The Tragic Love of Comala: Reflections on Love, Loss, and Balance

Comala stands on a misty hill under the pale glow of the moon, her heart heavy with sorrow as she contemplates a future without Fingal. The battlefield fades into the horizon behind her, a haunting reminder of love and loss.

Welcome to our first entry in the series “Ancient Myths in Modern Reflection,” where we explore timeless stories and connect them to astrological themes and tarot interpretations. Today, we delve into the heart-wrenching poem Comala, attributed to the legendary poet Ossian. This dramatic tale resonates with themes of love, loss, duty, and the delicate balance between personal passion and responsibility, reminding us that such struggles transcend time.

Comala tells the tragic story of a woman deeply in love with the hero Fingal. After he leaves her to fulfill his duty in battle, Comala’s world collapses when she believes him to have fallen. Overcome with grief, she dies from sorrow. Her tale provides a timeless reflection on how we cope with love and heartbreak, while also offering modern readers insights through spiritual tools like astrology and tarot. These ancient practices offer us fresh perspectives on the emotional challenges we face today.

Love and Loss: The Three of Swords Connection

In the midst of the storm, a heart pierced by three swords hovers above a solitary figure, drenched by rain but unyielding. Through sorrow and pain, clarity emerges, and transformation begins. Inspired by the Three of Swords tarot card, this image reflects the catharsis found in confronting painful truths.

At the heart of Comala lies the consuming power of grief. Comala’s heartbreak over the news of Fingal’s supposed death can be symbolized by the Three of Swords tarot card. This card speaks of emotional pain and the sorrow that follows the loss of love—mirroring the intensity of Comala’s despair.

Excerpt from Comala:

"These are the signs of Fingal's death. The king of shields is fallen! and Caracul prevails. Rise, Comala, from thy rock; daughter of Sarno, rise in tears!"

Like the Three of Swords, Comala’s tale serves as a reminder that grief, though powerful, must be processed rather than allowed to consume us. The Three of Swords also symbolizes the potential for healing after loss, encouraging us to face our emotional wounds head-on, just as Comala’s tragedy illustrates the dangers of being overwhelmed by sorrow.

Astrological Insight: Saturn’s Exaltation in Libra

Astrologically, Comala aligns with Saturn’s exaltation in Libra, a placement that balances duty and emotion. Saturn, the planet of structure, discipline, and lessons, is at its strongest in Libra, a sign concerned with relationships and fairness.

Fingal’s decision to leave Comala to face battle mirrors the conflict between duty and personal desire that Saturn in Libra represents. Fingal’s choice—driven by honor—reflects the lessons Saturn teaches: that responsibility and long-term vision must often come before individual passion.

Excerpt from Comala:

"He left her on a hill, within sight of Caracul's army, when he himself went to battle, having promised, if he survived, to return that night."

In this ancient myth, we see the tension between the needs of the self and the obligations we owe to others, a balance Saturn in Libra asks us to navigate. Today, we can draw parallels to how we balance personal relationships with professional or social duties, much like Fingal did when prioritizing the greater good over his own love.

Duty, Honor, and Leadership: Fingal and Saturn in Libra

Fingal’s leadership and sacrifice highlight the themes of duty and honor central to Comala. His choice to march into battle rather than remain with Comala is emblematic of the noble virtues of leadership and self-sacrifice—values also reflected in Saturn’s exaltation in Libra, where fairness and long-term responsibilities often outweigh personal desire.

Excerpt from Comala:

"Fingal. Raise, ye bards, the song; raise the wars of the streamy Carun! Caracul has fled from our arms along the field of his pride."

Fingal’s role as a leader mirrors the challenge we face in modern life when personal desires clash with responsibilities. Whether managing a team, guiding a family, or making tough decisions, this balance is key. Just as Fingal had to act with discipline, modern leaders are often required to put the needs of others first, maintaining a sense of justice and fairness.

Call to Action:

Have you ever had to make a difficult decision where duty conflicted with personal desires? How did you handle it? Did you feel torn like Fingal, balancing love and leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s explore how we can find balance in leadership, both in our personal lives and beyond.

Spiritual Reflection: Celestial Guidance and Hope

The moon shines brightly over a desolate landscape, casting a serene light on the barren hills below. A symbol of hope and guidance in times of solitude.

Throughout Comala, celestial imagery such as the moon and meteors provide spiritual guidance during moments of despair. Comala’s call to the moon in her darkest hour reflects the timeless connection between humanity and the cosmos—seeking solace and answers from the heavens.

Excerpt from Comala:

"Rise, moon, thou daughter of the sky! Look from between thy clouds; rise, that I may behold the gleam of his steel on the field of his promise."

The moon, often seen as a symbol of intuition and emotional guidance, encourages us to trust the natural cycles of life. Even in our most uncertain moments, like Comala’s, we can find peace by looking to the cosmos for spiritual guidance. Whether through meditation, prayer, or simply gazing at the night sky, we are reminded that the universe offers signs of hope.

Historical Parallels: Leadership and Inspiration

Interestingly, the heroic figures from Ossian’s poetry, especially Fingal, reportedly inspired Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon admired the valor and leadership exemplified by these legendary heroes, often drawing parallels between his own conquests and their legendary exploits.

Excerpt from Comala:

"Lead me to the place of her rest, that I may behold her beauty. Pale she lies as the rock; the cold winds lift her hair."

Fingal’s leadership, built on the virtues of duty and self-sacrifice, serves as a timeless example of how myth and literature can inspire leaders. In astrology, this idea is echoed in Saturn’s exaltation in Libra, where leaders must balance fairness and long-term thinking, acting with both compassion and responsibility.

Call to Action:

Have you ever been inspired by historical figures or mythological heroes like Fingal? How do you draw lessons in leadership from literature or mythology? Share your thoughts, and let’s explore how ancient stories continue to guide us in modern times.

Epilogue: Reflecting on Comala’s Lessons

The emotional depth and historical resonance of Comala provide us with a timeless exploration of love, loss, and the balance between passion and duty. By drawing on astrological insights like Saturn’s exaltation in Libra and the symbolism of the Three of Swords in tarot, we can gain a deeper understanding of these ancient stories and apply their lessons to our own lives.

Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, making difficult decisions, or seeking spiritual guidance, the story of Comala reminds us that balance, growth, and reflection are key to moving forward.

Final Call to Action:

What lessons of love, loss, and balance have you learned from your own experiences? Let us know in the comments how Comala’s journey resonates with you.