[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13502″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The supermarket shelves are stocked with pumpkins and sweets in preparation for Halloween and Samhain, the Celtic Festival which marks the end of harvest, the end of the year and the beginning of the New Year. It seems appropriate to discuss a card which portrays many cycles, including the big one – Life.
Progressing through October we will become aware of the descent of the sun as it moves toward the Autumn Equinox, the point which divides the year between the brighter and darker halves. This is a time when the veils between our realm and the Spirit realm are considered to be at their thinnest, thus it is a good time to consider our true Soul purpose, and October is a good time to prepare ourselves for the coming transition into winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Change can be subtle or obvious depending on circumstances. Traditionally at Halloween young people played “Snap The Apple” or “Bob The Apple”, the first to take a bite would be the next one allowed to marry, thus continuing the social familial cycle through this blessing of fortune.
The “Wheel of Fortune” card is considered by many to represent “Fate”, from the Latin fatum ‘that which has been spoken’. In Greek and Roman mythology the “Fates” are the three goddesses who rule over the birth and life of beings, each being was considered as a spindle, around which the three Fates would spin the thread of destiny. These three probably represent one aspect of the Triple Moon Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone which we would be familiar with through Brigid and her fires of inspiration, hearth, and the forge. Such is their power that even the greatest Olympian Gods were subject to their influence.
From ancient times right up to the middle-ages the symbolism of this card also represented “Prudence”, one of the four Virtues. Cicero wrote in the first century BC “Prudence consists of the knowledge of what is good, what is bad, and what is neither good nor bad. It’s parts are Memory, Intelligence and Foresight”.
In a more subtle way this card can imply that by invoking the power of the mind to analyse itself and it’s chosen direction, one may find it to be a valuable tool in calming the emotional waters, and may even show ways to fuel a new creative effort. The same wisdom can be applied to the close observation of desires and asking ourselves some relevant questions like: Is this what I need, or is it just what I want now? Do my desires fit in with my dreams and goals, or are they influenced by my true emotional self or other people?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We mortals are involved in many constantly moving cycles of birth, growth and decline throughout all aspects of our lives, be it home, work, romance, financial or any other concern we are involved with. The “Wheel of Fortune” reminds us that even though we are individually small players in the cycle of the universe, we are central to our own existence, and that we are advised to be prudent in our use of thoughts, feelings, actions and reactions.
Remember, no matter how high or low we feel we go, no matter how easy or difficult our challenges appear to be, changes are inevitable. They are an evolving process. Appreciate the highs and learn from the lows. Even at our lowest point there is always hope, the stirrings of new life will always re-appear, ready to grow strong and vibrant once again![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]