Fanatics

From the Songs for the Journey Home, the Five of Flames (Wands); from the Raven Cards, 'Bind your wounds:'

           A fault line opens; on one side a volcano erupts while on the other side a woman sleeps. Ever had an argument that resulted in an anger hangover? Yet there is a good chance the other party involved slept deeply and didn't think too much more about it. The owl sees the wisdom in 'letting it be' rather than continuing to rehash and ruminate. The Raven card suggests we 'bind our wounds,' meaning we realize that what has been hurt is only our pride. The ego is concerned with being right all the time, but the Raven card reminds us that our 'innermost being' cannot be hurt. My opinions (and my demand they be accepted as truth) are not what make me a worthy person, but rather my acts of kindness.

History has shown that the most terrible crimes against love have been committed in the name of fanatically defended doctrines. ― Paul Tillich

Following the Inner Flame

From the Songs from the Journey Home Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the Raven Cards, "Bind Your Wounds:"

          This illustration feels like a dream world with its maze of doors. But the fellow makes a beeline for the light, suggesting he moves toward what burns brightly within him. This Knight is full of energetic enthusiasm, and he always follows his passion. I imagine all those doors represent other actions he might take - the "shoulds" of obligation. I have plenty on my plate today that I "should" be doing, but spring is here and I long to play in the yard. The Raven Card reminds me that although I may suffer in the physical world, I have a choice about whether I allow my innermost self to feel wounded. There will always be people who think I need to be spending my time doing something else with someone else. But they aren't me and don't know what brings me joy and makes me smile. If I don't want my inner fire to be extinguished, I'm going to have to follow my own light.

Cherokee rose, Georgia's state flower