24 : those women

The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.

— Mark 6:26

The story of John the Baptist’s beheading, orchestrated by Salome and her mother Herodias, is a story of betrayal, power, and the consequences of unbridled desire. John’s life is taken not because of his own wrongdoing, but because of the manipulation and betrayal of those in power. This betrayal, both intimate and public, exposes the vulnerability that comes with standing in one’s truth. In his silence, John becomes the victim of forces beyond his control, and his death serves as a reminder of the fragility of trust in a world driven by power and ambition.

From a Jungian perspective, betrayal represents the breaking of a sacred trust, often shattering the sense of wholeness within the Self. It can be seen as the shadow aspect of relationships, where hidden motivations and desires lead to harm and rupture. But betrayal also brings to light what has been concealed — our fears, wounds, and vulnerabilities. The Anatomy of an Angel by Damien Hirst (2008) captures this idea visually, exposing the inner workings of the angel, revealing both beauty and fragility beneath the surface. Betrayal, much like this sculpture, lays bare the parts of ourselves that are often hidden — the wounds that are not always visible but deeply felt.

John’s betrayal by Herod and Salome also speaks to the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of external pressures. Despite the cost, John remains true to his mission, even in the face of death. In our own lives, betrayal may strip us down, exposing our deepest vulnerabilities, but it also offers us an opportunity to rebuild, to examine the anatomy of our own emotional and psychological landscapes, and to understand where trust has been broken.

As we reflect on betrayal, we are reminded that while trust can be shattered, healing is always possible. By confronting the wounds of betrayal, we open ourselves to the possibility of renewal and wholeness.

Journaling Prompt: Think of a time when you experienced betrayal, either by others or by your own choices. How did this betrayal affect your sense of trust and vulnerability? How can you begin to heal from this experience and rebuild trust in yourself and others?

ps : if you want to see something magnificent, pls drive to Ilfracombe...

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