Taming the Tongue

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Five of Winter (Swords); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, "Feo/Fehu:"

Three "fairy hooligans" use thorny branches to harass and taunt two hedgehogs. Such cruelty angers me, but if I'm honest with myself I'll admit that I have poked and prodded people when I wanted them to change their opinions. My words can be used to bully another person into surrendering, but often at a great price.
Fehu is often translated as "cattle, livestock, or gold." Being the normal human I am, I draw a circle around my stuff and declare, "This is mine so don't touch it." Which would be fine (if you don't mind being selfish), but what happens when there is a partnership and that stuff is shared? Am I willing to risk my relationship (5 of Swords) by demanding that our resources don't go past the circle I've drawn? Anyone who's had to deal with an addict or alcoholic in the family will understand that there are no easy, clear-cut answers, especially when young children are involved. Taming my tongue (without being silent) may be the wise path to take.

Balance and Benevolence

From the Sacred Sites Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles:

This card represents the mythical city of Cibola, a province known as the "Seven Cities of Gold." The Spaniards heard of a place overflowing with riches (in what is New Mexico today), so they organized a large military expedition to find and take possession of it. Obviously it didn't matter that this was the home of the Zuni people. When the Spaniards arrived, they discovered no gold or other treasures, only seven modest pueblos. If I were to write an Aesop-type fable about this place, I would say the wonderful city became ordinary to those whose hearts filled with greed. But perhaps to the Zuni people, their homes were full of riches - just not the kind the Spaniards desired. The Ten of Pentacles reminds me that a place of belonging with basic needs met can often be worth more than any city of gold.

From the Haindl Rune Oracle comes "Feo:"

It is interesting that the Anglo-Saxon rune poem declares wealth (Fe/Feo) "a comfort," but the Old Norse and Icelandic poems describe it as a "source of discord." I think having the "most toys" only makes others want what you have, and then you spend all your time defending your treasure instead of enjoying it. Feo encourages me to use and appreciate the resources available but not try to claim all of them for myself. Balance and benevolence will be my watchwords for the day.