This song pulls a lot of things out. It gets at the sadness and disconnection of modern life, and drug use as one poor way of coping with it. It has often made me cry. I understand the sentiments expressed deeply and intimately.
It seems to me my role in life is to develop a firm enough grip and a strong enough back to pull these people out of their hell holes, and enough vision to send them on their way to something better.
Actually, a better metaphor is holding the rope. Everyone has to climb on their own, but it’s a hell of a lot easier when there is something to hold on to.
I will add something perhaps a bit odd (although you expect that here, no? My, uh, ideosyncracies are on full display). Some 4 or 5 months ago I had an intuitive and strong connection with a Tarot card called The Fool. The details don’t matter, but it came to me in a meditation, and at the time I knew nothing about Tarot.
Last week I realized it would be a good time to begin establishing a relationship with the future. I have always lived in present, because that is where severe trauma drops you. You live in a moment. I have always had the intellectual capacity for planning–I am intelligent–but imaginatively I have never been able to connect to the future.
So I thought I’d get a Tarot deck. The one I pulled out was the 3 of Wands, which based on the description is probably the best single card in the 72 card deck to continue the work begun with The Fool.
Here is the description. I could not imagine a more relevant or positive card for what I intend over the next year:
On the Three of Wands, we see a figure standing on a cliff looking out
over the sea to distant mountains. From this height, he sees all that
lies ahead. This is a card of vision and foresight. When we want to see
farther, we climb higher. By going up, we increase our range and remove
ourselves from the immediate situation. We detach and gain perspective.
In readings, the Three of Wands can tell you to take the long view.
Don’t react to the heat of the moment, but step back and reconsider. See
how the present fits into the greater picture. This card asks you to be
a visionary – to dream beyond current limitations. It can indicate
premonitions or other intuitions about what is to come.
Taking the long view is an aspect of leadership – another meaning of the
Three of Wands. When we see far, we have the knowledge to guide others
to their best future. Someone who knows the way can show it to those who
follow. When you see the Three of Wands, know that now is the time to
accept your vision and be confident that you can lead others to it. [emphasis mine]
A leader not only sees far, but he is willing to go there first, if
necessary. The Three of Wands is also a card of exploration. Compare
this figure to the Fool
who is also on a cliff edge. The Fool steps out in innocence, not
realizing he is going to fall to his fate. The adventurer on the Three
of Wands is also willing to step out, but with full awareness of what he
is doing. His courage is more informed, if less spontaneous. The Three
of Wands encourages you to move fearlessly into new areas. Let the ships
on your horizon take you far out into unknown seas.