In Daniloff's version, Fortuna stands on a sea dragon, suggesting she is immune to the moods, desires and aversions of humans. Her wheel is going to turn regardless, because it is the nature of the physical world to change and be impermanent. Yet within the hub is a symbol of the four elements - tools we have for adapting to and learning from the constant movement of life. I can be like the masks (bouncing back and forth between being ecstatic or miserable), or I can learn to play the hand I've been dealt with the resources I have.
Verse 20 reads:
The long rain ends. The sky is clear - joy for all! The sun and the moon gradually become bright. Gone are the days of sadness; be happy and gay, with only one leap you'll clear the dragon gate.
In Buddhist and Hindu iconography, figures are often seen riding on or seated beside an animal. These animals represent their strengths because they have learned to become a master over rather than a servant to these attributes. Kuan Yin's verse suggests that things are looking up, yet there is still a "dragon gate" I need to jump over. After being in a situation that is unpleasant for an extended period, it can be tough to enjoy any good times without constantly worrying about when it will all go wrong. Yet that is the gate I must leap over; I can choose to appreciate good fortune while it is present rather than wasting my time being anxious. And when the wheel turns again, I can be patiently present knowing that I have the tools to make adjustments wherever necessary.
Life is not merely where we find ourselves. It is also what we bring to the moments where we find ourselves. ~ Omid Safi
*Kuan Yin artwork by http://www.brycewidom.com/
my info-junkieism covers all areas of my life. I sometimes wonder if being pro-active is just a form of compulsiveism rather than helpful.
ReplyDeleteI tend to lean toward the planning, pro-active side. But at some point it can become neurotic for me. As Joseph Goldstein said, "After going over everything for the 11th time, is it really constructive?" :)
DeleteI'm so taken with the visual similarity of these two cards!
ReplyDeleteThe sticks don't actually have a card or image; I pick them myself (which explains why they match up so well!). :)
DeleteAs Ellen says below, either way you do a stellar job!
DeleteWell either way you do know how to pick them :)
ReplyDeleteAgain aging makes me better able to withstand those changes and ride the waves on my dragon
Thank you. :) I think our trips around the wheel do get easier when we start seeing our patterns and habits. Aging with an open mind has its advantages!
Delete