What Holds Fast

From the Delta Enduring Tarot, the Seer (Queen) of Oaks (Wands); from the Southernisms Oracle, 'Doornail:'

          The Seer is wise but also nurturing. While he/she may be energetic and passionate, the Seer also realizes resources must be used when following the pursuit of ardent dreams and interests. In this card, he honors what was once a giant oak that was used as lumber and firewood. People too can feel left behind when a common interest has been replaced by something else. I've been more inclined to follow my passion as I've aged, and I've lost friends over the years as a result. It wasn't that I wanted to dismantle our friendship, but because my particular interests didn't match theirs, they assumed we wouldn't have anything in common. It makes me sad to lose these companions, yet I can still honor the memory of our time together. The Southernism phrase is "Dead as a doornail." A doornail was a long nail that was pounded in until its point protruded on the other side. The point was then bent over and hammered into the wood, making it ‘dead’ (not easily pulled out or loosened) such as on doors that were opened frequently. True friendships are like that doornail - regardless of the changes that time brings, they hold fast. Such friends aren't carbon copies of ourselves (they may even be our complete opposites). Yet together something deep, nurturing and lasting is shared.

A friend endowed with seven qualities is worth associating with. Which seven? He gives what is hard to give. He does what is hard to do. He endures what is hard to endure. He reveals his secrets to you. He keeps your secrets. When misfortunes strike, he doesn’t abandon you. When you’re down and out, he doesn’t look down on you. ~ Buddha (Mitta Sutta)