Compassionate Clarity

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Ace of Winter (Swords); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, Kan (Kaun, Kenaz):

          Winter is a tough season on plants. In the forest, the canopy that normally shades the earthen floor becomes open to light when the deciduous trees lose their leaves. Where there was once a dense thicket, only bare bones of branches and trunks are left. The only hint of color besides the dull browns and grays comes from the evergreens. Places to hide among the brush and leaves are few, as the woodland's underlying structure is revealed. This Ace suggests a time for clarity and truth-telling; a need to see without the encumbrance of the ego or emotional drama.
          Kan/Kenaz can represent the heat and light of fire, which can be understood as inflammation or a source of light. I thought of the unkind way I often view myself after realizing I've strayed from the spiritual principles I hold. Insight and awareness is a good thing, but I don't need to "burn down the forest" because I screwed up. It reminded me of a story Pema Chodron told; she was trying to encourage her students to be gentle with themselves when they realized they were off fantasizing rather than focusing on the breath. A cowboy came up to her later and said he took her words to heart. Now when he catches himself ruminating or planning, he tells himself, "Thinking, good buddy." What a great tool this would be if I were to use it every time I've slipped off the path! I could own up to what I've done, but rather than self-flagellation, I could use tenderness. "Time to change course, dear one."