Winter's Bite

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Maker Five (Five of Pentacles); from the Green Man Oracle, Alder (Fearn):

Seasons come and seasons go

Much is lost when harsh winds blow

And in the midst of winter's sting

The Maker has forgotten spring

—Emily Carding

Many of us do not live with a constant 'winter's bite' as Carding calls it. Like the seasons, it is temporary. But when we're in the middle of a health or financial crisis, we can feel like we're stuck in this place forever. But the sunbeams coming over the mountains are a reminder that things will change. The wood of Alder (Fearn) was used for making shields, and thus this ogham is a symbol of protection. What are we protecting if we can't change the present circumstances? Marilyn Suttle wrote, "Feelings have more to do with the story you tell yourself than the facts." Alder suggests we shield ourselves from the stories we're weaving about a situation and focus only on the facts.