Losing the Battle

Today's card is a little sombre. It shows The Holly King. From my understanding, he represents the winter and his brother, The Oak King, symbolises the summer. They battle it out twice a year, and at this time, with the sun beginning to last longer in the sky, the poor old Holly King has lost the fight. Generally, this king speaks about the decline of the earth and it's decent into darkness, so the card therefore brings loss to my day. Maybe not the cheeriest of cards for a time of festivities.

I have received a few messages from my friend Annie since yesterday. She sent some general Christmas greetings, but also let me know that she is in a hospice. I think it is just for the Christmas period at the moment as she needs care and said she'll be back home in a few weeks. I said I will go and visit her then, but this card not-so-subtly hints that time is running down and that the snow will soon begin to thaw. There is something really upsetting and uncomfortable about watching the ice begin to melt in front of me.

I am writing here, but I should be getting ready. We're going to my boyfriend's parent's house today and then travelling over to spend time with their best friends. I don't feel much like drinking and all of that, but up until the new year, this is most probably the last of our Christmas get togethers, so should be nice; I really like the couple we are visiting. As nice as the last few days have been, I hate how Christmas suspends everything, and will be happy when all returns to normal, so I can begin my next steps.


Illustration from The Well Worn Path by Mickie Mueller