Mistletoe

     There is a Norse myth about the tiny plant mistletoe and how such a harmless bush can bring down Balder, the Norse god of Truth and Light. The plant itself is a parasite, it latches onto the crown of a tree or other plant and forms a haustorium, which allows the mistletoe to leech water and nutrients from the host plant.
     In the ancient world it was illegal to fight in the presence of mistletoe. It was the plant of peace, from the time Balder was killed enemies laid down their arms if they happened to pass under the plant. Lore says the mistletoe forevermore agreed to bring love rather than death and it was Frigga's (Balder's mother) tears which became the plant's berries.
     Mistletoe has also been considered an aphrodisiac and has abortifacient qualities linking it with ancient erotica. Here is a root for the modern tradition of kissing under mistletoe during the winter holidays. The mysticism can be compounded by mistletoe's evergreen leaves while its host plant loses all sense of life in the dark winter months.

Death of Balder

     The Norse goddess Frigga and her husband Odin were overjoyed when Frigga gave birth to her beloved son Balder. Balder grew strong and handsome, he was known as the god of Truth and Light, much admired and loved by the other Norse gods and goddesses. He grew to adulthood and married a vegetation goddess, their home became a haven where only truth could pass.
     When Balder began to have nightmares about his death his fellow gods took the dreams seriously and sought out the potential source of his demise. Frigga  traveled the nine worlds and asked every plant, creature, and inanimate object for its promise to never harm her son. In her journey she overlooked the small mistletoe plant, but it was a harmless little plant and Frigga saw little reason to worry. When she returned the gods began drinking in celebration and decided to test Balder's invincibility.
     Taking turns, each god threw first stones, then weapons at Balder. When they bounced off his body without harm it became sport. The trickster god, Loki, however was not amused at their games and went to Frigga in disguise. After much questioning, he discovered the mistletoe plant had been overlooked. Loki then fashioned a spear of the small plant and convinced Balder's blind brother, Hod, to take part in the festivities. Hod threw the missile at Loki's direction and it struck Balder, killing him immediately. The Norse gods were stunned. They built their greatest funeral pyre and mourned the god of Truth and Light, but sought Loki for his treachery.
     Loki hid from the other gods and continued his mischief. Hel, the goddess of Death, offered to return Balder if every thing in the nine worlds wept tears of grief for his death. The only holdout was the giantess Thok, Loki in disguise and Balder was kept in the realm of Death. Loki was eventually captured and punished: imprisoned in a cave with venom dripping on him until the end of days Ragnarok.

Does the Major Matter?

I get a lot of flack for having chosen English in college, as opposed to Education or Biology or Mathematics, but especially in comparison to Business. Most people aren't too surprised though--I'm very vocal about my love of reading. Recently, though, I've spoken to several former classmates and they're usually stunned when I tell them it doesn't matter what your degree is in, as long as you can sell it to an employer. 

     Now, I don't mean that someone with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature should be performing open-heart surgery--definitely go get your medical doctorate and specialize in cardiology, then have at it. I mean that for most positions I've come across, the degree itself is what matters. There will always be jobs and positions where a specialized degree is helpful, but just as important is the ability to sell your degree to the employer. 

     Recently I came across an article that explains (somewhat sarcastically) why humanities majors should be considered--with our indirect specialties and rounded curriculum--and why you're "An Idiot" if you don't hire from the humanities. More helpful was a webpage I discovered when I was looking for work--while it didn't help directly with finding a job, it gave me a jumping-off point for my search. 

     My point, I guess is that so long as you're hard working, passionate, and can apply what you do it doesn't matter what your degree is in, so long as you finish. But please, if you want to become a medical doctor or work in a field that requires a specialized degree, go get that specialized degree.