Sophie
This reminds me about the sacred ability that used to be ascribed to kings in early Medieval Europe - they were said to be able to cure by touching. It was an ability thought to be bestowed by God on his annointed (as a king was said to be).Judith D said:I'm trying again to add in the placement of the card in the suit. He is a king, so the pinnacle of the suit, a ruler, strong, wise, compassionate. In a suit based on water - on emotions, feelings, he can 'just be' and rise above the reactive state. The wounds we lesser mortals carry are healed in him and by him
It's an ability still said to be possessed by the Chief in some African tribes. A friend of mine in Congo, whose brother is the chief of a small tribe in the Kasai, was telling me how his brother will visit his people, and when they are sick, touch them. It is an ability thought to come with wisdom and spiritual connection with the Ancestors.
In one way or another, and in many parts of the world, the connection between kingship and healing through touch is very strong - this card acknowledges it.
I like what you wrote above, Judith - the ruler who is strong, wise and compassionate is also ego-less, and allows the healing power to course through him.
In a reading, we could be be shown such a person, or asked to be more like that, or display that kind of attitude. It might also say that we need to heal ourselves as we heal others, and to take leadership in our lives - in that wise and compassionate way Judith describes.