Friendly Advice

From the Llewellyn Tarot, Temperance; from the Beasts of Albion, the 'Hound:'

          The Lady of the Well used to illustrate this card comes from a tale of intemperance. A man, known for his drunkenness, passed by a sacred well one night. Seeing the young priestess guarding the well, he assaulted and raped her. The waters of the well raged upwards and drowned the entire town. The young girl who was violated lived on under the waters in mermaid form. A moment without self-restraint caused a choice that irrevocably changed many lives. The Hound has long been a companion, guide, and guard for mankind. Its message is one of loyalty, a faithfulness that lasts in all seasons and circumstances. (Interesting that the waters provided the mermaid with a sea-dog.) Perhaps those who consider themselves a friend of another might try and reason with them to prevent extreme choices if they can. On the other hand, that person considering an action might need to listen and heed the warning of that friend.

I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better. ~Plutarch