Silverlotus
Astrological Influence - Jupiter
Element - Fire, Water
Month - March, December
Contributor - Sylvia Gainsford
This is yet another interesting reinterpretation of the traditional image. We have the Wheel, formed from a snake swallowing its own tail. We have the figures representing changing fortunes, resembling a combination of the Visconti-Sforza deck and the RWS deck. The centre of the Wheel is very different. There is a female figure, perhaps a representation of the earth goddess, curled up beneath a farming and hunting scene.
In taking a closer look at this middle scene, it can be argued that the top half represents the day, the sun/light, and life; while the bottom half is the night, the moon/darkness, and death. The goddess is part of both of these things, and she holds a sheaf of wheat, which represents the cycle of rebirth, to illustrate this. In the dark half of the Wheel we see a moon and stars, an owl, an animal skull, and a salmon. From her hair flows a dark stream. These are all symbols of dark or hidden things - vigilance, death, psychic powers, balance.
The upper scene shows a farming scene, with both harvest and planting occurring. Another nod to the cycle of life. There is also a hunter and prey in this scene, perhaps representing the god aspect? The castle could be a representation of security, in contrast to the uncertainty of the dark half of the Wheel.
The figures around the outside of the Wheel represent those who are affected by the Wheel. The King is trying to hold on to the Wheel, perhaps to maintain his position. But if he dropped his goblet, his wealth, he could probably hold on better. Of course, there is no stopping the Wheel! Beside the king is a peasant. He is either asking the king for something, or perhaps trying to tell the king that it is futile to try and hold on. Balancing the Wheel with his knees is a fool. He could easily move the wheel in any direction.
Meaning
To me, the Wheel of Fortune means to expect the unexpected. Your situation is likely to change quickly, and in a way you don't expect. But it is also a caution to remember that everything is part of a cycle. Your situation may be difficult right now, but it will get better. Or you could be on top of everything, but you could fall. Hopefully you were nice to everyone on your way up! It is also wise to keep in mind cause and effect. Plants can only be harvested if they are planted, and you can only succeed if you work hard.
Element - Fire, Water
Month - March, December
Contributor - Sylvia Gainsford
This is yet another interesting reinterpretation of the traditional image. We have the Wheel, formed from a snake swallowing its own tail. We have the figures representing changing fortunes, resembling a combination of the Visconti-Sforza deck and the RWS deck. The centre of the Wheel is very different. There is a female figure, perhaps a representation of the earth goddess, curled up beneath a farming and hunting scene.
In taking a closer look at this middle scene, it can be argued that the top half represents the day, the sun/light, and life; while the bottom half is the night, the moon/darkness, and death. The goddess is part of both of these things, and she holds a sheaf of wheat, which represents the cycle of rebirth, to illustrate this. In the dark half of the Wheel we see a moon and stars, an owl, an animal skull, and a salmon. From her hair flows a dark stream. These are all symbols of dark or hidden things - vigilance, death, psychic powers, balance.
The upper scene shows a farming scene, with both harvest and planting occurring. Another nod to the cycle of life. There is also a hunter and prey in this scene, perhaps representing the god aspect? The castle could be a representation of security, in contrast to the uncertainty of the dark half of the Wheel.
The figures around the outside of the Wheel represent those who are affected by the Wheel. The King is trying to hold on to the Wheel, perhaps to maintain his position. But if he dropped his goblet, his wealth, he could probably hold on better. Of course, there is no stopping the Wheel! Beside the king is a peasant. He is either asking the king for something, or perhaps trying to tell the king that it is futile to try and hold on. Balancing the Wheel with his knees is a fool. He could easily move the wheel in any direction.
Meaning
To me, the Wheel of Fortune means to expect the unexpected. Your situation is likely to change quickly, and in a way you don't expect. But it is also a caution to remember that everything is part of a cycle. Your situation may be difficult right now, but it will get better. Or you could be on top of everything, but you could fall. Hopefully you were nice to everyone on your way up! It is also wise to keep in mind cause and effect. Plants can only be harvested if they are planted, and you can only succeed if you work hard.