"Headless"

Who is "headless" in the story of John the Baptist's death, which today, the 29th, commemorates. What could headless be a metaphor for? Like not using one's head? living automatically from emotions/feelings? more instinctive than reflective?

If we don't use our God-given capacity to observe, appreciate, evaluate, relate, and make reasonable conclusions about truth and life, we relegate ourselves to living as just an animal. We are of the animal kingdom, but how do we differ? Like I'm pondering ...

What does it mean to be made in the Image of God?

I posted earlier this summer on John the Baptist, the one who's heart was given to God, listened to the Spirit of God speaking to his heart, and courageously spoke words of condemnation or repentance, of salvation and truth. "No one can receive anything except what has been given him from heaven ... So this joy of mine has been made complete."