Killed by Duty

From the Prisma Visons Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Pink:

Love can flourish only as long as it is free and spontaneous; it tends to be killed by the thought of duty. 

― Bertrand Russell

The Knight of Pentacles understands that all living things require sustenance, and he is a work horse when it comes to providing what they all need. Yet he can be so focused on cultivating and obtaining, he forgets to appreciate the beauty and magic all around him. As he trudges though life, he's begun to value things and people according to their usefulness. Einstein suggested that love was a better teacher and master than duty - it gladdens and lightens the heart as we do our work, keeping us from seeing it simply as an obligation. Pink's message follows this line of thought, encouraging us to "let love in." 

Let Love In

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, "Pink:"

          Out of all the knights in this deck, this is the only one on a steed. But instead of a horse, the Knight of Pentacles sits astride a unicorn. How is it that the most practical, down-to-earth fellow finds himself riding a magical beast? Perhaps because he is loyal and true, hardworking and conscientious - his motives are pure. Yet instead of seeming awed by the unicorn, he focuses on the goal as if unaware of his good fortune.

The end of fear is where we begin

The moment we decided to let love in.

~ Goo Goo Dolls

          I'm good at giving, whether its time, gifts or energy. But even at my age, I hesitate when it comes to opening the protective wall around my emotions. If I take a chance on hugging someone, there is a fear I may be rebuffed. It is hard for me to say out loud what I feel, especially when it uncovers the soft spot in my heart. But Pink shows up today to remind me that feelings need to be expressed in more ways than what is practical and safe. It might even let me notice all the magic around me.