Bitterness

San Santiago

Mater Dolorosa

Sometimes the things that happen in our lives can tempt us to adopt a bitter attitude. Cynicism, rancor, and even hatred are attitudes and emotions that can begin to sprout in our hearts because of our circumstances. It's easy to become defensive and act out of what we perceive is self-preservation, but is actually vengefulness and pettiness.

All of these emotions and attitudes vibrate at a very low frequency. They keep us chained to material possessions, animalistic drives, and aggressive responses to situations.

Bitterness is natural. There is a place for sour taste in everyday life, but we should not forget where that taste belongs.

Bitterness is a lack of sweetness, or a sharpness of taste.

The word "sharp" makes me think of the King of Swords in the Tarot.

The King of Swords represents clear communication, intellect, and making fair decisions. He represents the military commander fighting the just war. At times, the bitterness of war is necessary; to protect the innocent, to establish justice, to release captives. This is where bitterness belongs.

The King of Swords comes to bring clarity to a situation that is muddled, confusing, or unstable. He comes to correct what is wrong and bring truth to the forefront. At times, truth is sharp and it hurts. Truths often work like a sword piercing the heart, they disabuse us of illusions we hold. They sometimes bring about suffering that is avoided, but that is necessary.

Suffering is bitter. Nobody likes it, but to the believer, it is something that is absorbed and transmuted into something powerful. To the devout, suffering becomes a gift that keeps on giving; as long as faith remains firm.

Don't lose your faith.

There are mysteries at work to bring you to wholeness, peace, and liberation. Trust them.