X (10) - The Wheel of Fortune
“Wheel of Fortune, turn, turn, turn.
Show me the things I need to learn.”
“Wheel of Fortune, turn, turn, turn.
Show me the good things I have earned.”
“Wheel of Fortune, turn, turn, turn.
What is the destiny for which my soul yearns.”
These words always bounce around in my head everytime card number 10 - the Card of Destiny, also known as “The Wheel Fortune” - decides to make an appearance while I divine fates from the tarot.
It’s such a strange card to understand.
From the spinning, gold coin in the center of the card to the bright and sunny clouds in the background; it’s imagery is so simple and plain as day - yet, at the same time, so deep, insightful, and mysterious.
It carries with it the simplicity & innocence of a child. Honestly, sometimes I feel like that is probably the best way to approach this card - I can almost picture the conversation in my head. A confused adult approaches a bright and happy kid whose lost in their own little sunny world - and yet there is an awareness, a wise sort of knowing in the those young eyes (perhaps this is their inner child?) - and asks him complex questions only to be met with simple and straightforward answers.
“Why do you like that old toy?”
“Because it’s my favorite!”
“Why is it your favorite?”
“Because I love it!”
“Why do you love it?”
“Because it makes me happy!”
“Why does it make you happy?”
“Because it just does!”
For me, sometimes, it also comes across as one of those generic sayings that people toss around without thinking - like, “Tomorrow’s a new day” or “Nothing is as sure as the sunrise.”
For sure, it does represent the flux of life.
That unstable yet constant energy of life’s ups and downs, the highs and lows, the idea of “what’s meant to be will be”. The ever spinning wheel of life’s endless and natural cycles - night and day, day and night, life and death, death & (re)birth.
However, there are time when you want a concrete answer to a question & this card will make an appearance.
“Who am I destined to marry?”, you ask the cards.
“The person who is destined for you”, responds the Wheel of Fortune.
like, gee, thanks! That was SO useful!
*insert sardonic laugh here*
And then...
Then it happens.
You meet your “Wheel of Fortune” in real life.
It’s so out of nowhere, something you thought would be utterly impossible, and yet...There they are - smiling so lovingly and so happily at you like a little kid who just got the biggest ice cream cone with 4 scoops of ice cream at the malt shop.
And the feeling of Destiny is so overwhelming - you feel paralyzed, as if you are living the most wonderful dream and are afraid that at any moment you might wake up and be back in the harsh reality of the real world.
The card reminds you - never lose that childhood innocence/enthusiasm/spirit.
And the most wonderful things in life - are the simplest ones that awaken and bring joy to that inner child.
Go get an ice cream.
You never know when that spinning gold coin will fall from the heavens and into your hands.