The Cosmic Tumblers and the Wheel of Fortune
“There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place - and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what's possible”.
-Ray Kinsella - Field of Dreams
I always get a little thrill of excitement when I draw the wheel of fortune in a reading. I do know that it’s not always good luck; the wheel can signify a change in fortune in either direction. The wheel of fortune is said to be the card of karma. You will find opportunities for luck and fortune coming your way, but they may not even resemble your dreams. There is an air of destiny and synchronicity. There may be opportunity for change, movement, and expansion.
The wheel of fortune signifies the presence of fate, but fate can manifest as disaster and loss as easily as a winning lottery ticket. Nonetheless, in my observation of many readings through the years, when this card appears in one of my spreads it’s generally a sign that the situation will be improving. I’ve come to believe that (in my readings, at least) the wheel of fortune signifies good luck. People don’t usually get a tarot reading unless there is a problem or issue they are trying to change for the better. Therefore, the appearance of the wheel often portends that current circumstances (presumably less than desirable) are about to do just exactly that.
There is a bit of a watch-out with this card . There may be an unforeseen development that necessitates a change in plans. When the wheel of fortune appears in a reading, it carries the emphasis of destiny – or the ‘cosmic tumblers’ as mentioned above in the Field of Dreams quote above. The Powers That Be may be lining things up in your favor, but you may first have to endure some ups and downs in life to enjoy that happy destiny.
Also, sometimes, the wheel just turns. A mistake on the highway puts a young athlete into the hospital. A new supervisor has a different vision of how the work should be done and an employee leaves the company. Two people in a long-term marriage drift apart. At a glance we may be tempted to judge these things as bad but given time – and more perspective on each life story – we may ultimately observe that the athlete turns to spirituality to overcome the situation. The worker starts another job that is much better suited. The divorced partners find more suitable mates. And the wheel turns…
One more thing to remember:
“Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity" - Seneca
