A Toast and a Broom

From the Norse Tarot, the Ten of Cups; from the Viking Lenormand, Broom:

May the hinges of friendship never rust, or the wings of love lose a feather.

—Edward Bannerman Ramsay

This group of folks raise their glasses to commemorate a special occasion. Toasts often include wishes for a long life, health, and prosperity - basically all the good things we'd want for ourselves. Such moments not only allow us to honor others, they give us a chance to recognize our own blessings and the love that surrounds us. The Broom is a symbol of clearing away that which prevents a fresh start or growth in our lives. Bill Wilson wrote, "It is plain that a life which includes deep resentment leads only to futility and unhappiness." That doesn't leave much fertile ground for any relationship to grow. Wilson suggests that we offer a daily blessing for those we resent, wishing for them everything we would want. Even if we don't really mean it, we do it anyway. Eventually we'll sweep away the anger and bitterness, replacing them with a deeper understanding and compassion.

Lollygagging Please

From the SKT: Revelation, the Waves of the Undine (Knight of Cups); from the Empty Cup Oracle, Broom:

The Knight of Cups (Waves of the Undine) invites us to kick off our shoes, walk along the water, and indulge our senses. While there is a time for learning, creating and doing, this Knight reminds me that there is also a time for the pleasures of beauty, the arts and love. Of course my mind immediately pipes up that this is absolutely no time for lollygagging. Thank goodness that Broom makes an appearance to sweep out some of my old ingrained beliefs (fun shows a lack of responsibility; leave no task unfinished, etc.). I can remember being told if I wanted to watch television, I'd better be shelling peas or pecans while I did. I'm sure there are some folks who have to be pulled away from pleasure to get anything done, but if you're like me, I hope you take some time to simply enjoy what or who you love today.

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. ~Eddie Cantor