X • The Wheel of Fortune
-
Hebrew letter
-
Element
-
Colour
-
Title
|
-
Kaph
-
-
Jupiter
-
Violet
-
Lord of the Forces of Life
|
This card illustrates the concept of the universe in a state of perpetual change. Like a machine of infinite site, driving ever onward, it is blind and unstoppable. Eventually it destroys all it creates. The unchallengable progress of time, the absolute certainty of the unswerving course of fate. Although to earthly perceptions randomness may be evident, there is an absence of chance in all things - the undeniable fatality of life. This should however not be considered to be negative for it has no polarity. It is neither good nor evil, but is impersonal and unemotional. The will of the universe is unintelligible to us, a force beyond our understanding. Even the gods were subject to the laws of the universe.
While the above may be true on the higher planes, it is not a valid reason for inaction on the lower plane. Here ideas of self determination should not be abandoned.
The central figure of this card is the spiral-horned, ram-headed god, Khnumn. He was the god of fertility and creation, he formed humanity on his potter's wheel from the clays of the earth. In the act of creation he allotted each individual a period of time on earth, beyond which no man could live. His right hand is open to reveal his palm. His left hand lifts up from shaping his creation. Before him is the potter's wheel. On the golden turntable is Harpocrates, who stands with a finger to his lips for he is the child of silence. Newly born, he wears the side-lock of youth. He represents mankind.
Behind Khnumn is the greater wheel; like the potter's wheel it is gold. It has ten spokes, the number of the ten sephiroth, to represent the manifestation of the universe.
The god Set, also known as Typhon, has lost his grasp and is falling from the wheel. His hair is red, as are his belt and ceremonial tail. Anubis, sometimes known by his composite name Hermanubis (displaying the associations between the gods Hermes and Anubis), is climbing up the wheel. His headdress is blue. Around his waist is a yellow and blue belt, with a yellow ceremonial tail. Anubis was the son of Set. As the son climbs on one side of the wheel, the father falls from the other. The sphinx rests motionless at the apex.
Kaph means the palm of the hand. It is in the lines of the palm that fortune is revealed. It is the palm that spins the wheel (both the greater and the lesser) and the hand that shapes mankind. Jupiter, the planet of this card, is the bringer of good fortune.
lnterpretation The Wheel of Fortune tells of changes for the better, motion, improvement. Good fortune and prosperity are indicated. Perhaps starting a new cycle of events, overall the unfolding future looks good. There are however fluctuations of fortune and one must be aware that fortune can fall as well as rise. An overwhelming feeling of destiny. Mindlessly following the latest trend, carried along by the crowd. There is a strong sense of continuity, the circumstances of the present are built upon the foundation of the deeds of the past. An understanding of history may help to make sense of the present. This is a card of evolution and transience.
www.greenmangatekeeper.com
