Several years ago I took a Tarot/Numerology class which was a series of six classes. I really enjoyed it and it was an interesting journey of self-discovery. At the final class, we were asked to write something based upon what we'd learned – touching on both the positive (that we try to build upon) and the negative (what we want to give up).

This is the poem that came out of that class. I think I’m going to frame this so I can read it more often – I’d forgotten about it until I was reorganizing my e-folders!

The ‘Hierophant’ referred to is the Major Arcana card which came up in every single one of my readings, as my significator card. Its positive aspect is compassion and understanding; its negative aspect is stubbornness, clinging to what has become outmoded or unnecessary.

Title: That Which He Gives Me Is Love

He gives to me the gift of Love.
I cannot touch it
I cannot see it
I cannot taste, or smell it.
I cannot own Love.

Like Trust, it must be earned, not deserved
Like Faith, it must be believed in to be real
Like Compassion, it comes from within, not from outside.

Once given, Love is mine forever
It may change shape or form
It can die from neglect
It will thrive if tended
The memory and the gift are One
It stays with me always
No matter the distance or Time.

That which I give back to you is Hate.
The touch of it spoils all
The sight of it warps my vision
The taste of it is bitter dregs
For too long it has sat in my heart.

Like Sorrow, it ties me to a dark Past
Like Resentment, it blinds me to the joy of the Present
Like Anger, it bars me from entering the Future

I give this to you, Hierophant,
To disperse it to the winds of Time
To transmute it into Compassion
To embrace it with Forgiveness

Together we celebrate the release of my Spirit.