Ropes and Snakes

 From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Nine of Wands; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Parasitism:

To heal is to touch with love that which was previously touched by fear.

—Stephen Levine

The booklet describes this Nine of Wands as "expecting difficulties." People who've experienced domestic abuse, an unhealthy work environment, or trauma due to war or natural disasters have a hard time relaxing. As the Arabic proverb says, "Those who have been bitten by a serpent are afraid of a rope." Parasitism, represented by a flea, is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits - taking nutrients or resources -at the expense of another (the host). An Al-Anon or Nar-Anon member would quickly make a connection to such a relationship. Dealing with someone whose chaotic lifestyle creates unending demands keeps a person sleeping with one eye open. Those of us who have trouble enjoying life because we think the objective is to survive it need help to heal. We need those who are compassionate and discerning, people who can point out the difference between ropes and snakes.