The Soft Spot

From the Mythic Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Symbolon, the 'Ice Princess (Moon in Cancer):'

          Prometheus is tied to a rock after going against  Zeus' divine order not to give fire to humans. The eagle would eat his liver (a symbol) of hope. Yet having created humans, Prometheus knew they would need fire to survive and evolve in the world. But how awful to be punished for breaking a law that was unjust and unkind. Does he feel regret for his actions? Not if he considers humans his children. His was a sacrifice for the greater good. Yet still, there is a chance that suffering for doing good can harden the heart as the Ice Queen shows. The Moon in Cancer can make a sensitive person insecure to the point where they lock down their heart. Rather than making us more compassionate, such a situation can harden us.

We put up protective walls made of opinions, prejudices and strategies, barriers that are built on a deep fear of being hurt. These walls are further fortified by emotions of all kinds: anger, craving, indifference, jealousy and envy, arrogance and pride. But fortunately for us, the soft spot—our innate ability to love and to care about things—is like a crack in these walls we erect. 

~Pema Chodron