Frail Flesh

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Queen of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, 'Man (Mannaz):'

          Generosity is second nature to the Queen of Autumn. The rowan garland over her throne symbolizes protection, though she does not protect with a sword or other weapon. Having an earthy practicality, she protects by making sure every living being in her realm has the basics: adequate food, medicine and shelter. She's no enabler however, and expects everyone to do what they can for themselves and their neighbors. She knows the person we might argue with one day about a trespassing cow might be the same person who saves our bacon when we need a hand at harvest time. Man/Mannaz represents the human race and its frailty as the rune poem describes:

A mirthful Man is to his kinsmen dear;

Yet each one must from the others turn,

Because Odin desires by his decree

To deliver that frail flesh to earth.

Life is short and not always an easy road to travel. We need to be willing to lend a helping hand instead of focusing only on ourselves. As Jack Kornfield so eloquently put it: "Life is hard, how can we be anything but kind?"