Dancing on Nails

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Meditation Cards, "Hungry Ghost:"

          Words and knowledge are powerful tools that can sometimes be twisted into dark and terrible weapons. There is no building up, only tearing down; intimidation and threats keep people in their places. These folks are intellectual bullies and people who intentionally use words to wound deeply. Their self-worth demands that other people be proved inferior in ways as humiliating as possible.

To never have enough be enough get enough

Dancing on coals

In a state of mind, bewitched, unsettled over what he thinks or she thinks, what they think

What the “I” thinks: hieroglyph for the hungry ghost

Unsatisfied—dancing on nails! 

~ Anne Waldman

          In the Buddhist tradition, Hungry Ghosts are described as having tiny mouths and throats but an enormous belly. They can never fill their inner hunger and are always dissatisfied. They look outward to find ways to soothe their inner discontent, thinking that those desires will somehow bring lasting happiness. Looking at the threatening fellow with the sword, it appears he's taken on the robes of the ghost. When did being right become more important in this world than compassion? Though part of our brains are wired to be self-serving, I think other parts are equipped for caring and kindness. It's up to me to decide which part is worth developing.