Cups of Light and Darkness

From the Hidden Realm Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Heart of Faerie, the Gift:

Someone fills the cup in front of us.

We taste only sacredness.

—Jelaluddin Rumi

With their long bodies, webbed feet and insulating underfur, otters are made for swimming. The river otter uses the water mostly for hunting or traveling, but often engages in other activities for the sheer enjoyment of play. While the human element is in both air (intellectual) and water (emotions), many of us who've had our hearts hurt often prefer to stay on land, closing off our feelings in an attempt to protect ourselves. Yet this is an essential part of us that keeps us connected and gives us a sense of belonging. The Gift is an offering of recognition and wisdom. I am sure this fairy would suggest we see all the cups we've sipped from as a way to grow, learn and develop kindness and compassion (even if it was not extended to us). 

Someone I loved once gave me

a box full of darkness.

It took me years to understand

that this, too, was a gift.

—Mary Oliver