Awareness: Rota Fortunae - Wheel of Life & Fortune
The ever changing landscape of the physical World
Change and unpredictability are the only things we can be sure of - in the material realm of life . The outer rim of the Wheel of Fortune represents the impermanent phenomena of our lives ; success - failure, love - loss, wealth- poverty, peace and war. Nothing is certain, guaranteed, or set in stone. Things can change at any moment.
This is the impermanent World of linear time and defined space - where we are at the mercy - or so it seems, of Fortuna who continuously turns her wheel - bestowing grace one day and suffering the next !!
“Fortuna” is the Roman goddess of luck and good fortune and is linked closely to the Greek goddess - Tyche. She was often portrayed as a great benfactress bestowing prosperity and abundance, giving freely from her huge overflowing cornucopia. She us often portrayed blindfolded - unaware of whom she chooses to grace. Yet she gives and takes away , bringing loss and sorrow to those who hold too tightly to success a znd power.
The Wheel of Fortune originated in the ancient past of the Babylonians and Greeks in the form of the zodiac. The earliest reference to the Wheel of Fortune is from 55BC in Senecas tragedy ‘‘Agamemnon “ and it is as relevant now - as it was then .
“ O Fortune who dost bestow the throne's high boon with mocking hand…..great kingdoms sink of their own weight, and Fortune gives away ‘neath the burden of herself… Whatever Fortune has raised high, she lifts but to bring low. Modest estate has longer life , then happy he whoe' er content with the common lot , with safe breeze hugs the shore. “
In Buddhism we find the Wheel of Life - the ‘Bhavacakra’ - the Wheel of Becoming - a symbolic representation of the cycle of existence, depicting the continuous wheel of repetitive reincarnations which eventually lead us to freedom from suffering and finally enlightenment. They believe that humans can only be liberated from the wheel of karma - when enlightenment - perfect awareness is reached. ( after a great may incarnations. )
In this Eastern Buddhist tankja , (a cosmic map and meditation guide) - Fortuna takes the form of a fearsome figure, sometimes depicted as Mara representing once again - the impermanence of life. Life and fortune can change in an instant - in the blink of an eye.
Here above the Wheel - sits the Moon , calling us to liberation and freedom from the wheel of suffering and Samsara.
The hub represents the 3 poisons ( pig, snake & bird - representing ignorance, attachment and aversion) ) The second layer depicts karma - through our actions conscious or unconscious. What we sow, shall we reap. The third layer portrays the 6 realms of Samsara - the process of cyclic existence. ( gods, demi - gods, humans, animals, hungry ghost, hells )
Dependant on the karma we accrue, we are thought to reincarnate in one of the six realms !! The outer rim of the wheel represents the results of cause and effect in great detail.
Today the great Rose windows found in medieval churches and cathedrals are often based on the symbolism of the Wheel of Fortune. e g. They represent four stages of life or reign - rise, success & loss, defeat.
The Trandept rose window of the Trento Cathedral, Italy - depicts Fortuna standing at the centre of the window with men turning around the Wheel .She is governing events in their lives. 1st stage - I shall reign( left) 2nd stage - I reign ( top of wheel ) 3rd stage - I have reigned ( descending on right ) 4th stage - I am without kingdom ( (bottom ) depicting the sequential rise and fall of earthly existence .
And of course we cannot omit the Wheel of Fortune of the Tarot deck !!
It found it's way into this divination/ guidance tool in 18 c.
The traditional meaning of the Wheel of Fortune in a reading is Change.
It is number 10 of the Major Arcana. This card can be seen as an indication of a new beginning and the ending of an old cycle . Perhaps the completion of an outworn way of looking at things - and maybe be the moment to start something new, fresh and transformational.
It represents the courage to open up to new possibilities and opportunities which may be close by and knocking at your door. Open your eyes, be alert and watch for the universe to give you a sign. In a moment everything can change - without you having to do anything at all !! It is speaking to you constantly- but you can only hear if you decide to listen .
The number 10 represents a turning point, a shift in purpose, perspective or direction. This is not the time to play safe and hide in your comfort zone.
Fortunae who holds the Wheel, is not attached to outcomes results or success at all. She acts independently of our wishes and desires- hut she keeps the World turning in its chaotic unpredictable manner .
Reality cannot be tamed or controlled no matter how hard we may try . We cannot change the past or control everything that happens to us and those we love. We realise that so much of life is outside of our control. Sometimes no matter how hard we try to get things right - they just dont work out. Sometimes we feel so overwhelmed that we feel like we have been hit by a hurricane!! Hopefully not too often!!
Just like the Wheel of Fortune, things are constantly moving - nothing ever stays the the same . What is up one day is down the next.
Anchor yourself in permanent natural awareness, where you are no longer at the mercy of your situation, personal circumstances and outer events. Take a break from the neverending chaos and turmoil of the World around you. Observe the circus - the theatre - the movie you are living in - It will keep on turning, changing forever- as long as the universe exists in material form.
As soon as you become the witness of the Wheel of Life and not a helpless passenger on it - you are free and are no longer tied to the endless cycle of limitation and suffering. You can get off any time you choose. Right now - if you want to !!