Accountability

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Emperor; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, 'Mannaz/Self:'

The Emperor, both feared and admired, seems to have a cushy job with lots of benefits. Yet this is a biased opinion if he sincerely embraces the job. In the words of John Cumming, "wherever there is great power, lofty position, there is great responsibility, and a call to instant duty." He might be the face of his kingdom, but he also takes the hits to protect his people. The key to good leadership is not fear and intimidation, but strength in its many forms - compassion, concern, right timing, and right action. The companion book asks the question: "How does one keep the ego at bay while being of service to those around you?" The Rune Mannaz helps answer that query. Mannaz recognizes that humankind has great potential with its intellectual and reasoning capabilities. But it seeks to propel people beyond self-centered concerns to the Self - an inner recognition that we are all connected. What we do affects the whole, collectively enhancing or degrading the human experience.

We are a profoundly interconnected species, as the global economic and ecological crises reveal in vivid and frightening detail. We must embrace the simple fact that we are dependent on and accountable to one another. ~Parker Palmer