Distant Friends

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Six of Water; from the Curious Oracle, Prayer Wheel:

Sweet is the memory of distant friends. Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart. ~Washington Irving

This fellow is on the Bridge of Looking Back, remembering a childhood friend with much fondness. I had a such a companion in Mary Jane; she and her family saved the most tender part of my young heart with their kindness. I wish I knew how to contact her and let her know how vital and cherished our friendship was for me. The Prayer Wheel is a unique technology of devotion, with a cylinder full of sacred mantras that are “read” when spun. It was a way to multiply the prayers of well-being, sending them out to all. It reminds me to send out some good thoughts and prayers to my childhood friend. No one gets to our age without having their hearts dented, and so my wish is that the tender part of her heart will be protected as mine was. 

Spinning and Letting Go

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Seven of Air (Swords); from the Curious Oracle, Prayer Wheel:

When the snake decided to go straight, he didn't get anywhere.

~William Stafford

The deceit and disaffection of the Seven of Swords is shown by a crow's nest being invaded by snakes that eat her eggs. It is hard not to feel sorry for the bird, though a naturalist might remind me that it is a snake's nature to eat where there is opportunity. I recently posted on a forum in a few threads where I don't often venture. There is one member, known for her snarky comments (just shy of getting booted), who replied with snide and condescending remarks. Now I've got Al Wilson singing in my head: "You knew darn well I was a snake before you brought me in." I don't like to label people, but neither do I like to be someone's whoopie cushion. The Prayer Wheel is spun while saying a mantra, and is said to help develop wisdom and compassion in the practitioner. Forgiveness is necessary in this case, but not because she deserves a pass for her behavior (which she likely doesn't see anything wrong with). I need to let go of any bitterness so that it doesn't poison me.