Michael’s Cave (Radožda)
Not far from the monastery of Kališta is the beautiful fishing village of Radožda, and above it is a hermit’s cave (cell) dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The cave overlooks Ohrid from the east. The many images and paintings of the Archangel Michael inside the cave are particularly interesting, with the earliest paintings dating back to the 13th century. This angel is consistently depicted holding a pair of scales in one hand and a sword in the other. This image is reminiscent of card number 11 in the Tarot, the card of Justice, which also shows an angel holding a sword in one hand and a pair of scales in the other. The symbolism is universal: the sword represents the ability to distinguish between good and evil, to make the right decisions, and to act precisely and purposefully, while the scales symbolize balance within a person, being free from irrelevant considerations, and the measure of one’s passion and will. The scales are where decisions are made; the sword represents action, and the scales again measure the outcomes.
As long as a person does the right things in life, makes the right decisions, and weighs things correctly and at the right time, then their heart remains light and the scales tip in their favor. At the end of life, a person stands before an angel holding scales and a sword. Their heart is weighed on the scales, and if it is lighter than a feather, then they move on to the next stage. If the heart is heavy, then the sword prevents the person from moving on. The sword represents the flame of the turning sword that guards the entrance to the Garden of Eden, and the scales symbolize the scales of Judgment Day.
Every person has their own truth, the decisions they need to make, and the actions they must take. The scales help us discover what these things are by providing us with considerations to weigh, ensuring that we do not harm others. The sword aids us in doing the right thing, distinguishing between good and evil. At the end of life, a person is measured against what they should have done compared to what they actually did or did not do. Ultimately, everyone receives what they deserve. The angel standing before us with scales and a sword has a face like ours, as strict or as merciful as we have been. He weighs our actions and responds accordingly. This is the measure of justice and fairness with which each of us must contend.
monastic cell Kalishta Macedonia
