Max was Lorelai’s best choice. Those two together represented the Two of Cups because of the synergy that came with their union. I think they engaged each other just as much physically as intellectually and emotionally. Max had to put desks between them at the parent-teacher conferences because even after Lorelai broke his heart, he couldn’t stay away from her. Their cups poured into each other. They had a deep mutual respect and saw the absolute best in each other. Max gave Lorelai hard books to read because he thought she would enjoy it (she didn’t) and she tried to read them because she wanted to please him (when did she ever want to please anyone?)
Max proposed to Lorelai with 1,000 yellow daisies. Beyond romantic. And even though they were almost married, we only just saw the very beginning of what would have been a very beautiful and fulfilling marriage. I don’t believe for one minute that Lorelai didn’t love Max, I just think it was too soon in the series for her to get married. There, I said it. Max was her best match by a mile.
Jason ‘Digger’ Styles: Was he a backstabber or a guy fighting in a world of cutthroats?
Ace of Swords: Jason was a hard one to cast, he’s one of the more complex storylines in terms of Lorelai’s love life, primarily because Richard & Emily are directly involved. We first meet him when Richard is fired from his father’s company and Jason also leaves to start a new insurance business with Richard. He’s laser focused on the power this will yield. All Aces signal new beginnings, and this time was definitely a new beginning for all involved. But just like any sword, its power comes with great responsibility, good intentions turning to an unfair use of power if not handled carefully. Long story short, Jason eventually uses this power to screw over Richard and return to his father’s business, leaving Richard high and dry and Lorelai caught in the middle.
Just like the cold steel of the sword, Jason is rather cold. His apartment has serial killer vibes, he makes Lorelai sleep in another bed, and his dog doesn’t greet him at the door, I think due to the fact that Jason isn’t overly nice to him. Not very warm or grounded.
So why not the Ten of Swords? I considered this. I don’t think Jason went into business with Richard knowing he would screw him over. It was only after he gained power through the clients he stole where he eventually backstabbed his former partner.
Luke Danes: The obvious choice.
King of Cups: While Luke gives a flustered vibe near constantly - annoyed by Taylor, Kirk, often times Lorelai (but never Rory!) - throughout the show he masters his emotions thanks to the guidance of a self-help book and corresponding audio tape. He may seem unflinching, but eventually he flinches. He can see the bigger picture and knows his personal feelings don’t always belong in every situation. He can set aside personal grievances for the greater good of Stars Hollow, even if it’s with a grumpy exterior.
Thinking the Stars Hollow Revolutionary War reenactment was trite while bringing the actors mugs of hot cocoa, building the set and props for Fiddler on the Roof (kicking the wheel when Kirk said it was too easy to pull), and letting the Dragonfly Inn takeover his diner when the fire happened. While the King of Cups may not always be so grumpy, it speaks to his marriage of heart and head, showing compassion in tough moments.
Luke also waited and watched Lorelai as a friend for many years waiting for the right time to swoop in. This self-control speaks to the King of Cups.
