And although the year 2022 has continued in a most turbulent way (to put it mildly), the problems mentioned by the project participants did not simply disappear. Moreover, a new one has added itself to their list: maintaining the educational and cultural links between Volgograd and its German partner city.

Today, we are publishing the presentation dedicated to the Tarot cards and horoscopes – and their perception in the XXI century. Its author is Valeria Abramova, a student at the Economic Department of Volgograd Institute of Management (RANEPA branch). Its recording can be found by the following link: https://youtu.be/7XD2JaU1_5Q

Following the last year's tradition, we will be also publishing a short interview with each participant.

You made a presentation about horoscopes and Tarot cards, and mentioned specifically that it had been created before February 24. How do you think the attitude to horoscopes and Tarot cards will change after the current events?

Valeria Abramova:

"I think that only time and life itself will tell us how these events can affect our belief in horoscopes and Tarot. I am sure that a lot of people will now be using them as an escape mechanism. As for my footnote about the presentation being made before February 24, I added it because it was required to choose a topic that, at the moment, would be of the highest relevance to a wide audience, both in Russia and Germany. Now, unfortunately, the most relevant question is – whether it will be possible to live under a peaceful sky and avoid a surge of nationalism in the cruelest in its manifestations."

What was your incentive for taking part in the competition?

Valeria Abramova:

"I have often had people ask me 'do you really believe in all of that?' and stuff like that. Sometimes, it looks like it is my mission in life – to explain to the other people how I see the world and what personal boundaries are, if these people believe it appropriate to ridicule my opinion. Therefore, for me, this competition was yet another opportunity to describe the actual reasons why astrology is so popular."

What is your zodiac sign, and do your own astrology predictions come true?

Valeria Abramova:

"I am a Leo. I am not a fan of daily 'star forecasts', but the recommendations based on the position of the Moon are very helpful when it comes to deciding where to apply my energy in the most productive way, and to distinguishing between the desirable and undesirable actions."