Layoffs. Foreclosures. Failing banks. Most economists agree that this is the worst financial downturn since the Great Depression. Will the stimulus package work? Are you wondering how your Apple stock will fare during these harsh economic times? Investors on Wall Street have been employing psychics to help them wend their way through the turbulent market. Since the stock market feels like a bit of a shell game anyway, we decided to try Tarot Tap from the App Store to find out where some of the biggest players in our industry will land when all the dust has settled.

Using Tarot cards as a form of divination has been prevalent in Western Europe since the 14th century, and some believe it has been practiced as far back as ancient Egypt, so we figured, why not see what the cards say is in store for Apple, Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft?

Apple
Although Apple sales were slightly down in February, the company appears to be poised for profits from the release of the new iMacs, Minis, and shuffles. Despite the dire predictions of gloom and doom in the prevailing market, the cards paint a somewhat middle-of-the-road picture:

General influences: Obstacles. Immediate obstacles: Regret, failure to face facts. Immediate future: Contentment, happy family life. Environment: Failure to complete what has been started. Final outcome: Will power, determination.
Prediction: While they can expect certain setbacks, Apple will free themselves from constraints by the sheer power of their brilliant work force.


Google
Google is having a weak quarter, but industry insiders are expecting a bounce back. What do the cards say?

General influences: Stagnation, carelessness. Immediate obstacles: Delay caused by others. Immediate future: An immoral woman (we’ve heard of a few at Google). Environment: Vengefulness, prejudice. Final outcome: Fulfillment; a joyful event celebrated.
Prediction: While Google is facing a lull (and possibly suffering from the antics of a woman of questionable moral character), there will be a cause for celebration in the future.  


Yahoo
Yahoo’s stock appears to be creeping back up, but how will the company fare in the long run? Will Yahoo enjoy a renaissance?

General influences: Anxiety over money. Immediate obstacles: Interia, stagnation. Immediate future: Bad news, indecision. Environment: Rebelliousness. Final outcome: Satisfaction; goals achieved, but there is more to accomplish.
Prediction: Despite the trials coming in the immediate future, Yahoo will make slow and steady progress—nothing earth shattering, but it will survive.  


Microsoft
Although Microsoft has an advantage with its dominant position in the PC market, industry insiders maintain that it can’t touch Apple in the smartphone arena. And while Microsoft’s dividends are up from this time last year, what do the cards say is in store for the behemoth?

General influences: Temporary gain. Immediate obstacles: Uncertainty, anxiety. Immediate future: Fresh start and new beginnings. Environment: Reliability, patience. Final outcome: Foundations laid, finer details to follow. Acheivement.
Prediction: There will be anxiety-provoking setbacks, but Microsoft will stay the course and achieve moderate success.