Mature Friendships

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Three of Summer (Cups); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, Dorn/Thorn:

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.

~Charles R. Swindoll 

          I am convinced that we all need someone with whom we can be genuine, showing without fear the qualities that make us fallible humans. But such a friendship requires effort; we need to be willing to make time for them on a regular basis, as well as listen to their stories instead of just sharing our own. But Dorn/Thorn implies that things can get a little prickly if a friend has a different opinion about something than us. But, unless their actions are unethical, is this a reason to abandon them? Perhaps Thomas Jefferson's advice is wise: "I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend." Besides, a different view might help us have a wider perspective.

Stings and Sweetness

This week I'll be using the Victorian Fairy Tarot, created by Lunaea Weatherstone with Gary A. Lippincott and published by Llewellyn. Paired with it will be the Haindl Rune Oracle, created by Hermann Haindl and published by U.S. Games. Today's cards are Fortitude (Strength) and Dorn (Thorn, Thurisaz):

          I've got a friend who's a beekeeper, and the one thing I've learned about bees from her is to stay calm around them (and don't wear black or brown because they may mistake you for a bear). Life is filled with honey-like sweetness as well as the stings of suffering; it's just a normal part of being a physical human being. If I can maintain a sense of equanimity no matter what comes, I'll enjoy the good times even more and weather the bad times without drama or self-pity. My contentment won't depend on the cycles of pleasure or displeasure that arrive, but the center of strength and peace of mind I maintain through all of it.
          Dorn (Thorn, Thurisaz) and has been translated as both "thorn" and "giant." It is a rune of power that can represent chaos and harm or protection. The rune's shape made me think of the body language of of a mom, hand on her hip with elbow jutting out, saying "I've had just about enough of this!" While I might have to deal with life's stings, I don't have to be a doormat or lose my common sense. I can use the power I have to erect and maintain boundaries instead of losing my cool.

There is a nobleness of mind that heals wounds beyond salves.

~ William Cartwright