Wielding Swords with Care

  From the Tarot of the Secret Forest comes the Page of Cups:

This fellow is a gentle soul who would never intentionally hurt anyone.  Tender-hearted and soft-spoken, he gets pleasure from the kindnesses he does.  He enjoys making people smile and soothing any hurts in whatever way he can.  He doesn't keep tabs on what he's done and who may "owe" him - a sincere "thank you" will do.  His only vice is that because he is so sensitive, he can easily get his feelings hurt; he takes everything personally.  He could grow a thicker skin, but would that also change his sweet nature?

     From the Faeries' Oracle comes "He of the Fiery Sword:"

 

This fairy represents the yang principle - action, will, assertion.  Froud and MacBeth state that on this sword is written, "Draw me not without cause, nor return me without honor."  Here is a call for truth, justice, and protection, but the fine print reads, "must also be used with love and compassion."  This is the answer to my question above about the Page  - balancing tenderness with truth and kindness with a call to act.  It's not impossible, but does take some conscious thought behind it.